A landmark of the science-fiction genre and a towering artistic achievement that traces humanity’s evolution from its humblest beginnings to its transcendence of corporeal form, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) earned acknowledgement across six of the American Film Institute’s lists recognizing the art form’s most essential works. Named by AFI as the #1 science-fiction film and included on both lists of the greatest films ever made – the original list and its 10th anniversary edition – the epic endeavor was also counted by AFI among cinema’s most inspiring triumphs and greatest thrills. The inscrutable HAL 9000 appeared as one of the great villains of the screen, and Dave’s (Keir Dullea) insistent and iconic line – “Open the pod bay doors, please, HAL.” – landed on AFI’s list of cinema’s most memorable quotes.
Learn more about 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY in the AFI Catalog.
