Ridley Scott’s Best Films, Ranked by 120+ Critics: ‘Alien’ Tops ‘Blade Runner’ in Poll

UPDATE: With the release of “The Dog Stars” now in theaters, numerous lists ranking Ridley Scott’s best films have been published online. It’s time to update this poll, which was originally conducted two years ago.

Around 120 critics voted on Ridley Scott’s best films, and it was 1979’s “Alien” that topped the poll with 93 votes, barely edging out 1982’s “Blade Runner” (87 votes).

Critics were asked to submit their five personal favorite Scott films. As you can imagine, since Scott has directed 30 films over a span of five decades, there was an assortment of choices available.

Some critics abstained from participating, with one cheekily adding, “Has he even made five good movies?” Another critic, who refused to participate, wondered why such a poll should even exist, adding, “There’s “Alien,” “Blade Runner” and then what?”

The peculiar directorial career of Scott is one that you cannot help but respect. The legendary English-born filmmaker is turning 89 this December. Scott isn’t just a workaholic, churning out almost one movie per year; in his nearly five-decade career, he’s managed to release as many great films as he has mediocre ones. The fact that he still remains active, having survived the tumultuous changes in the industry, feels like some kind of small miracle.

I love how two of his most underrated films, “Matchstick Men” and “The Last Duel,” made the top 10. Meanwhile, “The Counselor,” much maligned by critics upon its release, continued its journey of reappraisal, finishing at #9. Quentin Tarantino’s pick for the best film of the 21st century, “Black Hawk Down,” ended up at #6.

Ultimately, that may be what makes Scott’s career so fascinating. Working across a range of genres and eclectic in his choice of projects. A classicist approach to cinema, defined by striking lighting, meticulous production design, and an almost obsessive attention to detail. Scott is, first and foremost, at his best, a master craftsman. Through the highs and lows of his career, he has left an undeniable imprint on cinema history, and after nearly five decades behind the camera, his influence remains impossible to ignore.

RESULTS

1. “Alien” — 94 votes

2. “Blade Runner” — 88 votes

3. “Thelma and Louise” — 67 votes

4. “The Martian” — 45 votes

5. “Gladiator” — 41 votes

6. “Black Hawk Down” — 29 votes

7. “The Duellists” — 24 votes

8. “The Last Duel” — 18 votes

9. “The Counselor” — 17 votes

10. “Matchstick Men” — 13 votes

11. “American Gangster” — 13 votes

12. “Kingdom of Heaven” — 11 votes

13. “Prometheus” — 9 votes

14. “Hannibal” — 6 votes

15. “Black Rain” — 5 votes

16. “G.I. Jane” — 4 votes

17. “All the Money in the World” — 4 votes

18. “Legend” — 3 votes

19. “The House of Gucci” — 3 votes

Films that garnered just one vote include “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “White Squall,” “A Good Year,” “Exodus,” and “Body of Lies.” Scott’s 2010 retelling of “Robin Hood” was the only film in his filmography not to be mentioned by the 120+ critics polled — even though it's star, Russell Crowe, keeps telling people to watch the “far superior” director’s cut.