Top 10 best Ridley Scott movies

With the release of “Gladiator II,” Ridley Scott’s career is back in the spotlight, and fans can’t wait to see if the sequel can live up to the high standards set by the first installment. Scott — a director who shaped genres, his groundbreaking work has had an undeniable impact on cinema as a whole. Known for his genre-defining works and telling the greatest stories on the big screen, Scott has given audiences some of the most iconic films in movie history. And to top it all off, he’ll turn 87 on November 30!

From the sci-fi masterpiece “Alien” to the legendary cyberpunk classic “Blade Runner” — Scott has created compelling character studies of heroes against incredible settings. Among Ridley Scott’s best works throughout his remarkable career, spanning a variety of genres, there is something for every viewer. Now, with the hype surrounding his latest film, it’s a good time to look back at some of his best films.

10. All the Money in the World (2017)

The movie “All the Money in the World” is based on the true story of the 1973 kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and chronicles the tense negotiations for his return. While the boy’s mother, Gail Harris (Michelle Williams), desperately tries to keep him safe, his grandfather and oil tycoon J. Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer) refuses to part with even a small portion of his fortune to pay the ransom. Former CIA operative Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg) is eventually brought in to handle the negotiations, which take a turn for the worse.

Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg) is a former CIA operative who’s been involved in the negotiations.

Despite the infamous production problems when Kevin Spacey was replaced at the last minute due to allegations of sexual misconduct, the 2017 film is one of Scott’s must-see works. Plummer flawlessly played the role of the richest man in the world, whose stubbornness and greed allows viewers to look at the family with a unique perspective on a terrible situation. Despite some pacing issues and under-revealed plot lines, “All the Money in the World” — is a tense crime thriller with a gripping true story that is well worth watching.

All the Money in the World— is a suspenseful crime thriller with a gripping true story that is well worth watching.

9. Gangster (2007)

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Denzel Washington plays the role of real-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas in the 2007 movie “Gangster.” The movie is set in 1970s New York City. It chronicles the growth of Lucas’ drug empire as he begins importing heroin directly from Southeast Asia. Showing the other side of the coin, the movie also follows determined detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), whose determination to do the right thing inevitably turns him and Lucas into mortal enemies.

The movie also follows a determined detective, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), whose determination to do the right thing inevitably turns him and Lucas into mortal enemies.

Scott creates a convincing 70s underworld setting, contrasting the lavish lifestyle with the chaos of the streets full of his clients now living with drug addiction. There’s also an undeniable chemistry between Washington and Crowe, with the feud between them seeming so real despite the fact that the two actors never meet on screen until the finale.

Scott and Crowe have an unmistakable chemistry with each other.

8. Black Hawk (2001)

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Black Hawk — a gripping war movie based on the true story of downed helicopters during the Battle of Mogadishu. Based on a detailed book by journalist Mark Bowden, the movie follows a team of U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives on a mission to capture the top lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrakh Aidid. The operation is soon plunged into chaos when two Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, leaving the soldiers stranded in hostile territory and fighting for survival.

The movie is about a group of U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives on a mission to capture the top lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

The 2001 film is a technical achievement, and Scott’s direction fully immerses the audience in the terrifying situation. In Black Hawk, realism is achieved through handheld filming and a stark color palette that allows viewers to feel like they’re right there with what’s happening. These good qualities are often overshadowed by the movie’s uneven plot and problematic portrayal of the Somali characters, which is the main complaints from fans and critics.

The movie’s plot is uneven and the Somali characters are problematically portrayed, which is the main complaint of fans and critics alike.

7. The Duelists (1977)

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It may not be among the best dramatic films ever made, but “The Duelists” has earned its place among the greats and is notable for being Scott’s directorial debut. Set in Napoleonic-era France, the drama centers —on two French officers, Armand d’Hubert (Keith Carradine) and Gabriel Feraud (Harvey Keitel), whose nearly 20-year feud began with a trivial misunderstanding. The disagreement leaves the duo embroiled in a series of escalating duels spanning several years of their lives.

The duo is drawn into a series of escalating duels spanning several years of their lives.

Scott made an unforgettable impression with his first feature film, which won the Best Debut Award at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival and was also nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or. The director immediately distinguished himself as someone with a knack for visual storytelling: the hazy landscapes and elaborate period costumes create the feel of a series of tableaux vivants. “The Duelists” was also praised for its accurate portrayal of the duel on the big screen, which was and remains a rarity for the genre.

6. The Last Duel (2021)

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The Last Duel is set in medieval France, is based on the true story of the country’s last judicial duel and is an adaptation of Eric Jaeger’s novel. The plot centers on — the conflict between knight Jean de Carrouge (Matt Damon) and squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver). The clash begins when Marguerite de Carrouge (Jodie Comer), Jean’s wife, accuses Jacques of assault, prompting the knight to summon his former friend for a court martial.

The narrative of Rashomon’s The Last Duel unfolds from three different perspectives, allowing viewers to see the events leading up to the fateful title fight. Damon, Driver and Comer feel right at home in Scott’s fascinating medieval world, and the director once again demonstrates his talent for creating compelling historical pictures. Despite positive reviews, the 2021 film was a box office flop, but is still considered one of Scott’s best films to date.

The movie was a box office failure.

5. The Martian (2015)

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The Martian, based on Andy Weir’s best-selling novel, — a must-see science fiction movie for every fan of the genre. Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) finds himself on Mars when his crew, believing him dead during a violent storm, is forced to abort the mission. Left alone on the barren planet, Watney must “do science” to survive and uses his skills and knowledge of botany to grow food and extract water. His most important task — to contact NASA and find a way to let them know he is still alive.

His most important task is to communicate with NASA and find a way to let them know he is still alive.

Thanks to the detailed source material and NASA’s involvement in the making of the movie, “The Martian” is considered one of the most scientifically accurate. Scott combines this incredible level of accuracy with a huge entertainment factor, and Damon’s performance as the bold and charming Watney helps turn growing potatoes into a compelling storyline. The 2015 movie — is an ode to science and a thrilling adventure.

An ode to science and a thrilling adventure.

4. Thelma and Louise (1991)

The film “Thelma & Louise” — is an iconic road movie that shows the developing bond between Thelma (Geena Davis), a housewife suppressed by her overbearing husband, and Louise (Susan Sarandon), a fiercely independent waitress. One weekend changes their lives when they go on the run after Louise kills a man trying to attack Thelma, leading to an uncertain journey to nowhere. As they travel through the American Southwest, their friendship is put to the test by various characters and events that force them to confront a new reality.

These characters and events are the only ones who can make them face a new reality.

The 1991 movie earned the audience’s attention and showed everyone the importance of female friendship at the heart of the movie. Thelma & Louise — is a timeless celebration of friendship, independence and femininity and is often mentioned along with other great films with a relevant social message that are effortlessly conveyed. Supporting actors also contributed to the duo’s story, notably Brad Pitt’s performance as the seductive drifter J.D.

So far, the duo’s story is a great one, with Brad Pitt playing the role of J.D.’s seductive drifter.

3. Gladiator (2000)

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The historical epic starring Russell Crowe, “Gladiator” — one of Scott’s most famous triumphs. Set in ancient Rome, the epic tale of revenge and redemption is set when revered general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe) is betrayed by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the power-hungry son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Stripped of his rank and forced into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator, fighting in the Colosseum and plotting to avenge the murder of his family and confront the traitor Commodus once again.

Crow’s magnificent performance as Maximus won him an Academy Award, and for good reason. His character became legendary, and lines like “Aren’t you entertained by this?” became very popular. As expected from the director, the ancient setting comes to life in stunning detail, and the elaborate sets and spectacular battles transport viewers to a brutal empire. While some reviews have said that “Gladiator II” is not a worthy sequel, the very fact that it exists speaks to the enduring legacy of its widely beloved predecessor.

2. Blade Runner (1982)

“Blade Runner” — is a sci-fi masterpiece that needs no introduction. The movie, based on the novel by Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electro-Ovans?”, takes place in the dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, where bioengineered humanoids known as replicants are being hunted by special operatives called “Blade Runners”. Disillusioned blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is tasked with “retiring” four rogue replicants, led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), who turns out to be a far more complex foe than meets the eye.

Blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is tasked with “retiring” four rogue replicants, led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), who turns out to be a far more complex foe than meets the eye.

Whether it’s the Colosseum in Rome or the rain-drenched streets of dystopian Los Angeles, Scott proves his versatility and amazing talent for creating rich and thoughtful worlds. Scott’s vision of a cyberpunk future is breathtaking: in Blade Runner, it’s the groundbreaking cityscape teeming with life that helped the movie become one of the most influential science fiction films in history. Add to that a wonderfully poignant story about what it means to be human, and it’s no wonder that “Blade Runner” has since achieved cult status, despite initially being met with mixed reviews and mediocre box office returns.

Blade Runner’s “Blade Runner” has been a movie that’s had a lot to live up to.

1. Alien (1979)

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Sigourney Weaver played the lead role of Ripley in Scott’s 1979 major motion picture “Alien.” The sci-fi horror movie tells the story of the crew of the commercial ship Nostromo, who, while investigating a mysterious distress call on a desert planet, unwittingly take aboard a deadly alien life form. What begins as a routine mission turns into a fight for survival as the creature —terrifyingly adaptable and virtually indestructible — stalks them through the ship’s corridors and kills them one by one.

An alien life-form that has been on the ship’s surface for years and is now being killed one by one.

Scott demonstrates his talent for creating nervous tension with restraint. His alien, who has become iconic and quite popular, doesn’t have as much screen time as he’d like. However, he still manages to keep viewers in suspense or even scare them. Of course, modern viewers may not be as surprised by him, but for those who watched this movie the year it was released, Alien seemed like an extremely intimidating creature.

The dimly lit industrial design of “Nostromo” turns it into a claustrophobic nightmare, and the fantastic acting of the actors makes you feel those horrors even through the screen. “Alien” has since spawned an entire franchise that has mostly failed to convey the same intensity as the original, which remains a benchmark of science fiction and horror, as well as an unforgettable reminder that in space, no one can hear you scream.

An unforgettable reminder that in space, no one can hear you scream.

An unforgettable reminder that in space, no one can hear you scream.