The iconic filmmaker Ridley Scott has been making movies like he’s running out of time. At 88, he’s more prolific than he’s ever been. He currently has eight films in pre-production or that he’s attached to on his IMDB profile, and his latest, the apocalyptic drama “The Dog Stars,” hits theaters this Friday.

Scott was a legend by the mid-1980s, with “Alien” and “Blade Runner” under his belt. His 1991 film “Thelma & Louise” only cemented that status, which continued with 2000’s iconic “Gladiator.” Though he had a spate of questionable films in the mid-2000s, since 2015’s “The Martian,” he’s been on a heater.

He’s directed seven films in the past decade, most of them outright bangers, ranging from odd curios to near masterpieces (one certifiable). So in honor of “The Dog Stars” in theaters, here’s a streaming guide for the latter part of Scott’s career — though no one would fault you for rewatching “Alien” (available for rent), “Blade Runner” (available for rent), “Thelma & Louise” (on Kanopy and Tubi, or for rent) or “Gladiator” (Kanopy or Paramount+).

Scott’s “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon as an astronaut who gets stuck on Mars, is based on the Andy Weir novel, adapted by Drew Goddard. The film was a success with seven Oscar nominations, and is fun re-watch especially with this year’s “Project Hail Mary,” also adapted from a Weir novel, and Damon’s turn in "The Odyssey." Stream "The Martian" on Prime Video.

The director returned to the franchise that made him with 2017’s “Alien: Covenant” starring Katherine Waterston. This prequel is a bloody slasher film-inspired installment in the sturdy franchise, proving Scott has still got it. Rent it on all platforms, and then go ahead and rent the unfairly maligned “Prometheus”; it’s vastly underrated and Michael Fassbender is top-notch (also directed by Scott).

With 2017’s “All the Money in the World,” Scott started exploring the world of rich and famous crimes, with the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty and his billionaire grandfather’s refusal to negotiate. The film is known for the 11th-hour replacement of Kevin Spacey with Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty; he still received an Oscar nom for his work. Michelle Williams stars as John Paul’s mother. While this is considered minor Scott, it’s still fascinating and an early indictment of billionaire culture. Rent it on all platforms.

In 2021, Scott returned to the true crime world — and Italy — with “House of Gucci,” following the assassination of Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) arranged by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga). The film is a camp masterpiece of wild tonal swings and Italian accents, anchored by an absolutely sizzling performance by Lady Gaga. Pour some red wine, plate some pasta and rent “House of Gucci” on all digital platforms.

Also in 2021, Scott’s legitimate masterpiece “The Last Duel,” starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer. A depiction of the first recorded rape trial in the medieval era, the film was written by Damon, Affleck and Nicole Holofcener. Comer’s performance is stunning, and the film is a searing indictment of contemporary rape culture. Rent it on all platforms.

A near masterpiece is Scott’s epic “Napoleon” for Apple TV+, with Joaquin Phoenix as the famed French general. Like many of the films of this era, “Napoelon” is an oddly funny but cutting undercover commentary on contemporary politicians. Phoenix is phenomenal. Stream it on Apple TV+.

In 2024, Scott returned to his 2000 classic “Gladiator” with “Gladiator II” starring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. While it wasn’t as close to perfect as his version with Russell Crowe, we’ll always watch those two wield swords in a skirt. And Scott brought the same level of craft and detail to the film. Stream it on Paramount+ and Prime Video.

That should hold you over for weeks, and here’s hoping Scott gets some of his planned films through the pipeline soon. Never doubt him.

———

©2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC