Dune

Dune is a landmark science fiction franchise created by Frank Herbert, beginning with the 1965 novel Dune, widely considered one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written. Set in a distant future where noble houses vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis—the only source of the invaluable spice melange—the saga explores themes of politics, religion, ecology, and the nature of power. The story follows Paul Atreides as he transforms from a young noble into the prophesied messiah Muad'Dib, leading the native Fremen in a revolution that reshapes the galaxy. Frank Herbert wrote six novels in the original saga (1965-1985), ending with Chapterhouse: Dune. After his death, his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson continued the universe with prequels, interquels, and sequels based on Herbert's notes, expanding the timeline from the Butlerian Jihad (centuries before Dune) through the resolution of the original cliffhanger. The franchise uses the BG/AG dating system (Before Guild/After Guild, referring to the Spacing Guild's founding). Dune has been adapted into David Lynch's 1984 film, a 2000 Sci-Fi miniseries, and Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed 2021/2024 films.