Legendary Hollywood director Ridley Scott has harsh words for the film industry.

The famous Blade Runner director is very pessimistic about modern filmmaking. He says the industry is so bad he only watches his own old films now.

Scott calls most of what Hollywood produces today little more than mediocrity. Deadline reported on his recent comments at an event.

Scott spoke during an interview at BFI Southbank in London on Sunday. He did not hold back his criticism of the current state of movies.

“The quantity of movies that are made today, literally globally – millions. Not thousands, millions… and most of it is shit.”

Scott believes many films are saved only by superior digital effects. Filmmakers have access to amazing technology now. But the technology cannot fix a fundamental problem.

These films don’t have a “great thing on paper first.” The stories and scripts are weak from the start.

When asked what modern films he likes, Scott gave a surprising answer.

“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.”

Scott is 87 years old. He has directed some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. His work includes Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator.

Films are so bad now that Scott watches his own catalog instead. He recently rewatched Black Hawk Down. The experience surprised even him.

“I watched Black Hawk [Down] the other night and I thought, ‘How in the hell did I manage to do that?’ But I think occasionally a good one will happen, [and] it’s like a relief that there’s somebody out there who’s doing a good movie.”

Scott also discussed his plans for Gladiator 3. The hero from the film series is still alive in the story.

“He’s around and he technically is the Emperor of Rome, and so I have a footprint about what I think it should be.”

Scott is ready for another Gladiator film. He has also signed on to multiple sequels for the Aliens series.

But he turns down projects that don’t meet his standards.

Scott recently revealed he turned down a $20 million opportunity. Studios wanted him to direct Terminator 3. He refused because he would “fuck it up” by trying to “make it real.”

Many people hope artificial intelligence could help save Hollywood. Scott does not share this optimism. He is more worried about AI than excited by it.

Back in 2023, Scott warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence. He said we need to “lock down AI” before it gets out of hand.

“If I’m designing AI, I’m going to design a computer whose first job is to design another computer that’s cleverer than the first one. And when they get together, then you’re in trouble, because then it can take over the whole electrical-monetary system in the world and switch it off. That’s your first disaster. It’s a technical hydrogen bomb. Think about what that would mean.”

“AI will get dangerous.”

Scott’s comments reflect growing concerns in Hollywood. The industry faces multiple crises at once. Quality has declined dramatically in recent years.

Audiences are staying home instead of going to theaters. Box office numbers continue to disappoint. Streaming services flood the market with content.

But quantity does not equal quality. Scott makes this point clearly. Millions of movies get made globally. Most of them are worthless.

The legendary director sees the problem clearly. Hollywood lacks great stories and scripts. Digital effects cannot save bad writing. Technology is not a substitute for creativity.

Scott’s brutal honesty is refreshing. He says what many others in Hollywood are afraid to admit. The industry is drowning in mediocrity.

His own films stand the test of time. They don’t age because they were built on solid foundations. Great scripts, compelling characters, and strong direction matter more than special effects.

Hollywood should listen to Scott’s warnings. The industry needs to focus on quality over quantity. Better stories and scripts must become the priority.