Blade Runner Vs. Blade Runner 2049: Which One Is Better?

12. Direction

Let's start with arguably the toughest question of all. Though Ridley Scott's output is decidedly uneven these days, there's no denying that he directed the hell out of the original 1982 movie, favouring a slow-burn approach that allowed audiences to soak in the immense detail of dystopian 2019 Los Angeles.

Then there's Denis Villeneuve, arguably the most exciting director working in big-budget prestige cinema today, whose similarly patient approach does the most unlikely of things: produce a magnificent sequel to a much-loved 35-year-old movie.

Winner: This isn't easy, but Villeneuve's stunning work just about clinches it. Both films have their moments that don't work, but Villeneuve's helming feels like a monumental achievement that's even more epic and ambitious than the original thanks to a larger budget (even factoring inflation) and canvas.