Ridley Scott’s Best Movies ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
It is no exaggeration to say so Ridley Scott is one of the most prolific and popular filmmakers of this and last century. Since its debut in 1977 The DuelistsScott has directed 27 feature films, most of which have received critical acclaim. From sleeper hits like blade runner to instant classics like extraterrestrialThe legendary British filmmaker has had a lasting impact on cinema with his extensive and diverse filmography.
Scott has a reputation for making films that are both critically and commercially successful. On Rotten Tomatoes, the filmmaker has 14 films ranked as fresh, as well as a number of other films considered grossly underrated by many fans. In the list below, we’ve ranked Scott’s top 12 films in ascending order of their respective Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
12 Alien: Covenant (2017) – 65%
Alien: Covenant is Scott’s second prequel to his groundbreaking sci-fi horror masterpiece extraterrestrialand tells the story of a spaceship crew that lands on an unknown world. There they meet a mysterious android and a hostile alien race who turn their dream of finding paradise into a nightmare.
Featuring a star-studded cast of top artists including Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterson and Danny McBride, as well as state-of-the-art special effects and some truly terrifying horror sequences, Alien: Covenant delivers most of the goods. With a solid 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film polarized some viewers who expected the prequel to develop the series rather than rehash the alien terror of previous entries. All in all, it’s an enjoyable sci-fi horror game, but it’s far from the best of the series.
11 Prometheus (2012) – 73%
Prometheus is the first of Scott’s prequel films extraterrestrial, and is a controversial film loved by some and loathed by others. It follows a spaceship crew on a quasi-spiritual quest for a race of god-like creatures on a distant planet who accidentally come into conflict with a long-dormant animal.
As extraterrestrial Movie, Prometheus It didn’t work for many, but the heady themes and bold new direction managed to win over many critics, which is why the 73% rating isn’t too bad. history and connection to extraterrestrial That being said, the film boasts lush graphics and a fantastic cast, and in hindsight is generally more interesting than its sequel Alien: Covenant.
10 Black Hawk Down (2001) – 77%
Black Hawk Down is Scott’s war epic about US intervention in the Somali civil war. Specifically, it’s about a group of special forces soldiers whose Black Hawk helicopter is attacked and they are stuck deep behind enemy lines. At 77% this is clear Black Hawk Down is no The soldier James Ryan; Its characters seem a little flat, but it’s still an exciting and technically impressive war film.
The film was a huge commercial success and a huge success at the Academy Awards, where it won the Best Soundtrack and Best Film Editing categories.
9 All the money in the world (2017) – 79%
All the money in the world tells the true story of the kidnapping of billionaire J. Paul Getty’s grandson in 1973. Scott’s usual sense of pacing and great compositions draw the viewer into this true crime film full of suspense that keeps you hooked.
Perhaps the best aspect, however, is Christopher Plummer’s brilliant performance as Getty, which is all the more impressive given the circumstances; Plummer was hired as a last-minute replacement when the original actor for the role, Kevin Spacey, was removed from the project a month before its premiere.
8th Gladiator (2000) – 80%
Scott achieved another colossal critical and commercial success with his 2000 film gladiator. Set in ancient Roman times, the film describes the life of a general-turned-gladiator on a bloody quest for revenge. Starring Russell Crowe in what is arguably the most iconic role of his career to date and brilliantly filmed by the capable Scott. gladiator deservedly garnered critical acclaim and grossed over $460 million at the box office.
As Screen Rant explains“gladiator is a captivating cinematic extravaganza that immerses audiences in ancient Rome, but is not just a feast for the eyes; Beneath all the stunning visual flair is a lot of thematic depth.”
7 American Gangster (2007) – 81%
american gangster is Scott’s fictional story about the life of Harlem heroin king Frank Lucas. Described by Rotten Tomatoes as “A dark and entertaining throwback to classic gangster films,” this critically acclaimed and financially successful crime film offers a richly textured revival of 1970s New York City and a wealth of great performances.
One of Denzel Washington’s best movies which also stars Russell Crowe, Lymari Nadal and Josh Brolin in memorable roles. The plot is skillfully directed and superbly staged, more than justifying the 81% on Rotten Tomatoes.
6 The Last Duel (2021) – 85%
The last duel is an epic historical action drama set during the Hundred Years’ War about a pair of self-absorbed men who must settle a dispute in a bitter duel to the death. By revolving the conflict around a woman who defied the patriarchal system and speaking out about men’s sexual misconduct, Scott transforms what might be ordinary medieval revenge stories into a more layered and thought-provoking drama.
Featuring a career-best performance from Matt Damon, as well as outstanding performances from Jodie Comer, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck. The last duel A tremendously well acted and technically superb epic that does an admirable job and addresses some very prescient themes.
5 Thelma & Louise (1991) – 86%
Thelma and Louise is a gripping road movie about two friends whose laid-back fishing trip turns into a fast-paced escape from the law. This tale of two unlikely criminals escaping to Mexico has long been considered one of Scott’s greatest films, and the high 86% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects that. It’s a popular feminist buddy film packed with incredible action, outstanding performances and breathtaking picturesque imagery.
4 Blade Runner (1982) – 89%
blade runner is Scott’s glitzy and moody sci-fi masterpiece about a detective on a mission to hunt down a group of criminal androids in a rainy future version of Los Angeles. One of the best Philip K. Dick adaptations ever made, the film takes the classic tale of man and machine and fills it with rich world-building, interesting characters and spectacular imagery that still looks pristine today.
This hugely influential film, which initially received only mediocre reviews, has since been re-evaluated and recognized as the masterpiece it is.
3 The Martian (2015) – 91%
One of the best sci-fi movies of the 2010s The Martian tells the story of an astronaut left behind on the surface of Mars after a terrible storm. Perfectly played by Matt Damon, the stranded astronaut must survive the elements with dwindling supplies while NASA organizes a mission to bring him home. Faithful adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel of the same name. The Martian is a refreshingly funny and intelligent science fiction film that offers plenty of realism and extraordinary imagery.
2 The Duelists (1977) – 93%
The Duelists is Scott’s directorial debut about a pair of French soldiers under Napoleon who repeatedly duel each other with different weapons to settle a 15-year-old dispute. While each duel ended in blood, their bitter rivalry only escalated throughout many historical battles and events.
Though heavily influenced by Stanley Kubricks in visual style Barry LyndonHere, too, it becomes clear that Scott has always had his own sense for rich compositions. A brilliant debut, the release of The Duelists marked an important moment in the history of Western cinema: the beginning of Scott’s long and illustrious career.
1 Alien (1979) – 98%
extraterrestrial is the classic sci-fi chiller about a spaceship crew terrorized by a strange alien creature. Written by the late, great Dan O’Bannon, Scott’s second feature film is directed with a sense of suspense worthy of Alfred Hitchcock’s. Many consider it the greatest sci-fi horror film of all time. Captivating and terrifying, but also equipped with realistic and likeable characters, extraterrestrial is the true successor of Jaw; An absolutely perfect space nightmare that heralded not only an iconic franchise but also an incredible directing career.
Collider calls it “An untouchable classic of the science fiction and horror genres, extraterrestrial spawned a franchise that has had incredible longevity, although the original is also amazing as a standalone story.” What else can be said about that that hasn’t already been said a million times? It is a masterpiece, quite simply, and Scott’s finest and most important contribution to the world’s cinematic canon.
