Every major House in Dune franchise, ranked by influence

The Dune universe would not exist without the Great Houses, which are the central seats of power within the Imperium. These houses make up the political and economic framework of the universe, and their influence is paramount. Under the rule of the Padishah Emperor, the houses are divided into major and minor houses.

The key factor that distinguishes the major houses from the minor ones is their control over the spice, 'melange,' the most valuable substance in the universe. Major houses control entire planets and their economies, including military forces, giving them significant power and influence across the Imperium.

In contrast, minor houses, often referred to as the "workers" for the spice lords, are subordinate to the major houses. They are answerable to these dominant families and generally have less political or economic power.

Each house in the Dune universe maintains a base of operations on a specific planet, which is often their ancestral home. Some houses, however, have been banished to planets known as "Tupile" under a decree from the Emperor or a ruling by the Landsraad. The Great Houses together form a governing body known as the Landsraad.

This article explores the major houses in the Dune franchise, ranked by their influence.

Note: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

House Atreides, House Corrino, and other major influences in the Dune franchise

The "big three" are the heavyweight contenders vying for dominance in the Dune universe. Each of these major houses maintains its own standing army, flag, heraldic symbol, code of arms, and representative colors. The Dune franchise focuses primarily on these three powerful families.

1) House Atreides

Paul Atreides, last duke in the House of Atreides (Image via Instagram/@dunemovie)

House Atreides is one of the most influential families in the Dune franchise, known for their nobility and honor. The house ruled the planet Caladan for over 20 generations. Led by Duke Leto, House Atreides became a symbol of being fair and loyal, though he sometimes appeared authoritative.

The Atreides family is known for maintaining a strong tradition of military discipline, with swordmasters, war leaders, and Mentats trained to guide their armies. They are also known for developing their battle language, a unique communication design for war. House Atreides' military skill and organization are key to their continued influence and survival, even amid constant political intrigue.

Giedi Prime, Caladan, their capital, is a world of natural beauty with minimal industrialization. Under Duke Leto's reign, the family is also proficient in warfare, as evidenced by their strategic use of military resources.

Some important characters in the Atreides family include Duke Leto I, his son Paul Muad’Dib, his daughter Alia, and the ancient founder of the house, Atreus.

2) House Corrino

Princess Irulan, a member of House Corrino in Dune (Image via Instgram/@dunemovie)

House Corrino is the current imperial house in reign with Emperor Shaddam IV on the throne. Shaddam IV is known for his political tactics within the Imperial Court. For over a thousand years, House Corrino has served as the ruling family of the Imperium, with their residence located on planet Kaitain.

This house is known for having the most formidable military forces in the universe: the Sardaukar. The soldiers possess combat prowess, which makes the Corrinos unbeatable in battles, and it is impossible to overthrow the Corrino family with this strong military might behind them. To overthrow them, all Great Houses of the Landsraad have to combine, and this shows just how influential this house is.

House Corrino, also known for its obsession with power, often relied on backstabbing and treacherous tactics to stay in power. An example is when they secretly supplied Sardaukar troops to House Harkonnen to help eliminate House Atreides.

Some influential members of House Corrino include Emperor Shaddam IV and his daughter, Princess Irulan.

3) House Harkonnen

Baron Vladimir Harkonnen of House Harkonnen is a villainous character who rules the house. Harkonnen is a major house of the Landsraad, with this capital on planet Giedi Prime.

The Harkonnens are the long-time enemies of House Atreides of Caladan due to an ancient feud that dates back to the Battle of Corrin. The Harkonnen are infamous for their sinister political tactics, driven by hatred and brutality.

The house eventually got destroyed after the Battle of Arrakis. Though the family line survived on Giedi Prime, later renamed "Gammu," House Harkonnen’s power was shattered.

Members of House Harkonnen include Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and his nephews Feyd-Rautha and Rabban.

While the Dune franchise primarily focuses on these three houses, there are other other Great Houses as well:

4) House Fenring

House Fenring is a mysterious and deadly family led by a count. Known for its close ties to the Imperial House, it is often considered an extension of the Emperor’s power. A notable head of House Fenring is Count Hasimir Fenring, an assassin and trusted confidant of Emperor Shaddam IV. Despite its influence, House Fenring never had a secure homeworld and was often positioned near House Corrino.

5) House Ginaz

House Ginaz is a respected ally of House Atreides during the reign of Duke Leto I, renowned across the Imperium for its prestigious swordmaster school. Many great houses would send their best warriors to train at the Ginaz School.

6) House Vernius

House Vernius is one of the most technologically advanced families in the Imperium, known for their innovations and long-standing influence in machinery and tech. Their homeworld, Ix, is the center of their manufacturing prowess and is the major supplier of high-tech equipment to the Imperium, especially after winning an economic war with House Richese.

Some characters from the Houses in Dune universe (Image via Instagram/@dunemovie)

7) House Richese

House Richese, a rival of House Vernius, is another powerhouse in the manufacturing and technology sectors of the Imperium. Known for its superior machinery and tech innovations, House Richese has a reputation for producing some of the finest machines in the galaxy. Despite their rivalry with House Vernius, House Richese is known for excelling in creating machines and artificial intelligence.

8) House Ordos

House Ordos, a minor yet powerful house in the Dune universe, hailed from the icy world of Sigma Draconis IV. Known for their smuggling operations, House Ordos thrives on the illegal trade of forbidden technologies.

Their wealth, built on trade and sabotage, made them both paranoid and powerful. The Ordos are infamous for importing illegal weapons and technology from the mysterious planet X, gaining a reputation as the "tech geeks" of the galaxy.

Other houses include House Halleck, House Matuli, and House Moritani. To explore more about the Dune universe, one can watch: