Every Stanley Kubrick movie, ranked

“Killer’s Kiss” is Kubrick’s second film. As such, it lacks the polish of later movies but also doesn’t carry the fascination of being a debut picture from a future luminary. It’s a solid noir movie made on the cheap. There were literally dozens of movies of equal caliber made in the ‘50s; most of them weren’t made by men in their early 20s tough

This was Kubrick’s first full-length directorial effort and also his first of several anti-war movies. This time there is no real specific war being discussed, but this was a pre-Vietnam world, and it was made during the height of the Korean War. Kubrick was able to make the movie with a shoestring budget and a limited crew, which makes it an impressive feat, if not an amazing movie.

“A Clockwork Orange” looks beautiful. It’s gorgeously constructed. On the other hand, it’s also a rough watch and in parts a fairly revolting film. It’s a deeply dark comedy of brutal nihilism. Some people love it. Some can’t stand it. You can understand both arguments.

Let’s cleanse the palate from “A Clockwork Orange” by discussing…a movie about a middle-aged man infatuated with a tween. Yes, Kubrick did not shy away from controversial films. In adapting Vladimir Nabokov’s book, he adapted the unadaptable. And somehow it isn’t terrible! Credit Kubrick and also, honestly, a little bit of credit probably goes to the Production Code, which kept the film from being able to go too far.

Kubrick finished his career with “Eyes Wide Shut,” which seemed to be about him tormenting Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time. Cruise was dying to work with Kubrick, and it seems that the filmmaker was able to get one of the better dramatic performances out of one of his generation’s biggest movie stars. Not Cruise in “Magnolia” good, but quite good.

“Barry Lyndon” is an often forgotten piece of Kubrick’s filmography. It’s a slow film, but it looks beautiful. Kubrick went as far as to shoot some scenes lit only by actual candlelight. Unsurprisingly, “Barry Lyndon” took home four Oscars, though none was for directing. You have to be patient, but the film is worth it just to luxuriate in the atmosphere.

“Full Metal Jacket” is one of many Vietnam films made in the wake of that tumultuous war. It lacks the beauty of “Apocalypse Now” or the insane Oliver Stone-ness of “Platoon,” but it made an impact. R. Lee Ermey’s performance is a piece of cinema history. A performance like that makes a movie worthwhile almost alone. However, there is more to be recommended about “Full Metal Jacket,” even if the movie is a smidge disjointed at times.

Kubrick did not seem like a fan of war, but “Paths of Glory” is perhaps his most overtly anti-war film. The director teamed up with star Kirk Douglas for this movie set in the aftermath of World War I. While “the war to end all wars” is often overlooked in the history of film — it gets overshadowed by basically every other war the United States has been involved in — this is an intense movie, bolstered by a magnetic lead performance by Douglas.

If nothing else, Kubrick and Kirk Douglas deserve credit for hiring then-blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo to write the screenplay for this film. Given how talented of a writer Trumbo was, it helped make this a really good epic. There are some great sweeping shots in this, it looks beautiful and Peter Ustinov is excellent in a supporting role. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Ustinov won an Oscar for his portrayal of Batiatus.

This is the movie that established Kubrick as a filmmaker to watch. Sure, it’s another heist film. Yes, it’s yet another ‘50s film noir. However, it’s one of the best of the bunch. Much as how “Casablanca” was initially thought of as a “B” movie war picture, “The Killing” is so much more than a genre flick. The cast, led by Sterling Hayden, is great, and the movie will probably have you on the edge of your seat.

All right, so “2001” can be a little slow at times. It can also be as beautiful and engaging as any film of the era. This is a showcase in directing. The actors almost seem like chess pieces at times — but on one of the best chessboards you will ever see. So many moments in this film are iconic. All we really need to say is: HAL 9000. Kubrick changed sci-fi with “2001.”

Stephen King may not like this adaptation of his book, but he also wrote “Dreamcatcher,” so his opinions come with a grain of salt. Even if you don’t like King, “The Shining” is a crowning achievement. Heck, even if you don’t like horror, it’s so much more than that. “The Shining” showed how good the craft could be in a horror movie. Of course, having Jack Nicholson to lead the way helped.

To this day, “Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” is an all-time great comedy. It’s satire of the highest order. People don’t think of Kubrick as funny, but this is a straight-up hilarious movie. Peter Sellers and George C. Scott both give career-best performances. Why, Sellers actually gives three great performances. If you have any affinity for dark comedy, this is a must-watch. It’s the best movie of a legendary director.