How many Dune movies are there?

In 1984, sci-fi fantasy movie, Dune, made its way into cinemas. The film – directed by David Lynch – was based on Frank Herbert’s book of the same name, and told the story of Paul Atreides – a young man living on the inhospitable desert planet of Arrakis.

Upon making its debut, Dune was not warmly received by critics or general audiences, and it flopped at the box-office. However, due to continued interest in Herbert’s original book (as well as its subsequent sequels) Dune remained a popular property and further adaptations followed.

But how many Dune movies are there? For all the details and more, keep reading.

__

The Dune movies

Dune (1984)

As highlighted above, the first adaptation of Dune came via the 1984 sci-fi space opera of the same name, which was produced by the Dino De Laurentis Corporation and distributed by Universal Pictures. The movie, which boasted the tagline ‘A world beyond your experience, beyond your imagination‘, followed the story of Paul Atreides, the heir of a powerful and noble family.

Set in the distant future, the movie revolved around the desert planet of Arrakis, known for being the only source of a valuable spice which is a much sought after commodity. Paul inherits control over Arrakis, which brings him into conflict with the House Harkonnen – the planet’s former overlords.

Dune: Part One (2021)

Although 1984’s Dune is regarded as a cult film today, the movie was not a big hit upon release. The film flopped at the box-office, and wasn’t met with a great critical response.

However, Frank Herbert’s Dune book series remained popular with readers, and plans were put in place by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to attempt a new adaptation. But rather than make one movie, the story would be split into two, to allow enough screen-time to incorporate some of the more complex aspects of the original book.

The first instalment, Dune: Part One, made its debut in 2021 and re-introduced Paul Atreides for a new generation. The movie followed Paul’s story, which included the death of his father, Leto, his conflict with Baron Harkonnen, and the downfall of the House Atreides.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Although Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures had plans to adapt Dune as two movies, the arrival of the second instalment was far from a done deal. Part One had to prove its worth first, to ensure there was an appetite for more.

Thankfully for all concerned, Dune: Part One did exactly what it needed to do. The film was both a critical and commercial success, and shortly after the first movie arrived in cinemas, production began on Part Two for a theatrical release in 2024.

This second chapter picked up the story from Part One, continuing Paul’s journey as he seeks revenge on those who conspired to destroy his family.

The Dune movies in order

To date, there are three Dune movies. The films were released in the following order:

• Dune (1984)
• Dune: Part One (2021)
• Dune: Part Two (2024)

The movies are not part of the same continuity and break down as follows:

The original 1980s adaptation

• Dune (1984)

The two-part 2020s adaptation

• Dune: Part One (2021)
• Dune: Part Two (2024)

__

Who are the cast of the Dune movies and are the movies the work of the same director?

Notable cast members in the Dune movie series include Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Brad Dourif, José Ferrer, Freddie Jones, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Stewart, Sting, Dean Stockwell, Max von Sydow, Sean Young, Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, David Dastmalchian, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Léa Seydoux.

In terms of the directors, the Dune movies are the work of the following:

• David Lynch directed Dune (1984)
• Denis Villeneuve directed Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two

__

The Dune TV adaptations

In addition to the three movies listed above, the Dune book series has also been adapted into two mini-series and a television show.

The mini-series

• Frank Herbert’s Dune (2000)
• Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune (2003)

Frank Herbert’s Dune and Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune are two directly connected television mini-series. The first mini-series is an adaptation of Herbert’s Dune, while the second mini-series adapts the sequel novels, Dune Messiah and Children of Dune.

The television show

• Dune: Prophecy (2024)

Dune: Prophecy is a television series set approximately 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune.

__

Editor/writer/man of science(fiction)

Alex Wiggan

__

Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about the Dune movie series. For more movie posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.