Dune

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3:08

Dune

PG-13

Released Dec 14, 1984

2h 17m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

36%

Tomatometer

116 Reviews

65%

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50,000+ Ratings

The long-awaited film version of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction epic, Dune, explodes on the screen with dazzling special effects, unforgettable images, and powerful performances. The saga of intergalactic warrior Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) and his messianic rise to leadership features an all-star cast, including Jose Ferrer, Max Von Sydow, Oscar® winner Linda Hunt and rock legend, Sting. This monumental Dino DeLaurentiis presentation is directed by David Lynch (The Elephant Man, Eraserhead), with photography by Academy Award® winner Freddie Francis, music by Grammy® winner Toto, and incredible monster creation by E.T.'s Carlo Rambaldi. Visit an unbelievable world beyond time and space and experience the ultimate adventure that goes beyond the imagination.

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Critics Consensus

This truncated adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi masterwork is too dry to work as grand entertainment, but David Lynch's flair for the surreal gives Dune some spice.

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Harper Barnes

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The special effects are mediocre -- the miniatures look like miniatures, the sets look like sets, the matte paintings look like matte painting. And even the much dreaded sand worms are about as scary as Missouri night crawlers.

Feb 15, 2024

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Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

Lynch's screenplay has all the vivacity of a Gregorian chant. Although his direction of individual scenes is inspired, Lynch the writer sabotages Lynch the filmmaker.

Feb 14, 2024

Full Review

Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

The movie is heavy on exposition, and the story isn't dramatized -- it's merely acted out, in a series of scenes that are like illustrations.

Feb 14, 2024

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Jack Garner

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Ultimately, Dune is a most magnificent flying machine that can't quite get off the ground. But even if it can't fly, it's certainly impressive to look at on the runway.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 16, 2024

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Jeff Simon

Buffalo News

It's a remarkable film by a remarkable talent.

Feb 15, 2024

Full Review

David Wilson

Tulsa World

Dune does a good job of introducing us to another solar system, but it is full of such soap-opera dialogue and pretentious seriousness that many won't find it worth the trip.

Rated: 2/4

Feb 15, 2024

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Ed

Well done, but read the books first

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/24/24

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Lisa M

One of my all time favorite films!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/24

Full Review

April R

It is a flawed masterpiece. But seeing in cinema was a mind bending experience!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/24

Full Review

Griffith J.

Painfully dated but respect for undertaking an ambitious project. The set design & costumes are amazing. Overly embracing the bizarre aspects of the book is a jarring choice. The VFX are shockingly rough but the plot has an epic scope & world.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/17/25

Full Review

Frans B

When I saw this movie upon it's release in a theater, it was thé most amazing and magical thing I've ever seen on any screen. Still fascinates me to this day. Out of this world and very advanced for it's time. Fantastical and extravagant. Expertly directed by David Lynch and brought to screen with outstanding cinematography. One of the greats

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

Heather G

This is an underrated epic film with very expensive costumes and top tier actors. A lot of criticisms for the script which I believe are probably unwarranted but it is saga condensed for the silver screen. Kyle MacLachlan really fits the over the top character and it's so clear that he actually read all the books before doing this role. Maybe the special effects were novice and cheesy but overall I think this is a classic. Also, the music is better than in some later version, but that's my opinion.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

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Synopsis

The long-awaited film version of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction epic, Dune, explodes on the screen with dazzling special effects, unforgettable images, and powerful performances. The saga of intergalactic warrior Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) and his messianic rise to leadership features an all-star cast, including Jose Ferrer, Max Von Sydow, Oscar® winner Linda Hunt and rock legend, Sting. This monumental Dino DeLaurentiis presentation is directed by David Lynch (The Elephant Man, Eraserhead), with photography by Academy Award® winner Freddie Francis, music by Grammy® winner Toto, and incredible monster creation by E.T.'s Carlo Rambaldi. Visit an unbelievable world beyond time and space and experience the ultimate adventure that goes beyond the imagination.

Director: David Lynch
Producer: Raffaella De Laurentiis
Screenwriter: Frank Herbert, David Lynch
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A., DeLaurentiis Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 1984, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Feb 18, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2014
Runtime: 2h 17m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1), 70mm

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