Ridley Scott, as some film critics put it, is known for having an unpredictable filmmaking style – after a solid movie, another mediocre or disappointing one often follows. However, the director himself has expressed that he no longer takes notice of criticism from this “honorable fraternity.” In his own words to The Hollywood Reporter, he stated, “I don’t read reviews anymore. If it’s a good review, you can become arrogant and lose touch with reality… and if it’s a bad one, it can be so discouraging that it’s paralyzing.
Scott is referring back to the early ’80s, when a critic harshly criticized the movie “Blade Runner.” The filmmaker remembered that this review was four pages long, but instead of being discouraged, he used it as motivation. He even kept those pages framed in his office for 30 years as a reminder that the only opinion that truly matters is yours. If you share Scott’s belief that cinema should be judged by its audience, then it’s worth checking out the audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes, commonly referred to as the Popcornmeter.
These are the best Ridley Scott movies, according to audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
10
‘The Last Duel’ (2021)
Popcornmeter: 81%
As a captivated reader who delved into Eric Jager’s 2004 book The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France, I can tell you that the film The Last Duel is a riveting account of my journey through medieval France. In this tale, I find myself standing alongside Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), a valiant knight who finds himself at odds with his former comrade, Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver). The crux of the conflict arises when Jean’s wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), alleges that Jacques has dishonored her through a heinous act of sexual assault.
The narrative unfolds in three captivating segments, each offering a glimpse into the perspectives of the main characters as they approach the historic duel.
Justice by Sword
In a nutshell, Scott excels in the technical aspects of movie production, but occasionally stumbles with scriptwriting. However, this project is exceptional as Nicole Holofcener’s screenplay skillfully portrays the characters’ intellect, courage, and their less admirable traits. Furthermore, this film not only presents insightful criticism of institutional misogyny but also includes breathtaking, high-octane action sequences where both men lose control of their horses during jousting, leading to intense hand-to-hand combat.
9
‘Thelma & Louise’ (1991)
Popcornmeter: 82%
In the movie titled “Thelma & Louise,” we find two friends yearning for an exciting change in their monotonous lives. They decide to escape for a weekend getaway to a mountain cabin that promises tranquility. Thelma, who’s a housewife and stuck in a turbulent marriage, and Louise, a waitress longing for her musician boyfriend’s company, embark on this journey. Tensions rise when Louise defends Thelma from an attempted rape, leading to a tragic turn of events that forces them both to flee.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Has any road movie surpassed the greatness of “Thelma & Louise“? Sarandon delivers an exceptional performance, perfectly encapsulating Louise’s spirited sense of liberty and nonchalance, making the character truly vibrant on screen. Davis complements Sarandon superbly with her portrayal of Thelma, growing more anxious as the story unfolds. The film is visually striking. Directed by Ridley Scott, it tells the tale through vivid high-contrast imagery and cinematography that emphasizes the landscape. Keep an eye out for the memorable freeze-frame in the final moments.
8
‘The Duellists’ (1977)
Popcornmeter: 83%
If you didn’t care much for Napoleon, then the film “The Duellists” is a superior choice when it comes to movies about the Napoleonic Wars. This movie is based on a short story in John Conrad’s book “A Set of Six,” and it tells the story of a long-standing feud between two French officers: the submissive Gabriel Feraud, portrayed by Harvey Keitel, and the proud aristocrat Armand d’Hubert, played by Keith Carradine. When their attempts at scheming don’t work out, they resort to dueling with swords instead.
An Impressive Debut
Ridley Scott’s debut film, “The Duellists,” showcased his arrival as a true cinematic talent. Based on real-life incidents, this heartwarming tale of an unnecessary feud is a cinematic delight that stirs emotions through its chaotic charm. Gerald Vaughan-Hughes’ balanced screenplay captures the aspirations of the two protagonists and the poignancy of their escalating animosity. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to Napoleon’s military victories.
7
‘House of Gucci’ (2021)
Popcornmeter: 83%
In the film “House of Gucci,” we meet Patrizia Reggiani (played by Lady Gaga), an ambitious outsider who experiences a stroke of luck when she marries Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), heir to the Gucci fashion empire. Despite a frosty response from Maurizio’s family, she persists and devises plans to take control. However, what happens when he chooses to leave her for another woman?
“Evil Eyes” on the Prize
As a film aficionado, I can’t help but marvel at this Oscar-nominated masterpiece that tells a chilling tale of a troubled marriage. With an extravagant style reminiscent of grand biographical films like “The Apprentice” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” it captivates from the very first frame and keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end. The eclectic soundtrack, graced by artists such as Donna Summer and David Bowie, serves as a perfect ice-breaker, and Driver’s heartrending portrayal of a man slowly realizing his spouse’s manipulation is nothing short of award-winning.
6
‘Gladiator’ (2000)
Popcornmeter: 87%
In this rephrased version: Russell Crowe portrays Maximus Decimus Meridius, a valiant Roman general whose life takes a drastic turn when Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the ruthless and power-hungry son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, assassinates his father and seizes the throne. Subsequently sentenced to slavery, Maximus learns how to battle in the arena and progresses through the gladiatorial ranks, fueled by his desire for vengeance.
Pure Blockbuster Mayhem
If you’re yearning for an ancient, thrilling, dramatic, and somewhat over-the-top story set in the Roman Empire, here’s a film you might enjoy. The setting is authentically detailed yet vividly exaggerated, which is why this historical epic was nominated for visual effects and costume design among ten other Oscars. Film enthusiasts continue to debate whether it surpasses Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus in terms of quality. I recommend watching both and forming your own opinion.
5
‘Black Hawk Down’ (2002)
Popcornmeter: 88%
The film, “Black Hawk Down,” is a portrayal of the intense 1993 Battle of Mogadishu where U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force soldiers were dispatched to Somalia to apprehend a warlord who claimed presidency. However, the operation took a turn for the worse when two Black Hawk helicopters were hit and crashed, stranding the units amidst hostile territory.
No Way Out
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that “Black Hawk Down,” adapted from the 1999 book by Mark Bowden, offers an engaging blend of intense action scenes and a thoughtful portrayal of different cultures. The actors really shine, with Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and young Tom Hardy standing out in particular. Jason Isaacs, too, brings depth to his character as a captain who seems to have a special affinity for war.
4
‘American Gangster’ (2007)
Popcornmeter: 90%
The film “American Gangster” tells the story of Frank Lucas, a notorious gangster who originated from La Grange, North Carolina. Before making a name for himself as one of America’s most infamous drug dealers, he worked under the Harlem crime boss Bumpy Johnson. Intriguingly, Lucas is said to have illegally imported heroin into the U.S. by utilizing coffins carrying the remains of soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War. In the movie, Frank Lucas evades capture by Newark Detective Richie Roberts, portrayed by Russell Crowe.
A Gangster You’ll Admire
In my opinion, masterfully crafted by Steven Zaillian, who is renowned for his work on Schindler’s List, this captivating gangster film subtly offers insightful reflections on crime, elite values, and the broader American dream. Under the skillful direction of Scott, Crowe and Washington are a delight to observe. The brief 10-second appearance of Idris Elba in this movie is unforgettable; his character, filled with arrogance, is brought down by Lucas on the street in full view of everyone.
3
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
Popcornmeter: 91%
In the sci-fi world of a future Los Angeles, we find ourselves alongside Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a unique law enforcer known as a “blade runner.” His job involves tracking down advanced artificial beings, referred to as “Replicants,” who are biologically engineered humans. The Replicants, outlawed on Earth due to their uprising against humans, have somehow returned.
Changing the Game
Blade Runner is among the rare science fiction movies that has earned praise from actual scientists and is acknowledged for igniting the cyberpunk sub-genre within sci-fi. As usual, Scott’s stunning cinematography skillfully captures intricate details (such as signs falling), while Ford’s performance serves as a reminder of his significant impact in the ’80s. Additionally, the film drew Hollywood’s attention to Philip K. Dick’s exceptional literary work, leading to additional adaptations.
2
‘The Martian’ (2015)
Popcornmeter: 91%
According to Andy Weir’s novel “The Martian,” released in 2011, the film of the same name features Matt Damon as Mark Watney, a member of the Ares III Mars mission crew in 2035. Unfortunately, a severe dust storm arises, causing the rest of his team to believe he was killed and leave him stranded on Mars. Now, it’s up to Mark to figure out how to stay alive.
Will He Get Back Home?
In this captivating space-themed sci-fi movie, we encounter an incredibly compelling depiction of an extremely rare predicament in space exploration missions. When astronaut Mark Watney is stranded on Mars, he refuses to succumb to his fate. Instead of giving into despair, regret, and self-pity, he takes charge, even going as far as using his scientific expertise to create water and locating food in seemingly barren landscapes. Remarkably, the film gives off a sense of authenticity, with NASA’s Director of the Planetary Science Division, James L. Green, serving as a consultant, lending an air of realism to the production.
1
‘Alien’ (1979)
Popcornmeter: 94%
The story revolves around the team aboard the spaceship Nostromo, who venture to explore after detecting an eerie signal from an unknown planet. On arrival, they stumble upon an abandoned alien vessel, and upon examination, encounter a ferocious creature that attacks them. However, this is merely the start of the terrifying ordeals they are about to experience. With Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, the group finds themselves engulfed in a brutal struggle for survival.
Scott’s Greatest Hit
As a devoted cinephile, I can wholeheartedly affirm that Sigourney Weaver delivers an outstanding performance, arguably her best yet, backed by a robust screenplay penned by Dan O’Bannon and Scott’s exceptional cinematography. The action sequences, etched in my memory and brimming with terror, truly encapsulate the chilling realities of space travel. Moreover, the alien creatures and environments, masterfully crafted by the legendary Swiss artist H. R. Giger, will leave you spellbound.
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2025-07-05 22:04