The 20th century was a golden era for cinema, giving the world groundbreaking stories, innovative techniques, and unforgettable performances. From silent epics to early sound masterpieces, filmmakers pushed the boundaries of storytelling, creating works that still inspire directors and enthral audiences today.
IMDb has ranked the top ten movies of the century, highlighting the classics that have stood the test of time – and the top film is an incredible Western.
1. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
D.W. Griffith’s silent epic tells the story of the Stoneman family and their friendship with the Camerons, set against the backdrop of the Civil War. The film spans the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the controversial birth of the Ku Klux Klan.
Despite its contentious portrayal of race, it remains a landmark in cinematic technique and narrative storytelling.
2. Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages (1916)
Another Griffith classic, this ambitious film weaves together four historical tales exploring humanity’s ongoing struggle against prejudice and injustice. Its epic scale and intercutting techniques influenced generations of filmmakers.
3. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)
F.W. Murnau’s silent horror masterpiece introduced audiences to the terrifying vampire Count Orlok.
Its shadowy cinematography and eerie atmosphere make it a cornerstone of early horror cinema.
4. Greed (1924)
Erich von Stroheim’s cautionary tale follows the destructive consequences of sudden wealth.
The story of three people ruined by lottery winnings is a masterclass in silent-era storytelling and character study.
5. Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Sergei Eisenstein’s revolutionary drama depicts the 1905 mutiny aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin.
The Odessa Steps sequence, showing civilians massacred during a protest, remains one of the most influential scenes in film history.
6. The General (1926)
Buster Keaton stars in this action-comedy about a Confederate engineer who must recover his stolen locomotive from Union spies. Known for its daring stunts and physical comedy, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest silent comedies ever made.
7. Metropolis (1927)
Fritz Lang’s futuristic epic depicts a city sharply divided between workers and planners. Its striking visual style and visionary production design make it a landmark in science fiction cinema.
8. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)
F.W. Murnau’s emotionally charged drama tells the story of a farmer tempted by a sophisticated city woman to betray his wife. Its visual storytelling and innovative camera techniques have influenced countless filmmakers.
9. City Lights (1931)
Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl and tries to help her financially, aided by a wealthy but unpredictable benefactor. A perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt emotion, this silent film remains timeless.
10. M (1931)
Fritz Lang’s gripping thriller follows the manhunt for a child murderer in a German city, with both police and criminals joining forces to catch him. Peter Lorre’s chilling performance and Lang’s suspenseful direction make this a seminal early sound film.