History's Best Selling Movies of 1920

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1920 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Why Change Your Wife? and Passion, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Cecil B. DeMille and Ernst Lubitsch proved their mettle with Way Down East, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Why Change Your Wife?

   Released in 1920 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The film "Why Change Your Wife?", a scintillating comedy-drama by the master of spectacle, Cecil B. DeMille, captivated audiences upon its release on April 18, 1920. This date marked the wide theatrical debut of a movie that would not only become a substantial commercial hit, raking in over $1 million at the box office, but also solidify DeMille’s reputation for crafting sophisticated, yet accessible, tales of marital strife and social commentary. Its premiere was a significant cultural event, establishing a template for domestic dramas that explored the evolving roles and expectations within marriage in early 20th-century America.

2. Passion (Madame Dubarry)

   Released in 1920 by Ernst Lubitsch, First National Exhibitors' Circuit

   Passion (Madame Dubarry), originally released in Germany as 'Madame DuBarry' in 1919, burst onto American screens on May 12, 1920, marking a pivotal moment in cinema history. This specific date signifies its highly anticipated North American theatrical premiere, where it quickly shattered box office records and proved that German cinema could captivate international audiences, even in the politically charged aftermath of World War I. The film's immense commercial success, especially its estimated $1,000,000 box office revenue, was unprecedented for a foreign production of its era and firmly established director Ernst Lubitsch as a visionary talent on the global stage. Its launch was a testament to the universal appeal of compelling storytelling and lavish historical spectacle, overcoming prevailing anti-German sentiments to become a cultural phenomenon and a turning point for Hollywood's openness to European artistry.

3. Way Down East

   Released in 1920 by D. W. Griffith, United Artists

   The premiere of D. W. Griffith's 'Way Down East' on September 3, 1920, marked a significant moment in cinema history. This silent melodrama, starring the iconic Lillian Gish, captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative and groundbreaking technical feats. It quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the silent era, solidifying Griffith's reputation as a master storyteller and Gish's as a formidable actress. The film's ambitious production, particularly its famous ice floe sequence, pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, making its debut a celebrated event that showcased the immense potential of the burgeoning art form and its ability to draw massive crowds. This date launched a cinematic landmark that remains influential today.

4. Something to Think About

   Released in 1920 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "Something to Think About" on November 7, 1920, marked a significant moment in early Hollywood cinema, further cementing the powerful collaboration between the legendary director and his muse, Gloria Swanson. This drama, released by Paramount Pictures, quickly captivated audiences with its poignant story and DeMille's distinctive visual flair. While comprehensive box office records from the silent era are scarce, the film garnered an estimated $915,848 at the box office, a substantial sum for its time, underscoring its commercial success and its pivotal role in the studio's offerings for the year. This release date signifies not just a film's debut, but a continued exploration of moral themes and melodrama that would become DeMille's enduring legacy.

5. The Mark of Zorro

   Released in 1920 by Fred Niblo, United Artists

   The world first thrilled to the legendary masked hero Zorro with the premiere of 'The Mark of Zorro' on December 5, 1920. This landmark silent film, starring the unparalleled Douglas Fairbanks, wasn't just a cinematic event; it was a phenomenon that redefined the action-adventure genre and solidified Fairbanks' status as Hollywood's premier swashbuckler. Its record-breaking box office success cemented its place in film history, captivating audiences with its blend of romance, daring heroics, and thrilling swordplay. The film's debut heralded the birth of an enduring pop culture icon and a cinematic blueprint for countless heroes to follow, making this date a pivotal moment in movie lore.