25 Films from the First Oscars Ceremony
24 titles
- 1
The RacketMovie · 1928 · 84m · Crime, DramaA determined police captain relentlessly pursues a brutal mob boss. He faces many obstacles in his pursuit, escalating the tension between them to a final confrontation that challenges justice and morality. The film vividly portrays the dark side of city crime, exploring power, corruption, and revenge. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2016, this gritty story follows one man's unwavering quest for retribution and its consequences.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 2
SpeedyMovie · 1928 · 85m · ComedySet in bustling 1910s New York City, this story follows Speedy, a spirited young man who finds himself without work after losing his job as a soda jerk. He and his girlfriend enjoy adventures at Coney Island and then, as Speedy takes on a new job as a taxi driver. His life changes when he's asked to drive the famous baseball player Babe Ruth to Yankee Stadium, where he's inspired by the game. But Speedy faces a bigger challenge when he discovers a railway company is trying to shut down the last horse-drawn trolley run by his father-in-law. With the help of his community, Speedy organizes a fight against the railroad, transforming a simple taxi ride into a powerful defense of local history and togetherness.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 3
UnderworldMovie · 1927 · 87m · Drama, Crime, RomanceIn a world of rising crime and shifting loyalties, Bull Weed is a powerful and unpredictable gangster. He tries to reconnect with his former lawyer, now struggling with alcohol, hoping to recapture their old bond.
But as they navigate the dangerous world of organized crime together, a complicated romance blossoms between the lawyer and Bull's girlfriend. This forbidden love puts their lives in jeopardy, challenging their friendship and loyalty.
The film balances drama and dark humor, exploring the complexities of relationships where trust is fragile. The story questions the nature of love and how it can lead us astray.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 4
The Last CommandMovie · 1928 · 88m · Drama, History, WarA man journeys across the world, moving between different cultures and societies. He was once a respected general in the Russian Imperial army, but after significant political changes, he's unexpectedly sent to Hollywood. He works as an extra on a film and meets a director who also has a complicated past – a surprising connection given their different lives. This story is about feeling out of place, discovering who you are, and the difficulties of connecting with others during a time of big change, all taking place during Hollywood's golden age.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.3 - 5
The Patent Leather KidMovie · 1927 · 150mThe Patent Leather Kid, a 1927 silent film, follows a boxer who refuses to fight outside of sanctioned matches, especially for his country during World War I. He is eventually drafted, sent to war, and performs a heroic deed that leaves him seriously injured.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 6
TempestMovie · 1928 · 111mIn the waning days of Czarist Russia, a peasant is promoted to Lieutenant, drawing resentment from the aristocratic officers. His life is made difficult by their scorn. He falls in love with a princess, but she rejects him. After being caught in her room, he loses his rank and is imprisoned. The arrival of the Red Terror dramatically shifts power.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 7
The NooseMovie · 1928 · 65mThis is a tense, wordless crime story about a hijacker who murders his father – a ruthless gangster blackmailing his mother – to protect her marriage to the governor. He sees it as an act of devotion to her.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.0 - 8
The DoveMovie · 1927 · 90mNorma Talmadge stars as 'The Dove,' a celebrated Mexican saloon singer who finds herself caught between a charming young man and a ruthless dictator, portrayed by Noah Beery.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 9
The Devil DancerMovie · 1927 · 73mAn English explorer, troubled by the customs of a remote tribe, tries to save a native girl he's grown drawn to. *The Devil Dancer* was widely acclaimed for its stunning visuals, particularly its masterful use of light and shadow, and earned an Academy Award nomination for cinematography. Tragically, the film is now considered lost; no copies or original materials are known to exist.IMDb 4.9TMDB 5.0 - 10
The Magic FlameMovie · 1927 · 100m"The Magic Flame" (1927), directed by Henry King and produced by Samuel Goldwyn, is based on the play "Konig Harlekin" by Rudolph Lothar. George Barnes received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 1st Academy Awards for his work on the film. It was marketed as a circus-based version of the classic Romeo and Juliet story upon its release.IMDb 4.6TMDB 4.3 - 11
A Ship Comes InMovie · 1928 · 70mThis film follows the experiences of immigrants as they arrive in the United States.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.5 - 12
Glorious BetsyMovie · 1928 · 80mThis is the third Warner Bros. feature film to incorporate synchronized sound, following *The Jazz Singer* and *Tenderloin*. It features talking sequences, a Vitaphone musical score, and sound effects. A surviving copy is held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., though the sound disks are missing.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.8 - 13
Sorrell and SonMovie · 1927 · 100mStephen Sorrell, a war hero, raises his son Kit alone after Kit’s mother left him and his child when Kit was a baby. Sorrell loses a good job opportunity and takes a low-paying job as a hotel porter. The hard labor and harsh treatment take a toll on his health and self-respect, but he finds strength in knowing it’s for Kit’s future. Sorrell has told Kit his mother is dead, but when she reappears wanting to reconnect, he faces difficult choices. Preserved and restored by the Academy Film Archive in 2004.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 14
Street AngelMovie · 1928 · 102m · Drama, RomanceAgainst the colorful, ever-changing setting of a traveling carnival, a determined young woman struggles with poverty and homelessness. She finds a place among the carnival's diverse performers and meets a carefree painter who travels with only his art supplies. Their lives become connected, revealing a story of strength and finding oneself in a world of impermanence. This moving story explores human connection within the chaos, focusing on adapting and surviving difficult circumstances.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 15
7th HeavenMovie · 1927 · 119m · Drama, RomanceIn 1910s Paris, the film tells the story of a quiet sewer worker struggling with doubt about his faith. A chance meeting with a resourceful young girl makes him feel like his prayers have been answered. Their love story unfolds against the lively and rough backdrop of the city, exploring themes of hope, redemption, and the strength found in human connection. The film shows how their relationship deepens, reflecting the emotional challenges and resilience that can come from unexpected connections.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 16
Sadie ThompsonMovie · 1928 · 97m · Drama, RomanceIn Pago Pago, American Samoa, Sadie Thompson seeks a fresh start after a troubled past. She meets Timothy O'Hara, a sailor who accepts her history, defying local customs. Their growing connection is threatened by Mr. Davidson, a missionary determined to save Sadie from what he sees as a sinful life and keep her away from O'Hara. The conflict between the three explores themes of morality, personal change, and the complexities of human desire in a beautiful island setting.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.5 - 17
The Jazz SingerMovie · 1927 · 89m · Drama, MusicThe film follows a young Jewish man balancing cultural expectations with his dreams of becoming a jazz singer. His family, rooted in tradition, disapproves of his chosen career. This is a landmark film as it's the first full-length movie with synchronized sound, making it the original film musical. The story explores the conflict between pursuing one's passions and honoring family duties while highlighting the groundbreaking use of sound in early cinema.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 18
The Private Life of Helen of TroyMovie · 1927 · 87mProducer-director Alexander Korda approaches the story of Helen of Troy with a light touch, avoiding any serious treatment. Maria Corda plays the title character as a flirtatious woman, seemingly unaware of the political chaos she ignites when she is abducted by the handsome Paris (Ricardo Cortez). Helen's husband, King Menelaus (Lewis Stone), watches silently, much as he has when his wife has been charmed by other suitors (including "Wild Bill" Elliot). Eventually spurred to action, Menelaus retrieves his wife, who appears unfazed by her ordeal.IMDb 5.7TMDB 3.5 - 19
Two Arabian KnightsMovie · 1927 · 92mSet during World War I, the film follows two American soldiers as they struggle to evade German forces while competing for the affections of a captivating harem girl. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation in 2016.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 20
Chang: A Drama of the WildernessMovie · 1927 · 69mA family living in the remote jungles of Northern Siam has its life upended by a disruptive presence: elephants. The animals' actions impact not only the family but also the entire nearby village.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 21
The CircusMovie · 1928 · 72m · Comedy, Romance, DramaCharlie, a traveling handyman, arrives at a small-town circus and quickly becomes essential with his cleverness and juggling skills. He rises to become the star performer, winning over audiences with his easygoing personality. But Charlie is also drawn to Mabel, the captivating stepdaughter of the circus owner. The story explores themes of love and ambition as Charlie experiences the vibrant world of the circus, navigating social differences while pursuing his dreams amidst the excitement and wonder.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9 - 22
The CrowdMovie · 1928 · 98m · Drama, RomanceIn New York City, John's life is marked by ambition and unpredictable challenges. He meets Mary, someone who understands his dreams and struggles. They begin a difficult journey together, set against the backdrop of a demanding city. Facing parenthood, financial hardship, and personal loss, John and Mary are immersed in the city's overwhelming chaos. The film shows their effort to hold onto their relationship and sense of self amidst the anonymity, offering a moving story about love, strength, and the human experience.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 23
Sunrise: A Song of Two HumansMovie · 1927 · 94m · Drama, RomanceIn the heartland, a family man faces a difficult moral choice when he meets a captivating city woman. He struggles to balance his farm, his marriage, and her growing influence. Her enigmatic allure tempts him with dark desires, leading him to consider harming his wife. The film explores infidelity, desire, and the impact of our decisions, offering a close look at rural life and the complexities of human nature. As he questions his identity and loyalty, he confronts a decision that could change everything. The story unfolds as a haunting portrayal of weakness, desire, and the consequences of choices.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 24
The Way of All FleshMovie · 1927 · 94mIn early 1900s Milwaukee, August Schiller, a content bank clerk with a stable job and family life, is entrusted with transporting $1,000 in securities to Chicago. On the train, he encounters a captivating woman who persuades him into buying her champagne and accompanying her to a saloon. He awakens the next morning alone in a rundown room, the securities gone.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
