Alien

Half a century into his prolific filmmaking career , Ridley Scott remains one of the most revered directors in the world . This is part because he keep back pumping out great movies that live up to his all - time good , whereas many of his contemporaries are well past their prime . But it ’s also because his erstwhile classics have endure the test of prison term .

From his tautly crafted sci - fi revulsion masterpieceAliento his groundbreaking futuristic neo - noirBlade Runnerto his breathless swords - and - sandals epicGladiator , many of Scott ’s motion-picture show are rewatchable gems that can be enjoyed again and again .

American Gangster (2007)

Scott ’s biopic of notorious drug kingpin Frank Lucas is anchored by a fantastic performance by Denzel Washington . He ’s back up by back players Russell Crowe , Chiwetel Ejiofor , and Idris Elba .

While Scott ’s retelling of Lucas ’ spirit account is n’t as fashionable as Martin Scorsese ’s iconic drug kingpin biopic , Goodfellas , the carrying out and storytelling inAmerican Gangsterare just as captivating .

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Scott ’s third entry in theAlienfranchise , Alien : Covenant , marked a welcome return to the serial publication ’ repugnance roots after the Biblical philosophizing of his second entree , Prometheus . Covenantis nowhere near as tautly crafted as the pilot . It relies too intemperately on start scares to beas effective as the firstAlienmovie .

But it ’s still a fascinating sci - fi repulsion thriller . Alien : Covenanthas a few scary moments that are worth revisiting , like a dusty sponge sneaking through an ear epithelial duct or a xenomorph attack two lovebirds in the cascade .

Legend (1985)

Scott ’s early - life history craze classicLegendis a dark-skinned illusion adventure . It follows a Greco-Roman archetypal “ hero ’s journey ” fairytale tale with a healthy dose of zaniness , like a gonzoStar Wars .

This massively underappreciated gem stars three of the big movie star topology of the ‘ 80s : Tom Cruise as Jack o ’ the Green , Mia Sara as Princess Lili , and Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness .

Matchstick Men (2003)

The darkly comedic crime caperMatchstick Menstars Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell as a pair of treble - crossing yardbird artists . Matchstick Menis a definitely bleaker , more cynical result toThe Sting .

The moving picture demands to be rewatched , because it builds to a hilariously shocking climactic tress . On the second fourth dimension around ( and every subsequent viewing ) , audience can pick up on all the trace and foreshadowing .

Black Hawk Down (2001)

As thrilling as it is agonizing , Black Hawk Downis one of the most visceral and intense state of war movies ever made . Its on-key - life history - based story frame-up pave the means for day-and-night military action .

A bunch of soldiers are drop into the eye of a warzone in Mogadishu and forced to fend for themselves . Black Hawk Downhas an ensemble cast boast such legend as Ewan McGregor , Eric Bana , Jason Isaacs , and Tom Hardy in his first picture show part .

The Martian (2015)

Scott ’s adjustment of the amazingly naturalistic sci - fi novelThe Martianis carry by Matt Damon ’s hilarious and deeply move performance as an astronaut who gets leave behind on Mars .

The Martianis nowhere near as bleak as the average endurance movie , because Mark Watney maintains his sense of humor throughout the whole ordeal . Ultimately , this film is a testament to the human look .

Gladiator (2000)

Scott revitalized the long - dormant swords - and - sandal genrewith his 2000 hitGladiator . An Oscar - winning Russell Crowe make for tangible depth and world to the role of Maximus amidst Scott ’s cinematic spectacle .

Thanks to magnificent visuals , unbelievable performances , and thrilling military action episode , Gladiator ’s two - and - a - half - hour runtime flies by , even after a few viewings .

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Starring Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise , Thelma & Louiseis one of the most endearing cinematic portrayal of friendly relationship . It ’s also celebrated as a cornerstone of feminist cinema , as the twosome campaign back against an oppressive patriarchal high society .

The statute title eccentric set off on a road trip and , after a series of unfortunate outcome , end up on the getaway from the cop . Thelma & Louiseis a tribute to the deathless bond between two BFFs .

Blade Runner (1982)

accommodate from Philip K. Dick’sDo Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?,Blade Runnerpioneered the sci - fi noir subgenrewith a hard - boiled police detective report about androids trying to sneak into human society and the nominal “ blade smuggler ” tasked with sniff them out .

Rick Deckard is one of Harrison Ford ’s coolest and most nuanced roles , while Rutger Hauer makes for a sinister yet surprisingly good-hearted villain as Roy Batty . Blade Runnerhas daze futurist visuals with deep philosophical themes to boot .

Alien (1979)

Scott ’s originalAlienfilm is one of the most masterfully crafted revulsion   picture show of all meter . The film ’s greatest forte – aside fromSigourney Weaver ’s badass , groundbreaking turn as Ellen Ripley – is its patient tempo . Scott does n’t leap into the action too too soon .

The theatre director gives the consultation plenty of clip to get to know the crew of the Nostromo and empathize with them before one of them is round by a facehugger and impregnated with a bloodthirsty star - fauna . H.R. Giger ’s hauntingly beautiful designs round out a deeply disturbing , genuinely immersive world that audience can revisit again and again .

NEXT:10 Most Rewatchable Steven Spielberg Movies

Official theatrical poster for Alien (1979)

Split image of Russell Crowe in Gladiator, Sigourney Weaver in Alien, and Matt Damon in The Martian

Denzel Washington aims a gun at Idris Elba in American Gangster

scary CGI Xenomorph in Alien Covenant drooling

Tim Curry in Legend

Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell in Matchstick Men

The soldiers in a gunfight in Black Hawk Down.

Mark Watney looking down at the ground in The Martian

Russell Crowe as Maximus screaming in the arena in Gladiator

The final shot of Thelma and Louise as they drive off a cliff

Harrison Ford as Deckard holds a gun in Blade Runner

Sigourney Weaver holding a flamethrower in Alien