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Ben Mankiewicz Ranks Stanley Kubrick’s Top Five Films in New Podcast Episode

By Rhys Dunbar, Film EditorSeptember 25, 20261 note

The Turner Classic Movies host joins indie podcasters to dissect Kubrick’s filmography, highlighting personal favorites and revealing behind-the-scenes stories.

As fall settles over cinema fans, Stanley Kubrick’s name remains front and center, propelled by new retrospectives and a renewed curiosity about his masterworks. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz recently joined indie film podcasters Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio on IndieWire’s 'Screen Talk' to rank his top five Kubrick films, offering personal insights and stories from the director’s legendary career. This episode marks the kickoff of Mankiewicz’s latest season of his 'The Plot Thickens' podcast, which is dedicated entirely to Kubrick this season.

The episode reveals a wide range of favorites, from early black-and-white classics to more recent color films, illustrating how Kubrick’s style evolved over decades. Mankiewicz’s picks lean toward the director’s gritty, black-and-white era, while Ryan Lattanzio’s choices highlight his more contemporary, color-rich works. Anne Thompson’s top selections align closely with the iconic '2001: A Space Odyssey,' which remains a touchstone for cinephiles, while Ryan’s choices display a more personal, sometimes surprising, taste—like his nod to the studio-hired 'Spartacus.' The conversation dives into Kubrick’s meticulous process and his influence on filmmaking, including anecdotes about late-night calls with Steven Spielberg and Todd Field, illustrating the director’s mythic reputation among insiders. Mankiewicz also shares stories from his research, giving fans a peek into Kubrick’s obsessive perfectionism and innovative techniques that continue to shape cinema. More context: Film.

Below, viewers can watch Mankiewicz’s episode, where he elaborates on his picks and shares stories from the director’s inner circle. The episode also touches on the upcoming Criterion Collection box set, which will feature all 13 of Kubrick’s films—restored and collected starting October 20—highlighting the ongoing cultural reverence for his work.

The episode’s ranking underscores the enduring legacy of Kubrick’s impact on film history, with each host bringing their unique perspective rooted in decades of cinephile expertise. The discussion also contextualizes Kubrick’s influence amid current cinema trends and awards season chatter, reaffirming why his films continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. As the film community celebrates Kubrick’s legacy, this podcast provides a fresh lens on his most compelling works, mixing personal favorites with critical insights.

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