1926 Movies
Browse 323 titles in our 1926 Movies Database
- Faust
- Flesh and the Devil
- A Page of Madness
- 7th Heaven
- Battling Butler
- Mother
- Ménilmontant
- The Merry Widow
- The Black Pirate
- The Son of the Sheik
- West Point
- For Heaven's Sake
- The Scarlet Letter
- Anemic Cinema
- La Bohème
- Tell It to the Marines
- Brown of Harvard
- 3 Bad Men
- Variety
- Lady Windermere's Fan
- The Temptress
- Bed and Sofa
- Bardelys the Magnificent
- By the Law
- Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life
- Two Arabian Knights
- Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness
- Ella Cinders
- Nana
- The Strong Man
- The Winning of Barbara Worth
- Torrent
- The Holy Mountain
- The Blackbird
- The Bat
- The Magician
- Filmstudie
- Fine Manners
- Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
- The Student of Prague
- Moana
- The Boob
- Mighty Like a Moose
- The Bride of Glomdal
- 45 Minutes from Hollywood
- Exit Smiling
- The Bells
- What Price Glory
- Beau Geste
- Kiki
- The Late Mathias Pascal
- Mantrap
- Mare Nostrum
- The Overcoat
- The Great K & A Train Robbery
- The Red Kimono
- Now You Tell One
- The Adventures of the Three Reporters
- Thundering Fleas
- It's the Old Army Game
- The Show-Off
- Poil de carotte
- The Flying Ace
- Fig Leaves
- Old Ironsides
- The Sorrows of Satan
- Hands Up!
- Bromo and Juliet
- The Johnstown Flood
- The Better 'Ole
- A Plantation Act
- Love 'Em and Leave 'Em
- Nell Gwyn
- The Imaginary Voyage
- The Loves of Casanova
- The Road to Mandalay
- Stride, Soviet!
- So's Your Old Man
- Barbed Wire
- Ten Nights in a Barroom
- The Sea Beast
- The Blue Eagle
- Sunrise
- Kid Boots
- Skinner's Dress Suit
- The Shamrock Handicap
- Dancing Mothers
- Paris
- Three Thieves
- On the Front Page
- Yagodka lyubvi
- The Volga Boatman
- The Devil's Circus
- Mauprat
- You Never Know Women
- Furusato no uta
- The Bridal Party in Hardanger
- Midnight Faces
- What Happened to Jones?
- Eve's Leaves
- The Knight of the Rose
- Katka-bumazhnyy ranet
- Michel Strogoff
- The Clinging Vine
- Just Suppose
- The Duchess of Buffalo
- Happy Days
- The Belle of Broadway
- Carmen
- Upstage
- The Cruise of the Jasper B
- Irene
- Raggedy Rose
- The Stolen Ranch
- Twinkletoes
- Mechanics of the Brain
- The Vocation of André Carel
- Les Misérables
- Die Weber
- Two-Lip Time
- The Violinist of Florence
- Madame Mystery
- That Model from Paris
- Slums of Berlin
- You'd Be Surprised
- Up in Mabel's Room
- Cab No. 13
- The Night of Love
- Manon Lescaut
- The Rat
- Irish Destiny
- Ice Cold Cocos
- Girl in Tails
- The Fire Brigade
- The Coast Patrol
- The Lucky Lady
- Winds of Chance
- Behind the Front
- Bennie the Howl
- The Devil Horse
- The Ghost Train
- El puño de hierro
- The Road to Glory
- The Roaring Road
- Officer '444'
- Just Another Blonde
- Voyage au Congo
- Young April
- Das Leben des Beethoven
- Das Blumenwunder
- The Night Cry
- The Third Degree
- Camille
- The American Venus
- Ranson's Folly
- The Canadian
- We're in the Navy Now
- The Passaic Textile Strike
- Lazy Lightning
- Devil's Island
- Savur-Mogila
- The Waltz Dream
- The Midnight Message
- Poker Faces
- Fänrik Ståls sägner
- Vester Vov-Vov
- The Runaway
- Eifersucht
- Pilar Guerra
- The Chinese Parrot
- Walter the Sleuth
- Metskhre talga
- Miss Brewster's Millions
- The Wings of a Serf
- Khanuma
- A Sister of Six
- The Enchanted Hill
- The Untamed Lady
- A Social Celebrity
- Natela
- Almost a Lady
- Lásky Kacenky Strnadové
- Ilan-dili
- Don Quixote
- Sasdjeli
- Partners Again
- Greenhide
- P.K.P.
- Two to One
- All Wet
- Rue de la paix
- The Rainmaker
- The Moth of Moonbi
- Kane
- Dødsbokseren
- Forbidden Cargoes
- Darling Nelly Gray
- Murtovarkaus
- The Hound of the Deep
- Tavadis asuli Meri
- Walter's Day Out
- Miljonär för en dag
- When Giants Fought
- Without the Option
- Walter's Paying Policy
- Farbror Frans
- The Qualified Adventurer
- Charleys tant
- Walter the Prodigal
- Walter Tells the Tale
- The Song and Dance Man
- Mike
- The Romance of Hine-Moa
- The Bohemian Dancer
- Giftas
- Desert Gold
- Held by the Law
- That's My Baby
- The Midnight Sun
- Her Big Night
- The Wolf Hunters
- The Ball of Fortune
- The Man from the West
- Gräfin Mariza
- Die lachende Grille
- Flickorna på Solvik
- Lykkehjulet
- Lyckobarnen
- La petite bonne du palace
- Hold That Lion!
- Mons
- Falsche Scham - Vier Episoden aus dem Leben eines Arztes
- Wet Paint
- One Colombo Night
- Blue Blazes
- Western Pluck
- Every Mother's Son
- The Fighting Marine
- Salpausselän hiihto 4-7.2.1926
- Hon, han och Andersson
- The Squire of Long Hadley
- Hon, den enda
- Safety First
- Blarney
- Thou Fool
- Mordbrännerskan
- Money Talks
- Harry Hill auf Welle 1000
- Der Meineidbauer
- Rustlers' Ranch
- And George Did!
- Bröllopet i Bränna
- Till österland
- Min fru har en fästman
- The Combat
- The Wildcat
- The Terror
- Prowlers of the Night
- The Yellow Back
- Red Hot Leather
- Prisoners of the Storm
- Accidents Can Happen
- Alligator's Paradise
- Cash on Delivery
- Dollarmillionen
- The Timid Terror
- Die Unschuld ohne Kleid
- Kyllä kaikki selviää
- Trust Your Wife
- Meren ja lemmen aallot
- Trishool
- Lady Harrington
- Bindle in Charge
- Bindle Introduced
- Oxford Bags
- Oil on Troubled Waters
- Employment with Investment and the Masked Fraud
- Walter's Worries
- The Gentleman Burglar
- Off the Scent
- Dead Heat
- Miscreants of the Motor World
- Paternal Instinct
- Dud Cheque Chicanery
- The Life of Robert Burns
- Bindle's Cocktail
- Street Corner Frauds
- Alice Be Good
- The Bogus House Agent
- The Last Shot
- The Greatest of These
- The Cab
- The Copper Cylinder
- Spiritualism Exposed
- Betrayed
- The Battler
- Curfew Shall Not Ring Tonight
- The Confidence Trick
- The Brotherhood
- The Proctor Intervenes
- The Veteran
- The Locked Door
- The Test
- The Pied Piper of Hamelin
- The River House Mystery
- The Life of Sir Walter Scott
- The Moon Diamond
- The Woman Juror
- On with the Dance
- Officer of the Day
- Down to Damascus
- Vakht kuyashi
- Suomen suojeluskuntajärjestö
- Hints to the Ladies on Jiu-Jitsu
- Under Sail in the Frozen North
- So This Is Staines!
- London After Dark
- 100 Year Old Coach
- After the Blizzard
- Scenes at his Excellency the Viceroys's Garden Party at Belvedere
- Second Test at Lord's
- All out - 1,107!
- A Century before Lunch
The Best Movies in 1926
The General
"The General" stands out as an action-adventure comedy that captivates audiences even today. Directed by Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton, this film offers a unique blend of humor and exciting action sequences, anchored by Keaton's charismatic performance. The storyline revolves around Johnnie Gray, portrayed by Keaton, an engineer who embarks on a daring mission to reclaim his stolen locomotive during the American Civil War. Marion Mack plays the role of Gray's love interest, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. The movie's innovative use of physical comedy and stunt work distinguishes it in the genre, showcasing Keaton's talent not only as an actor but also as a director. Its enduring appeal is attributed to the masterful execution of action scenes that remain impressive by modern standards.
Faust
F.W. Murnau's "Faust" is a dramatic departure into fantasy and horror, presenting a timeless story of moral struggle. The film adapts the classic tale of a man who makes a pact with the devil, offering a visually stunning exploration of themes such as temptation, corruption, and redemption. Gösta Ekman stars as Faust, with Emil Jannings delivering a compelling performance as Mephisto. The use of innovative special effects and atmospheric cinematography in "Faust" creates an immersive experience that was groundbreaking for its time. Murnau's direction ensures that the film's moral and ethical dilemmas are front and center, making "Faust" a captivating study of human nature and its susceptibility to influence.
Mother
Directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin, "Mother" is a powerful adaptation of Maxim Gorky's novel, focusing on personal transformation against a backdrop of political upheaval. The film tells the story of a mother's journey from subservience to active participation in the revolutionary movement in Russia. Pudovkin uses innovative editing techniques and visual storytelling to convey the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative. The performance by the cast, particularly the lead actress, brings authenticity and emotional resonance to the story. "Mother" is not just a film about political change; it is also a deeply personal story of empowerment and resilience.
The Adventures of Prince Achmed
Lotte Reiniger's "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" offers a magical plunge into the world of silhouette animation, marking its place in film history as one of the oldest surviving animated feature films. This film is a visual marvel that uses intricately cut silhouettes to tell the story of Prince Achmed's fantastical journeys. The innovative technique not only creates a distinctive aesthetic but also demonstrates the potential of animation as a serious storytelling medium. Reiniger's work predates Disney's full-length animated features, making "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" a pioneering accomplishment in the animation genre. The film's artistic value and historical significance are evident as it continues to inspire animators and filmmakers.
Battling Butler
"Battling Butler" brings Buster Keaton's unique blend of comedy and stunts back to the forefront, this time exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. Keaton directs and stars as Alfred Butler, a pampered, affluent young man whose quest to prove his masculinity leads him to the world of boxing. The film delights with its humorous take on societal expectations of masculinity while showcasing Keaton's physical comedy skills and precise timing. "Battling Butler" is a testament to Keaton's versatility as an actor and director, offering a compelling narrative with plenty of laughs and memorable moments.
Film & Industry Highlights of 1926
Transition to Talkies: A Technological Leap
1926 marked a pivotal year in the history of cinema with the introduction of "Don Juan," the first feature-length film to employ the Vitaphone sound system. Developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories, this innovation was integral to the industry's shift from silent films to talkies. Accompanying this important leap in technology, the Fox-Case Corporation advanced sound-on-film experiments. These developments laid the groundwork for future cinematic enhancements, signifying a monumental shift in how stories would be told and experienced on screen.
The Rise of Feature-length Animation
Another notable achievement in 1926 was the release of "The Adventures of Prince Achmed," directed by Lotte Reiniger. Utilizing silhouette animation, this German film stands as the oldest surviving animated feature-length film. Its unique style and storytelling method showcased the potential for animation as a serious and sophisticated film genre, offering viewers new and imaginative cinema.
Documentary and Realism: "Moana"
In addition to technological advancements and animation, 1926 was also noteworthy for the documentary genre. Robert J. Flaherty's "Moana," following the success of his earlier work "Nanook of the North," continued to push the boundaries of filmmaking. Showcasing the daily life and customs of the Samoan people, "Moana" highlighted the power of cinema to document real-life events and cultures, contributing to the genre's evolution and relevance.
International Films and Cultural Exchange
The year also saw the U.S. release of "Potemkin" (1925, USSR), a film by Sergei Eisenstein that would become a cornerstone of world cinema. Its innovative editing techniques and political narrative had a lasting impact on filmmaking and film theory. The inclusion of international films such as "Potemkin" in American cinemas underscored the growing interest in foreign films and the exchange of cinematic ideas across borders.
Alfred Hitchcock's Debut
1926 was also consequential for individual careers, including the release of Alfred Hitchcock's first credited feature film, "The Pleasure Garden" (1925, UK). Although starting his long and illustrious career in the silent film era, Hitchcock's early works already displayed his penchant for suspense and psychological depth, hinting at his future success in the sound era.
Genres and Varieties
This year was notable for the variety in film genres, offering audiences a wide range of storytelling styles and themes. From horror, exemplified by "Faust," to drama in "Mother" and comedy with "Battling Butler," 1926 catered to varied tastes and interests. This array of genres reflected the film industry's expansion and its ability to adapt and appeal to an ever-widening audience.
Top Grossing Films
Leading the box office in North America was "What Price Glory?" by Fox Film, a testament to the public's appetite for compelling narratives and charismatic performances. Following closely were "The Black Pirate," distributed by United Artists, and "Beau Geste" by Paramount, both contributing to the year's cinematic success. These films, together with others released in 1926, demonstrated the industry's capacity for creativity and entertainment.