Denis Villeneuve has cemented his status as one of the most visionary directors working today. From intimate psychological thrillers to massive sci-fi epics, his filmography showcases an incredible range of style, tone, and thematic depth. With the announcement that Villeneuve will helm the next James Bond film, it’s the perfect time to revisit his most celebrated works.
Here are ten of Villeneuve’s best movies, ranked by impact, storytelling, and cinematic achievement.
1. Arrival (2016)
A modern sci-fi classic, Arrival combines emotional storytelling with high-concept science fiction. Starring Amy Adams as a linguist deciphering alien language, the film explores time, memory, and communication with striking intelligence and emotional resonance. Nominated for 8 Oscars, it remains one of Villeneuve’s most human stories.
2. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A rare sequel that honors and expands its predecessor, Blade Runner 2049 is visually breathtaking and thematically rich. With Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, the film explores identity and artificial life while boasting one of the best cinematographic achievements of the decade, earning Roger Deakins his first Academy Award.
3. Sicario (2015)
Dark, tense, and morally complex, Sicario delivers a cynical view of the war on drugs. With a powerhouse performance by Emily Blunt and a nerve-wracking score by Jóhann Jóhannsson, it’s one of Villeneuve’s grittiest works, driven by real-world horror.
4. Prisoners (2013)
A deeply unsettling thriller about child abduction and vengeance, Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal in a morally grey spiral. Villeneuve’s direction keeps the tension boiling, making it a harrowing but unforgettable experience.
5. Dune: Part Two (2024)
A masterclass in sci-fi world-building, Dune: Part Two elevates the saga with greater intensity and emotional weight. Expanding the scope of the first film, it features stellar performances and delivers on the promise of epic, operatic storytelling.
6. Incendies (2010)
Villeneuve’s breakout film, Incendies is a haunting, non-linear journey through family secrets and war. The film’s devastating final twist cements its place as one of the most powerful foreign-language dramas of the 21st century.
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7. Dune (2021)
The beginning of Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, this film sets the stage with spectacular visuals and faithful storytelling. While slower-paced than the sequel, it showcases Villeneuve’s world-building prowess and earned six Oscars for its technical excellence.
8. Enemy (2013)
A surreal and cryptic psychological thriller, Enemy features Jake Gyllenhaal in a dual role and a mind-bending plot that sparked endless debate. It’s perhaps Villeneuve’s most divisive film — and one of his most intriguing.
9. Polytechnique (2009)
A chilling and respectful dramatization of the 1989 Montreal massacre, Polytechnique is a somber, black-and-white reflection on misogyny and violence. It’s one of Villeneuve’s most understated but emotionally potent films.
10. Maelström (2000)
This early film, narrated by a talking fish, is a bizarre and surreal dark comedy. While not as polished as his later work, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Villeneuve’s early artistic experimentation.
Honorable Mention:
August 32nd on Earth (1998) – Villeneuve’s debut is a modest but heartfelt drama that showcases the seeds of his visual storytelling and thematic curiosity.
Whether he’s exploring alien linguistics, dystopian futures, or raw human emotion, Denis Villeneuve continues to redefine what cinematic storytelling can achieve. With Bond on the horizon, there’s no telling how much further he’ll go.
