Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
A $12M gamble that's paid off handsomely: Universal Acclaim from critics (84 Metascore) and nearly $72M worldwide gross represents the kind of artistic and commercial vindication that justifies Kubrick's reputation for ambitious, costly visions.
2001 sits modestly above Kubrick's 82.5-point average across his other 10 scored films, but trails his masterpiece Dr. Strangelove (97)—a reminder that even the best directors rarely repeat their peaks.
Dullea's 84 Metascore represents a career high, vaulting 20 points above his 64-point average across four other scored films and finally exceeding his previous best, Bunny Lake Is Missing (77).
Budget $12M · Box office $71.9M