The Rankings: A Tale of Two Lists
The Hollywood Reporter and Esquire have both published comprehensive rankings of Ridley Scott's 30 films, coinciding with the release of his latest, The Dog Stars. The two lists show notable differences in their assessments. The Hollywood Reporter places Gladiator II at number 30, calling it a sequel that tries to 'grave-rob' the original's grandeur, while Esquire ranks it higher, though still in the lower half. Both agree that 1492: Conquest of Paradise is among the worst, with Esquire putting it at 30 and The Hollywood Reporter at 23.[S1][S2]
Esquire's list places The Counselor at 27, criticizing its pacing and lack of suspense despite the involvement of Cormac McCarthy. The Hollywood Reporter, however, does not rank The Counselor in its bottom five, instead placing A Good Year at 29 and Exodus: Gods and Kings at 28. These discrepancies highlight the subjective nature of film criticism, even among respected outlets.[S1][S2]
Scott's Legacy and Latest Work
Ridley Scott, at 88, shows no signs of slowing down. His 30th film, The Dog Stars, marks a return to science fiction, a genre he helped define with Alien in 1979. The film stars Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin as survivors in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Both outlets note Scott's enduring influence, with The Hollywood Reporter emphasizing his early career in advertising and his tireless work ethic.[S1][S2]
The Hollywood Reporter's ranking includes a unique entry: Raised by Wolves, a TV series Scott directed early episodes of, placed at 26.5. This inclusion reflects the outlet's broader view of Scott's directorial output. Esquire, meanwhile, focuses solely on feature films, omitting television work. Both lists celebrate Scott's versatility, from historical epics like Gladiator to intimate dramas like Thelma & Louise.[S1][S2]
