Ridley Scott Critiques Hollywood’s Mediocrity, Prefers His Own Films

London, UK — Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, recognized for classics such as ‘Alien,’ ‘Gladiator,’ and ‘Blade Runner,’ has sharply criticized the current state of Hollywood movies, stating the industry is ‘drowning in mediocrity.’ During a panel discussion at BFI Southbank on October 5, 2025, Scott expressed his woes about the plethora of films being made today.

‘The quantity of movies that are made today, literally globally — millions. Not thousands, millions… and most of it is s**t,’ Scott declared, highlighting his frustration with modern filmmaking.

Scott elaborated on his belief that filmmakers too often rely on digital effects to compensate for poor scripts. ‘A lot of films today are saved and made more expensive by digital effects, because what they haven’t got is a great thing on paper first. Get it on paper,’ he stated, suggesting that originality in storytelling is lacking.

The 87-year-old director revealed that he has taken to rewatching his own films for comfort. ‘Well, actually, right now, I’m finding mediocrity. We’re drowning in mediocrity. And so what I do — it’s a horrible thing — but I’ve started watching my own movies, and actually they’re pretty good! And also, they don’t age,’ he shared.

Reflecting on his own work, Scott recounted a recent viewing of ‘Black Hawk Down,’ saying, ‘How in the hell did I manage to do that?’ He emphasized that while most films might disappoint, he finds solace in occasionally witnessing a good one.

His views resonate with actor Channing Tatum, who commented on the challenges of filmmaking today, expressing that there seems to be a pressure to create subpar work just to earn money. ‘When you get asked to do a movie, or you’re trying to get a movie made, it’s a very confused pipeline of possibilities,’ Tatum remarked.

Despite his criticisms of modern cinema, Scott remains active in the industry. He is working on ‘The Dog Stars,’ set for release in March 2026, and has announced plans for ‘Gladiator 3.’ He hinted at his vision for the upcoming film, saying, ‘He’s around and he technically is the Emperor of Rome, and so I have a footprint about what I think it should be.’

With several projects in development, Scott seems determined to push the boundaries of filmmaking while challenging the current cinematic landscape to improve quality. ‘To me, my job is not work. It’s a passion,’ he said, hinting at his undeterred commitment to the craft.