Along with stunning visuals and an epic sci-fi scope, the most powerful Dune quotes are part of the reason the movie has made such an impact. Denis Villeneuve took on the daunting task of adapting Frank Herbert’s immense and complex sci-fi novel, beginning the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and his family’s adventure on the planet of Arakis as they find themselves surrounded by enemies. In bringing the story to life, Villeneuve incorporated some of the most memorable dialogue from the novel as well as some impactful new quotes.
With Dune 2 proving to be an even bigger hit than the first movie, many fans have been recently revisiting 2021’s Dune. Looking at some of the most interesting lines from that movie shows the connection they have and the foreshadowing done for the eventual sequel. The most memorable Dune quotes also highlight the unique characters of the story, explore the mythology of this universe, and even provide some emotional moments. As impressive as Dune looks, these quotes stand out in the engrossing sci-fi story.
Reverend Gaius Helen Mohiam is one of the movie’s more intimidating characters since she is not only a member of the powerful sorceress known as the Bene Gesserit but also closely allied with the emperor. In this quote, she reveals just how much she understands not only about Paul and what he must do to survive in the deadly days ahead but also how much she grasps the nature of power and the importance on mastering the self rather than dominating others.
This powerful Dune quote establishes the potential that is within Paul’s future while also showing that others are watching him very closely in this path. It also sets up an interesting dynamic between these two characters as they next meet at the end of Dune 2, with Paul displaying his powers that now dwarf Mohiam’s own.
Chani, like most of the other Fremen, has a deep and powerful connection with the planet of Arrakis, a vast desert planet that is extremely unfriendly to outsiders. Her words reveal just how profound that connection is, and how much it is tied to the physical beauty of her planet. Where others see nothing more than sand and death, she sees a profound natural splendor that can only be revealed in the dying rays of the setting sun.
This quote serves as the opening narration of the first movie and is a perfect way of setting up the central planet to the grand story. It also shows what the fight is truly about for the Fremen people, who only care for their planet and not the power it possesses. It is a heartbreaking line given Chani’s journey at the end of Dune 2 as she seems to be the only one who has remembered this.
Baron Harkonnen’s massive weight and floating way of moving make him a truly intimidating villain, but it is also Stellan Skarsgård’s incredible performance that makes him so memorable. In the first Dune movie, Baron Harkonnen is so chilling because of how confident and unworried he is about destroying House Atreides and securing control of Arrakis once again.
When devising his plan to leave Paul and Lady Jessica out in the desert to be killed, the Baron talks about Arrakis as if it belongs to him and no one else, delivering this great Dune quote showing his power-hungry nature and greed. However, it is also linked to the themes of colonialism, as the Baron talks about the planet as if he knows it better than anyone, including the Fremen, and claims ownership of it as a conqueror.
Part of what makes Paul’s journey in the first Dune movie so exciting is that he was overseen by the Baron when the villain was plotting the downfall of House Atreides, yet he will eventually be the one who brings House Harkonnen down. The focus is on Duke Leto Atreides, who is seen as the real threat. However, some recognize that Paul has powers of his own and that he should not be underestimated.
This is the warning given to Baron Harkonnen by his mentat Piter De Vires. Like the Bene Gesserit, mentats can see more than what’s in front of them, and Piter knows of Paul’s growing strength. It is interesting to see the movement behind the curtains of these powerful and all-seeing people of the Dune universe who are aware of Paul, giving hints of the extraordinary things that he could achieve. However, even in their eyes, it becomes clear that just what Paul can accomplish has been underestimated.
Of all of the characters that appear in the first Dune movie, Duke Leto is arguably the most noble and the most ethical. He takes his duty very seriously, even when he recognizes that the gift of Arrakis is a poisoned one. Though he could defy the emperor, he chooses not to, and his powerful words here demonstrate, that more than anything else, Atreides sees itself as honorable.
In many ways, Leto mirrors Game of Thrones’ Ned Stark as an honorable hero who is perhaps naive to how out of his element he is and how much danger his family is in. Despite this, Leto is willing to face the challenge and do justice to the Atreides name. Given how afraid their enemies are of House Atreides’ influence, this brave reply is defiant in its own way.
The bond between Lady Jessica and Duke Leto is one of the strongest in the movie, and it’s clear that the two of them love one another deeply. Their love for one another is only matched by their obvious love for their son Paul, whose life they are both bound to protect. However, if there is an aspect of tension in their relationship, it is the Bene Gesserit.
Leto is not entirely trusting of the Bene Gesserit, especially in the way they clearly have plans for Paul. Leto sees this and questions Lady Jessica if her loyalties lie with them or with her family in the end. It is clear from this question that Leto feels the walls closing in and his enemies surrounding him. However, though he might not entirely trust her in the moment, Lady Jessica proves in Dune 2 that protecting Paul is her only priority, and she goes to incredible lengths to ensure he thrives.
It’s pretty clear that Paul Atreides is fated to play a very important role in the universe, namely as the savior that the Bene Gesserit have sought to create with their breeding program. However, that role also comes with a terrible price, as this powerful Dune quote demonstrates so effectively. It suggests that the destiny that Paul possesses, hinging as it does on his psychic abilities, is almost like an alien presence inside of him.
Paul’s dark turn in Dune 2 is somewhat shocking given that he was an easy hero to root for in the first movie. However, moments like this cement that he is something of a tragic figure. He has been thrust on this path without choosing it for himself. It is a harrowing, confusing, and painful experience as he discovers his new abilities. It is a plea for help, but Paul also knows that he must endure this because of the path that lies before him.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of both the Dune movie and the book is how effectively Baron Harkonnen manages to bring about the destruction of House Atreides. It’s Paul’s blessing and curse that he’s able to see the full extent of the problem that they’re facing, and this quote captures that mixed feeling. It also shows just how panicked and horrified Paul is by the realization that, try as they might, they probably won’t be able to keep the Baron’s plan from succeeding.
The loss the heroes face in the first Dune movie sets things up for the epic comeback in the sequel. However, it is quotes like this that put Paul’s journey into context. Despite becoming a messianic figure to the Fremen, at the center of it all, Paul is on a mission of revenge.
Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho is one of the most charismatic characters in the movie, and he is absolutely loyal to House Atreides. His skills in combat have helped to train the army of House Atreides and turn it into one of the greatest fighting forces in the universe. He serves as a symbol of the fearlessness and ferocity they are all expected to fight with.
Right up until the end, he shows that he is willing and able to fight for the house to which he has sworn his loyalty, even if it means that his own life will be forfeit. His cry to fight like demons is a powerful reminder of just how formidable of a warrior he is and how much he’s willing to sacrifice. Duncan’s final stand makes for one of the best moments in the movie.