
Dune
1984, Adventure/Sci fi, 2h 17m
51 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
This truncated adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi masterwork is too dry to work as grand entertainment, but David Lynch's flair for the surreal gives it some spice. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Paul Atreides

Feyd-Rautha
Lady Jessica
The Baron's Doctor
Piter DeVries
Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV
News & Interviews for Dune
Critic Reviews for Dune
All Critics (51) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (25)
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I don't believe in guilty pleasures or 'so bad they're good' movies, but Dune challenged that philosophy more than any movie I can think of. So bizarre, twisted and perplexing ... that I appreciated its conviction and ambition.
December 3, 2020 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review… -
Unless you have the book committed to memory, you'll find it practically impossible to follow the story.
May 2, 2018 | Full Review… -
As you would expect from visionary director David Lynch, it is a movie of often staggering visual power, the most ambitious science fiction film since "2001"; it's also stupefyingly dull and disorderly.
January 4, 2018 | Full Review… -
It's not for everyone, but if you don't mind the brain-bending confusion of the plot and occasional feeling of '80s high camp, this isn't as bad as its detractors would have it.
July 18, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Most sci-fi movies offer escape, a holiday from homework, but Dune is as difficult as a final exam. You have to cram for it.
July 18, 2011 | Full Review… -
The problem is that the imagery isn't rooted in any story impulse, and so its power dissipates quickly.
July 18, 2011 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Dune
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Jun 10, 2017Undoubtedly a complete mess (Lynch doesn't handle exposition well, and "Dune" requires a lot of world building) but the movie is filled with unforgettable imagery. One wonders what might have happened if Lynch had an even larger budget and final cut.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Jun 16, 2016I loved the books, but the film should have been directed by Ridley Scott. If he did the project, it would have been an excellent move but Lynch who also did Twin Peaks, The Elephant Man, The Straight Story and Inland Empire, never read the book, didn't know the story and he was never interested in science-fiction at the time. So he did it badly. As for an adaptation, it gets a 6.6/10.Film C Super Reviewer
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Sep 30, 2015Fantastical, imaginative, cheesy, and grotesque -- Dune is fun movie. The sets, sound, costumes all show the efforts were put in and to good effect. Not everything comes off, though. Many of the props and effects are silly. But that's not such a problem if you are not taking the movie seriously to begin with. It's not another Star Wars (like perhaps it wanted to be), but it is still a good time.Robert B Super Reviewer
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May 21, 2015after eraserhead and the elephant man why would anyone think david lynch was the correct person to direct this film adaptation. Crazy arthouse blockbuster that is all over the place. cult film and ambitious for its time.Brendan N Super Reviewer
Dune Quotes
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen: | I want to spit, once, on your head. |
Duke Leto Atreides: | The sleeper must awaken |
Duke Leto Atreides: | The sleeper must awaken. |
Lady Jessica: | A million deaths is not enough for Yueh. |
Stilgar: | Usul, we have wormsigns the likes of which even God have never seen |
Stilgar: | Usually, we have wormsigns the likes of which even God have never seen. |
Stilgar: | Usul, we have wormsigns the likes of which even God has never seen. |
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