2. 2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick's science fiction masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey was mentioned a number of times last autumn, with many critics seeing an obvious indebtedness to this film in Christopher Nolan's ambitious but flawed Interstellar. It's amazing that 2001: A Space Odyssey received mixed reviews when it first came out in 1968 - today, like many of the other classic movies on this list, it's regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, pushing the science fiction genre into entirely new philosophical realms. Kubrick changed the way cinema works as a visual medium, too, bringing to audiences what has been termed "pure cinema". If, however, you're the kind of film fan who found Interstellar too slow and a little boring, then chances are you've not taken the time to check out 2001. It's certainly an acquired taste (this is not action-packed fun for all the family) but for fans of films which attempt to redefine the nature of the cinematic experience and pose compelling high concepts about the nature of existence, your patience will be amply rewarded.