The best 20 films of the roaring 1920s
Exploring the cinematic masterpieces of the 1920s offers a window into the foundational works that have shaped modern filmmaking.
Here are 20 of the best films from that transformative decade, each accompanied by a brief synopsis and reasons to watch:
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
A seminal work in German Expressionist cinema, this horror film tells the story of a mad doctor who uses a sleepwalker to commit murders.
Why watch: Its innovative set design and narrative structure have influenced countless filmmakers and remain a study in early cinematic techniques.
Nosferatu (1922)
An unauthorised adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” this silent horror classic introduces Count Orlok, a vampire who terrorises a town.
Why watch: Its eerie atmosphere and Max Schreck’s haunting performance set the standard for vampire films.
Nanook of the North (1922)
A pioneering documentary that follows the life of an Inuit man named Nanook and his family’s daily struggles in the Arctic.
Why watch: Considered one of the first feature-length documentaries, it offers a glimpse into a way of life rarely seen on film.
Safety Last! (1923)
Harold Lloyd stars as a young man who stages a publicity stunt, leading to the famous scene of him dangling from a skyscraper clock.
Why watch: This comedy delivers thrilling stunts and remains one of the most iconic images in silent cinema.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)
Lon Chaney portrays Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, in this adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel.
Why watch: Chaney’s transformative performance and the film’s grand set designs make it a landmark in early horror cinema.
Sherlock Jr (1924)
Buster Keaton plays a projectionist who dreams of becoming a detective, leading to a surreal adventure within a film.
Why watch: Keaton’s inventive storytelling and physical comedy are on full display in this meta-cinematic gem.
The Thief of Bagdad (1924)
A swashbuckling adventure following a thief who falls in love with a princess and embarks on a quest to win her heart.
Why watch: Its lavish production and special effects were groundbreaking for the time, offering a visual feast.
Greed (1924)
A dentist’s life unravels after his wife wins the lottery, leading to obsession and tragedy.
Why watch: Directed by Erich von Stroheim, it’s hailed for its unflinching portrayal of human avarice.
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Lon Chaney stars as the disfigured Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House, obsessing over a young singer.
Why watch: Chaney’s makeup and performance cemented this film as a horror classic.
The Big Parade (1925)
An American soldier experiences the horrors of World War I and finds love in France.
Why watch: It’s one of the most successful silent films, offering a poignant look at war and its impact.
The General (1926)
Buster Keaton stars as a train engineer who embarks on a daring mission during the Civil War to rescue his beloved locomotive.
Why watch: Renowned for its impressive stunts and comedic timing, it’s a highlight of silent cinema.
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)
A farmer is tempted by a city woman to murder his wife, leading to a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Why watch: Celebrated for its innovative cinematography and emotional depth.
The Jazz Singer (1927)
A young man defies his devout Jewish family’s traditions to become a jazz singer, marking the transition from silent films to “talkies.”
Why watch: As the first feature-length film with synchronised dialogue, it’s a landmark in cinema history.
Steamboat Bill, Jr (1928)
Buster Keaton plays the son of a steamboat captain who attempts to prove his worth during a cyclone.
Why watch: Features some of Keaton’s most daring stunts, including the iconic falling house facade.
Man with a Movie Camera (1929)
A groundbreaking silent documentary (pictured) that captures a day in Soviet city life using radical editing, double exposures, and avant-garde cinematography.
Why watch: A must-see for film lovers, this experimental masterpiece revolutionised visual storytelling and remains one of cinema’s most innovative works.
The Last Command (1928)
A former Russian general, now a Hollywood extra, relives his tragic past in a powerful story of revolution, loss, and redemption.
Why watch: Emil Jannings delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this emotionally charged meditation on history and fate.
The Crowd (1928)
A poignant look at the highs and lows of an ordinary man’s life, capturing the struggles of the American Dream with groundbreaking realism.
Why watch: King Vidor’s masterpiece blends stunning visuals with raw human emotion, making it one of silent cinema’s most enduring dramas.
One Week (1920)
Newlyweds attempt to build a do-it-yourself house, only for chaos to ensue in a series of perfectly timed gags.
Why watch: Buster Keaton’s inventive slapstick and impeccable stunt work make this one of the funniest and most technically impressive silent comedies.
The Cameraman (1928)
A hapless photographer falls for a newsreel secretary and attempts to become a successful cameraman, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures.
Why watch: Buster Keaton’s physical comedy genius shines in this charming, self-reflective take on the art of filmmaking.
The Wind (1928)
A young woman moves to the harsh Texas frontier, where relentless winds and psychological torment push her to the edge.
Why watch: Lillian Gish’s haunting performance and Victor Sjostrom’s striking cinematography create one of silent film’s most atmospheric and gripping dramas.