George Lucas is best known as the man who created Star Wars, a saga that transformed cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers. But in a surprising interview that has fans buzzing, Lucas admitted that he believes another sci-fi movie surpasses even his own creation.
And in his words, this film is not only better than Star Wars — it’s the greatest science fiction movie of all time.
A bold confession from the creator of a galaxy far, far away
Lucas has rarely compared his work to that of others, but this time he was direct. During a discussion about the evolution of science fiction cinema, he revealed his admiration for a classic that, according to him, set the standard for everything that came after.
The movie he praised so highly? 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking 1968 masterpiece.
“Star Wars would never have existed without 2001. That film did things no one thought possible. It’s still the greatest science fiction film ever made,”
Lucas said in the interview.
Why Lucas considers it superior
While Star Wars focused on mythology, adventure, and space opera spectacle, Lucas acknowledged that 2001 went further in redefining the genre. He highlighted several reasons why Kubrick’s film stands above the rest:
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Technical innovation: pioneering special effects that inspired generations of filmmakers
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Philosophical depth: tackling humanity’s origins, technology, and destiny in a way no other sci-fi film had attempted
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Realism: portraying space travel with scientific accuracy rarely matched in cinema
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Cultural influence: shaping how audiences imagine the future, from design to storytelling
For Lucas, these qualities made Kubrick’s work not just a film, but a cinematic revolution.
How Star Wars fits into the picture
Despite calling 2001 superior, Lucas didn’t diminish the importance of his own saga. He explained that Star Wars was never meant to compete with Kubrick’s philosophical vision, but rather to create a modern myth rooted in timeless storytelling traditions.
In that sense, Star Wars and 2001 occupy different corners of the sci-fi universe: one epic and emotional, the other contemplative and visionary. Together, they shaped the genre into what it is today.
Fans react to Lucas’s statement
The admission has sparked lively debate among fans. Many agreed with Lucas, praising 2001 for its daring storytelling. Others defended Star Wars as the more beloved and culturally impactful saga.
Film critics were quick to point out that Lucas’s honesty shows his respect for cinema history. “It’s rare to see a creator admit another film outshines his own,” one critic noted, “but that humility is exactly what makes Lucas so influential.”
The timeless legacy of Kubrick’s masterpiece
More than 50 years after its release, 2001: A Space Odyssey continues to inspire filmmakers, scientists, and audiences alike. Its iconic imagery — from the mysterious black monolith to the haunting silence of space — remains unmatched in its ability to provoke wonder and reflection.
For Lucas, acknowledging its greatness is not a dismissal of Star Wars, but a recognition that science fiction is at its best when it pushes both imagination and intellect to their limits.
