The life and work of Stanley Kubrick: every film in order, from Paths of Glory to Eyes Wide Shut
Who was Stanley Kubrick? His life and essential films in order, from Paths of Glory and 2001: A Space Odyssey to The Shining and Eyes Wide Shut, with his style and where to start.
Stanley Kubrick was an American director, born on July 26, 1928, in New York City, who died on March 7, 1999. He made Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange and The Shining, and is known for his perfectionism and for films that change genre after genre. This guide follows his career film by film, with posters, so you can see where to start.
Stanley Kubrick at a glance
- Born: July 26, 1928, in New York City, United States (died March 7, 1999, in England)
- Known for: Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining and Full Metal Jacket
- Signature: perfectionism, symmetrical one-point perspective, classical music in unexpected places and a cold, ironic view of human nature
- Honors: the Oscar for the visual effects of 2001: A Space Odyssey and four nominations for Best Director
Early life and career
Kubrick was a staff photographer for Look magazine as a teenager and taught himself filmmaking with low-budget features in the 1950s. In the early 1960s he moved to England, where he made nearly all of his later films, working slowly and with total control. He directed only thirteen feature films across more than four decades.
The films, era by era
Paths of Glory (1957)
A French colonel defends soldiers accused of cowardice in World War I, with Kirk Douglas. A short, furious antiwar film that made Kubrick's name.
Spartacus (1960)
Kirk Douglas leads a slave revolt against Rome in a vast epic. Kubrick took over the direction and later distanced himself from the film.
Lolita (1962)
Adapted from Vladimir Nabokov's novel, a professor becomes obsessed with a teenager. A dark comedy that was controversial at the time.
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
A black comedy about nuclear war in which Peter Sellers plays three roles. It turns the Cold War into a farce and earned four Oscar nominations.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
A journey from the dawn of humanity to a monolith near Jupiter and the computer HAL 9000. It won the Oscar for Visual Effects and changed science fiction.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Alex and his gang commit ultraviolence in a near-future Britain. A harsh satire of violence and control that stirred huge controversy.
Barry Lyndon (1975)
An Irish adventurer rises and falls in eighteenth century Europe. Shot with natural light and candlelight, it won four Oscars for its craft.
The Shining (1980)
A writer and his family become caretakers of an isolated hotel in winter, with Jack Nicholson. Kubrick's version of Stephen King's novel became a horror classic.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Marine recruits go from boot camp to the Vietnam War. The first half, with the drill sergeant, is among the most quoted in war movies.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
A doctor goes through a night of secrets in New York, with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It is Kubrick's last film, released in 1999 after his death.
Stanley Kubrick movies in order
- Paths of Glory (1957)
- Spartacus (1960)
- Lolita (1962)
- Dr. Strangelove (1964)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- Barry Lyndon (1975)
- The Shining (1980)
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
- Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
What defines a Stanley Kubrick film?
- Perfectionism. Dozens of takes, years of preparation and total control over image, sound and music.
- Symmetry and depth. Long corridors, wide-angle lenses, slow zooms and one-point perspective.
- Music in unexpected places. Strauss, Beethoven and Ligeti turn familiar scenes into something strange and unforgettable.
Frequently asked questions about Stanley Kubrick
Who is Stanley Kubrick?
Stanley Kubrick was an American director, born on July 26, 1928, in New York City, who died on March 7, 1999. He made Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange and The Shining, and is known for his perfectionism and for films that change genre after genre. This guide follows his career film by film, with posters, so you can see where to start.
When and where was Stanley Kubrick born?
Stanley Kubrick was born on July 26, 1928, in New York City and died on March 7, 1999, in England, where he lived for most of his career.
What is Stanley Kubrick's best movie?
There is no single answer. Critics often point to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove or The Shining, while many fans love A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon. Rate them on Rankiew to build your own ranking.
Which Stanley Kubrick movie should I watch first?
Start with Dr. Strangelove for comedy, The Shining for horror, 2001: A Space Odyssey for science fiction and Full Metal Jacket for war. Paths of Glory is the best short introduction to his early work.
Did Stanley Kubrick win the Oscar for Best Director?
No. Kubrick was nominated for Best Director four times but never won the category. His only Oscar was for the visual effects of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Rate every Stanley Kubrick movie
Which one is your favorite? On Rankiew you can rate every film, write reviews and build your own list of Stanley Kubrick movies.
Sources: official studio releases, filmographies and public records.
