Content Warning: Minor Spoilers for the “Dune” franchise.

The film “Dune: Part Two” has recently debuted to thunderous critical applause. As a fan of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” and the other books in the series, I was beyond thrilled to watch this movie. I loved the 2016 film “Arrival,” which seemed to come at a time in my life when I needed it most, and I was impressed with “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), a nearly perfect sequel to the 1982 film “Blade Runner.” Those films cemented Denis Villeneuve as a director to watch, and when it was announced that he would be adapting “Dune,” I knew the project would be in good hands.

Prior to that point, there had been two adaptations of “Dune”: The 1984 David Lynch version and the Syfy miniseries that debuted in the early 2000s. I would argue that both are worth watching and have their merits (especially the 2003 “Children of Dune” miniseries), but if you’re not already a fan of the book (or of weird 80s movies or science fiction miniseries), then I don’t think you would like them.

“Dune” is a pretty dense book, and adapting it to film is no easy task. And even though Villeneuve is a talented director who did a wonderful job with the material, these movies may still feel like… a lot.

If you’re not in the mood to read an entire book series and watch several full-length films to better understand “Dune,” I get it. So, for you lovely people, I’ve assembled a list of short videos that I think will greatly improve your Dune viewing experience. These videos will introduce you to a few concepts from the series and give you some additional context for what is essentially a five-hour viewing experience.

SHORT VIDEOS

In five minutes, you’ll get a succinct summary of the book with some analysis, in addition to a “Deez Nuts” joke that will make you understand why modern audiences should read this book.

I’m not a David Lynch fan. I enjoyed “Twin Peaks,” but I was not a fan of his take on the novel (and really, neither was he). However, I do enjoy this intro narration by Princess Irulan, played by Virginia Madsen. For those unaware, Princess Irulan is a minor character in the first book, but she’s also sort of the narrator of “Dune,” and her character is canonically Paul Atreides’ biographer.

Given her role as narrator, I think it was fitting to have the character open the movie. In addition, the contrast between Irulan’s beauty and elaborate costuming with the simple space backdrop as she stares directly into the audience is unsettling enough to immerse the viewer in a completely new, foreign environment. There is a slightly longer version of the introduction that has even more information that some viewers may find very helpful (like who Irulan is and why Spice is so damn important and all that).

This particular video may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I thought it was fascinating. The creator digs into the background of “Dune” and looks into the real-world influences that shaped the book and the films by Villeneuve. More specifically, this video analyzes the creation of Arrakis and its main city, Arrakeen, and how those came to be. It’s a very fun video for people who want to dig more into the architecture, anthropology, and ecology of Arrakis. (Spoiler alert: Arrakeen probably couldn’t exist on the North Pole because the weather would be too crazy, but the equator might be more habitable).

This video is dumb but pretty funny. I’ve been a “Robot Chicken” fan for longer than I care to admit, but one of the things I love about it is its commitment to little details from nerd culture, like the importance of not walking with rhythm on Arrakis. This other video about Dune Buggies is similarly stupid but the appearance of Patrick Stewart makes it worth watching.

After watching “Dune: Part 2” I think this recommendation is born out of necessity. I don’t want to get too into it and spoil the story for viewers, but I thought there were moments in “Dune: Part 2” that were heavily influenced by the 1968 classic “2001: A Space Odyssey.” (SPOILERS) Specifically, the moment Dave encounters the monolith and is transformed into the “Star-Child,” the next stage in human evolution.

Full-Length Movie Recommendations

Dune (1984)

Critics hated this movie, but it’s since developed a cult following. I am not part of that cult. However, on a good day I could probably write a long list of all the stuff I love about this movie, even if those two things are just the beginning introduction and the pug.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

I promise I’m not just being a pretentious nerd with this recommendation. “2001: A Space Odyssey” is so influential not just to science fiction but to film in general. The opening scene to “Barbie” is literally a reference to the opening scene in “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Same with a pivotal scene in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” If you love movies, you will not regret watching this one.

(Also, it’s one of my all-time favorites, so if you are a fan, please be my friend.)

Star Wars (1977)

Have you heard of this little arthouse film? It was pretty popular in the 70’s. And it was heavily “influenced” by “Dune.”

In all fairness to George Lucas, I’d say the characters from each series are very different. Luke Skywalker is no Paul Atreides aside from being “chosen boys,” and vice versa.

Akira (1988)

Villeneuve explains that he took inspiration from the 1988 film “Akira” for Paul Atreides character arc in “Dune: Part II.” I didn’t immediately recognize this when I was watching the movie, but since I learned that I can see the parallels. “Akira” is a fantastic film, although it’s pretty dark and may be a bit much for some sensitive viewers.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND:

“Breaking Dawn: Part 1” and “Breaking Dawn: Part 2“

I only noticed this because a friend of mine said it after we watched the movie. Some viewers may see some parallels between the last two Twilight films and “Dune: Part Two.” That’s fair. The Twilight franchise was massive and extremely influential in pop culture. But I want to challenge that connection, because what happens in the “Dune” series is very different than Renesmee’s story. I’d describe what we see in “Dune: Part Two” as the beginning of a tragic story (and a common science fiction trope about the occasionally gruesome nature of gestation), whereas Renesmee was a character in a supernatural romance.

AFTER “DUNE: PART TWO”

Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune

This miniseries covered the events of the two books following “Dune”: Dune Messiah and Children of Dune. It shows how Paul’s rise to power has had negative consequences on the Imperium, as well as introduces more characters who play a larger role in the series.

I wouldn’t say this is the greatest miniseries of all-time, but I think we should give credit where credit is due. The film is well-cast, especially in regards to Alia Atreides (played by Daniela Amavia) and Leto II Atreides (James McAvoy, in a performance that could have easily gone sideways but he sells it). Brian Tyler wrote the score for the entire series in just a month, which is still reused in theatrical trailers. “Inama Nushif,” a song that plays during an important scene from “Dune Messiah,” still brings tears to my eyes.

If you haven’t watched the last “Dune” movie but plan on it, these clips should help to provide some additional context.

Enjoy the show!