Why '2001: A Space Odyssey' Was Named the Greatest Film Ever Made
When a highly respected outlet named a 1968 masterpiece the "best movie of all time," that typically would have sparked a fierce fight online amongst film fans. However, the science fiction epic has been such a topic of obsession for moviegoers for decades that the furious reaction people might expect never seemed to materialize. Instead, the discussion over what makes the film such a stunning cinematic achievement has raged on.
Why ‘2001: A Space Odyssey' Was Ranked the ‘Best Movie of All Time'
In February 2026, Time Out updated its ranking of "the best movies of all time." The highly respected outlet put 2001: A Space Odyssey at the very top of its list as No. 1. Time Out described the film as the outcome of "two brilliant minds," director Stanley Kubrick and writer Arthur C. Clarke. It praised the movie for its "eye-candy Stargate sequence," "pioneering visuals," and its "clinical vision of the future" that feels prophetic. The publication also described the movie as featuring "indelible images and huge ideas."
One of the epic science fiction film's biggest strengths was that it was helmed by Kubrick, arguably the most visionary filmmaker of all time. Known for how precisely he envisioned each of his projects, Kubrick was at the peak of his powers when he made 2001: A Space Odyssey. After all, he crafted one of the most ambitious movies ever made from a visual and storytelling perspective.
In addition to the movie's truly stunning opening and ending sequences, 2001: A Space Odyssey also arguably created one of the best characters in film history, HAL 9000. Most movie villains have faces that viewers can attach their animosity to. But, as a disembodied artificial intelligence, HAL 9000 lacks a physical presence for viewers to direct their anger at.
It is HAL 9000's cold logic and detached vocalization that make it so incredibly frightening. In fact, it could be argued that HAL 9000 is scarier than any demon or monster from a horror movie because it feels like a real threat that is indifferent to any suffering it causes. It is 2001: A Space Odyssey's perfectly crafted story that makes such an unconventional character so effective.
Why People Are Still Obsessed With ‘2001: A Space Odyssey'
All of the reasons why 2001: A Space Odyssey has been named the "best movie of all time" play a significant role in why generations of fans are still obsessed with the film. There is another reason people can't get enough of debating and discussing the movie: No matter how deeply people analyze Kubrick's masterpiece, the debate over what it means will never end.
In July 2025, CBR updated its article explaining the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey, as if new information about its meaning had just come to light. That outlet's take on that one aspect of the epic film is a drop in the ocean of discussion about the science fiction film's themes and intended meaning. Additionally, it seems like every day there is someone who sits back on their couch trying to digest the movie and infer its message after watching it for the first time. For that reason alone, the obsession with 2001: A Space Odyssey will likely never die.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 7:45 AM.