Dune (2021)
Kernel Score: 89% · 14,523 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure
Released: 2021-09-15
Runtime: 155 minutes
Is Dune worth watching?
Must-watch. The first half of Frank Herbert's desert epic, filmed on a huge scale with serious craft. It's slow and deliberate, and it ends on a cliffhanger, but the visuals and sound are spectacular.
Watch it if you
- love big science-fiction worlds
- enjoy slow, atmospheric epics
- want to see it on the biggest screen
Skip it if you
- dislike slow pacing
- can't stand cliffhanger endings
Best for: Big-screen epic night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dune
- Stream: YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV, HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
Dune parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Dune is a PG-13 sci-fi epic with battle violence, betrayal and a central mind-altering 'spice,' balanced by themes of courage and family duty.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — War-driven sci-fi with battles, knife fights, assassinations and betrayal; combat is frequent and can be intense though not graphically gory.
- Language: A little — Very little profanity.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — A mind-altering 'spice' and hallucinogenic visions are central to the plot, giving drug-like substances a prominent role.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dune
If you liked Dune, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dune: Part Two (2024) — 94%: The sequel, which finishes the story
- Blade Runner 2049 (2017) — 85%: Same director's slow, beautiful sci-fi
- Arrival (2016) — 85%: Same director's thoughtful sci-fi
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 96%: Space-opera classic with a dark middle chapter
- The Matrix (1999) — 96%: Chosen-one sci-fi with big ideas
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) — 94%: Slow, visionary science fiction
Director
Cast
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides
- Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides
- Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho
- Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat
- Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
- Javier Bardem as Stilgar
- Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Dr. Liet Kynes
- Chang Chen as Dr. Wellington Yueh
Dune FAQ
Is Dune worth watching?
Must-watch. The first half of Frank Herbert's desert epic, filmed on a huge scale with serious craft. It's slow and deliberate, and it ends on a cliffhanger, but the visuals and sound are spectacular.
Where can I watch Dune?
In the US you can stream Dune on YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV and HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dune OK for kids?
Dune is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Dune is a PG-13 sci-fi epic with battle violence, betrayal and a central mind-altering 'spice,' balanced by themes of courage and family duty.
What movies are like Dune?
If you liked Dune, try Dune: Part Two, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival and The Empire Strikes Back.