1. Alien (1979)
“Alien” (Vietnamese title: Space Monster) opened a series of space monster-themed films with a total global revenue of nearly 2 billion USD. The work is a typical example of the visual storytelling talent of Ridley Scott - at that time an ambitious filmmaker with only one first film, “The Duellists”.
2. Blade Runner (1982)
If the origin of one of the most successful film franchises like “Alien” is a combination of science fiction and horror, then “Blade Runner” is a perfect blend of science fiction and film noir.
The Guardian ranked the film as the third best sci-fi film of all time in 2010. The film has also won a total of 13 awards and 22 nominations, including Oscar nominations for Visual Effects and Production Design.
3. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Stepping out of the familiar realm of science fiction and historical epics, Ridley Scott experimented with “Thelma & Louise” in the 90s. Considered a milestone in the filmmaker’s career, the film combined drama, adventure and social commentary.
4. The Martian (2015)
Returning to the science fiction genre, Ridley Scott innovated in The Martian by bringing realism through the detailed description of Dr. Mark Watney's (Matt Damon) exploration of Mars. The film was nominated for 7 Oscars, won 2 Golden Globes and earned over 600 million dollars at the global box office.
5. Gladiator (2000)
Ridley Scott is known for his historical adaptations, a creative choice that serves his unique filmmaking style.
Scott's debut film, “The Duelists,” was influenced by Stanley Kubrick and dwelt closely on historical themes.
But then Scott shifted to a style that favored epic proportions and modern interpretations, even if that meant tweaking or creating new characters, as seen in “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven.”
“Gladiator” was a game-changer for historical films, revitalizing the genre and setting a new standard for epic storytelling.
At the 73rd Academy Awards, the film swept the categories with 5 wins out of 12 nominations. It was the second highest-grossing film worldwide in 2000.
Scott's return with "Gladiator II" (Vietnamese title: Gladiator II, premiering November 15, 2024) promises to continue the success of the original film, revealing a Rome with all its glorious ashes and a new character: Hero Lucius Verus played by Paul Mescal.
