Hollywood’s biggest filmmakers don’t just create hits, they watch them too. And now, one of the industry’s most iconic directors has openly praised Timothée Chalamet’s Dune movies, calling them among the best sci-fi experiences ever made.
Timothée Chalamet’s Dune movies get approval from top director
Steven Spielberg didn’t hold back when talking about Denis Villeneuve’s take on Dune and Dune: Part Two in an interview with Empire. He said he “loved” both films and even placed them among his all-time favorite science-fiction movies. He singled out the sequel in particular, calling it Villeneuve’s best work yet.
Spielberg also shared that he’s excited for the next chapter and expects to see it early, showing just how invested he is as a fan. “I think [Part Two] is the best movie Denis has ever made. I cannot wait to see the third one. I’m sure he’ll show it to me early. I’m such a fan of his,” the Color Purple director said.
Spielberg also praised how faithfully the films adapt Dune. Comparing Villeneuve’s approach to Guillermo del Toro’s respect for classic literature, Spielberg said the movies honor the original material in a meaningful way. That balance between spectacle and source accuracy is one reason the films have connected with both longtime fans and new audiences.
The numbers back that up. The first Dune film, made on a budget of about $165 million, earned over $410 million worldwide. Its sequel went even bigger, crossing $714 million globally. Both films received strong reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes scores hovering around the 80–95% range and IMDb ratings near 8/10, reflecting solid audience and critic approval.
The cast has played a huge role, too. Alongside Timothée Chalamet, the films feature Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Austin Butler. The movie maintains its balance between its grand scale and emotional storytelling, which keeps the story grounded despite its scale.
For Spielberg, who helped shape modern blockbuster cinema, this level of praise carries weight. And with a third film on the way, the Dune saga is only getting bigger, with expectations now even higher.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
