Frank Herbert’s 1965 epic sci-fi novel Dune inspired many film franchises, ranging from George Lucas’ Star Wars movies to Denis Villeneuve’s own stunning adaptation of the book. But even before Villeneuve, many other directors have attempted to take on the Dune novels. These ranged from unreleased attempts (like the one being made by Alejandro Jodorowsky) to an ill-received adaptation by David Lynch. The mythological lore of Herbert’s novel (and its sequels) is such that it has also inspired several TV shows.
If you wish to be up-to-date with the current Dune franchise, our guide shows you how to stream all the Dune movies and TV shows in order!
How to watch the Dune movies and TV shows in chronological order
While most of the early Dune adaptations make for standalone watches, it’s Denis Villeneuve’s Dune that has the makings of a shared universe. This is how his franchise looks at the moment:
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Dune: Prophecy (2024)
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Dune (2021)
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Dune: Part Two (2024)
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Dune: Messiah (TBD)
Denis Villeneuve adapted Frank Herbert’s Dune as a two-part saga starting with Dune and Dune: Part Two. The Canadian filmmaker is currently working on a third movie called Dune: Messiah which will be a direct sequel (adapting Herbert’s novel of the same name).
Timothée Chalamet leads the franchise as the protagonist Paul Atreides, a royal heir who is also believed to be a messiah-like figure to a nomadic desert tribe called the Fremen. Fulfilling his legacy as the “chosen one”, Paul becomes a freedom fighter as he leads the Fremen against the oppressive military faction of the Harkonnens. The Dune movies are filled with epic battle scenes, philosophical ideas, and some memorable “Sandworm-riding scenes”. Chalamet is joined by a high-profile cast that includes Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, and many more.
The Max TV series Dune: Prophecy is also a part of the movie continuity. Slated for a 2024 release, the series is set 10,000 years before the Dune movies and explores the origins of the ominous all-women sect Bene Gesserit.
What are the other Dune movies and TV shows I can watch?
David Lynch’s Dune was the first film adaptation of the novel. Adapting the entirety of Frank Herbert’s first Dune novel, the space opera mostly garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
As for TV adaptations, there were two shows in the early 2000s. The first one was Frank Herbert’s Dune (another adaptation of the first novel) followed by Frank Herbert’s Children of the Dune (an adaptation of the novels Dune: Messiah and Children of the Dune). The latter is notable for starring X-Men actor James McAvoy as one of Paul Atreides’ successors.
If you are interested in knowing more about Alejandro Jodorowsky’s failed Dune adaptation, the documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune will also be an engaging watch.
Where to watch all the Dune movies and TV shows online
Interested in binge-watching the Dune franchise but confused on where to start? Check out the list below to find out where all the Dune movies and TV shows are streaming and how you can watch them in India. This list is categorized based on its release order from oldest to newest.