History's Best Selling Movies of 1922

Revisiting 1922 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Grandma's Boy, Blood and Sand, and Robin Hood took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Fred C. Newmeyer and Fred Niblo led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Grandma's Boy

   Released in 1922 by Fred C. Newmeyer, Associated First National Pictures

   On July 30, 1922, audiences were introduced to the heartwarming and hilarious world of 'Grandma's Boy', a silent comedy that solidified Harold Lloyd's status as one of cinema's greatest stars. This premiere marked a significant milestone for Lloyd, as the film not only charmed critics and moviegoers but also achieved a remarkable box office success for its time, grossing an estimated $1.1 million. The release date itself is special, representing the moment a truly iconic character, the timid yet ultimately heroic 'Boy,' captured the hearts of a nation, demonstrating the power of a well-told story filled with laughter and an inspiring message of self-discovery, setting a new benchmark for silent film comedies.

2. Blood and Sand

   Released in 1922 by Fred Niblo, Paramount Pictures

   'Blood and Sand' premiered on August 5, 1922, marking a pivotal moment in Rudolph Valentino’s meteoric rise to stardom. This release date ushered in one of the most commercially successful films of the silent era, solidifying Valentino's image as the quintessential "Latin Lover." The film’s launch was met with immense anticipation, driven by Valentino's previous hit 'The Sheik' and its scandalous themes, creating a fervor among audiences. Its immediate box office success cemented its place as a blockbuster of the 1920s, demonstrating the immense power of star appeal and exotic romance in early Hollywood cinema. This particular date signifies the grand unveiling of a cultural phenomenon that would resonate for decades to come, defining a new era of cinematic celebrity.

3. Robin Hood (1922 film)

   Released in 1922 by Allan Dwan, United Artists

   On August 18, 1922, the grand spectacle of 'Robin Hood' premiered, captivating audiences and solidifying Douglas Fairbanks' status as the king of swashbuckling cinema. This silent epic was not merely a film; it was an event, heralded for its monumental scale, breathtaking stunts, and lavish production values. Setting new benchmarks for what movies could achieve, 'Robin Hood' was among the most expensive films of its time and went on to become one of the highest-grossing silent movies ever. This specific date marks the unveiling of a cinematic marvel that redefined adventure filmmaking and left an indelible mark on Hollywood's burgeoning Golden Age.

4. Smilin' Through

   Released in 1922 by Sidney Franklin, First National Pictures

   The romantic melodrama "Smilin' Through" premiered on October 22, 1922, captivating audiences with its blend of spiritualism, enduring love, and tragic family feuds. This date marked the launch of a significant silent-era hit for First National Pictures, becoming one of the year's top-grossing films and solidifying the star power of its leading lady, Norma Talmadge. The film's compelling narrative, rich with emotional depth and visual splendor, immediately resonated with viewers, establishing it as a touchstone in early Hollywood's fascination with romance and the supernatural. Its premiere was a celebrated event, setting the stage for a highly successful theatrical run that showcased the ambitious storytelling and technical prowess of the era.

5. Rags to Riches

   Released in 1922 by Wallace Worsley, Goldwyn Pictures

   The cinematic landscape of 1922 saw the debut of "Rags to Riches," a Goldwyn Pictures production that captured audiences with its blend of melodrama and social commentary. Released on November 12, 1922, this film offered a poignant exploration of class divides and the transformative power of love, making its premiere a notable event in the silent film era. While specific, granular box office records from this period are often scarce, the film garnered significant attention upon its release, illustrating the enduring appeal of narratives that champion personal growth and romantic triumph over adversity. This original premiere date marks the moment "Rags to Riches" began its journey to resonate with moviegoers, establishing itself as a charming example of early Hollywood storytelling and an important entry in the year's film releases.

6. Saturday Night

   Released in 1922 by Cecil B. DeMille, Famous Players-Lasky Corporation

   Released on the cusp of a new year, December 31, 1922, 'Saturday Night' emerged as a quintessential Cecil B. DeMille production, blending social commentary with compelling melodrama. While not as grand in scale as some of DeMille's epic works, its New Year's Eve debut positioned it as a thought-provoking conclusion to the cinematic year, capturing the public's imagination with its exploration of class distinctions and personal identity. The film earned a respectable $753,807 at the box office, a significant sum for a silent drama of its time, cementing DeMille's reputation as a director capable of delivering both spectacle and substance to eager audiences.