15 Epic Movies Like Dune

Looking for movies like Dune? Here are 15 epic sci-fi films with world-building, politics, action & cosmic storytelling you’ll love.

A cinematic sci-fi desert landscape inspired by the Dune universe

Movies Like Dune

**15 Epic Movies Like Dune: A Complete 2025 Guide for Sci-Fi Lovers**

If you recently watched Dune (2021) or Dune: Part Two (2024), you already know it is more than just a sci-fi movie — it is a visual experience, a philosophical journey, and a monumental saga of power, destiny, and survival.

So naturally, fans begin searching:

“What movies should I watch after Dune?”

“Movies similar to Dune?”

To help you dive deeper into that same feeling — epic scale, deep storytelling, political intrigue, alien worlds, mythology, and mind-bending sci-fi — here is the ultimate list of 15 Movies Like Dune you must watch in 2025.

Each recommendation below includes:

✔ Why it's similar to Dune

✔ What makes it special

✔ Who will enjoy it

Let’s begin.

⭐ 1. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Neo-Noir

If you want another masterpiece from Dune director Denis Villeneuve, this is the perfect place to start.

Why it’s like Dune:

Deep philosophical themes
Slow-burn storytelling
Stunning cinematography
A future world filled with political tension and identity crisis

This is a must-watch for Villeneuve fans.

⭐ 2. Interstellar (2014)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Sci-Fi, Space Drama

A mind-blowing cosmic journey filled with emotional depth.

Similarities to Dune:

Massive world-building
Space travel and humanity’s survival
Powerful musical score
Deep themes of love vs. destiny

If you love big ideas and breathtaking visuals, Interstellar is essential.

⭐ 3. Arrival (2016)

Director: Denis Villeneuve

A more intimate but equally powerful sci-fi film.

Why it's similar:

Complex themes
Non-linear storytelling
Linguistics, communication, destiny
Villeneuve’s emotional, intellectual style

Arrival gives the same “thoughtful sci-fi” feeling that makes Dune special.

⭐ 4. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The grandfather of all space operas.

Similarities:

Desert planets (Tatooine vs Arrakis)
Galactic empire vs rebellion
Mythology, chosen one, destiny
Epic battles and politics

Dune directly inspired Star Wars — so this is essential viewing.

⭐ 5. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

The film that inspired Dune itself.

Why it’s essential:

Desert landscapes
Tribal culture and politics
Hero’s journey of a young man
Massive cinematography

If you want to understand Dune’s roots, start here.

⭐ 6. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Visually stunning, desert-heavy post-apocalyptic chaos.

Similarities:

Harsh desert world
Survival against tyrants
Sand-based warfare
Epic scale action

If you like Dune's desert aesthetic, this will blow you away.

⭐ 7. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001–2003)

Not sci-fi, but perhaps the best fantasy world-building ever filmed.

Why it's like Dune:

Mythology
Prophecies
Chosen one arcs
Epic battles, political struggle
Huge cinematic scale

Both franchises define “epic storytelling.”

⭐ 8. Tenet (2020)

Mind-bending, complex, and visually spectacular.

Similarities:

Destiny & time manipulation
Layered storytelling
Grand-scale action
Nolan’s puzzle-like narrative style

If you love complex sci-fi, this is for you.

⭐ 9. Prometheus (2012)

A haunting origin story set in the Alien universe.

Why it resembles Dune:

Ancient civilizations
Alien myths
Cosmic mysteries
Questions about humanity’s origins

Perfect for fans of philosophical sci-fi.

⭐ 10. The Matrix (1999)

One of the greatest sci-fi films of all time.

Similar traits:

Chosen one narrative
Destiny vs free will
Revolutionary visuals
Deep philosophical themes

If you love Dune’s spiritual elements, The Matrix is a perfect match.

⭐ 11. Jupiter Ascending (2015)

While not critically loved, visually it's a spectacular space opera.

Similarities:

Royal families
Space empires
Genetic destiny
Cosmo-political conflicts

For fans of space royalty and massive world-building.

⭐ 12. Moon (2009)

A smaller film with big emotional and philosophical weight.

Why it’s similar:

Identity crisis
Isolation
Minimalistic but deep storytelling

Good for fans who like the thoughtful side of Dune.

⭐ 13. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

A bright, colorful sci-fi universe packed with alien species.

Similarities:

Massive intergalactic civilizations
Visual world-building
Political intrigue

Lighter than Dune, but still spectacular.

⭐ 14. Akira (1988) — Anime

A revolutionary sci-fi masterpiece.

Similarities:

Destiny
Power struggle
Deep psychological themes
Iconic cinematography

For anime fans, this is the definition of epic sci-fi.

⭐ 15. The Fifth Element (1997)

A fun, stylish, and creative sci-fi adventure.

Why it fits:

Unique sci-fi world
Alien politics
Cosmic prophecy
High-energy action

If you want something lighter after Dune’s seriousness, this is great.

🌀 BONUS: TV Shows Like Dune

If you want long-form storytelling:

Foundation (Apple TV+)
The Expanse (Prime Video)
Raised by Wolves (HBO Max)
Andor (Disney+)

These shows dive deeply into political sci-fi and futuristic world-building.

⭐ Conclusion: What to Watch After Dune

If you connected with Dune’s epic scale, political tension, desert worlds, cosmic themes, and spiritual journey, these 15 movies will give you that same emotional and visual satisfaction.

Whether you love: