How 'The Shining' Went from Negative Reviews to Horror Classic 46 Years Later
When you think about movies that are regarded as all-time classics, it's easy to assume they were always beloved. However, some films have taken off as "sleeper hits" after going largely unnoticed upon release, and other movies were widely-panned in the moment only to see time alter critics' and fans' perceptions.
The Shining is in that latter category. After it debuted 46 years ago, May 23, 1980, the psychological horror thriller made minimal box office impact and earned middling reviews from multiple film aficionados.
Now, Stanley Kubrick's project, which starred Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall and was based on Stephen King's book of the same name, is thought of as one of the greatest films of all time.
The Shining took some brutal hits in its time
Perhaps more embarrassing than the multitude of mixed reviews it received, The Shining was nominated for a pair of Golden Raspberry Awards in 1981. Kubrick was put up for Worst Director, with Duvall being nominated for Worst Actor.
The latter decision remained controversial for years afterwards and was eventually rescinded in 2022.
However, the film has aged like fine wine
Upon reappraisal, The Shining has seen its reputation do a 180 among fans and critics.
Consider these assessments:
- Back in March, Empire Magazine's reader-voted list had it as the 34th-best movie of all time.
- That same month, Time Out's panel of experts named it the No. 2 horror film ever.
- Variety named it the No. 90 film of all time in 2022.
- A 2015 poll by the BBC found it to be the No. 62 American film of all time.
- In 2012, a directors poll for Sight & Sound ranked it the 75th greatest film of all time
- The Guardian named it the fifth-best horror film ever made in a 2010 list.
Additionally, The Shining has an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with an 8.4/10 on IMDB and an 8/10 on Screen Rant.
If you want to watch the film, it is currently available for $3.99 on YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 9:24 AM.