Summary
- The silent movies of the past century offer a treasure trove of cinematic wonders across various genres like comedy, horror, and fantasy.
- Directors like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton created timeless classics that still resonate with contemporary viewers today.
- Early filmmakers like Georges Méliès and Robert Wiene paved the way for modern cinema with groundbreaking technical and narrative innovations.
The history of movies dates back to the late 1800s, and many films made over 100 years ago are still acclaimed and enjoyed by film lovers. Although many viewers may feel the black-and-white, silent era of movies to be an alienating sphere, those willing to delve into the far past will be rewarded with a treasure trove of cinematic wonders as engaging and enthralling as the best modern movies. This was a time of incredible experimentation, and the influence of the tremendous century-old films can still be seen in the work of contemporary actors, directors, and writers.
Some of the best silent movies are over 100 years old and include highly influential films in genres such as comedy, fantasy, horror, and even experimental semi-documentaries. This era included acclaimed filmmakers like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, who have remained at the forefront of cinematic discourse a century since some of their best work was released. While it can be difficult to know where to start with movies of the past, these century-old films have a lot to offer contemporary viewers.
15 The Astronomer’s Dream (1898)
Directed by Georges Méliès
The Astronomer’s Dream (1898) Not RatedSci-FiComedyFantasyHorror
An astronomer falls asleep and has a strange dream involving a fairy queen and the Moon.
Director Georges Méliès Writers Georges Méliès Cast Jehanne d’Alcy , Georges Méliès Runtime 3 Minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi
The French director Georges Méliès led many of the most important technical and narrative developments in the history of cinema, as proven by his extraordinary three-minute movie The Astronomer’s Dream. Méliès was a talented magician who starred in the film himself and based it on one of his own magic acts. With Méliès as the titular astronomer, The Astronomer’s Dream included an appearance from Satan himself and a mysterious disappearing woman. With impressive visual effects, The Astronomer’s Dream still has the power to astound viewers more than 100 years later.
14 The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Directed by Edwin S. Porter
The Great Train Robbery (1903) Not RatedWesternCrimeActionAdventure
The Great Train Robbery is a seminal 1903 silent film directed by Edwin S. Porter. Widely credited as one of the first American action films, it depicts a group of bandits executing a train robbery and subsequent getaway. Filmed in a dynamic narrative style, the film is notable for its innovative use of editing and cross-cutting techniques, laying the groundwork for future cinematic storytelling.
Director Edwin S. Porter Writers Scott Marble Cast Gilbert M. Anderson , John Manus Dougherty Sr. , Frank Hanaway , Robert Milasch , Marie Murray , Mary Snow , A.C. Abadie , Donald Gallaher Runtime 12 Minutes Main Genre Western Release Date December 7, 1903 Expand
The Great Train Robbery was one of the most notable films of the early days of American cinema and among the best-known silent Western movies ever. Inspired by the real-life robberies of iconic Western figures like Butch Cassidy, this legendary 12-minute feature was an unprecedented success for the way it blended dynamic action with spectacular violence. Porter also claimed this was the first Western to tell a story, although film scholars have subsequently questioned the validity of this claim.
13 Oliver Twist (1922)
Directed by Frank Lloyd
Oliver Twist (1922) Not RatedDrama
Oliver Twist is a silent film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel. Directed by Frank Lloyd, the film stars Jackie Coogan as the titular orphan, who faces various hardships and encounters a cast of memorable characters, including Fagin, portrayed by Lon Chaney. The storyline follows Oliver’s journey from a workhouse to the streets of London, reflecting the themes of poverty and child exploitation central to Dickens’ work.
Director Frank Lloyd Writers Charles Dickens , Frank Lloyd , Harry Weil , Walter Anthony Cast Jackie Coogan , James A. Marcus , Aggie Herring , Lewis Sargent , Joan Standing , Carl Stockdale , Edouard Trebaol , Lon Chaney , Taylor Graves , George Siegmann , Gladys Brockwell , Lionel Belmore , Florence Hale , Joseph Hazelton , Gertrude Claire , Esther Ralston , Eddie Boland , Nelson McDowell Runtime 74 Minutes Main Genre Drama Release Date October 30, 1922 Expand
The works of Charles Dickens have long been fodder for excellent movie adaptations, and this dates right back to the silent era with Oliver Twist starring Jackie Coogan. Having already left his mark on the movie industry with his starring role opposite Charlie Chaplin in The Kid the year before, Coogan’s role in Oliver Twist signaled him as one of the very first bona fide child stars. As a visually stunning silent film, Oliver Twist captured the spirit of the original novel, and its quality was only surpassed by David Lean’s extraordinary retelling in 1948.
12 A Woman Of Paris (1923)
Directed by Charlie Chaplin
A Woman of Paris: A Drama of Fate (1923) DramaRomance Where to Watch
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A Woman of Paris: A Drama of Fate is a silent drama directed by Charlie Chaplin featuring Edna Purviance as Marie St. Clair. The film tells the story of a woman who becomes involved with a wealthy bachelor while dealing with the emotional fallout from a past relationship. Revolutionary at the time for its straightforward and mature portrayal of complex romantic and social themes, it marked Chaplin’s pivot away from comedy.
Director Charles Chaplin Writers Charles Chaplin Cast Edna Purviance , Clarence Geldart , Carl Miller , Lydia Knott , Charles K. French , Adolphe Menjou , Betty Morrissey , Malvina Polo , Charlie Chaplin , Bess Flowers , Henry Bergman , Granville Redmond Runtime 78 Minutes Main Genre Drama Release Date November 4, 1923 Expand
Although Charlie Chaplin was primarily known for slapstick comedy, the legendary filmmaker tried his hand at a genuine drama with A Woman of Paris in 1923. As the only film of Chaplin’s in which he did not appear as an actor, this beautifully directed silent movie explored a woman torn between love and comfort after running into her former fiancé. While contemporary audiences who expected more of Chaplin’s signature comedic style were understandably disappointed by A Woman of Paris, modern viewers will be rewarded with a powerful romantic drama.
11 The Ten Commandments (1923)
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
Director Cecil B. DeMille may have felt the need to revisit his religious epic The Ten Commandments with his iconic 1956 remake, which expanded on its story in scale and scope, but his original film was already an astounding achievement. As a retelling of the biblical story of the Exodus, DeMille pushed special effects to their absolute limit to believably depict Moses parting the Red Sea in a visually impressive scene, even by today’s standards. As a major box office hit at the time of its release, The Ten Commandments was a testament to the increasing potential of cinema in the 1920s.
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10 Dr. Mabuse The Gambler (1922)
Directed by Fritz Lang
Dr. Mabuse The Gambler (1922) CrimeThriller
Dr. Mabuse The Gambler is a silent crime epic directed by Fritz Lang. Rudolf Klein-Rogge stars as Dr. Mabuse, a criminal mastermind who uses disguise and manipulation to dominate Berlin’s underworld. The film explores themes of control and corruption in post-World War I Germany, blending elements of thriller and psychological drama. Its intricate plot and stylistic innovations make it a significant entry in early 20th-century cinema.
Director Fritz Lang Writers Nortbert Jacques , Thea von Harbou Cast Rudolf Klein-Rogge , Aud Egede-Nissen , Gertrude Welcker , Alfred Abel , Bernhard Goetzke , Paul Richter , Robert Forster-Larrinaga , Hans Adalbert Schlettow , Georg John , Károly Huszár , Grete Berger , Julius Falkenstein , Lydia Potechina , Julius E. Herrmann Runtime 271 Minutes Main Genre Crime Release Date August 8, 1922 Expand
As one of the most iconic names in German expressionism, Fritz Lang directed some of the most influential movies of all time, including his magnum opus Metropolis in 1927. However, even over 100 years ago, he was at the forefront of filmmaking with his incredible two-part mystery thriller about the arch-criminal Dr. Marbus, the Gambler. This darkly twisted tale of a criminal mastermind with powers of mind control was a true less in style and substance that addressed the hyperinflation that had disseminated Germany in the aftermath of World War I.
9 The Birth Of A Nation (1915)
Directed by D. W. Griffith
The Birth of a Nation was one of the most controversial movies ever made for its racist depiction of African Americans as unintelligent sexual abusers of white women. This reprehensible and inflammatory content did not stop the film from being one of the most successful movies of all time when adjusted for inflation. Yet, despite the unquestionably horrific aspects of this silent epic, The Birth of a Nation was also an extraordinary piece of filmmaking whose technical excellence laid the groundwork for cinema to expand and improve.
8 Intolerance (1916)
Directed by D. W. Griffith
Intolerance Not RatedDrama Where to Watch
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D.W. Griffith’s epic interweaves tales of human cruelty across history: from warring factions in Babylon to the final days of Christ, slaughter in France under Catherine de Medici, and a wrongful conviction in California.
Director D. W. Griffith Release Date September 5, 1916 Cast Vera Lewis , Ralph Lewis , Mae Marsh , Robert Harron , Constance Talmadge , Lillian Gish Runtime 197 Minutes
The censorship that director D. W. Griffith faced for his previous film, The Birth of a Nation, inspired him to explore the theme of prejudice in his follow-up feature, Intolerance. This was yet another tour de force of technical wonder as the three-and-a-half-hour epic intercut between four parallel storylines taking place from 539 BC right up to the year 1914. As a sprawling epic, Intolerance did not have the same racial representation issues viewers had with Griffiths’s previous film and was another extraordinary achievement in the art of filmmaking that helped inspire subsequent epics by later directors.
7 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1923)
Directed by Wallace Worsley
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) Not RatedDramaRomanceHorror
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1923) is a silent film directed by Wallace Worsley, featuring Lon Chaney as Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral. Set in 15th-century Paris, the story revolves around Quasimodo’s devotion to the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. The film is a classic adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, praised for its elaborate sets and Chaney’s memorable performance.
Director Wallace Worsley Writers Victor Hugo , Perley Poore Sheehan , Edward T. Lowe Jr. , Chester L. Roberts Cast Lon Chaney , Patsy Ruth Miller , Norman Kerry , Kate Lester , Winifred Bryson , Nigel De Brulier , Brandon Hurst , Ernest Torrence , Tully Marshall , Harry von Meter , Raymond Hatton , Nick De Ruiz , Eulalie Jensen , Roy Laidlaw , Ray Myers , William Parke , Gladys Brockwell , John Cossar , Edwin Wallock Runtime 113 Minutes Main Genre Drama Release Date September 6, 1923 Expand
As the most successful film of 1923 (via Variety), The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a fantastic adaptation of Victor Hugo’s iconic 1831 novel that featured an astounding performance by screen legend Lon Chaney as Quasimodo. Chaney perfectly embodied the hideously deformed resident of Notre Dame Cathedral in the 15th century as director Wallace Worsley powerfully captured the sorrowful atmosphere of Paris in the past. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was an impressive piece of cinematic history that proved the eternal resonance of Hugo’s classic sorrowful story.
6 Häxan (1922)
Directed by Benjamin Christensen
Häxan (1922) DocumentaryFantasyHorror
Originally released in Sweden in 1922, Häxan is a documentary horror film that explores Witchcraft through various centuries across different continents, beginning with the Middle Ages.
Director Benjamin Christensen Release Date September 18, 1922 Studio(s) Svensk Filmindustri Distributor(s) Filmindustri AB Skandias Filmbyrå , The Criterion Collection , HBO Max Writers Benjamin Christensen Cast Benjamin Christensen , Clara Pontoppidan , Oscar Stribolt , Astrid Holm , Maren Pedersen Runtime 108 Minutes Main Genre Documentary Expand
The Swedish horror Häxan blended documentary and narrative styles to chart the historical roots of witchcraft as caused by misunderstandings of mental or neurological disorders, which triggered mass hysteria. While Häxan was widely censored for its graphic depiction of torture, nudity, and sexuality, it was also a striking modern film that utilized a trailblazing, unique style and impressive visual imagery to produce a film unlike anything else from its time. As director Benjamin Christenensen’s masterpiece, Häxan was equal parts an academic study around ancient fears, an experimental visual showcase, and a pioneering genre-bending trailblazer.
5 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
Directed by Victor Sjöström
The Phantom Carriage DramaFantasyHorror Where to Watch
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The Phantom Carriage is a 1921 silent film directed by Victor Sjöström. It tells the story of David Holm, a problematic man whose life intertwines with a dark folklore legend about the ghostly carriage that collects the souls of the dead. The film explores themes of redemption and the consequences of one’s actions, featuring expressive performances and pioneering special effects in early cinema.
Release Date June 4, 1922 Main Genre Horror
Victor Sjöström’s Swedish silent film The Phantom Carriage starred the director as a drunkard named David Holme reflecting on his past mistakes in Death’s carriage on New Year’s Eve. Through flashbacks and without the assistance of special effects, The Phantom Carriage simulated ghostly figures and was a powerful allegory for mankind’s need to take advantage of second chances at finding purpose. As a notable influence on Ingmar Bergman and his representation of Death in The Seventh Seal, The Phantom Carriage was a highly influential film that has had rippled effects on cinema ever since.
4 A Trip To The Moon (1902)
Directed by Georges Méliès
A Trip to the Moon Not RatedSci-FiAdventure Where to Watch
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A Trip to the Moon, directed by Georges Méliès, is a groundbreaking 1902 silent film that follows a group of astronomers who journey to the moon in a spaceship and explore its surface. The film is notable for its innovative special effects and imaginative storytelling, marking a significant milestone in early cinema history.
Release Date October 4, 1902 Director Georges Méliès Writers Georges Méliès , Jules Verne , H.G. Wells Cast Georges Méliès , Bleuette Bernon , François Lallement , Henri Delannoy , Victor André , Brunnet , Depierre , Farjaut , Kelm , Jehanne d’Alcy , Jules-Eugène Legris Runtime 15 Minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi Expand
As perhaps the first sci-fi movie ever, Georges Méliès’ masterwork A Trip to the Moon was notable for its escapist narrative and for breaking down boundaries regarding the use of special effects. At just 14 minutes long, when viewed at 16 frames per second, A Trip to the Moon was an incredible showcase of the magic of movies, as Méliès’ unique approach to filmmaking made him one of cinema’s first auteur directors. The influence of Méliès can be felt right up to modern times, as director Martin Scorsese paid extended tribute to him in his film Hugo.
3 Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Directed by Buster Keaton
Sherlock Jr. PassedActionComedyRomance Where to Watch
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A film projectionist longs to be a detective, and puts his meagre skills to work when he is framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend’s father’s pocketwatch.
Director Buster Keaton Release Date May 11, 1924 Writers Jean C. Havez , Joseph A. Mitchell , Clyde Bruckman Cast Buster Keaton , Kathryn McGuire , Joe Keaton , Erwin Connelly , Ward Crane , Jane Connelly , George Davis , Doris Deane Runtime 45 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
When speaking about the silent era of movies, only one name can compete with Charlie Chaplin’s legacy: The equally talented and hilarious Buster Keaton. In his silent comedy Sherlock Jr.,Keaton proved why he was one of the all-time greats with a film that bordered on surrealism, as his deadpan humor and incredible sight gags have remained as funny as ever. Sherlock Jr. was just one of the few comedies that has truly stood the test of time and can genuinely be described as just as effective as it was 100 years ago.
2 The Kid (1921)
Directed by Charlie Chaplin
The Kid (1921) Not RatedComedyDrama
The Kid, a silent film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, follows the story of his iconic Tramp character as he adopts an abandoned child. The movie is notable for its blend of comedic and dramatic elements, featuring young actor Jackie Coogan as the titular Kid. Released in 1921, it showcases Chaplin’s talents in both performance and direction, remaining a significant work in the realm of early cinema.
Release Date February 6, 1921 Director Charles Chaplin Writers Charles Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Jackie Coogan , Carl Miller , Edna Purviance , Albert Austin , Beulah Bains , Nellie Bly Baker , Henry Bergman , Edward Biby , B.F. Blinn , Kitty Bradbury , Frank Campeau , Bliss Chevalier , Frances Cochran , Elsie Codd , Jack Coogan Sr. , Estelle Cook Runtime 68 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
The greatest comedy of the silent era was Charlie Chaplin’s first full-length film as a director, The Kid. With Chaplin as his iconic character, the Tramp, and six-year-old child actor Jackie Coogan as the Kid, this deeply emotional story blended comedy and drama to showcase that although Chaplin never had an issue making audiences laugh, he could just as easily pull on their heartstrings. The Kid was, at all times, a heartfelt drama, a social commentary, and a laugh-out-loud comedy that best represents why audiences of all ages still remember Chaplin’s work more than a century after its release.
1 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Directed by Robert Wiene
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) Not RatedHorrorMysteryThriller
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, directed by Robert Wiene, is a silent horror film from 1920 that tells the story of the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his somnambulist, Cesare, who is involved in a series of murders in a small German town. The film is notable for its expressionist style, featuring distorted sets and twisted visuals that reflect the psychological themes within the narrative.
Director Robert Wiene Release Date February 27, 1920 Writers Carl Mayer , Hans Janowitz Cast Werner Krauss , Conrad Veidt , Friedrich Feher , Lil Dagover , Hans Heinrich von Twardowski , Rudolf Lettinger , Rudolf Klein-Rogge , Hans Lanser-Ludolff Character(s) Dr. Caligari , Cesare , Franzis , Jane Olsen , Alan , Dr. Olsen , Ein Verbrecher / A Criminal , Ein Alter Mann / An Old Man Runtime 67 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
As the true quintessential work of German expressionism, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari best represented the creative highs of the earliest days of cinema. As the story of an insane hypnotist who used brainwashing to compel their victim to commit murders, this dark and twisted tale was hugely influential in all respects, including its narrative, visual, and thematic aspects. As a deeply layered and thought-provoking film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari has not only been remembered a century after its release but will surely still be studied by film scholars 100 years from now.
Source: Variety