Charlie Chaplin’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked

It would be no surprise to see a picture of Charlie Chaplin next to the word comedian in the dictionary, as more so than any other actor, director, writer, or filmmaker, his movies have left an undeniable mark on cinema and pop culture in general. Best known for his timeless characterization of the Tramp, his signature toothbrush mustache, and his incredible slapstick and physical comedic talents, Chaplin encapsulated the silent movie era and remained a vital figure after the sound revolution. Through thoughtful and hilarious movies, Chaplin pushed filmmaking into new territory and became a true icon in the process.

As the man behind some of the greatest silent movies ever made, whose work boasted incredible social and political relevance, Chaplin took the world by storm to become one of the most significant names in the movie industry. From The Gold Rush to The Great Dictator, Chaplin’s filmography has boasted some of the most influential movies ever produced. Although his later years were fraught with controversy due to McCarthyism and accusations of being a communist, with the power of hindsight, Chaplin is remembered as one of the most creative, daring, and uncompromising filmmakers the world has ever seen.

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10 A King In New York (1957)

Charlie Chaplin as King Shahdov

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A King in New York (1957) GComedy

A King in New York is a film directed by Charlie Chaplin in which a deposed monarch finds refuge in New York City, inadvertently becoming a television celebrity. The film follows his misadventures as he is mistakenly accused of communism and becomes entangled in HUAC hearings.

Director Charlie Chaplin Release Date October 25, 1957 Writers Charlie Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Maxine Audley , Jerry Desmonde , Oliver Johnston , Dawn Addams , Sid James , Joan Ingram , Michael Chaplin , John McLaren , Phil Brown , Harry Green , Robert Arden , Alan Gifford , Robert Cawdron , George Woodbridge Character(s) King Shahdov , Queen Irene , Prime Minister Voudel , Ambassador Jaume , Ann Kay – TV Specialist , Johnson – TV Advertiser , Mona Cromwell – Hostess , Rupert Macabee , Macabee Senior , Headmaster , Lawyer , Liftboy , School Superintendent , U.S. Marshal , Member of Atomic Commission Runtime 104 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

After an impressive career that saw Charlie Chaplin become one of the most notable names in Hollywood, the English performer began to experience controversy in the United States. In the wake of McCarthyism, Chaplin was accused of being a communist. Following his outright political film The Great Dictator in 1940, Chaplin became more open in supporting political causes and various Soviet-American friendship groups, leading to his exile from the United States. In this context, Chaplin produced A King in New York, presenting a satirical view of American politics and society.

Related 10 Things You Never Knew About Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin is a comedy legend known for his silent films. Here are some fun facts about the famous comic!

A King in New York was Chaplin’s final leading role as he portrayed King Shahdov, a European monarch who became an accidental TV celebrity in America before wrongly getting accused of being a communist. This clearly autobiographical film showcased Chaplin’s incredible satirical talents but divided audiences who, at the height of the Cold War, were fearful of its topic. Looking back, A King in New York does not stand up against Chaplin’s very best work. Still, it was an important document of his personal trials and a fascinating insight into his perception of American society.

9 A Woman Of Paris (1923)

Charlie Chaplin as Head Porter

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A Woman of Paris: A Drama of Fate DramaRomance

A Woman of Paris: A Drama of Fate is a silent drama directed by Charlie Chaplin featuring Edna Purviance as Marie St. Clair. The film tells the story of a woman who becomes involved with a wealthy bachelor while dealing with the emotional fallout from a past relationship. Revolutionary at the time for its straightforward and mature portrayal of complex romantic and social themes, it marked Chaplin’s pivot away from comedy.

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*Availability in US Director Charles Chaplin Release Date November 4, 1923 Writers Charles Chaplin Cast Edna Purviance , Clarence Geldart , Carl Miller , Lydia Knott , Charles K. French , Adolphe Menjou , Betty Morrissey , Malvina Polo , Charlie Chaplin , Bess Flowers , Henry Bergman , Granville Redmond Character(s) Marie St. Clair , Marie’s Step-Father , Jean Millet , Jean’s Mother , Jean’s Father , Pierre Revel , Fifi , Paulette , Station Porter , Mannequin , Head Waiter , Man in Nightclub Runtime 78 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

Charlie Chaplin only made a brief, uncredited appearance in A Woman of Paris, his only true drama film, which he wrote, directed, produced, and scored himself. As the story of a woman torn between love and comfort with her former fiance, the aspiring artist Jean Millet, A Woman of Paris showcased Chaplin’s underappreciated talent for non-comedic work. By 1923, Chaplin was already a major star, and audiences expected to see more of his classic slapstick antics, but they were disappointed by the straightforward drama of A Woman of Paris, meaning the film was badly received at the time.

With the power of context and knowing how well Chaplin would later combine drama and comedy in works like Limelight, it’s clear that A Woman of Paris was an important moment in Chaplin’s artistic journey. With intense realism and fascinating insight into the nature of marriage and commitment, A Woman of Paris was an underappreciated and enjoyable change of pace for Chaplin. Had the film been better received at the time of its release and comedians were afforded the freedom to be more complex in their movies during the 1920s, Chaplin’s early work could have been much different.

8 The Circus (1928)

Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp

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The Circus GComedyRomance

The Circus, directed by Charlie Chaplin, follows the tramp Charlie as he joins a circus as a handyman. Rising to become the show’s accidental star, he falls for the circus owner’s stepdaughter, navigating comedic trials amid the world of spectacle and performance.

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*Availability in US Director Charlie Chaplin Release Date January 6, 1928 Writers Charlie Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Al Ernest Garcia , Merna Kennedy , Harry Crocker , George Davis , Henry Bergman , Tiny Sandford , John Rand , Steve Murphy , Albert Austin , Chester A. Bachman , Eugene Barry , Jack Bernard , Stanley Blystone , Heinie Conklin Character(s) A Tramp , The Circus Proprietor and Ring Master , The Proprietor’s Step-Daughter Merna , a Circus Rider , Rex , a Tight Rope Walker , A Magician , An Old Clown , The Head Property Man , An Assistant Property Man , A Pickpocket , Clown , Cop Runtime 73 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

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When The Circus was released in 1928, Charlie Chaplin’s character of The Tramp had become one of cinema’s most enduring icons. The Circus was a silent rom-com that saw The Tramp hired as a circus clown, only to discover that he can only be funny unintentionally. It was a real treat for viewers who had enjoyed The Gold Rush and hoped to witness similar antics from Chaplin’s most famous character. While it was not quite as poignant and thematically rich as its predecessor, it showcased that nobody could do physical comedy quite like Chaplin.

The Circus was produced amid personal struggles in Chaplin’s life as his mother died, he was in the midst of a bitter divorce from his second wife, Lita Gray, and he found himself in a conflict with the Internal Revenue Service regarding payment of back taxes. Despite these issues, Chaplin made a timeless classic that used the idea of circus clowns to represent his own relationship with celebrity culture and audience expectations. As Chaplin’s last film before sound started to take over Hollywood, The Circus signaled the end of an era for Chaplin’s career.

7 Limelight (1952)

Charlie Chaplin as Calvero

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Limelight (1952) GDramaMusicRomance Where to Watch

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*Availability in US Director Charles Chaplin Release Date October 31, 1952 Writers Charles Chaplin Cast Charles Chaplin , Claire Bloom , Nigel Bruce , Buster Keaton , Sydney Chaplin , Norman Lloyd , Andre Eglevsky , Melissa Hayden Runtime 137 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

Charlie Chaplin returned to more dramatic territory with the comedy-drama Limelight, a film that divided critics at the time but has since become regarded as one of his most important and personal works. Starring Chaplin as Calvero, a washup comedian who saves a suicidal dancer (Claire Bloom) from killing herself, the movie showcased how the damaged pair were able to find meaning and purpose through one another. As a sentimental look at the world of show business, Limelight addressed Chaplin’s own fading popularity at the time and avoided the political content that made his previous film, Monsieur Verdoux, so controversial.

As Chaplin’s last truly great film, Limelight was also notable for featuring the only onscreen collaboration between Chaplin and his fellow silent movie era icon, Buster Keaton. Chaplin and Keaton thrilled audiences by coming together for the final musical number, and it was an exciting way to bookend Chaplin’s career as a Hollywood filmmaker. Following the release of Limelight, Chaplin would be exiled from the United States and did not return until 1972 to accept an Honorary Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

6 Monsieur Verdoux (1947)

Charlie Chaplin as Monsieur Henri Verdoux

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Monsieur Verdoux Not RatedComedyCrimeDrama

Monsieur Verdoux is a dark comedy film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin. The film chronicles the life of Henri Verdoux, a former bank clerk who turns to marrying and murdering wealthy women to support his family after losing his job. Released in 1947, the film offers a commentary on the moral complexities and economic struggles of post-World War II society, showcasing Chaplin’s transition from silent to sound cinema.

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*Availability in US Director Charlie Chaplin Release Date September 26, 1947 Writers Charlie Chaplin , Orson Welles Cast Charlie Chaplin , Mady Correll , Allison Roddan , Robert Lewis , Audrey Betz , Martha Raye , Ada May , Isobel Elsom Character(s) Henri Verdoux , Mona Verdoux , Peter Verdoux , Maurice Bottello , Martha Bottello , Annabella Bonheur , Annette , Marie Grosnay Runtime 124 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

This dark comedy saw Charlie Chaplin playing a bigamist wife killer who was inspired by the real French murderer Henri Désiré Landru, also known as Bluebeard of Gambais. This story of a fired bank teller saw Chaplin play Monsieur Henri Verdoux, a man who solved his financial woes by marrying wealthy widows and murdering them one by one. While this appeared to be a perfect crime, years later, Verdoux was recognized by the family of one of his victims and stood trial for murder and was eventually executed in Chaplin’s darkest movie ending.

This black comedy was Chaplin’s first feature film not to include a character who at least resembled his famous Tramp and had an unapologetically dark tone, as Verdoux felt justified in his horrible crimes. As a strong critique of American society, capitalism, and moral hypocrisy, Monsieur Verdoux highlighted Chaplin’s strong opposition to a world consumed by money, greed, and power. A strong contributor to the accusations that Chaplin was a communist, Monsieur Verdoux was underappreciated at the time but has since gained widespread acclaim.

5 The Kid (1921)

Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp

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The Kid (1921) Not RatedComedyDrama

The Kid, a silent film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, follows the story of his iconic Tramp character as he adopts an abandoned child. The movie is notable for its blend of comedic and dramatic elements, featuring young actor Jackie Coogan as the titular Kid. Released in 1921, it showcases Chaplin’s talents in both performance and direction, remaining a significant work in the realm of early cinema.

Director Charles Chaplin Release Date February 6, 1921 Writers Charles Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Jackie Coogan , Carl Miller , Edna Purviance , Albert Austin , Beulah Bains , Nellie Bly Baker , Henry Bergman , Edward Biby , B.F. Blinn , Kitty Bradbury , Frank Campeau , Bliss Chevalier , Frances Cochran , Elsie Codd , Jack Coogan Sr. , Estelle Cook Character(s) A Tramp , The Kid , The Man , The Woman , Man in Shelter , Bride , Slum Nurse , Professor Guido , Night Shelter Keeper , Orphan Asylum Driver , Assistant , Bride’s Mother , Welfare Officer , Extra in Wedding Scene , Extra in Reception Scene , Extra in Alley Scene , Pickpocket , Guest , Devil Runtime 68 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

As Charlie Chaplin’s first feature-length film as a director, The Kid represents the true beginnings of the comedian’s cinematic legacy, and it was a testament to his skill that he knocked it out of the park on the first try. With the Tramp as the leading man and a seven-year-old Jackie Coogan as his adopted son and sidekick, the most impressive thing about The Kid was how well it blended humor and heartfelt sentimentality. Although audiences loved to laugh at the unfortunate antics of the Tramp, they also rooted for him.

The Kid made Coogan one of Hollywood’s first child stars, and he would go on to achieve great success in Oliver Twist and in his adulthood as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family. The Kid pushed silent filmmaking into new levels of artistry and has remained a beloved classic with an impressive 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. As a touching comedy and riveting piece of social commentary, The Kid signaled Chaplin as a filmmaking genius far beyond the realms of simple slapstick sketches.

4 The Gold Rush (1925)

Charlie Chaplin as The Lone Prospector (The Tramp)

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The Gold Rush (1925) ComedyAdventureDrama

The Gold Rush, directed by Charlie Chaplin, follows a gold prospector’s quest for fortune in the harsh conditions of Alaska. The film explores his challenges and comedic adventures as he endeavors to survive the elements and woo a dance hall girl.

Director Charlie Chaplin Release Date August 15, 1925 Writers Charlie Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Mack Swain , Tom Murray , Henry Bergman , Malcolm Waite , Georgia Hale , Jack Adams , Frank Aderias , Leona Aderias Character(s) The Lone Prospector , Big Jim McKay , Black Larsen , Hank Curtis , Jack Cameron , Georgia , Man in Dance Hall , Eskimo Child Runtime 95 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

The greatness of Charlie Chaplin came not just from his comedic skill but also from his knowledge that comedy and tragedy had more in common than differences. This idea was central to the success of The Gold Rush, which, when its concept was laid out on paper, sounded truly harrowing but, in execution, was fantastically hilarious. The Gold Rush starred Chaplin as The Lone Prospector, who was essentially the same character as the Tramp, facing sickness, hunger, cold, and loneliness in a desperate attempt to strike big during the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska.

The Gold Rush saw the Prospector face the harshest conditions of the Alaskan landscape and even risk being attacked by a grizzly bear. What’s most striking was how The Gold Rush blended the poetry of perseverance with the hilarity of human error. More so than any other film, The Gold Rush encapsulated the best of Chapin’s silent movies and was an ambitious, character-driven narrative that has remained a strong contender for being one of the funniest movies of all time.

3 The Great Dictator (1940)

Charlie Chaplin as Adenoid Hynkel & A Jewish Barber

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The Great Dictator NRComedyWar

The Great Dictator is a satirical comedy-drama film that tells the story of Adenoid Hynkel, a parody of Adolf Hitler, and a lookalike Jewish barber. Released in 1940, the film stars Charlie Chaplin, who also wrote and directed the project, as both Hynkel and the barber, in a commentary on the rise of fascism in Europe.

Director Charlie Chaplin Release Date October 15, 1940 Studio(s) Roy Export Company Establishment , United Artists , Charles Chaplin Productions Writers Charlie Chaplin Cast Charlie Chaplin , Paulette Goddard , Jack Oakie , Reginald Gardiner , Henry Daniell Runtime 125 Minutes Budget 2000000.0 Main Genre Comedy Expand

As one of the best WWII movies made while the war was still active, The Great Dictator was Charlie Chaplin’s satirical takedown of Adolf Hitler. As an anti-fascist black comedy, Chaplin had an outright political agenda when he made this movie, as he sought to mock and ridicule the most infamous man ever to sport Chaplin’s signature toothbrush mustache. While it’s true Chaplin and Hitler may have had some appearance similarities, their politics could not be further apart as The Great Dictator spread its message of acceptance, hope, and understanding.

As Chaplin’s first true-sound movie, it was thrilling to see that once he finally opted to open his mouth and speak, he had something vital and urgent to say. Chaplin used The Great Dictator to undermine fascism and antisemitism while also making a hilarious film that encapsulated American and European society’s growing concern about the threat of fascism. While Chaplin later said if he had known about the true horrors of the Holocaust, he would never “have made fun of the homicidal insanity of the Nazis” (via BBC), The Great Dictator stands as an important document of politically charged filmmaking.

2 City Lights (1931)

Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp

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City Lights GDramaRomanceComedy

Charlie Chaplin’s tramp falls for a blind flower girl facing eviction. Despite repeated failures to help, a chance encounter with a drunken millionaire offers hope. Rewarded for his heroism, the tramp can finally alter the flower girl’s fate, in this heartfelt tale of love and resilience on the city streets.

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*Availability in US Director Charles Chaplin Release Date March 7, 1931 Writers Charlie Chaplin , Harry Crocker , Harry Carr Cast Charlie Chaplin , Virginia Cherrill , Al Ernest Garcia , Albert Austin , Henry Bergman Runtime 87 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

The outrageous humor and poignant sentimentality of Charlie Chaplin’s unique style were never better than in City Lights, a romantic comedy that represented all that was great about his Tramp character. By showing the Tramp’s love story with a blind girl and his attempts to raise money for her and her poverty-stricken family, City Lights became a story of perseverance and fortitude in the face of great hardship. With the underlying threat of eviction for the young girl’s family, City Lights balanced comedy, drama, and Chaplin’s signature touch of social commentary.

More so than any other film, City Lights showcased Chaplin’s ability to make audiences laugh and cry equally. Produced just as sound was starting to take over, this was a silent movie triumph that hinted something beautiful and ethereal was being lost with the advent of talkies and that it’s a shame the two forms weren’t able to exist side by side in modern times. From the Tramp’s encounters with the drunken millionaire to the famous boxing match scene, City Lights was a beautiful, funny, and timeless film.

1 Modern Times (1936)

Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp

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Modern Times GComedyDramaRomance

The Little Tramp, played by Charlie Chaplin, grapples with the challenges of the industrial age, moving from one job to another while facing numerous setbacks. Along the way, he meets a young homeless woman, and together they try to navigate and survive the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

Director Charles Chaplin Release Date February 25, 1936 Studio(s) Charles Chaplin Productions Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Charles Chaplin Cast Charles Chaplin , Paulette Goddard , Henry Bergman , Tiny Sandford , Chester Conklin Runtime 87 Minutes Budget $1.5 Million Main Genre Comedy Expand

In a filmography packed with iconic and timeless movies, Modern Times stood out as Charlie Chaplin’s magnum opus. Featuring some of the Tramp’s most hilarious sequences as he played an exploited factory worker literally caught in the machinery of capitalism, Modern Times lamented the problematic working conditions of factory employees during the Great Depression. Modern Times powerfully used visual comedy to explore Marxist ideas around the theory of alienation, the exploitation of the proletariat, and the grim conditions of industrial America.

A thoughtful critique of anxieties around modernity and the dark consequences of money-hungry capitalists, Modern Times was Chaplin’s first outright political film and contributed to his later exile from the United States amid McCarthyism. What’s most impressive about Modern Times is that even though it was made in the 1930s, the movie still feels relevant and has dated incredibly well compared to Charlie Chaplin’s earlier work. As capitalism has continued to negatively impact the livelihoods of working-class people, Modern Times is perhaps even more relevant today than it was back in 1936.

Source: BBC

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Category: Entertainment