2001: A Space Odyssey
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) | Release Date: April 2, 1968
8.2
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Universal acclaim based on 1319 Ratings
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Mixed:
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Negative:
154
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10
branflakes4547Jun 25, 2019
Absolutely incredible. It is so rare that a movie blows me away time and time again, but this movie captures my attention immediately and never ceases to let go. I saw it 5 times before seeing it in theaters, and even for the sixth andAbsolutely incredible. It is so rare that a movie blows me away time and time again, but this movie captures my attention immediately and never ceases to let go. I saw it 5 times before seeing it in theaters, and even for the sixth and seventh time in a theater it blew me away. Probably the pinnacle of film making, and I do not believe it will ever be topped. It is certainly not for everybody, and there is no problem with that. But speaking for myself it is the bar to be reached by anyone and everyone in the coming decades. The cinematography, the sound design, the lighting, the acting, the writing, the production design (also the same person that did the special effects for the original star wars), literally everything about this film except possibly the pacing is just completely masterful. Definitely a movie everybody should see. If you don't like it, well that's okay, the average modern moviegoer will not be impressed. But if you like it, watch it again, and you will enjoy it just as much as every time preceding it. 110% mindboggling, and I do not use that term lightly. My jaw was on the floor, even on the seventh viewing. Always new stuff to uncover with this film… Expand
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9
DawdlingPoetNov 20, 2021
I found this to be quite an impressive film - not so much in terms of amazing special effects but moreso the absorbing mix of music used with the symbolism behind the visuals. Its quite old fashioned looking nowadays but then, of course, theI found this to be quite an impressive film - not so much in terms of amazing special effects but moreso the absorbing mix of music used with the symbolism behind the visuals. Its quite old fashioned looking nowadays but then, of course, the film dates from the late 1960s so thats hardly surprising, more inevitable. As others have, I believe, argued, it feels very relevant in modern day society, I say that with my thought being the main themes present, which I'd say are isolation, humanity (the future of) and within that, community (the importance of community), plus of course our reliance on technology.

It wouldn't feel quite so impactful if it weren't for the stirring use/placement of classical music. Its a very atmospheric film I'd say and I liked that I could hear the more mechanical, automated type noises in the background of scenes, reminding us that technology is relied upon to keep the spacecraft operating, adding to the artificial or sterile feel to the place, which in this instance is good, as unlike in other films, it (to me) felt genuinely unnerving, how close to the perceived environment the viewer felt through the use of sound and music. There are times when there's no dialogue and all that can be heard is, for example, the sound of oxygen flowing into a spacesuit, to keep the person alive while investigating outside the vessel.

There is definitely a feel of 'big brother' about it - with the computer device HAL 9000 being the inbuilt 'voice of technological reason' you could say. That voice being quite unemotional, quite matter-of-fact (you could say, robotic, funnily enough). There is something unsettling about that somehow. I thought it was interesting how said device/being seemingly challenged the humans/astronauts on board by making some potentially challenging observations and raising questions. I felt it was a well thought out script and it inevitably was quite thought provoking, in terms of me wondering where society is heading in the medium term. I find it hard to imagine we'll all routinely be in space but then no doubt people would find it very hard to believe we could interact with others by video screens in real time as is shown on this film released in the late 60s and that is now possible via iPhones and Facetime and the like.

I noted the use of what seemed to me like pinhole camera angles/shots used, whereby the viewer only sees the middle of the image, or at other times around the sort of border of the shot the surroundings appear to be pointing inwards. This added to the sense of claustrophobia, I felt. I'd say there's almost a hypnotic sense to it.

I was just watching this at home on a smallish (under 28 inch) screen but yet I felt surprisingly engrossed in it and I quite enjoyed it - its certainly one of the better sci-fi films I've seen, so I'd happily recommend it and give it a high star rating.… Expand
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10
jakepanek0125Sep 15, 2019
The single greatest achievement in the history of cinema - maybe even in general. A profound, striking film. MASTERPIECE
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8
TheEventsOf1989Dec 29, 2019
A tangent on subject material or origins doesn't mean a movie is a failure. And while 2001: A Space Odyssey is a heavy re-interpretation of the original short story, it doesn't fall short of being a icon of cinema. But that's not the reasonA tangent on subject material or origins doesn't mean a movie is a failure. And while 2001: A Space Odyssey is a heavy re-interpretation of the original short story, it doesn't fall short of being a icon of cinema. But that's not the reason for all its fame, the story and visuals puts a distinct feeling on the audience, allowing for many different takes and perceptions, but I didn't see this as to prestigious or artsy. I think if you have the patience, you can easily enjoy the drama.… Expand
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7
MglovesfunFeb 4, 2020
While I can sympathize with people who don't like this film, I was very much drawn into the whole atmosphere and very much enjoyed it. My attention did wander in parts, however.
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10
FRETIYRApr 28, 2020
An EPIC movie, by Stanley Kubrick and yet is one of the greatest movies of all time, might not predicted the future but still is amazing to watch
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9
Onlyclassicvg1Feb 18, 2021
2001: A Space Odyssey is a countdown to tomorrow, a road map to human destiny, a quest for the infinite. To begin his voyage into the future, Kubrick visits our prehistoric ape-ancestry past, then leaps millenia (via one of the most2001: A Space Odyssey is a countdown to tomorrow, a road map to human destiny, a quest for the infinite. To begin his voyage into the future, Kubrick visits our prehistoric ape-ancestry past, then leaps millenia (via one of the most mind-blowing jump cuts ever conceived) into colonized space, and ultimately whisks astronaut Bowman (Dulle… Expand
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10
ZiphiasFeb 20, 2021
The greatest film ever made. It tells a profound story of humanity and evolution. It completely blew me away on first watch and it was engaging all the way through. Even though I hate the word, this is a so-called masterpiece and perhaps theThe greatest film ever made. It tells a profound story of humanity and evolution. It completely blew me away on first watch and it was engaging all the way through. Even though I hate the word, this is a so-called masterpiece and perhaps the greatest of such.… Expand
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10
ShonnakanJul 26, 2020
A dazzling movie whose ambitions lie as high as the stars...... 2001 : A Space Odyssey by Stanley Kubrick is a revolutionary movie. The visual effects used in this movie still holds up after 52 years of release.The storytelling is subtle andA dazzling movie whose ambitions lie as high as the stars...... 2001 : A Space Odyssey by Stanley Kubrick is a revolutionary movie. The visual effects used in this movie still holds up after 52 years of release.The storytelling is subtle and requires a lot of attention and thought. Not everyone
will understand the intentions of this movie but if you do, this movie will grow on you and never leave your mind......… Expand
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10
abrarqadirJul 21, 2020
2001 is Not my favorite Kubrick film, but I would feel silly if I didn't acknowledge it as Kubrick's best. 2001 must be on the short list for best Movie of all time. This is despite the fact that the movie is undeniably boring. But slowly2001 is Not my favorite Kubrick film, but I would feel silly if I didn't acknowledge it as Kubrick's best. 2001 must be on the short list for best Movie of all time. This is despite the fact that the movie is undeniably boring. But slowly hurtling through space could be nothing but boring, which only adds to the iconic realism. It is unendingly shocking that this movie was made in the 60's, and yet manages to stand head and shoulders above any other movie's representation of living in the dark vastness of space. Even Interstellar ends up feeling somewhat childish after seeing this. The 2 astronaut leads may seem "cold and distant" but are exactly what someone in their position would be. The celestial ballet Kubrick manages to convey/visualize is certainly spiritual in nature, even if no religious thought sits behind it. This film's prescience in visualizing the future (i.e. now - the present) is stupefying. The "Hal" storyline holds as much suspense as a Hitchcock movie. I was underwhelmed by the very end of the film, but I have also come to believe that Kubrick is both bad at, and apathetic to, the art of ending movies. I don't think he finds any joy in the end of movies, and it shows. But even certifiable flaws cannot upend this movie's clear status as 21st Century Masterpiece.… Expand
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7
xklnbx14Aug 4, 2020
The only reason I'm giving this film a seven is because of the ending which piqued my interest. Otherwise, it would have been a six. The setting is incredibly well made, the symbolism is cool, but the pacing is just so, so slow. The acting,The only reason I'm giving this film a seven is because of the ending which piqued my interest. Otherwise, it would have been a six. The setting is incredibly well made, the symbolism is cool, but the pacing is just so, so slow. The acting, for me, just wasn't quite there, but I enjoyed some of it, so it would have been a six but the ending was quite intriguing, so it's a seven.… Expand
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10
SeyeerGameFeb 25, 2022
при просмотре данного шедевра, у меня возникло сильное желание завести себе домашнюю обезьяну
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6
akshatmahajanJun 15, 2021
2001: A Space Odyssey is ahead of it's time. Movie came in 1968 and showed so many things which didn't exist before 90s. This movie is said to be best space movie ever made. I disagree. Yes, it might be best space movie of it's time but not2001: A Space Odyssey is ahead of it's time. Movie came in 1968 and showed so many things which didn't exist before 90s. This movie is said to be best space movie ever made. I disagree. Yes, it might be best space movie of it's time but not of all time.

Movie doesn't make perfect sense to me. The story is normal, the characters don't really get through you and the ending made no sense to me. The movie was unnecessarily slow paced and too long (2½ hours). Movie didn't have any proper explaination. I just think this movie is too much overrated. I liked this movie just because it was ahead of its time wheather you talk about visual effects, general idea of the movie and the idea of what space was like. Overall, I liked the movie for the reasons I told earlier but at the same time I would same that it is overrated and boring.… Expand
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10
DipkhatiwadaMar 24, 2021
Cinema's biggest achievement . One of the hypnotic films with some of the best special effects ever
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10
Edgy_666Dec 26, 2020
Bluffing! A real aesthetic slap in the face! Of a nameless beauty. With amazing special effects.
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9
AJ_13Jan 11, 2021
This film is one of the infinite reasons why Kubrick was way ahead of his time. The cinematography and OST are stunning. Nevertheless it may be a bit slow and its ending practically cant be understood unless you search an explanation for it.
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10
Amirhosein2005Jul 4, 2021
An extremely amazing and wonderful film that is considered one of the greatest science fiction films. A film that closes the mouths and captivates the eyes! It is definitely amazing to see a film about the evolution of human beings with aAn extremely amazing and wonderful film that is considered one of the greatest science fiction films. A film that closes the mouths and captivates the eyes! It is definitely amazing to see a film about the evolution of human beings with a very beautiful visual style of the 60's!… Expand
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10
EdReviewMay 21, 2023
2001: A Space Odyssey is not just a science-fiction film, it is THE science-fiction film par excellance.
All sci-fi films released after 1968 owe something to it.
This film is mesmerizing and it glues you to the screen with extraordinary2001: A Space Odyssey is not just a science-fiction film, it is THE science-fiction film par excellance.
All sci-fi films released after 1968 owe something to it.
This film is mesmerizing and it glues you to the screen with extraordinary shots that show just how visionary Kubrick was. Its slow pace can be tedious for some people, but I really don't consider it a flaw. If I really have to find a downside, it is that over the course of the film it's impossibile to become emotionally attached to the characters, because they are not so developed. 2001: A Space Odyssey is the film that showed how science-fiction cinema can be great cinema.… Expand
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10
Abso_lute1Jul 14, 2021
A beautiful and mesmerizing piece of cinema that is undeniably a masterpiece as well as very subtle.
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10
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
Amazing. I wish I could summarize my experience of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" using one word, but that is unfeasible. Sure, I typed ‘Amazing' as the one opening word of this review, but it is an understatement because KubrickAmazing. I wish I could summarize my experience of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" using one word, but that is unfeasible. Sure, I typed ‘Amazing' as the one opening word of this review, but it is an understatement because Kubrick has boldly sculptured a magnificently ambitious work of art which continues to innovate filmmaking, challenge audience expectations and perceptions, and welcome intellectual discussions about its subject matter. If I could award a film that goes above and beyond a five star rating, this would be it.… Expand
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10
Arthur2021Nov 21, 2021
The best movie about space I’ve ever seen.I assure you by watching it you won’t be disappointed.
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10
JayCasparDec 21, 2021
A Masterpiece? Yes.

Groundbreaking? Yes.

Beautiful? Yes.

The best science fiction Film ever made? No.

No, because I don't believe in Imperialism.


A must see? Most definitely.
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8
royalguy07Jun 5, 2022
Features about 25 minutes too much of overindulgent setup and display. But I was ultimately won over by the other 2 hours of gorgeous "how the F did they shoot that scene?" cinematography and composition.
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10
ChoppersBagFeb 28, 2022
There are not many words I can use to describe this film but I will say this: 2001: A Space Odyssey is a masterpiece, Amazing Story, Incredible Cinematography, and a soundtrack that you won't be able to get out of your head for months.
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8
infraReconJun 23, 2023
"What in the actual F is this movie" is the reaction I had after watching this, I had to do a little research into the ending because it just hits you like a Brick. Now before going on about how I wouldn't say I like this movie, that it's a"What in the actual F is this movie" is the reaction I had after watching this, I had to do a little research into the ending because it just hits you like a Brick. Now before going on about how I wouldn't say I like this movie, that it's a masterpiece...

Let me say this, this is a well-filmed, uneasy, exciting movie about the potential evolution of mankind, while this won't necessarily be the path we will choose anytime soon, I think that in the grand scope of things, and I mean grand, this movie explores potential vital things that the human race will have to endure.

I like everything up to the point of the very end, I think it's a bit creepy and maybe a bit forced that Dave became a, well you know.

For a movie made back in 1968 where there was literally little to no CGI, it's impressive. Does it still hold up by today's standards? Ha, No but I understood the intention.

Is this a masterpiece of a space film, well that's purely based on your perspective, and personally I don't think so.

It's not the story it's just that it maybe takes a little bit too long on some scenes, it would've been better if there were more scenarios happening, also some plot lines and scenes are a bit stupid, maybe it's just me but I saw the whole reading the lips of the 2 characters an obvious thing that would happen, but it's still all around great.

I'm gonna give this an 8/10, for some, this may be boring, but for others fairly interesting.
We need a more modern space movie with this type of film prowess, done correctly, only this time make it have the 70s, and 80s flare to it, focusing perhaps on a specific period of human space evolution.

Nothing like the Cloverfield paradox, something Drama based, uneasy, and realistic.

Space may be the final frontier but we first need to conquer reviews.… Expand
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10
Raiden301Sep 18, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When I first tried watching 2001, I thought it was the most boring movie ever. You just want Hal to show up and cause trouble but instead you're dealing with monkeys for 15 minutes. On my second viewing something about the film clicked and I found it to be one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. While the classic theme of the film can come off as silly when the money sashes a bone onto the skeletal remains of a mammoth. The music genuinely carries other parts of the film later. For example the entire first half is mostly silence, with the addition of classical music as we're shown off all the spectacular effects Kubrick has painstakingly created. The story mostly comes in slowly until the introduction of Dave and Hal, who develop an interesting dynamic, which becomes a total opposition to each other by the end. Hal himself is one of the best representations of the artificial intelligence concept, from the clear pride he displays in his voice, to his desperate peas by then end of his story, he encapsulates all sorts of human emotion throughout his time.in the film. The ending becomes a different story all together with dave gaining a weather of knowledge that turns the film into an lsd trip. While many people might think this last segment of the film means nothing, to me it means everything. I don't necessarily want to say what my interpretation is, because I think this is a scene you should see without any influences on what to think or feel about it. Regardless Kubrick's 2001, is one of the greatest achievements in film without a doubt. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a different type of film that's more comfortable with visually conveying it's ideas to you then any real character interaction. It's beautiful and please watch it… Expand
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10
Maxisgoat1717Apr 9, 2023
Why it rocks: A very revolutionary film. A film that really made you think about yourself. 2001 makes you think about the endless vacuum of space and the horrors of our own technology. The first time viewing this is unlike anything I’ve everWhy it rocks: A very revolutionary film. A film that really made you think about yourself. 2001 makes you think about the endless vacuum of space and the horrors of our own technology. The first time viewing this is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. It felt like I was watching the movie of the universe. It was something I’ll never experience again.… Expand
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1
johnnyboy53Jan 21, 2023
2001: A Space Odyssey is an interminable snooze-fest that will have you counting the minutes until the end. Sure, the special effects may have been groundbreaking in 1968, but let's be real, they look pretty cheesy now. And what's with the2001: A Space Odyssey is an interminable snooze-fest that will have you counting the minutes until the end. Sure, the special effects may have been groundbreaking in 1968, but let's be real, they look pretty cheesy now. And what's with the ending? I have no idea what I just watched. Was it a psychedelic trip or a sci-fi flick? I'm still trying to figure out what the monoliths represent. All I know is that I wasted two hours of my life on this pretentious mess. Save yourself the trouble and go watch The Martian instead. At least that movie knows what it wants to be.… Expand
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10
ChleoslJun 16, 2023
"Movie" is an "Expression". and this movie had expressed the original, universal value for entire humanity, eternity beyond trinity. the transcends of individual intelligence, society intelligence, (our) real genuine to it's intellect own,"Movie" is an "Expression". and this movie had expressed the original, universal value for entire humanity, eternity beyond trinity. the transcends of individual intelligence, society intelligence, (our) real genuine to it's intellect own, existing as intelligence itself; showing our future, genuinely.

The looking of advancement and omnipresentic value of existing intelligence, on the existing universe. In the perspective of human, to the universal value of us and beyond intellectual bodies.

my all time favorite.
pure aesthetics form of value universal.… Expand
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10
ChrisNortonAug 7, 2023
A near perfect movie, one of the greatest films of all time. Should be on everyone's top ten list of all time. To say this film was beyond its time in 1968 is an understatement from its technicality, set design, execution of every shot - it'sA near perfect movie, one of the greatest films of all time. Should be on everyone's top ten list of all time. To say this film was beyond its time in 1968 is an understatement from its technicality, set design, execution of every shot - it's all some of the best you'll ever see and will leave you in complete awe. It's a film that is everlasting in time and will make you question what is the meaning of life and what is out there? It also somehow predicts at some point a machine created by man can also create its own ego and conflict with that man, meaning life or death and the struggle for our existence of both. At the end it also might say does the struggle for existence really matter? And by how much? I can only imagine when this film originally came out the conversations it spawned from it's accompanied viewers and it will continue to inspire that forever.

Setting, Conflict, Character, Dialogue, Theme, Plot, and Climax: A+

Runtime: 2:29

Audience Engagement (do you feel runtime): No

Top Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi (Fiction)

Genre(s) rating Adventure - 9 Sci-Fi- 10

Genre Average Score: 9.5 Directing: 10 Cinematography/lighting: 10 Story/Narrative: 10 Structure: 9 Dialogue: 10 Score(music): 10 Editing: 10 Acting: 10 Characterization: 8 Mise en Scène/Visual Design: 10 Visual Effects: 10 Sound Design: 10 Costumes/Makeup: 10 Lasting Impact: 10 Originality: 10

Overall: 9.78… Expand
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