Every Movie Directed By Ridley Scott, Ranked By Fans
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1Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean YoungIn Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a seasoned blade runner, undertakes an assignment that plunges him into the dystopian underbelly of future Los Angeles. His mission? To hunt down and retire rogue replicants - bioengineered beings virtually indistinguishable from humans. Amidst this grim task, he encounters Rachael (Sean Young), a special replicant who triggers a spiral of existential questions. Directed by Ridley Scott, this neo-noir science fiction film is acclaimed for its thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, set against a backdrop of striking visual effects and haunting music. A must-watch classic in the genre.
2Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, John HurtIn Ridley Scott's 1979 movie Alien, the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, led by Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), encounter an unknown life form after being awakened from stasis to investigate a distress signal from a distant planet. This sci-fi horror film, known for its atmospheric tension and iconic creature design, takes the audience on a harrowing journey through the claustrophobic confines of a spaceship. As the alien organism infiltrates their ranks, survival becomes paramount, and no one is safe. The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, testament to its groundbreaking cinematic visuals.More Alien
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3Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie NielsenIn the spellbinding epic Gladiator, Russell Crowe embodies Maximus, a Roman general betrayed and reduced to slavery. Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus, the treacherous emperor who orchestrates Maximus's downfall. Ridley Scott's masterful direction brings ancient Rome to life in this historical drama that brims with breathtaking battle sequences and political intrigue. The movie, a critical darling, won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Gladiator is an intense journey of vengeance and redemption set against a backdrop of imperial decadence.More Gladiator- Dig Deeper...14 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From ‘Gladiator’
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- #19 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
4Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen WiigIn The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet Mars. A violent storm separates him from his crew, who presume him dead and depart. Armed with ingenuity, limited supplies, and an unyielding spirit, Watney must utilize science to survive while attempting to signal Earth that he is alive. Back home, teams at NASA and international scientists collaborate tirelessly to bring the Martian home in a race against time. This riveting survival tale is set within the vast, desolate expanse of a distant world, presenting an engaging blend of science fiction and drama. The film garnered seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture.More The Martian
5Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom SizemoreThe film takes place in 1993 when the U.S. sent special forces into Somalia to destabilize the government and bring food and humanitarian aid to the starving population. Using Black Hawk helicopters to lower the soldiers onto the ground, an unexpected attack by Somalian forces brings two of the helicopters down immediately. From there, the U.S. soldiers must struggle to regain their balance while enduring heavy gunfire.More Black Hawk Down- #3 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #421 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #56 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
6Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel EjioforAmerican Gangster is a gritty crime drama that tells the real-life story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a heroin kingpin from Manhattan. Lucas, an ordinary driver and bodyguard for Bumpy Johnson, builds his own drug empire after Johnson's death. In parallel, we encounter Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), an honest detective in a corrupt police force who makes it his mission to bring Lucas down. The movie, directed by Ridley Scott, masterfully intertwines these two narratives, offering an unflinching look at crime and corruption in 1970s America. It received two Oscar nominations for its authentic portrayal of this intense period in American history.More American Gangster- #200 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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7Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy IronsIn Kingdom of Heaven, Balian (Orlando Bloom), a blacksmith turned knight, embarks on a journey to Jerusalem during the 12th century Crusades. Upon arrival, he finds himself in the midst of political intrigue and war. King Baldwin (Edward Norton) is trying to maintain peace, while Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) pushes for conflict with Saladin (Ghassan Massoud). Director Ridley Scott's historical drama is an epic tale of courage and redemption set against the backdrop of religious strife. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Mixing.More Kingdom of Heaven- #79 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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8Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey KeitelIn the engaging road film Thelma & Louise, friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) embark on an impromptu road trip. Their journey spirals into a chaotic flight from law after an unexpected incident, evolving from a simple getaway to a symbol of rebellion against societal norms. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie is lauded for its strong female leads and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1992. As the plot unveils, viewers witness the transformation of Thelma and Louise as they navigate through their unforeseen predicament.More Thelma & Louise- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Thelma & Louise'
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9The Duellists
Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Albert FinneyArmand d'Hubert (Keith Carradine) and Gabriel Féraud (Harvey Keitel) are French soldiers under Napoleon. A trivial quarrel between d'Hubert and Féraud escalates into a lifelong grudge, and, as war rages on, the officers repeatedly challenge one another to violent sword and pistol duels. After 15 years, both men have distinguished themselves through their service and become generals, however, their mutual hatred never ceases, even when the initial cause of their rivalry is forgotten.More The Duellists
10Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison LohmanRoy (Nicolas Cage), a depressed con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Frank (Sam Rockwell), his partner, find their line of work complicated by the arrival of Roy's teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman). Angela brings some spirit back into Roy's life, and some of his disorder symptoms seem to disappear. But when Angela wants to learn the family business, and Roy allows her to assist on a big scam concerning a businessmen (Bruce McGill), he reconsiders his parenting techniques.More Matchstick Men- #479 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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11Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark StrongCIA agent Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) hatches a bold but dangerous plan to capture terrorist Al-Saleem. With the help of Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) who is a master of subterfuge, Ferris creates a fake terrorist organization to prompt Al-Saleem out of hiding. At the same time, Ferris must keep his plan secret from Hani (Mark Strong), the head of Jordanian intelligence, because Ferris will lose his own life if Hani finds out.More Body of Lies- #10 of 73 onThe Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives
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12Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize TheronIn Prometheus, a group of explorers, led by Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), embarks on an ambitious journey. Their destination? A distant moon, guided by star maps discovered among the remnants of several ancient Earth civilizations. The crew aboard the spaceship Prometheus seeks clues about mankind's origins. As they probe deeper into the moon's secrets, they stumble upon more than what they bargained for. Unseen dangers lurk in the alien world, threatening their mission and their lives. Director Ridley Scott crafts this sci-fi thriller with aplomb, spinning a tale filled with suspense and intrigue.More Prometheus- #420 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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13Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary OldmanIn the chilling sequel to The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal reintroduces us to the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). Now residing in Italy, Lecter's tranquil life is disrupted when his past comes knocking. FBI agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore), who previously sought his assistance in capturing a serial killer, re-enters his life under dire circumstances. The movie weaves a dark tale as it explores the twisted relationship between Lecter and Starling, against a backdrop of suspense and horror. Directed by Ridley Scott, this thriller won high praise for its unexpected plot twists and unsettling themes.More Hannibal- #26 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #393 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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14Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William HurtRobin Hood takes a gritty approach to the classic tale. Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe), a skilled archer, returns to England from the Crusades and assumes the identity of the deceased nobleman Robin of Loxley. As he battles against political corruption and defends the oppressed, he becomes the legendary outlaw hero.More Robin Hood- #179 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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15Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Ken TakakuraNew York City policemen Nick (Michael Douglas) and Charlie (Andy Garcia) witness a murder in a bar and quickly apprehend the assailant. The killer, named Sato (Yusaku Matsuda), is a member of Japan's infamous Yakuza mob, and Nick and Charlie must transport the gangster back to Osaka for his murder trial. There, Sato's fellow gangsters free him from police custody, forcing Nick and Charlie to scour Japan's dangerous underworld of organized crime in search of their fugitive.- 16
All the Money in the World
Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark WahlbergIn 1973, kidnappers demand $17 million from billionaire J. Paul Getty in exchange for his grandson's release. Getty refuses to pay the perpetrators a single penny despite the desperate pleas from his former daughter-in-law Gail and adviser Fletcher Chase. With nowhere else to turn, Gail and Fletcher soon become unlikely allies in a race against time to save the teen's life.- #38 of 63 onThe 55+ Best Kidnapping & Hostage Movies
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17The Last Duel
Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie ComerJean de Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Jacques Le Gris is a squire whose intelligence and eloquence makes him one of the most admired nobles in court. When Le Gris viciously assaults Carrouges' wife, she steps forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God's hands.
18Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim CurryLegend, a British crime thriller, unravels the tale of the infamous Kray twins. Reggie and Ronnie Kray (both portrayed by Tom Hardy), notorious gangsters of the 1960s London underworld, rule with an iron fist. The film subtly weaves in their personal lives, depicting Reggie's relationship with his wife Frances Shea (Emily Browning) while exploring Ronnie's struggles with mental health. Director Brian Helgeland's gripping narrative delivers a nuanced portrayal of power, loyalty, and descent into madness. This movie was nominated for several awards, including Hardy's Best Actor nod at the British Independent Film Awards.More Legend- #206 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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19Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Gérard Depardieu1492: Conquest of Paradise is an epic 1992 European adventure/drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Roselyne Bosch, which tells the fictionalized story of the discovery of the New World by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus and the effect this had on the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The film was released by Paramount to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage.- #93 of 98 onThe Best Movies of 1992
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- #89 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Medieval Movies
20Demi Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Anne BancroftIn response to political pressure from Senator Lillian DeHaven (Anne Bancroft), the U.S. Navy begins a program that would allow for the eventual integration of women into its services. The program begins with a single trial candidate, Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil (Demi Moore), who is chosen specifically for her femininity. O'Neil enters the grueling training program under the command of John James Urgayle (Viggo Mortensen), who unfairly pushes O'Neil until her determination wins his respect.More G.I. Jane- #245 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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211984
David Graham, Anya Major"1984" is an American television commercial which introduced the Apple Macintosh personal computer. It was conceived by Steve Hayden, Brent Thomas and Lee Clow at Chiat\Day, produced by New York production company Fairbanks Films, and directed by Ridley Scott. English athlete Anya Major performed as the unnamed heroine and David Graham as Big Brother. It was aired only twice on American television, first in 10 local outlets, including Twin Falls, Idaho, where Chiat\Day ran the ad on December 31, 1983, at the last possible break before midnight on KMVT, so that the advertisement qualified for 1983 advertising awards. Its second televised airing, and only national airing, was on January 22, 1984, during a break in the third quarter of the telecast of Super Bowl XVIII by CBS. After the ad's premiere, widespread media coverage generated an estimated $5 million in "free" airtime. In one interpretation of the commercial, "1984" used the unnamed heroine to represent the coming of the Macintosh as a means of saving humanity from "conformity".
22Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron DiazA Bentley-driving Texas lawyer (Michael Fassbender) appears to have it all, including a beautiful fiancee named Laura (Penélope Cruz) -- but his financial needs force him to become involved in an ill-advised drug deal. His partners in the venture include middleman Westray (Brad Pitt), shady nightclub owner Reiner (Javier Bardem) and Malkina (Cameron Diaz), Reiner's sociopathic lover. Unsurprisingly, the counselor's deal spirals out of control, placing both him and Laura in mortal danger.
23Tom Berenger, Mimi Rogers, Lorraine BraccoAfter Manhattan socialite Claire Gregory (Mimi Rogers) witnesses her friend's murder at the hands of Joey Venza (Andreas Katsulas), a ruthless mobster, rookie detective Mike Keegan (Tom Berenger) is assigned to protect her. While working on the case, Mike quickly falls in love with Claire, leaving his wife, Ellie (Lorraine Bracco), devastated. Mike is forced to choose between the two women he loves while fending off Venza, who will stop at nothing to get to Claire.- #31 of 45 onEvery Movie About Witness Protection, Ranked
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24Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Albert FinneyFailed London banker Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) inherits his uncle's (Albert Finney) vineyard in Provence, where he spent many childhood holidays. Upon his arrival, he meets a woman from California who tells Max she is his long-lost cousin and that the property is hers.More A Good Year- #31 of 52 onThe Best Good Movies
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- 25Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al PacinoWhen Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge -- and ultimately murder.
- 26Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar RahimA look at the military commander's origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine.More Napoleon
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27Jeff Bridges, Caroline Goodall, Scott WolfIn 1960, a hardy group of prep school students boards an old-fashioned sailing ship. With Capt. Christopher Sheldon (Jeff Bridges) at the helm, the oceangoing voyage is intended to teach the boys fortitude and discipline. But the youthful crew -- among them confident Chuck Gieg (Scott Wolf), timid Gil Martin (Ryan Phillippe) and self-satisfied Frank Beaumont (Jeremy Sisto) -- are about to get some unexpected instruction in survival when they get caught in the clutches of a white squall storm.More White Squall- #89 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
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28Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John TurturroEgyptian Princes Moses (Christian Bale) and Ramses (Joel Edgerton) are raised together as brothers. When Ramses becomes pharaoh, Moses is his most-trusted adviser. However Moses soon discovers his Hebrew parentage, and Ramses banishes him to the desert -- often a death sentence. But God has a mission for Moses: Free the Israelites from slavery. Moses returns from exile and demands that Ramses let his people go, but the arrogant ruler is unmoved, leading to a battle of divine wills.- #177 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
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29Kelly Macdonald, David Thewlis, Andre RoyoAll the Invisible Children is a 2005 anthology film on the theme of childhood and exploitation. It is a collection of seven short films, each focused on a different child. The film has a total runtime of 116 minutes, averaging 16 minutes each. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 1 September 2005.
30Tony ScottBoy and Bicycle is the first film made by Ridley Scott. The black and white short was made on 16mm film while Scott was a photography student at the Royal College of Art in London in 1962. Although a very early work - Scott would not direct his first feature for another 15 years - the film is significant in that it features a number of visual elements that would become motifs of Scott's work. Shot entirely in West Hartlepool and Seaton Carew the film features the cooling tower and blast furnaces of the local British Steel North Works foreshadowing images in Alien, Blade Runner and Black Rain. The central element of the Boy and Bicycle is re-used in Scott's advert for Hovis of the early 1970s. The film features Scott's younger brother Tony Scott as the boy. Scott secured finance from the British Film Institute to complete the editing and sound in 1965 including a track by John Barry called "Onward Christian Spacemen'". Scott wanted to use the existing recording by Barry, but the composer was so impressed by the young filmmaker he agreed to produce a new recording for the film at limited cost.
