Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" is a classic of the genre. The story, a collaboration between Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clarke, spans millions of years, dealing with evolution, humanity, technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrials.
The film has been cited as an inspiration by many other directors on this list and has routinely been called one of the best science-fiction movies ever made. The film's resonant themes and beautiful visuals make for a movie that is as impressive to watch as it is to absorb.
"2001" has added much to popular culture, from the menacing red eye of computer-intelligence HAL 9000 to the strains of Richard Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra" set to views of planetary ballet.
The young girl who portrays Dr. Floyd (William Sylvester)'s daughter, who he chats with via a video call, is Kubrick's daughter Vivian Kubrick.
