19 Dune characters ranked from worst to best (plus an honorable mention)

Ranking the incredible and eclectic characters in Denis Villenueve's Dune movies is like trying to navigate the treacherous sands of Arrakis itself. You've got heroes and villains dancing around each other like sandworms in a spice trance, and it's tough to tell who's riding high and who's sinking in the quicksand. But fear not, for we're equipped with more than just stillsuits and water caches; we've got the spice of insight and the wisdom of Mentats to guide us through this desert of decision-making. I make ranking characters sound so dramatic, don't I?

Now, in the vast and intricate tapestry of Dune, it's not just about who's got the sharpest crysknife or the fanciest ornithopter; it's about the tangled webs of loyalty, betrayal, and destiny that weave through the lives of these characters.

From the noble House Atreides to the sinister but cool-looking House Harkonnen, each player in this cosmic chess game brings their own flair and flavor to the table. Let's dig deep into the heart of Arrakis, where heroes rise and fall like sand dunes in the wind, and see where 19 characters (plus an honorable mention) from Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 sci-fi novel rank amongst each other.

Oh, and lemme slap a good ol' SPOILER WARNING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BLESSED BY DUNE: PART ONE AND PART TWO YET. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Which, by the way, why haven't you watched it yet? It's literally the Mona Lisa of movies.

19. Dr. Yueh

Why's our good doc hanging out in the back of the bus? It's not because he's not interesting or lacks a killer wardrobe (because let's face it, everyone in Dune is dressed to impress). Dr. Yueh's deal is a bit more complicated. He's got this whole betrayal subplot going on, which, spoiler alert, shakes things up in a big way for our heroes. But despite his pivotal role, he makes a bang, but then, poof, he's gone, leaving everyone saying, "Wait, that's it?"

In the grand scheme of things, with sandworms the size of skyscrapers and spice flying everywhere, Dr. Yueh doesn't get as much time to shine as he maybe deserves, so he'll be holding down the fort at number 19.

18. Jamis

Jamis is someone who pops up, and you're like, "Whoa, where did this dude come from?" But here's the thing:- Jamis is kinda like the gatekeeper to Paul's ultimate desert club membership. When Paul and his mom crash with the desert Fremen after fleeing their old home on Arrakis, it's Jamis who's like, "Nah, you gotta prove you're cool enough to hang with us." And Paul does just that, killing Jamis in a fair fight.

Jamis' showdown with Paul is like the ultimate desert duel, showcasing Paul's skills and earning him some serious street cred with the Fremen. But here's the kicker: Jamis is like a shooting star: bright, impactful, but shining only briefly before disappearing. He's the key to the door Paul needs to open, but once that door's open, Jamis' part in this cosmic dance wraps up. Still, without him, Paul's journey would be like trying to ride a sandworm with no reins.

17. Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

Feyd-Rautha, portrayed with unhinged flawlessness by Austin Butler, is like a desert storm you never saw coming but can't look away from. Ranking at 17 out of 19, this is a character that flips the script on villainy with a capital V. He's the bad guy you can't help but watch with bated breath, scared of him even as you're impressed by his undeniable "rock star cool" vibes.

Feyd-Rautha doesn't just enter the scene in Part Two; he explodes into it with a cool that could chill even the spiciest Arrakis night. Austin Butler didn't just step into the role; he dove headfirst into an intense physical and psychological transformation. His characer doesn't appear until well into the movies, but he makes up for it immediately with presence and panache to spare.

Feyd-Rautha's every moment on screen, from his terrifyingly calm demeanor in the face of danger to his chilling bouts of laughter during combat, showcases the meticulous work Butler and Villeneuve put into making him unforgettable. Feyd-Rautha is more than a villain; he's a walking, talking embodiment of "no sides," proving that in the power-corrupted echelons of Dune, good and bad are just matters of perspective. In a world brimming with interstellar intrigue and sandworm-sized challenges, he brings a level of villainy that's as mesmerizing as it is terrifying. It's a testament to Butler's performance and Villeneuve's vision that he stands out in a galaxy of stars.

16. Lady Margot Fenring

Lady Margot is a bit of a latecomer to the Dune party, popping up in Part Two with a storyline that's spicy enough to make a sandworm blush. Dune is like the ultimate space opera buffet, and Margot is here to provide an appetizer rather than the main course.

A member of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, she's got this secret mission involving Feyd-Rautha, and let's just say, things get personal. Real personal, and she ends up carrying the Baron's nephew's child. Her subplot is like finding a single spice berry in a giant dune. Tasty? Sure. Enough to fill you up? Not quite. Hence, Lady Margot Fenring lands at sweet 16. She brings intrigue and whispers of scandal, but in a saga where the stakes are as high as the sand dunes, she's just starting to make her mark.

15. Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV

Imagine you've got a galaxy-spanning empire, and at the heart of it all is this guy, calling the shots but kinda like a mystery guest at a party; everyone's talking about him, but nobody's seen him (well, not until Dune: Part Two rolls around). In Part One, his decisions are the domino that knocks over the whole set, sparking the drama on Arrakis, yet he's doing it all by ghosting us.

But when the Emperor finally makes his grand entrance in Part Two, it's game time. The Emperor's like the chess master finally stepping into the light, and we see the face behind all the chaos. Why not higher up the list, you ask? Well, it's all about screen time and impact. Up until Part Two, he's more of a whisper in the wind, a shadow in the dark. Important? Absolutely. Mysterious? You bet. But in the grand tapestry of Dune, he's been mostly behind-the-scenes...plus he's a power-hungry asshole.

14. Princess Irulan

Played by my absolutely fabulous future wife Florence Pugh in Dune: Part Two, the Emperor's daughter Irulan swoops into the saga like a desert hawk, full of grace and mystery.

Pugh brings Irulan to life with a mesmerizing charm that hints at the deep waters running beneath her serene surface. In Part Two, she begins to weave her way into the core of the saga, setting the stage for monumental shifts. Trust me, her journey’s as intriguing as a ride on a sandworm, and just when you think you've got her figured out, she'll surprise you. Like a perfect spice blend, she's essential but works her magic subtly, enhancing the flavors around her without overwhelming the dish.

13. Piter de Vries

The Harkonnen's crafty, calculating schemer. Sitting pretty at number 13 on our list of the best characters from Villeneuve's Dune, Piter is not your run-of-the-mill villain sidekick. This Mentat with a brain sharper than a crysknife adds deliciously dark depths to the Harkonnen's already questionable family gatherings. Imagine being the brains behind Baron Vladimir Harkonnen's nastiness; it's not a role for the faint of heart.

Why does he rank at lucky number 13, you ask? Well, he's not just evil; he's evil with style. In a world where brute force often steals the show, Piter's mind games are a refreshing twist. He's the guy plotting 10 steps ahead, making chess moves while everyone else is playing checkers. And yet, amidst the vast desert of characters in Dune, he's like a sinister oasis; fascinating but not quite central to the story's heart. Bravo, Piter, for being the brainy backbone of the baddies.

12. Beast Rabban

This guy is basically the schoolyard bully of Arrakis, but with a whole lot more muscle and a tad more sadism. Imagine being so tough and mean that you're picked to squeeze an entire planet dry just because your uncle thinks you're the right kind of scary. Rabban's that guy. He's not just a villain; he's a walking, talking nightmare for the poor folks of Arrakis, representing everything wrong with the Harkonnen family rule: greed, cruelty, and a total disregard for environmental conservation.

Despite his knack for tyranny and making people's lives miserable, Rabban is kind of a one-trick pony. His role is crucial but doesn't have the depth or the arc that makes us love to hate him like we do with some of the other baddies. Plus, his exit in Part Two doesn't leave as lasting an impression as, say, Feyd-Rautha's.

11. Thufir Hawat

This guy's not just your average advisor; he's a Mentat, which is like being a supercomputer disguised in human form minus the need for a power socket. Thufir's spot at number 11 out of 19 isn't just a random pick from a hat. It's because he's the secret weapon behind the Atreides' smarty-pants strategies.

Imagine you're playing the most complicated board game ever, and you've got Thufir on your team, whispering genius moves in your ear. That's his role for Duke Leto and the gang. But why isn't he higher up the list? In the space opera of Dune, there are just so many huge players that even a brainy Mentat finds tough competition, particularly when he doesn't show up in Part Two at all.

10. Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam

If you’ve seen Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One (if you haven't, why the hell are you reading this?!), you'll remember the Reverand Mother as the bitchy old lady dressed in black head to toe (me in a few years, essentially) who tests Paul with the life-threatening Gom Jabbar needle. In Part Two, she kind of steps up her game and gets a bit of what she deserves as well.

Reverend Mother Mohiam is like that strict teacher you feared but secretly admired because, let’s face it, she has the brains and the power. With her deep ties to the Bene Gesserit, she’s all about pulling cosmic strings, influencing big players, and shaping the future. In Part Two, her role becomes juicier as she navigates the political and mystical minefields of the Dune universe, pushing Paul’s destiny into the spotlight.

Why does she rank at number 10? Because she’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse with the kind of influence that makes you think twice before crossing her. She’s not just any character; she's the chess master in a game where planets are the pieces.

9. Liet-Kynes

Liet-Kynes is the ultimate desert whisperer. She’s the ecological genius of Arrakis, holding the key to understanding the planet's deep secrets and its giant sandworms (and who doesn't love those big wriggly desert monsters?).

In the sandy saga of Dune, she’s like the cool science teacher everyone wishes they had, showing Paul Atreides and crew how to survive and respect the desert. But here’s a fun fact for you: originally, Liet-Kynes was a dude in the books, and Chani’s dad. Denis Villeneuve decided to switch things up for his movie, turning him into a her. This change added a fresh layer to the story, making her role as the protector of Arrakis’ secrets even cooler.

8. Gurney Halleck

Gurney isn't just any old space warrior; he's like the cool gym teacher with a space guitar in one hand and a laser sword in the other. In Dune: Part One, Gurney's the guy teaching Paul Atreides how to survive in a universe where everyone seems to want a piece of him. His blend of tough love and warrior wisdom makes him indispensable, even after he seemes to die in Part One.

But hey, fast forward to Dune: Part Two, and guess who's back? That's right, Gurney Halleck, making a grand re-entrance like a rockstar. It's like he never left, stepping up as mentor and battlefield hero just when you thought the sandstorm of trouble couldn't get any worse. With Gurney's return, it's clear: whether it's teaching Paul the fine art of not getting killed or slicing through enemies, he's the kind of hero you'd want in your corner when facing down a universe of chaos. He's our interstellar maestro of mayhem and mentorship.

7. Stilgar

Stilgar is like the cool uncle you wish you had on Arrakis. He's not just some random Fremen guy; he's a big shot among the desert-dwellers. In Dune: Part Two, Stilgar steps up big time. Paul's trying to navigate this whole Fremen lifestyle, and who's there to guide him? Stilgar. He's like Paul's Fremen mentor, showing him the ropes, teaching him the ways of the desert, and sharing survival tips.

Stilgar's not just a mentor, though; he's the bridge between Paul and the Fremen culture. Without him, Paul would be as lost as a sandworm in the ocean. Stilgar's got that wise vibe going on, mixed with a dash of badassery, making him not just a great character but a crucial cog in the Dune machine. And of course, Javier Bardem plays him immaculatedly. Humor? On point. Distinct and important moments? He's iconic. He's not just important; he's desert royalty.

6. Duncan Idaho

Imagine a mix of a loyal pup and a skilled warrior, and that's Duncan for you. He's like the cool older cousin who's always got your back in a fight and who bears a heart of gold.

Duncan's got some serious street cred among Dune fans. He's not just a pretty face with amazing hair and a sword; he's got depth. He's the guy you want by your side when the going gets tough. With his combat skills, he's like the MVP of the Atreides crew. But it's not just about his sword swinging; it's about his unwavering loyalty to the ones he cares about. That's the kind of character you root for, the kind you can't help but love.

So, when you're ranking the best characters in Dune, Duncan Idaho's gotta be up there. He's not just a fan favorite; he's a vital part of the story, bringing both muscle and heart to the table.

5. Chani

Chani shines like a precious gem, earning her spot among the top characters. She's not just "Paul's love interest"; she's literally his rock in the shifting sands of Arrakis. With a mix of ferocity and vulnerability, Chani's presence is felt throughout the movie. As a Fremen warrior, she's not afraid to fight tooth and nail for her people's freedom, but beneath that tough exterior lies a heart that beats fiercely for Paul.

In Part Two, Chani's role expands beyond being Paul's romantic interest. She becomes a symbol of hope and resistance against oppressive forces. Her unwavering loyalty and strength inspire those around her, rallying support for Paul's cause. Whether she's leading troops into battle or offering comfort in moments of doubt, Chani proves she's more than just a love interest; she's a crucial player in the fight for Arrakis's future.

4. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen

Baron Vladimir Harkonnen lands high on my list of best characters for good reason, and not just because I am a lover of villains.

He's a larger-than-life villain with a presence that's hard to forget, stomping through the sands of Arrakis with his sinister schemes, bald head, and oily demeanor. In Villeneuve's adaptation, Vladimir Harkonnen's portrayal is a masterclass in villainy. Part Two sees him ramp up the wickedness, weaving his web of deceit and domination with chilling precision. With every sneer and calculated move, he reminds us why he's the top dog of villainy in the Dune universe. The Baron isn't just bad, he's iconic.

Whether he's plotting against our heroes or just lounging in his grotesque glory, he steals every scene he's in. When it comes to ranking the best characters of Dune, the Baron's wicked ways and unforgettable presence make him a top contender.

3. Duke Leto Atreides

Now, imagine you're in a giant sandbox, and everyone wants to play, but the rules keep changing. That's basically Arrakis, and Duke Leto is the guy trying to build the coolest sandcastle while dodging sandstorms and sneaky enemies.

Duke Leto may not hog the spotlight like Paul or Jessica, but he's the silent architect of everything. All of the chaos starts because Duke Leto agrees to become the warden of Arrakis. His decisions shape the destiny of his family, allies, and even his enemies.

Sure, he might not have flashy fight scenes or mystical powers, but without him, there's no story. So, next time you're watching Dune, keep an eye on Duke Leto. He's the unsung hero behind the scenes, making moves and setting plots in motion like a boss.

2. Lady Jessica

Ah, Lady Jessica, the spice-infused cup of tea. She's not just a character; she's the secret ingredient, stirring up the pot with her complexity and emotional depth. In the first movie, we see her balancing loyalty to her family with her own deep-rooted beliefs and desires. But in Part Two, oh boy, does she shine!

Jessica's evolution is like watching a desert bloom after rain. She's no longer just Duke Leto's concubine; she's a power player in her own right. With her knowledge of the Bene Gesserit ways and her fierce maternal instincts, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. Her influence ripples through the sands of Arrakis, shaping alliances and decisions that could change the fate of entire worlds.

Lady Jessica isn't just a key character; she's the beating heart of intrigue and power, earning her spot among the very best in the sands of Dune.

1. Paul Atreides

Paul Atreides, the big cheese of Dune — the main man, the hero, the whole shebang. In Part One, we saw him just starting to flex his muscles, figuring out his destiny and all that jazz. But in Part Two, whoa, hold onto your sandworms.

This guy's character arc takes him on a wild ride. He's no longer just some noble kid trying to navigate the sands of Arrakis; he's a full-blown leader now, rallying the Fremen, commanding armies, and making some seriously tough decisions. I'm talking life-and-death, galaxy-shifting stuff.

Paul is the glue holding this whole Dune universe together. His evolution from unsure lad to bona fide legend cements his spot on top of this list of the best Dune characters. So buckle up, 'cause in Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides isn't just a hero; he's the hero of heroes!

Or is he? That's all still up to debate. Just another thing that makes him fascinating.

Honorable mention: Alia Atreides

Now, if you've read Frank Herbert's epic novels, you know that Alia Atreides, Paul's little sister, is a force to be reckoned with. She's born with a ton of knowledge and abilities because she's exposed to the spice-rich Water of Life while still in her mother's womb. But in Part Two, we see a different version of her: Alia is not a toddler, she is still just a little bun cooking in Lady Jessica's oven. She hasn't popped out yet to wreak havoc or show off her psychic skills, but she still influences the plot from her cozy ball of amniotic fluid.

So, why the honorary mention? Well, even though Alia doesn't steal the spotlight like she does in the books, her influence still packs a punch. In Dune: Part Two, we see how Jessica's choices and actions are shaped by her unborn daughter. It's like Alia's already playing mind games from inside the womb, nudging her mom toward certain decisions that'll have big consequences down the line. It's a subtle touch but adds layers to Jessica's character development and the overall plot.

In the novels, Alia is this intense, complex character who's struggling with her dual identity as both a revered figure and a potential danger to her family. She's wise beyond her years but also haunted by inner demons. But in the movie, since she's still snug as a bug in Jessica's belly, we don't get to see that intense internal struggle just yet. Alia plays a pivotal role in taking down the dastardly Baron Harkonnen in the books. She's the one who gets her hands dirty and delivers the final blow. But in the movie, that honor goes to Paul. Though a big change, I felt it was very nicely done. So while the movie version Alia doesn't get to kick as much ass as her book counterpart, her presence still looms large, setting the stage for what's to come.

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