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Over the course of his extensive and illustrious career, Ridley Scott has consistently delivered films marked by high intensity, extravagant budgets, graphic violence, and a penchant for maximalist aesthetics, ensuring a cinematic experience that overwhelms the audience. From his second feature, Alien, to his most recent release, Napoleon, Scott shows no inclination to temper his aggressive and prolific pace.
Characterized by an expanding color palette and a polished commercial style, Scott’s films maintain a level of artistic integrity. Despite amassing considerable box office earnings and numerous Oscar nominations, he remains dedicated to producing exceptional work. The following list highlights Ridley Scott’s top 10 films, with the latest addition being Napoleon as of November 28th, 2023.
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10 Best Ridley Scott Films
Napoleon (2023)
Scott’s recent addition to his extensive filmography is the historical epic “Napoleon,” portraying the life of France’s infamous leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, played by the acclaimed Joaquin Phoenix. The film primarily focuses on Napoleon’s relationship with his first wife, Empress Joséphine, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby, spanning nearly thirty years and showcasing significant battles like Austerlitz and Waterloo. The ensemble cast includes Ben Miles, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, and Matthew Needham.
The film, akin to classics like Ben-Hur and Lawrence of Arabia, stands out for its grand scale and scope, featuring impressive cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, intense battle sequences, and stellar performances by the lead actors. Despite facing criticism for historical inaccuracies, “Napoleon” solidifies Scott’s reputation as a master in directing historical epics.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Following the success of Gladiator, one might have expected directors to shy away from the battlefield, but Ridley Scott embraced it again with Black Hawk Down. Boasting a stellar cast including Ewan McGregor, Josh Hartnett, and Tom Sizemore, the film depicts the harrowing tale of Army Rangers stranded in a Somali city, battling militias while awaiting rescue.
Despite not surpassing Scott’s earlier masterpieces, Black Hawk Down remains a gripping survival narrative filled with intense action and relentless shootouts. In the vein of great war films, it is brutal, violent, and unrelenting, with Scott’s dynamic and immersive direction transporting the audience to the heart of the story. Technically proficient and featuring excellent performances, Black Hawk Down stands as an underrated gem in Scott’s impressive filmography.
American Gangster (2007)
In 2007’s American Gangster, Ridley Scott takes on the crime film genre in an epic fashion. The movie loosely recounts the true story of Frank Lucas, a major heroin distributor in the ’60s and ’70s. Denzel Washington portrays the charismatic and ruthless gangster, while Russell Crowe, a longtime collaborator of Scott, plays Richie Roberts, a determined detective aiming to bring Lucas to justice.
What sets American Gangster apart is its often overlooked status compared to Scott’s more famous works. The film showcases Scott’s prowess in delivering gritty gangster narratives, proving his capability alongside the best in the business. With a grand scale and compelling story, the movie pays homage to classic gangster and noir films while offering a modern and intelligent take on the genre. The film’s intensity and tension captivate the audience throughout, largely due to the outstanding performances of its lead actors.
House of Gucci (2021)
In spite of being in his eighties, Scott has maintained a vigorous work pace, producing noteworthy films in recent years. His second movie of 2021, “House of Gucci,” narrates the true story of the Gucci family, focusing on Patrizia Reggiani (played by Lady Gaga), an office manager with modest beginnings who marries into the influential Gucci dynasty. Her pursuit of power leads to fatal consequences. Alongside Gaga, the film features a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Irons, and more.
While the film faced criticism upon its release, particularly regarding the cast’s accents and shifts in tone, it undeniably offers an entertaining experience. “House of Gucci” is extravagant, flamboyant, and possesses a tongue-in-cheek humor that adds to its charm. With a dedicated cast, highlighted by Gaga’s captivating lead performance, the film stands out as a thrilling crime story and a welcome addition to Scott’s extensive filmography.
The Martian (2015)
Ridley Scott’s cinematic vision knows no boundaries, evident in films like The Martian where even the vastness of space doesn’t compromise the craft and artistry. In this movie, Matt Damon portrays Dr. Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars, making it essentially a one-man show for a significant part. As the narrative unfolds, a rescue mission introduces a stellar cast including Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, and Sean Bean.
What sets The Martian apart is its ability to balance an expansive, extraterrestrial backdrop with an intimate exploration of character and survival. Praised for its scientific accuracy, a rarity in the sci-fi genre, the film is propelled by Damon’s captivating performance. Despite being alone on screen for a substantial duration, Damon keeps the audience engaged, making The Martian a tense, thrilling experience with some of Ridley Scott’s most impressive visuals in his career.
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The Last Duel (2021)
Despite facing challenges such as its release during the COVID-19 pandemic and competition with other films like No Time To Die, The Last Duel (2021) is often considered a box office failure. However, this shouldn’t be seen as a reflection of the film’s quality. Directed by Ridley Scott and based on Eric Jager’s book, the movie is set in medieval France, revolving around a duel between Knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and his friend Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) after Carrouges’ wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) accuses Le Gris of rape.
The Last Duel stands out for its exceptional screenplay, co-written by Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener. The clever use of a framing device allows the audience to experience the story from different perspectives, shedding light on the inherent misogyny in society. The film features strong performances, particularly from Comer, and is a visually stunning exploration of conflicting accounts of the same event. Despite its limited viewership, The Last Duel is praised as Ridley Scott’s most original work since Gladiator.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma & Louise, the 1991 road movie, reimagines the traditional Western theme by injecting a progressive twist into the “bandits on the run” narrative. Set against the vast backdrop of the southwest desert, the film stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as the eponymous characters. Initially a leisurely road trip, their vacation takes an unexpected turn when a bar incident leads to a fatal consequence, forcing them into a police chase. Alongside the dynamic duo, the movie features Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, and an early appearance by Brad Pitt.
What sets Thelma & Louise apart is its groundbreaking nature and enduring appeal, even nearly three decades later. The film portrays women breaking free from possessive men, discovering empowerment and liberation. The central theme revolves around the profound love between the two leads, with Davis and Sarandon delivering a compelling mix of dark humor and heart-wrenching tragedy. Director Ridley Scott’s adept handling infuses the film with a cool, energized, and suspenseful atmosphere. Thelma & Louise remains a poignant yet bittersweet viewing experience, serving as the ultimate queer allegory.
Gladiator (2000)
“Gladiator is often the first film that comes to mind when people think of Ridley Scott. This historical action movie, the only one in Scott’s filmography to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, has achieved iconic status. Russell Crowe portrays Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general seeking revenge against the emperor responsible for the death of his wife and son. The star-studded cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, and Connie Nielsen.
What sets Gladiator apart is its critical acclaim, being widely regarded as one of the standout films of the 21st century. Grounded in the tragic elements of the hero’s journey, the movie features impressive duel-to-the-death battles and stunning scenery. Beyond the spectacle, Crowe delivers a stellar performance, commanding the screen with brooding intensity and tough charisma. Joaquin Phoenix is equally outstanding as the power-hungry, conscience-devoid emperor. Violent, masculine, and tragic, Gladiator showcases Ridley Scott at his best. It’s no surprise that a sequel is currently in development.”
Blade Runner (1982)
Although initially met with mixed reviews upon its release, Blade Runner has since earned widespread acclaim as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. Adapted from Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” and set in a futuristic 2019 Los Angeles, the film follows detective Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, tasked with hunting down rebellious replicants, artificial intelligence creations seeking autonomy.
What Sets It Apart: Blade Runner seamlessly blends science fiction and noir, creating a timeless visual and narrative masterpiece. Despite its age, the film continues to captivate audiences with its dystopian cyberpunk-inspired design and breathtaking cinematography. Director Ridley Scott, at the peak of his career, crafted a confident and innovative film that stood out from its contemporaries. Harrison Ford’s compelling performance, Vangelis’s haunting score, and an enigmatic ending that has sparked numerous theories contribute to Blade Runner’s status as a true triumph in the realm of science fiction. Its only rivals are its 2017 sequel and Scott’s own Alien.
Alien (1979)
In just his second directorial effort, Ridley Scott showcased immense talent and intelligence with “Alien.” The story revolves around the Nostromo spacecraft’s crew, facing a deadly extraterrestrial threat on an unfamiliar planet. Boasting a stellar cast including Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerrit, John Hurt, and Veronica Cartwright, the film has left an indelible mark on cinema.
What sets “Alien” apart is its profound impact on the cinematic landscape. From the iconic chest-bursting scene to the memorable creature design and the compelling character of Ellen Ripley (played by Weaver), every aspect contributes to a chilling sci-fi horror masterpiece. The film’s impeccable design seamlessly blends to create an atmosphere of terror. The groundbreaking special effects, still impressive today, coupled with masterful cinematography and a haunting score, collectively instill a pervasive sense of dread in every frame.
“Alien” remains a pinnacle of sci-fi horror, delivering shock, gore, and an unsettling eeriness. Despite numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, none have been able to match the original’s brilliance. Ridley Scott’s second film stands as his unparalleled masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of this genre-defining work.
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