2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Kernel Score: 94% · 12,388 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
Released: 1968-04-02
Runtime: 149 minutes
Is 2001: A Space Odyssey worth watching?
Must-watch. Kubrick's slow, silent, visually astonishing journey from the dawn of humanity to deep space, with HAL 9000 as one of cinema's great villains. It demands patience and explains little, which is its point.
Watch it if you
- love thoughtful, visual science fiction
- are happy with slow pacing and little dialogue
- like films that leave you with questions
Skip it if you
- want fast plot and clear answers
- need action or lots of talk to stay engaged
Best for: Quiet, focused night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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 parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that 2001: A Space Odyssey is a G-rated science fiction classic exploring evolution, AI, and space travel with minimal objectionable content.
- Violence & scariness: A little — An AI rebellion subplot includes tense, low-graphic peril aboard a spacecraft.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey
If you liked 2001: A Space Odyssey, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Solaris (1972) — 89%: Slow, philosophical space drama about the limits of understanding.
- Interstellar (2014) — 95%: Big-screen space epic about humanity's future.
- Moon (2009) — 87%: Lonely, thoughtful space story with a single astronaut.
- Forbidden Planet (1956) — 81%: Early space adventure that shaped sci-fi films.
- Gravity (2013) — 81%: Visually immersive space survival story.
- Ghost in the Shell (1995) — 92%: Cerebral sci-fi about machines and consciousness.
Director
Cast
- Keir Dullea as Dr. David Bowman
- Gary Lockwood as Dr. Frank Poole
- William Sylvester as Dr. Heywood Floyd
- Douglas Rain as HAL 9000 (voice)
- Daniel Richter as Moonwatcher
- Leonard Rossiter as Dr. Andrei Smyslov
- Margaret Tyzack as Elena
- Robert Beatty as Dr. Ralph Halvorsen
- Sean Sullivan as Dr. Roy Michaels
- Frank W. Miller as Mission Controller (voice)
2001: A Space Odyssey FAQ
Is 2001: A Space Odyssey worth watching?
Must-watch. Kubrick's slow, silent, visually astonishing journey from the dawn of humanity to deep space, with HAL 9000 as one of cinema's great villains. It demands patience and explains little, which is its point.
Where can I watch 2001: A Space Odyssey?
In the US you can stream 2001: A Space Odyssey on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is 2001: A Space Odyssey OK for kids?
2001: A Space Odyssey is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that 2001: A Space Odyssey is a G-rated science fiction classic exploring evolution, AI, and space travel with minimal objectionable content.
What movies are like 2001: A Space Odyssey?
If you liked 2001: A Space Odyssey, try Solaris, Interstellar, Moon and Forbidden Planet.