5 Must-See Sci-Fi Movies & TV Series to Watch While Waiting for 'Dune: Part Three'

The premiere of Dune: Part Three is scheduled for December 18, 2026. That puts it less than a year before the finale of Denis Villeneuve's trilogy.

Now is the perfect time to rewatch the first two movies, reread Dune Messiah, and find something to tide you over while you wait. We've recalled five projects that will appeal to fans of Dune because of its scale, philosophy, and epic landscapes.

1. 'Raised by Wolves', 2020-2022

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

A light space shuttle carrying two androids and human embryos arrives on the planet Kepler 22b. The robots, named Father and Mother, are raising six children who will populate the seemingly safe but arid planet.

However, five of the young colonists die from an unknown disease during the first few years, only a boy named Campion survives. When a space shuttle appears in the sky, Father realizes that it is time to call for help because Campion cannot survive alone.

The only problem is that the ship belongs to the Mithraic Order, with whom they have serious religious and political differences.

2. 'Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire', 2023

IMDb Score: 5.6/10

A small colony of farmers thrives on the independent moon of Veldt. The inhabitants live modestly, harvesting the fertile land. Their lives are undisturbed until an Imperial cruiser appears.

The soldiers search for rebels and demand that the colony share its harvest, preferably all at once. Fortunately, Kora is among the settlers and is ready to stand up for the farmers, who lack the skills to fight.

Accompanied by a farmer named Gunnar, Kora sets out to find warriors who will help defend the village from the Imperials.

3. 'Foundation', 2021-...

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

In the distant future, people inhabit various planets in the Milky Way and are united under the Empire. It is led by three rulers – Brother Day, Brother Dawn, and Brother Dusk – who are clones of the same individual at different ages.

The state appears strong at first glance, but scientist Hari Seldon makes calculations and concludes that humanity is facing imminent collapse.

The Emperor exiles Seldon and his apprentice, Gaal Dornick, to the remote planet Terminus. There, they must establish a repository of all human knowledge to help humanity survive the dark times ahead.

4. 'Lawrence of Arabia', 1962

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

British intelligence officer T. E. Lawrence traveled to the desert to meet with Arab Prince Faisal. Britain is at war with the Ottoman Empire, so the support of nomadic peoples would be beneficial.

Lawrence saw the Bedouins, who could cross impenetrable deserts on camelback, as a valuable asset in the fight against the Turks.

David Lean's historical drama was a major source of inspiration for Denis Villeneuve while working on Dune. The two movies share the same setting and central theme: the main character gains the trust of a nomadic tribe to confront a common enemy.

5. 'Pitch Black', 2000

IMDb Score: 7.0/10

A cargo ship floats through the silent expanse of space, its crew and passengers immersed in induced sleep. En route, the ship encounters a comet's tail and sets course for the nearest breathable planet.

Carolyn manages to land the ship, but only twelve people survive, including the dangerous criminal Riddick. His escort warns that no one is safe while he remains free.

However, the travelers soon realize that Riddick isn't their biggest problem on this desolate planet. Still, his ability to see in the dark will prove useful.