From Alien to Gladiator, These Are Ridley Scott’s Best Movies
Ridley Scott is (usually) an acclaimed director who has made some of the biggest films in Hollywood history. Granted, he also sometimes has some big misses, like with G.I. Jane and 1492. But personally, I think any ambitious filmmaker should have a few duds or misunderstood films to show they’ve taken risks.
Plus, his filmography has way more hits than misses, proving that Scott truly is a gifted director. This guide will show you Scott’s best movies like Alien and Blade Runner, and let you know where you can stream them online right now.
Scott will always be best known for his 1979 sci-fi thriller Alien. The movie launched Sigourney Weaver into superstardom and sees the crew of the spaceship Nostromo fight off a xenomorphic alien that has been gestating inside one of the crew. For great action, scares, and sci-fi, it’s a must-watch.
Harrison Ford starred in Scott’s next big hit about a futuristic world where humans live alongside bioengineered humanoids called “replicants”. The film examines what it means to be human and alive. Although it had a so-so release back in the ‘80s, it has since become a classic with a great legacy (and tons of alternate versions).
Playing with the ideas of gender and feminism, Thelma & Louise sees two friends on a road trip. But after a stranger tries to rape one of them, the girls fight back and ultimately find themselves running from the law. The movie ended up getting nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Director for Scott.
Love, loss, corruption, and conspiracy are all at the center of Gladiator’s plot. In the film, Russell Crowe plays a general who is unfairly sentenced to death. But after he escapes the plot, he finds himself sold into slavery as a gladiator and works his way up the ranks until he can one day face the Emperor of Rome himself. Scott also received a Best Director nom for the film, and it won the prestigious Best Picture award in 2001.
Scott directed the Silence of the Lambs sequel Hannibal in 2001. In the movie, Julianne Moore took over the role of Clarice from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins reprised his iconic role of Hannibal Lecter. In Hannibal, the cat-and-mouse chase between the two continues, leading to more sinister, macabre madness.
Set during the Somalia famine, Black Hawk Down tells the true story of the Battle of Mogadishu. During the conflict, a Black Hawk helicopter was shot down and the survivors had to escape on foot. The film earned Scott another Best Director nomination and became a box-office hit.
Inspired by the novel of the same name, The Martian sees a NASA crew exploring Mars when a massive storm threatens their lives. Desperate to escape, they’re forced to leave one astronaut (Matt Damon) on the planet. He then has to try and create a livable habitat for himself until help can arrive. The Martian received 7 Oscar nominations including Best Picture.
Scott’s long-awaited sequel to Gladiator is also being called one of his best. The film has received positive reviews and picks up over 20 years after the first movie, now focusing on (spoiler alert) Maximus’ son.
