Stanley Kubrick, born on July 26, 1928, in the Bronx, New York, was a filmmaker whose unique vision and meticulous attention to detail have left an indelible mark on cinema. Growing up in a Jewish family, Kubrick was introduced to the arts early on, with a particular interest in photography, which he pursued passionately as a teenager. His early life was marked by a voracious appetite for literature, chess, and classical music, all of which would later influence his filmmaking style. 'Barry Lyndon' Star, Stanley Kubrick's Collaborator Leon Vilator Passes Away at 74.

Kubrick's career began with documentary shorts before he transitioned to feature films, starting with Fear and Desire in 1953. His breakthrough came with Paths of Glory (1957) and Spartacus (1960), showcasing his ability to tackle complex, layered narratives within large-scale productions. Paths of Glory remains one of the best anti-war movies ever made. Kubrick's body of work is distinguished by its genre diversity and innovative techniques, from the satirical comedy in Dr Strangelove (1964) to the sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), a game-changer in cinema with its visual effects that haven't aged at all. Other notable works include A Clockwork Orange (1971), The Shining (1980), and Full Metal Jacket (1987). What's great about his movies is how they continue to dominate nearly every movie conversation and inspire filmmakers and fans while also feeling ahead of their time.

On the occasion of the director's birth anniversary, let's look at five of Stanley Kubrick's highest-rated movies, what's their IMDb rating, and where you can watch them online.

1. 'The Shining' (8.4)

The Shining is often claimed as one of the best horror films ever made. This slow, creepy supernatural thriller features some very queasy and bizarre visuals that the movie doesn't bother to explain, and that's the odd charm of this great movie. Starring Jack Nicholson and the late Shelley Duvall, the film is an adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name. It also spawned a sequel in 2019's Doctor Sleep, which is quite underrated. You can rent or buy The Shining on Prime Video. Doctor Sleep Movie Review: Ewan McGregor And Rebecca Ferguson 'Shine' In The Shining Sequel While Mike Flanagan Tries To Ape Stanley Kubrick!

2. 'Paths of Glory' (8.4)

This anti-war film, set during World War I, stars the great Kirk Douglas as a French commander who must defend his squad from court-martial after they fail to follow what was a suicidal order. Paths of Glory has some powerful scenes that call out the very essence of war, where the higher-ups expand their power dynamics by sending poor soldiers to their demise. Paths of Glory is streaming on Prime Video.

3. 'Full Metal Jacket' (8.3)

Full Metal Jacket is another iconic Stanley Kubrick film known for its anti-war statement, particularly exploring the psychological impact of boot camp training and the horrors of war on young soldiers. The film is particularly remembered for R Lee Ermey's performance as the foul-mouthed, bullying drill instructor. You can rent or buy Full Metal Jacket on Prime Video.

4. 'A Clockwork Orange' (8.3)

Perhaps Kubrick's most controversial film, A Clockwork Orange is a disturbing watch thanks to its depictions of sexual assault, violence, torture, and dystopian control. It is a science fiction film set in an unknown future where Malcolm McDowell's violent criminal undergoes a special kind of prison treatment to cure him of his criminal tendencies. While the process works, it doesn't prepare him for the unwelcoming world waiting outside. A Clockwork Orange can be watched on YouTube and Google Play on a pay-per-watch basis.

5. '2001: A Space Odyssey' (8.3)

While Kubrick's movies are nearly all masterpieces, there is a special place for 2001: A Space Odyssey in the hearts of cinema students. A very complex and intricate science fiction film that delves into what makes humanity what it is, 2001: A Space Odyssey is both a thoughtful introspection into human evolution and a cautionary tale about the advancement of artificial intelligence. And yes, it is also quite confusing! You can rent or buy 2001: A Space Odyssey on Prime Video.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2024 09:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).