A Glean movie guide
Beyond Arrakis: Epic Sci-Fi Sagas
For fans of the Dune universe
Immerse yourself in grand worlds of political intrigue, vast deserts, and messianic destinies.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
Lawrence of Arabia
The historical epic that directly inspired Frank Herbert’s vision of desert cultures and messianic leaders.
During World War I, English officer Thomas Edward 'T.E.' Lawrence sets out to unite and lead the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes to fight the Turks.
- 02
Blade Runner 2049
Denis Villeneuve brings the same meticulous world-building and somber tone to this stunning sci-fi sequel.
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
- 03
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
A classic space opera heavily influenced by Dune’s desert planets and 'chosen one' narrative.
Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.
- 04
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
A lush animated epic exploring environmental collapse and a princess leading her people through a wasteland.
After a global war, the seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of the last strongholds on Earth untouched by a poisonous jungle and the powerful insects that guard it. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley engage in an epic struggle to restore the bond between humanity and Earth.
- 05
Interstellar
A visually spectacular journey through the cosmos with high stakes for the survival of the human race.
The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.
- 06
Mad Max: Fury Road
A masterclass in visual storytelling set in a brutal desert landscape where survival is the only law.
An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order.
- 07
Arrival
A cerebral and atmospheric first-contact story that explores how language and time shape our destiny.
Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.
- 08
The Creator
A visually ambitious tale of war and artificial intelligence set against a beautifully realized future.
Amid a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence, a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife, is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war—and mankind itself.
- 09
Children of Men
A gritty, immersive masterpiece that captures the desperate struggle for humanity’s future in a dying world.
In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.
- 10
The Chronicles of Riddick
An underrated space opera featuring noble houses, religious crusades, and a predestined hero.
After years of outrunning ruthless bounty hunters, escaped convict Riddick suddenly finds himself caught between opposing forces in a fight for the future of the human race. Now, waging incredible battles on fantastic and deadly worlds, this lone, reluctant hero will emerge as humanity's champion - and the last hope for a universe on the edge of annihilation.