12 Cult Classic Sci-Fis You Stupidly Ignored First Time
3. Dune (1984)
Adapted from the novel of the same name by American author Frank Herbert, a book that's been recognised as one of the most influential sci-fi novels and considered unfilmable by many, Dune finally hit the big screen for the first time in 1984.
Written and Directed by David Lynch after numerous failed adaptations spending years stuck in development hell, attempting to describe the intricacies of this film's plot in full is an almost impossible undertaking. In the simplest and most basic terms, Dune chronicles various powerful families feuding over the planet Arrakis (also known as Dune), home to a valuable resource known as spice.
On release, Dune was derided by critic Roger Ebert as a "pointless excursion into the murkier realms of one of the most confusing screenplays of all time". The film's box office reflected this sentiment too, not making back its estimated $40 million budget.
However, with David Lynch behind the camera and Kyle MacLachlan in front of it in his first major role, it's no surprise this film eventually found its audience.
Although Lynch has repeatedly refused to make a director's cut of the film after disowning an extended cut, Dune is still one of the most underrated sci-fi films made.