Many films of the 21st century include some of the most advanced visual effects and audio techniques, frequently blurring the line between fantasy and reality; often, the movies of today are renowned for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and for telling aesthetically pleasing and impactful stories. However, the history of filmmaking is a long and complex one, with the earliest movie being produced in the year 1895. At the time, movies didn't have all the bells and whistles that we see on-screen today; produced in black and white and with no sound, humanity's original silent films helped lay the foundations of modern cinema, despite their technical limitations.
However, what these films lack in sound and color they make up for in dynamic storytelling. Actors and actresses had to use their facial expressions and bodily movements in a more exaggerated way to portray intense emotions without the help of dialogue. Any visual effects would have had to be created, produced, and shot entirely by hand. Silent films are a genre of movies that, by today's standards, seem otherworldly. However, their uniqueness adds to their charm and serves as a record of generations past.
With so many great silent films to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Today, we compile some of the best silent films for beginners looking to explore this exciting era of film history.
10 The Gold Rush (1925)
Charlie Chaplin is one of the biggest stars to come out of the silent film era; known for his character "The Little Tramp," Chaplin became known for his slapstick comedy and outrageous antics. In The Gold Rush, Chaplin portrays the Little Tramp as he ventures up North to partake in the hunt for Gold and riches.
As usual, the Little Tramp's adventure does not go as smoothly as planned, leading to some hilarious interactions between the main cast. Here, Chaplin's physical comedy is on full display; The Gold Rush intertwines American History with Chaplin's creative charm, making for an easy but amusing watch for silent film beginners.
9 Nanook of the North (1922)
Today, it seems like documentaries and docuseries dominate streaming platforms. It's no wonder this genre of film is so captivating; documentaries highlight real people and real stories in an artistic way, making it easy to enjoy and learn new information. However, the first-ever documentary is 1922's Nanook of the North, a film that follows an Inuk named Nanook and his family as they experience life in the Ungava Peninsula.
Nanook, the patriarch of the family, is the main documentary subject. However, his family is shown to each play a central role in their community. The film features shots of the family hunting for food, building shelter, and braving harsh weather conditions.
8 The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Another mega-star of the silent film era, Lon Chaney was known for his performances specifically in the horror genre. One of his most famous films, 1925's The Phantom of the Opera saw Chaney take on the role of the phantom, donning gruesome makeup that was surprisingly advanced for the time period.
Based on the novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, the film follows an aspiring opera singer named Christine as she becomes the target of a devoted admirer. This admirer, however, is a disfigured man who ultimately holds her against her will and begs for her affection. The Phantom of the Opera's eerie black-and-white scenes as well as Lon's expert portrayal of the villain adds to the overall fear factor and helps the film hold up even by today's horror standards.
7 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
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Released in 1920, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari follows an evil hypnotist as he uses a man as a pawn to commit horrific murders. The titular Dr. Caligari torments the main characters of the story by manipulating their psyches, leading to a perplexing mystery. Though the film's story is reminiscent of other horror-mystery films of the time, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is often lauded as an all-time great achievement in filmmaking for its use of abstract visuals and surrealist style.
The backgrounds twist and turn, making it appear as if the landscape itself is as warped as the hypnotized minds of Dr. Caligari. This film features one of the earliest examples of visual effects, playing with audience perceptions and using its set to deepen the meaning of the film.
6 The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)
Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most famous directors of all time, however, few people know of his contribution to silent film. The 1927 film The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog is one of Hitchcock's earliest films that tells the story of a town tormented by a serial killer who attacks blonde women. When a man resembling the killer falls in love with a blonde woman, suspicions begin to arise and chaos begins to ensue.
Not only is The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog a great way to break into silent film, but its a great introduction to Hitchcock's work as well. Hitchcock, who is a master at horror, adds his signature directorial flair and intensity to each scene; with new twists and turns at every corner, the film is sure to keep audiences engaged throughout its entire runtime.
5 Un Chien Andalou (1929)
Un Chien Andalou is a French silent horror film that, like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, delves deeper into surrealism. One of the most famous surrealist artists, Salvador Dali, helped write and produce the film, putting his artistic talents on display. The movie has no set plot, jumping from scene to scene with a very inconsistent timeline.
One of the most jarring moments of the film is a close-up shot of a man slicing a woman's eye with a razor. Though the scenes feel disjointed, Un Chien Andalou showcases some great visual effects for the time period and is a worthwhile watch for film lovers and art historians alike.
4 A Trip to the Moon (1902)
As one of the few science fiction films on this list, A Trip to the Moon portrayed a group of scientists as they embark on a trip to outer space. Though the film is shorter than most feature films with a runtime of only 14 minutes, A Trip to the Moon included stunning visual effects and settings that brought the moon's landscape to life.
The clip of the rocket ship landing on the moon has since become a part of pop culture, with many references to the shot being made in modern media today. Due to its shortness in length, A Trip to the Moon can be watched quite quickly, making it an easy but wildly fun introduction to silent film.
3 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
The Passion of Joan of Arc was long considered to be a lost film. However, when it was rediscovered in 1981, it quickly became a renowned piece of cinematic history that expertly tells the story of the titular heroine. The film follows Joan of Arc through her time as a prisoner after leading the French to numerous victories during a brutal, long-lasting war.
The film stars Renee Jeanne Falconetti as Joan of Arc. The camera frequently lingers on Joan's face for prolonged periods of time, helping to drive home the emotional impact of each scene. The Passion of Joan of Arc is an enjoyable watch that will not only educate viewers on a piece of film history but also, that of world history as well.
2 The General (1926)
Buster Keaton is another big name to come out of the silent film era; known for his "great stone face" and unique approach to comedy, Keaton was a prominent figure who helped popularize many films on a national scale. One of Keaton's most famous works is the 1926 film The General.
Here, we follow an engineer named Johnny Gray who operates a train called "The General." Set during the Civil War, Johnny is denied entry into the Confederate army due to his abilities as an engineer. Soon, his train is seized by spies, and he is sent on a wild chase to take down the opposition, bring home his girl, Annabelle, and save the day.
1 Metropolis (1927)
Metropolis is a masterclass in science fiction storytelling, even without the help of modern CGI. The story follows a man named Freder as he uncovers the truth about his society; in this dystopian society, the classes are separated into those who live above ground and those who live in the depths. Freder must work with a rebellious woman named Maria to amend the issues in society and bring to light the oppression at hand.
The visual effects in this movie are top-tier; with ginormous sets that make the fantasy land seem sprawling and robotic creatures who devour people with ease, every scene is action-packed and immerses the audience in the dystopian society. Though the film in its entirety was at one point considered lost, Metropolis can now be viewed in full for free, making it a highly accessible and worthwhile watch for all.