Ranking Every Ridley Scott Sequel and Prequel from Worst to Best

Ridley Scott stands tall as an iconic filmmaker with nearly five decades of consistent contributions to the cinema world. Recognized for his cinematic feats such as The Duellists (1977), Scott’s body of work encompasses a wide spectrum, from the chilling horror of Alien to the grand narratives of historic epics like Napoleon. As of now, he has directed 29 feature films, with classics such as Gladiator, Thelma and Louise, and Blade Runner securing their places in pop culture history.

Interestingly, it wasn’t until over thirty-five years into his career that Scott directed a sequel, commencing with Prometheus, a prequel that delved deeper into the Alien universe, exploring the origins of the infamous Xenomorphs. This narrative thread continued in Alien: Covenant, which sought to connect the philosophical musings of Prometheus with the suspense and horror of the original Alien. Most recently, Scott returned to the lore of ancient Rome with Gladiator 2. This article aims to evaluate and rank each of Ridley Scott’s sequels and prequels based on their impact and coherence with their predecessors.

3 Alien: Covenant

(2017)

Among the sequels directly linked to his previous works, Alien: Covenant emerges as the least effective. It finds itself in a creative bind, struggling to harmonize the expansive lore introduced in Prometheus with the more traditional sci-fi horror elements of the original Alien series. Despite some commendable aspects, the film fails to maintain a consistent tone, fluctuating awkwardly between philosophical exploration and action-driven horror.

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While Alien: Covenant contains scenes that resonate with viewers, its characters only occasionally shine through. The performances of Daniels, Oram, and Tennessee bring dynamic energy, and Michael Fassbender’s dual portrayal of David stands out impressively. Nevertheless, the film’s disjointed narrative ultimately hampers its effectiveness, leaving Scott’s directorial prowess somewhat overshadowed.

2 Prometheus

(2012)

Prometheus distinguishes itself as a thought-provoking sci-fi narrative that intertwines its connection to the Alien franchise with broader existential inquiries. Rather than focusing solely on horror elements, the film digs into profound themes surrounding creation and the quest for meaning. The moments where the plot delves deeply into these philosophical questions—such as David’s cold experiments and Weyland’s desperate search for answers—create a captivating and ambitious narrative.

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However, the characters’ development varies significantly; while some, like Elizabeth Shaw and Janek, emerge as compelling leads, others fall flat, serving more as narrative tools than as distinct personalities. The film’s visual palette and certain narrative choices may detract from the overall experience, leading to inconsistent and at times frustrating storytelling. Ultimately, Prometheus could have thrived as an independent sci-fi epic, unapologetically exploring its themes without the need to conform to Alien expectations.

1 Gladiator II

(2024)

While Gladiator II may not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, it stands out as a respectable sequel and the superior of Scott’s recent follow-ups. Set in the aftermath of the original film, it follows Lucius, now a vengeful warrior intent on confronting the very empire he escaped in his youth. This installment showcases Scott’s renowned ability to craft epic narratives, both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

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The film shines with electrifying performances, particularly by Denzel Washington, whose portrayal of Macrinus brings a captivating mix of charm and menace to the screen. Yet, the screenplay presents challenges; while certain scenes are masterfully crafted, the overall cohesion falters, lacking the wit and charm of the original Gladiator. Still, Gladiator II remains a commendable addition to Scott’s legacy, offering fans a fulfilling experience even amidst its imperfections.

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