Buzz
[Competition Included – see first comment] It’s quite surprising that a list like this hasn’t been created before! For nearly the first forty years of filmmaking, almost every movie was silent. During this era, filmmakers invented numerous techniques from the ground up, establishing the foundational language of cinema. Below are some of the most influential and remarkable silent films ever created.
15. The Phantom of the Opera Rupert Julian, 1925
An adaptation of the renowned novel by Gaston Leroux. This film is best known for Lon Chaney's legendary self-applied makeup. Chaney blackened his eye sockets to create a skull-like effect, lifted his nose tip with wire to widen his nostrils, and completed his terrifying transformation with jagged false teeth, creating the grotesque appearance of the Phantom. Despite the immense pain involved, the makeup was incredibly effective in conveying horror. This role earned Chaney the title 'The Man of 1,000 Faces.' His son, Lon Chaney, Jr., would go on to become a horror icon himself, starring in 'The Wolf Man' (1947).
14. Un chien Andalou Luis Buñuel, 1929
A visionary short film crafted by the inventive minds of director Luis Buñuel and renowned painter Salvador Dali. 'Andalusian Dog' is an enigmatic cinematic journey that requires direct viewing to grasp its full depth. The film presents an array of surreal and haunting imagery, including the notorious sequence of an eyeball being sliced open, among other disturbing visuals. As Buñuel's most iconic film, it was pivotal in bringing surreal and avant-garde filmmaking to the forefront.
13. Sherlock, Jr. Buster Keaton, 1924
A pioneering comedy from the brilliant Buster Keaton. In this film, Keaton plays a humble movie theater worker and janitor who aspires to become a detective. Known for its uproarious humor, 'Sherlock, Jr.' is a quintessential example of Keaton's distinctive slapstick style and played a major role in shaping his legendary career.
12. Greed Erich von Stroheim, 1924
The costliest film of its era, 'Greed' began as an epic nearly 9 hours long before being ruthlessly edited down to its present runtime of just under 4 hours. The lost footage remains one of the most tragic cinematic disappearances in history. The film explores the life of a dentist whose wife’s lottery win sparks an obsession with wealth and the eventual destruction of their lives.
11. The Birth of a Nation D.W. Griffith, 1915
A landmark in cinema, 'The Birth of a Nation' by D.W. Griffith (1915) forever changed the way films were made. It introduced key cinematic techniques like close-ups, camera pans, and eyeline matches—elements that are now standard in filmmaking. Despite its technical achievements, the film remains notorious for its racist portrayals of post-Civil War African Americans, and its role in re-energizing the Ku Klux Klan. Nonetheless, it's an essential watch for film enthusiasts, offering a fascinating yet troubling glimpse into early cinema.
10. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Robert Wiene, 1920
An iconic piece of German cinema, 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920), directed by Robert Wiene, played a pivotal role in defining German Expressionism. Its eerie, distorted sets and unsettling visuals set the tone for future horror films. The story revolves around a deranged doctor and his sleepwalking assistant, who may be linked to a series of brutal killings. Notably, the film’s twist ending was altered for political reasons, as the original conclusion cast authority figures in a negative light.
9. Nosferatu F W Murnau, 1922
Like 'Caligari,' 'Nosferatu' stands as a key work in German Expressionist cinema, shaping the early horror genre. Originally intended as an adaptation of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula,' the filmmakers had to make significant changes due to a lack of proper rights. The film is celebrated for F. W. Murnau’s brilliant use of shadows and silhouettes, which amplify the terrifying presence of Max Schreck's vampire character.
8. The Gold Rush Charles Chaplin, 1925
In one of Charlie Chaplin’s finest works, 'The Gold Rush' (1925), Chaplin’s beloved Tramp character ventures to Alaska during the gold rush, encountering more challenges than he expects. Known for its iconic poster of the Tramp sitting on a stove, the film blends humor with heartwarming moments. Chaplin himself regarded it as the movie he wished to be remembered for, marking it as a true classic of cinema.
7. The General Buster Keaton, 1927
In this Buster Keaton comedy, 'The General' (1927), Keaton plays a young railroad engineer who dreams of becoming a soldier in the Civil War but is rejected. After returning home, his treasured train—'The General'—is stolen by Union soldiers, prompting him to single-handedly attempt a daring rescue. Known for its remarkable blend of humor and jaw-dropping action sequences, the film features real steam trains in perilous stunts, including a memorable bridge collapse scene that would go on to influence other cinematic classics such as 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' and 'The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.'
6. Intolerance D.W. Griffith, 1916
In response to criticism of 'The Birth of a Nation,' D.W. Griffith created 'Intolerance' (1916), a film that explores how intolerance has led to suffering throughout history. The narrative is composed of four distinct stories, each illustrating intolerance's destructive impact: a modern tale of workers fighting for better conditions during the Industrial Revolution; the Passion of Christ; the fall of Babylon, featuring one of the largest sets ever constructed; and the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in France. As the film unfolds, the rapid cross-cutting between these stories increases in speed and intensity, culminating in a powerful climax. An exceptional improvement over Griffith’s previous work, 'Intolerance' is the film for which he should be most remembered.
5. The Battleship Potemkin Sergei Eisenstein, 1925
'The Battleship Potemkin' (1925), directed by Sergei Eisenstein, dramatizes the 1905 mutiny on the Russian battleship Potemkin, when the crew revolted against the Tsarist officers. As a quintessential piece of Communist propaganda, the film remains one of the most influential in its genre. The iconic Odessa Steps sequence is renowned for its tension and has been referenced countless times, most notably in Brian De Palma’s 'The Untouchables.'
4. Metropolis Fritz Lang, 1927
Often hailed as the first true science-fiction film, 'Metropolis' has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing films from 'Star Wars' to 'Blade Runner.' As one of the final German Expressionist films, it remains the most expensive silent film ever made. Set in a dystopian urban future, it explores the class divide between the workers and the wealthy elite in a capitalist society. Upon release, the film underwent extensive editing, and much of the footage was believed lost. However, in 2008, a complete version was found in an Argentine film archive. Despite this, some scenes still cannot be restored.
3. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans F.W. Murnau, 1927
'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans,' directed by F.W. Murnau, is an iconic expressionist film in Hollywood. The story revolves around a man whose marriage is on the verge of collapse. He is enticed by a beautiful city woman who convinces him to murder his wife. Unable to follow through, he begins to rediscover his love for her. Together, they embark on a magical journey through the city, realizing the deep bond they share. This cinematic masterpiece continues to enchant and move audiences with its heartfelt exploration of love and redemption.
2. The Passion of Joan of Arc Carl Dreyer, 1928
The first time I saw 'The Passion of Joan of Arc,' it was a silent experience—no soundtrack, no sound effects—and it was one of the most haunting film experiences of my life. The film chronicles the final moments of Joan of Arc, the French national hero and martyr. It was thought to be lost until a nearly complete print was discovered hidden in a mental asylum. Known for its groundbreaking use of close-ups and a stark lack of makeup for realism, Renée Jeanne Falconetti’s portrayal of Joan is often regarded as one of the finest performances in film history.
1. City Lights Charlie Chaplin, 1931
In Charlie Chaplin’s final silent film, 'City Lights,' the Little Tramp falls deeply in love with a blind flower girl who mistakenly believes him to be a wealthy man. To uphold her illusion, he embarks on a mission to gather the funds needed for a costly surgery that could restore her sight. The film's ending is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and emotional conclusions in cinematic history.
