We are here with another engrossing article on the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. He is a director who practically needs no introduction. Having said that, if you’re not quite familiar with many of his films, then do not worry. We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dig out and discuss Stanley Kubrick Movies With 8 IMDb Rating.
Stanley Kubrick was born and raised in New York City. At the early stage of his career, in the late 40s and 50s, he worked for a magazine called Look, as a photographer. Eventually, he taught himself all the other important aspects of photography and filmmaking. In 1956, he made his directorial debut. The film was made on an extremely low budget. He was established as an influential and successful director, after he released Paths Of Glory in 1957, with Kirk Douglas in the lead role.
Kubrick made a serious mark with his 1968 Sci/Fi movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey. This is the movie that redefined and reinvented the science fiction genre. However, if you like watching time travel or space movies then make sure to check out the list.
Now, without wasting any more time, let’s move forward and find out about Stanley Kubrick Movies with 8 IMDb ratings.
Table of Contents
7 Magnificent Stanley Kubrick Movies With 8 IMDb Ratings
Apart from being an Auteur and a remarkable director, Kubrick is also a producer and a screenwriter. He is often known for some of his controversial films that deal with sensitive issues. But, he is the kind of director who deliberately wants to make the audience uncomfortable with reality.
If you happen to be an honest cinema lover, then you have to explore and understand his films. Now that you have an idea about the critically acclaimed director, let’s introduce you to some of his outstanding movies with 8 IMDb ratings. However, before that, if you wish to check out some other underrated and incredible movies with high IMDb rating, then do not forget to see the list we created for you.
#1 Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Hollywood has produced a number of war movies, and some of them are remarkable, but Full Metal Jacket (1987) is a movie that changed people’s perspective towards war. The movie is a take on the Vietnam War that the United States started to stop communism from spreading, but failed horribly. Thousands of American troops died in the war. Through this movie, Kubrick shows how those young boys were trained and then sent off to fight the Viet Cong in the most horrible conditions.
The story revolves around the character of J.T. Davis, played by Mathew Modine, who has joined the Marine Corps and is going through training at the Bootcamp. One interesting thing about the film is that it takes us through the entire journey of a Marine, starting from their brutal training to fighting on the battlefield.
Full Metal Jacket shows us the reality of what goes on and how these young Marines are trained while getting abused by their senior drill instructors. One of the recruits, after not being able to take the mental and physical pressure, loses his mind and shoots the drill instructor, and then kills himself.
As the story progresses, we witness Davis and his crew fighting relentlessly and dealing with surprise attacks from the Viet Congs at Da Nang. We also get to see how these Marines struggle with their personal issues while fighting the war.
The movie is based on the 1976 novel named The Short Timer by Gustav Hasford. It also received numerous critical acclaim along with a nomination at the Oscars. So, if you happen to like war movies, then make sure to watch Full Metal Jacket at all costs.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick, Michael Herr, Gustav Hasford
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: Natant, Harrier Films
- Cast: Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D’Onofrio, Lee Ermey, Dorian Harewood, Arliss Howard, Kevyn Major Howard, Ed O’Ros
- Genre: War Drama, Action
- Platforms Available On: Prime, Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 92%
- Runtime: 1h 56m
#2 The Shining (1980)
You must have watched a number of horror films, but The Shining (1980) is a completely different type of horror movie. It is a psychological horror that will definitely give you nightmares. This is Kubrick’s one and only movie of this particular genre. Jack Nicholson and Shelly Duval showcased a mind-blowing performance.
The plot revolves around the character of Jack Torrance played by none other than Jack Nicholson. He, along with his wife, Wendy (played by Shelly Duvall), and his son, Danny, arrive at the Overlook Hotel. He has come to work as a caretaker. During the winter, the hotel stays closed for visitors, due to heavy snowfall, that is why a caretaker is required at all times to stay at the hotel for the particular period.
The hotel’s manager Ullman, shares the story of how another caretaker along with his family came here, but killed his wife and son, and then committed suicide. Following that, Jack gets warned by the hotel’s head chef, Dick Halloran, about certain unexplainable things that take place at the hotel and to stay away from room number 237.
Jack’s behavior keeps changing with each passing day. Whereas, Danny starts to have frightening visions which he cannot explain. And out of curiosity he opens and goes inside room 237. Things from then on become scary and chaotic at the hotel for Wendy.
Jack eventually becomes mentally unstable and furious and claims that he wants to kill her and Danny. Wendy, being a mother and knowing Jack’s past, tries her best to protect Danny and herself. In order to find out what finally happens at the end, we suggest you watch the movie right away. If you like watching good horror movies, then you better not miss The Shining.
The movie is based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King. It is also considered to be one of the greatest psychological horror films ever made. Over the years the movie became a part of popular culture.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: The Producer Circle Company, Peregrine Productions, Hawk Film
- Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, Danny Lloyd
- Genre: Horror, Mystery
- Platforms Available On: Prime, HBO MAX, AMC
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 84%
- Runtime: 2h 26m
#3 A Clockwork Orange (1971)
A Clock Orange (1971) is Stanley Kubrick’s one of the finest and most groundbreaking movie. Kubrick is known for his controversial films that deal with sensitive topics and issues. And this movie happens to be one of them.
The story revolves around the main character of Alex DeLarge played by Malcolm McDowell, who happens to be an antisocial and super violent individual. Alex along with his other three friends, go on raping and beating random people as they feel like it. They also steal if they happen to like something. The only thing that Alex loves is listening to Beethoven.
Soon, Alex’s wild and uncivilized lifestyle comes to an end when his friends abandon him, and the police capture him. From here on everything changes for Alex, as he gets thrown into a government rehabilitation center, where he becomes the subject of a psychological experiment.
The movie is based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess. It received mixed reviews from critics and won several awards, including four nominations at the 44th Oscars. Over the years, the movie became a cult classic. If you like dystopian-themed crime thrillers, then A Clockwork Orange is a must-watch.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: Polaris Productions, Hawk Films
- Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Adrienne Corri, Miriam Karlin
- Genre: Psychological Drama, Crime
- Platforms Available On: Prime, HBO MAX
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 87%
- Runtime: 2h 16m
#4 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick with 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) redefined the genre of science fiction and introduced the world to never seen before special effects. The movie has become an inspiration to every filmmaker who ever made sci/fi movies, starting from Steven Spielberg to Christopher Nolan. This is the film that they look up to and research, before making a science fiction movie.
The plot revolves around the character of Dr. David Bowman played by Keir Dullea and Dr. Frank Poole played by Gary Lockwood, who are all sent on a spacecraft to Jupiter. Their primary mission is to uncover a strange and mysterious artifact that is buried underneath the Lunar surface.
Along with Dr. David and Dr. Frank, there is another identity onboard, that is HAL 9000, (voiced by Douglas Rain) a supercomputer with a human personality. HAL happens to be the one to control the entire spacecraft and functions on voice command. The story escalates, when HAL develops certain technical issues, which leads David and Frank into jeopardy.
2001:A Space Odyssey received numerous critical acclaim along with several praises regarding its cinematography, special effects, and so on. The movie received a number of awards, including an Oscar. It is considered one of the most influential and greatest films of all time.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: Stanley Kubrick Productions
- Cast: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood
- Genre: Sci/Fi, Adventure
- Platforms Available On: Prime, HBO MAX
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 92%
- Runtime: 2h 29m
#5 Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), is a political satire and a dark comedy. The movie is also commonly known as Dr. Starngelove.
The plot line revolves around the character of Merkin Muffley, played by Peter Sellers, who is the President of the United States and is trying to stop a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. A mentally unstable and paranoid US Air Force General, Jack D. Ripper played by Sterling Hayden, commands the crew of a B-52 Bomber, (a plane that is used for dropping Hydrogen or Nuclear Bombs), to drop a nuclear bomb on the Soviet Union.
US President not knowing how to take the help of a nuclear war expert and an ex-nazi. Much of the movie is about a hilarious conversation between the President of the United States and the Soviet Ambassador.
The movie is based on the 1958 novel named Red Alert by Peter George. After receiving several critical acclaim, the film was considered to be one of the greatest black comedy movies of all time. If you like dark humor on screen, then Dr. Stranglove is a perfect watch.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern, Peter George
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: Hawk Films
- Cast: Keir Dullea, Gary LockwoodPeter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, Slim Pickens, Tracy Reed
- Genre: Black Comedy, War
- Platforms Available On: Prime, HBO MAX
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 98%
- Runtime: 1h 35m
#6 Barry Lyndon (1975)
Barry Lyndon (1975), is one of Stanley Kubrick’s period pieces which is a treat for the eyes. Barry Lyndon is a movie that is aesthetically pleasing, considering the way it has been made, with the perfect cinematography, lighting, screenplay, and so on.
The story revolves around the character of Redmond Barry played by Ryan O’Neal, a young and handsome farm boy, who falls in love with his cousin Nora Brady played by Gay Hamilton. However, Nora is already engaged to someone else. The story is set in the 18th century, in a village in Ireland.
The story takes a different turn when Barry challenges British Captain, John Quin played by Leonard Rossiter for a duel of pistols, and claims whoever wins, get to marry Nora. Having no choice, John Quin agrees to his deal. Eventually, Barry wins, but he has to escape to Dublin. In time, Barry becomes a part of the British Army in order to fight in the Seven Years’ War.
Barry Lyndon is based on the 1844 novel named The Luck Of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray. The movie received a number of mixed reviews but won four Oscars at the 48th Academy Awards.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern, Peter George
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: Hawk Films, Peregrine Productions
- Cast: Ryan O’Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Kruger, Diana Koerner, Gay Hamilton
- Genre: Drama, War
- Platforms Available On: Prime, Kanopy
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 88%
- Runtime: 3h 5m
#7 Paths Of Glory (1957)
Paths Of Glory (1957), is basically an anti-war film set in the background of the first world war. The movie shows the harsh and pathetic lives of the soldiers in the trenches, living in the most unhygienic conditions.
The plot revolves around the character of Colonel Dax, played by Kirk Douglas, who is the commanding officer of an Infantry Regiment. He happens to be a man of principle and believes in justice. However, when three soldiers get blamed and accused of cowardice, after refusing to attack an enemy position, Colonel Dax takes it upon himself and tries to defend them.
The movie is based on the 1935 novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb.
- Screenplay by: Stanley Kubrick, Calder Willingham, Jim Thompson
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Production: Bryna Productions, Harris-Kubrick Pictures
- Cast: Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready, Wayne Morris, Richard Anderson
- Genre: Drama, War
- Platforms Available On: Prime, Epix
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 96%
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Final Word
So, now you’re aware of all Stanley Kubrick movies with 8 IMDb ratings. If you happen to be a serious film buff and want to explore what kind of a filmmaker Kubrick was. Then you have to watch all the above-mentioned movies, in order to understand that.
Where Was Full Metal Jacket (1987) Shot?
There was a general notion that the film was shot in Vietnam or Cambodia. But, not many people know, Full Metal Jacket, the movie about the Vietnam War was shot in East London. The primary reason was, that Stanley Kubrick hated long-distance traveling.
What Is Stanley Kubrick’s Wife’s Name?
Stanley Kubrick’s wife’s name is Christiane Kubrick.
Fun Fact: Kubrick met Christiane during the shoot of Paths Of Glory.