2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

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2001: A Space Odyssey

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Wins 57%
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Let the Awe and Mystery of a Journey Unlike Any Other Begin

Directed By Stanley Kubrick Stanley Kubrick Starring Keir Dullea Keir Dullea  •  Gary Lockwood Gary Lockwood  •  William Sylvester William Sylvester  •  Daniel Richter Daniel Richter  •  Leonard Rossiter Leonard Rossiter Genres Adventure  •  Based-on-20th-Century-Literature  •  Cyborg / Android / Robot  •  Mindbender  •  Mystery  •  Psychological Sci-Fi  •  Science Fiction  •  Space Adventure Studios &
Franchises
Academy Award Nominated  •  National Film Registry  •  AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers  •  AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills  •  They Shoot Pictures, Don't They?  •  1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die  •  Roger Ebert's Great Movies  •  Sight & Sound's Greatest Films of All Time Poll  •  AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies 10th Anniversary Edition  •  Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Nominated  •  Cinerama  •  BAFTA Award for Best Film Nominated  •  Academy Award for Best Production Design Nominated  •  Alamo Drafthouse 100  •  Time Out: London's 100 Best British Films  •  United Artists  •  Time Out: London's 100 Best Sci-Fi Movies  •  BBC's 100 Greatest American Films  •  The Cinemaholic's 100 Best Movies of All Time
Release Info 1968-04-06T00:00:00Z April 6, 1968
Color  •  141 minutes G Rated G
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2001: A Space Odyssey vs. Blade Runner

2001: A Space Odyssey Blade Runner VS.

winski7896 said on Feb 25

"2001, by far. Blade Runner is a great movie and probably the second-greatest sci-fi. But not..." more ►

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Comments (59)

 
Manmovies

Manmovies on 6/27/2012 Reply  · 

Easily one of the most influential and masterful movies ever made. Perfection.

13 people liked this  √ 

xenosaviour

xenosaviour on 6/28/2013 Reply  · 

My favorite movie of all time, no contenders even come close! The quality of production is just spectacular, but it does really lack content in comparison to the book. Considering they only had a couple hours, they did an excellent job.

1 person liked this  √ 

joshua528491

joshua528491 on 8/5/2013 Reply  · 

The greatest film ever made in my opinion!

5 people liked this  √ 

Danielod

Danielod on 9/15/2013 Reply  · 

Stunning...

5 people liked this  √ 

CTR479

CTR479 on 9/15/2013 Reply  · 

The most divisive,polarizing movie ever made. I love this movie. It's probably the most accomplished achievement in movie history. Stanley Kubrick was a genius,and one whose films will always,always be remembered.

2 people liked this  √ 

eleanor9y

eleanor9y on 11/5/2013 Reply  · 

Come on....why do you even match up the movies you do.? To get an honest idea of what movie goers truly like you could at least present 2 movies that have something in common and/or similar premises....then you might be able to truly see which movie fans like between the 2.

0 people liked this  √ 

eleanor9y

eleanor9y on 11/5/2013 Reply  · 

I saw this movie in 1968 and was awed.....had not seen anything like it.....and still haven't. Kubrick struck solid gold with this one. I felt like I had on a space suit and could hear my own breathing.....and HAL was somewhat frightening, huh? Belongs in any movie library.

4 people liked this  √ 

Showtimebr

Showtimebr on 12/3/2013 Reply  · 

You don't get to question the outstanding cinematography,brilliant soundtrack use,influence and overall quality here. I get it,and it should be this way. But accomplishments aside,this movie is SO SLOW. SO LETARGIC. I get the artistic indulgence,but There's 25 minute sequences that you really....need...strenght..to keep... up... with the passe... And it get's hard.

5 people liked this  √ 

PiccoloKing

PiccoloKing on 8/17/2014 Reply  · 

Thank you.

2 people liked this  √ 

Crapbaskets123

Crapbaskets123 on 8/4/2022 Reply  · 

Eh, I think the movie being slow isn't much of an issue. It really does depend person to person, though

0 people liked this  √ 

LordMaxykins

LordMaxykins on 1/10/2014 Reply  · 

An absolutely spectacular and breathtaking cinematic masterpiece. 2001: A Space Odyssey is simply incredible and amazing.

6 people liked this  √ 

cheesydog1

cheesydog1 on 4/13/2014 Reply  · 

One of the best of Kubrick

1 person liked this  √ 

cheesydog1

cheesydog1 on 4/17/2014 Reply  · 

I know that 2001 is one of those movies that people can't watch over and over again I have seen that film a bunch I mean really quiet and relaxing

3 people liked this  √ 

TheHonestFilmFan

TheHonestFilmFan on 6/14/2014 Reply  · 

A film that permeates it's audience.

8 people liked this  √ 

Danielod

Danielod on 7/22/2014 Reply  · 

One of the most intelligent films ever made. Kubrick was a genius!

5 people liked this  √ 

Nononsense

Nononsense on 7/23/2014 Reply  · 

People tend to use the term "once in a lifetime" too loosely, but in this case, 2001: A Space Odyssey is truly once in a lifetime. I don't think we'll ever see anything like it again. A sheer masterpiece if I ever saw one.

8 people liked this  √ 

Arthouse

Arthouse on 9/25/2014 Reply  · 

2001 is amazing. This is what got me into movies for real.

0 people liked this  √ 

AverageMovieBuff

AverageMovieBuff on 10/22/2014 Reply  · 

This is the most beautiful film ever made. It is simply the greatest and gorgeous movie that has come into existence. It conveys mind-bending intellect that will cause you to ask more questions than answers received from detailed analysis.

It has done something that will seem impossible. It has become its own metaphorical philosophy. In the film it will give interpretations on evolution, the rise of technology and the meaning of life.

The greatest film that have has ever been made.

2 people liked this  √ 

AverageMovieBuff

AverageMovieBuff on 4/20/2015 Reply  · 

I went a little overboard there, sorry. I was just in the moment...

0 people liked this  √ 

LandMiller

LandMiller on 4/25/2017 Reply  · 

Nothing to be sorry about, you described it perfectly.

0 people liked this  √ 

Crapbaskets123

Crapbaskets123 on 8/4/2022 Reply  · 

It's a phenomenal movie. I don't think it's the best film ever made, but it's up there and I could understand if someone were to think it really was. Because, this movie does everything right.

0 people liked this  √ 

AverageMovieBuff

AverageMovieBuff on 10/22/2014 Reply  · 

I would give this film an 11 out of 10

4 people liked this  √ 

Area_hulk

Area_hulk on 12/9/2014 Reply  · 

Let the Awe and Mystery of a Journey Unlike Any Other Begin

Fuck yeah. Truly a masterpiece

1 person liked this  √ 

hambone88

hambone88 on 12/22/2014 Reply  · 

If I could give this a -10/10 I would. If you cut out most of this movie you would have a good movie.

3 people liked this  √ 

AverageMovieBuff

AverageMovieBuff on 4/20/2015 Reply  · 

That doesn't make any sense. What parts do you want to cut? The ending? The beginning?

0 people liked this  √ 

hambone88

hambone88 on 5/20/2015 Reply  · 

All the parts of just astronaut breathing, the weird neon tunnel that served no purpose, and the giant floating baby at the end. The things I liked about it were the camera work, effects, HAL 9000 and his interactions with the crew, the beginning, and the score. The rest I absolutely hated.

4 people liked this  √ 

traceSD

traceSD on 2/3/2015 Reply  · 

Finally watched 2001. Wish i never did. Kubrick hasnt connected with me like so many claim he can.

3 people liked this  √ 

AverageMovieBuff

AverageMovieBuff on 4/20/2015 Reply  · 

You've got to appreciate the visuals though.

0 people liked this  √ 

Danny237

Danny237 on 3/5/2015 Reply  · 

I prefer The Shining, A Clockwork Orange and Dr. Strangelove from Kubrick, but is an great movie

0 people liked this  √ 

hambone88

hambone88 on 4/1/2015 Reply  · 

This movie deserves to be lower than 697 on my list, sadly I haven't seen anymore movies than that or it would be lower.

3 people liked this  √ 

AverageMovieBuff

AverageMovieBuff on 4/20/2015 Reply  · 

Oh I get it. April Fool's right?.. Right, man?

6 people liked this  √ 

hambone88

hambone88 on 5/20/2015 Reply  · 

No in all seriousness I tried to like this movie, I wanted to like it, but I don't consider it good by any standard. I actually hate this movie.

0 people liked this  √ 

hambone88

hambone88 on 5/20/2015 Reply  · 

If you look at my list it is at the very bottom with spiderman 3 and twilight.

0 people liked this  √ 

jakesnake21

jakesnake21 on 5/28/2015 Reply  · 

art.

3 people liked this  √ 

elbrycko

elbrycko on 7/18/2015 Reply  · 

For the entire movie I just felt like it was wasting my time... I wish I had just read a synopsis and then listened to Zarathustra and some Ligeti because those were the only good parts. And I could have gotten all that over with and moved on with my day sooner.

3 people liked this  √ 

Danny237

Danny237 on 7/19/2015 Reply  · 

Now...All makes sense! Oh shit.

0 people liked this  √ 

thejamin

thejamin on 8/16/2015 Reply  · 

A serious contender for the greatest film of all time.

3 people liked this  √ 

lukiushaufoy

lukiushaufoy on 2/27/2016 Reply  · 

It has great moments, but honestly I have no idea how anybody could tolerate how slow this is. Like a full two minutes of boring fuckers just walking across the room. Or 10 whole minutes of space and classical music.

5 people liked this  √ 

atti1xboy9005

atti1xboy9005 on 4/6/2016 Reply  · 

I find it slow and it is not one of my favorites but, I can not argue that it is one of the greatest films ever made.

1 person liked this  √ 

LandMiller

LandMiller on 4/25/2017 Reply  · 

The only people that don't like this movie are people who lack patience. You can't just watch this movie anytime, you have to be ready for it or else you won't understand it...In fact, I'm not sure if I fully understand it myself. It inspired almost any sci-fi movie that followed. The movie itself is a unique experience and a masterpiece.

1 person liked this  √ 

hambone88

hambone88 on 9/29/2017 Reply  · 

Not true, there are plenty of slow movies that I enjoy. This film is not an example of how to do pacing right, it does a few things well but it's pacing is trash.

6 people liked this  √ 

Eagleskywalker87

Eagleskywalker87 on 6/10/2017 Reply  · 

In a perfect world, 2001 appears on everyone's top 10 favourite movies list and those involved in making Suicide Sqaud, last year's Ghostbusters and Dead Men Tell No Tales never got into the film industry and instead are washing dishes at Sizzler. Oh I wish this world was real!

6 people liked this  √ 

PiccoloKing

PiccoloKing on 9/30/2018 Reply  · 

So there's no free-will in a perfect world...?

1 person liked this  √ 

Eagleskywalker87

Eagleskywalker87 on 11/7/2018 Reply  · 

Honestly, I really can't remember what I was thinking when I posted this comment, haha

1 person liked this  √ 

Eagle2018

Eagle2018 on 7/29/2018 Reply  · 

I saw this movie tonight in cinemas for its 50th anniversary, and it’s easily one of the best movie experiences of my life! It’s probably the most accomplished and influential movie in history! Movies are divided in two; Pre-2001 and Post-2001. Compare the filmmaking from before 1968 to after. This film made filmmakers realised how imaginative they can be. Every SCI-FI movie since has been inspired by 2001 in some way and most of the best directors today say that Kubrick was a huge inspiration. He was always willing to take a chance and make the audience think.

How about the movie itself? Absolute masterpiece! The visual storytelling and symbolism is unmatched, the classical music is beautifully mixed with the beautiful shots of space (watching it on the big screen was like watching a play except your taken on this journey through the solar system. Although, my ears are all ringing from the buzzing sound the monolith made at the end of the second act, haha), the visuals still look brilliant 50 years later and they give many modern day films a run for their money, the second half is both chilling and awe-inspiring with Dave's transformation continuing on the next stage of evolution and every moment with HAL 9000, the stargate sequence and the ending are some off the best 25 minutes in history! The messages about humanity, science, evolution and technology are very complex. Kubrick was a genius.

And yes, it’s slow. So what?! Most art is slow but there’s so much to admire that you get sucked into it like no other movie!

2 people liked this  √ 

Vosik

Vosik on 2/18/2019 Reply  · 

2001 is the most spectacular thing ever put on screen. The direction, the atmosphere, the use of classical music, the visuals, everything about this movie just fits so damn well together and makes for a stunning and breathtaking experience. No movie has ever connected with me as much as 2001 has. What I love even more is that there are so many different interpretations of this movie, showing that the movie is an extremely personal experience. Kubrick made the movie in such a way that everybody could come up with his own interpretation of 2001, and there are enough "hints" in the movie that support basically every interpretation. It's a movie that defines the word masterpiece and it's my all-time favourite film. Thank you, Kubrick.

2 people liked this  √ 

Vosik

Vosik on 8/30/2019 Reply  · 

Ok, I have to take back the thing I said about it being my all-time favourite film. It has dropped down to #2 recently because The Usual Suspects is just a hair better...

0 people liked this  √ 

Triscuit

Triscuit on 2/27/2020 Reply  · 

It’s erroneous to say this is a coherent film. I’ve seen transformers, and fast and furious movies with a better first, second, and third act.

2 people liked this  √ 

PiccoloKing

PiccoloKing on 4/13/2020 Reply  · 

It sucks.

2 people liked this  √ 

dylanlmao

dylanlmao on 8/23/2020 Reply  · 

Boring, so boring

1 person liked this  √ 

emilgraca1244

emilgraca1244 on 12/6/2020 Reply  · 

I wouldn't say it's one of my favorite films, but it's definitely an all-time great

1 person liked this  √ 

lyconthrope

lyconthrope on 12/19/2020 Reply  · 

I ranked this film very high. It was difficult for me to rank it cause it is very original, unique, extremely slow paced and each person can leave it with their own personal conclusions about what it truly meant though on the surface, it is about space travel and the evolution of man. Still, the visual are awesome even by today standards.

0 people liked this  √ 

Irish_Sicilian2

Irish_Sicilian2 on 12/30/2020 Reply  · 

It's more like a painting than a movie with an actual story. Great visuals for it's time with some intriguing ideas to ponder. It's very well made and haunting. Anyone who has seen this, despite if they love it or hate it, has to agree it's at least memorable. It's not a favorite of mine, but I do see why others love it so much.

0 people liked this  √ 

dovinmelhee

dovinmelhee on 1/31/2022 Reply  · 

A Black Hole, Aliens, Brains, Zombies and Unicorns. Everything is here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RprR-UY9Ww
Watch out outer space, this plan 9 goes to 11!

0 people liked this  √ 

Batboy3000

Batboy3000 on 8/12/2022 Reply  · 

I made the awful mistake of renting this movie instead of buying it. 2001 is one of the most engrossing movies I have ever watched. It's not just a film, it's an experience. Also, watch it in 4K. The visuals will blow your mind.

1 person liked this  √ 

Crapbaskets123

Crapbaskets123 on 10/8/2022 Reply  · 

This is one of the best looking movies I've ever seen. The cinematography and visuals are out of this world. The story itself is quite captivating and brilliantly captures the nature of humanity and the vast scope of the cosmos. It elegantly portrays the experience of being in outer space all the way down to the actual silence of it all. In a sense, 2001 is a different approach to human nature by comparison to Kubrick's other works due to its portrayal of humanity having an almost optimistic edge to it, paving the possibility for humanity to evolve past itself and roam beyond the stars, beyond conflict such as war which would all just be seen as, well, a little blue speck. It's pace is so immensely slow that it would be either unbearably boring or immensely hypnotic. Thankfully, most viewers including myself choose the latter. The movie is #3 on my chart and that will likely not change anytime soon. What a journey

2 people liked this  √ 

Blondie655321

Blondie655321 on 1/16/2023 Reply  · 

It can be a bit slow in the beginning, but this movie gets better on rewatch. Amazing visual cinematography. Stanley Kubrick is a fucking genius

0 people liked this  √ 

SatelliteFive

SatelliteFive on 7/5/2023 Reply  · 

Unapologetic, bombastic, immense, yet deeply personal. No movie uses cinema to convey its ideas and ask its questions as well as this one. It is a movie that reveals itself upon multiple viewings. This film asks questions about the nature of life, sentience, evolution, and humankind's place within it all, and chooses not to dole out the answers. Beautifully shot, groundbreaking practical special effects. It is a movie unafraid to take its time, setting a observational, cognitive space for the viewer. (Admitteldly, it's one flaw might be the 14-minute "Stargate"; I think I would have gotten the idea with a few minutes fewer.) A landmark achievement of cinema.

0 people liked this  √ 

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