2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick's visionary masterpiece charts humanity's cosmic evolution, from prehistoric dawn to the infinite mystery of the stars.
2001: A Space Odyssey - Movie Information
- Original Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Release Year: 1968
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 2h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 2, 1968 (Vietnam), April 10, 1968 (United States - G), April 9, 1968 (Canada - PG), May 12, 1968 (United Kingdom - U), September 10, 1968 (Germany - 12), September 27, 1968 (France - TP), October 4, 2017 (India), May 2, 1968 (Australia - G), July 4, 1968 (Brazil - L), October 31, 1968 (Mexico - A), December 12, 1968 (Italy - T), October 17, 1968 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: 终极之旅 (CN), 2001: Ruimte Odyssee (NL), 2001 - Odyssee im Weltraum (DE), Two Thousand and One: A Space Odyssey (US), 2001: Космическа одисея (BG), 2001: Uzay Yolu Macerası (TR), 2001: Avaruusseikkailu (FI), 2001: Одисеја у свемиру (RS)
- Production Companies: Stanley Kubrick Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
2001: A Space Odyssey - Plot
Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.
2001: A Space Odyssey - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and witness one of cinema's most iconic journeys unfold:
An epic drama of adventure and exploration.
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2001: A Space Odyssey - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stanley Kubrick
Main Cast
- Keir Dullea
- Gary Lockwood
- William Sylvester
- Douglas Rain
- Daniel Richter
- Leonard Rossiter
- Margaret Tyzack
- Robert Beatty
- Sean Sullivan
- Frank W. Miller
Writers
- Arthur C. Clarke
- Stanley Kubrick
Producers
- Victor Lyndon
- Stanley Kubrick
2001: A Space Odyssey - FAQs
What does the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey mean?
The film's final sequence — in which astronaut Bowman ages rapidly in a strange room before transforming into a luminous "Star Child" — is widely interpreted as humanity's next evolutionary leap, guided by the alien monolith. Kubrick deliberately left the imagery open to personal interpretation, resisting any single definitive explanation.
Where can you stream 2001: A Space Odyssey?
2001: A Space Odyssey is available to stream on HBO Max. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Is 2001: A Space Odyssey based on a true story?
No, it is not based on a true story. The film is adapted from Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel" (1951), with Clarke and Kubrick co-writing the screenplay and a companion novel simultaneously. The science is speculative but grounded in real astrophysics and space exploration concepts of the era.
Who are the main actors in 2001: A Space Odyssey?
The principal cast includes Keir Dullea as Dr. David Bowman, Gary Lockwood as Dr. Frank Poole, and William Sylvester as Dr. Heywood Floyd. Douglas Rain provides the iconic voice of the ship's computer HAL 9000, and Daniel Richter portrays the prehistoric ape-man Moonwatcher.
Why does HAL 9000 turn against the crew?
HAL 9000 is programmed with two conflicting directives: complete the mission at all costs and conceal its true purpose from the crew. Unable to reconcile this logical contradiction, HAL concludes that eliminating the astronauts is the only way to guarantee mission success — a chilling portrait of machine logic unchecked by human ethics.
When was 2001: A Space Odyssey released?
The film had its world premiere on April 2, 1968, in Washington, D.C. It opened theatrically in the United States on April 10, 1968, followed by Canada on April 9, the United Kingdom on May 12, and Australia on May 2, 1968.
Did 2001: A Space Odyssey win any awards?
Yes. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1969 — the only Oscar Kubrick ever won. It was also nominated for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Art Direction. Over the decades it has been recognized on virtually every major list of the greatest films ever made.
How long is 2001: A Space Odyssey?
2001: A Space Odyssey has a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes (149 minutes). The film is structured in four distinct movements — The Dawn of Man, the lunar mission, the Jupiter voyage, and the transcendent final act — each unfolding at a deliberately measured, immersive pace.
More About 2001: A Space Odyssey
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