History's Best Selling Movies of 1927

Hats off to 1927! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Metropolis. Alongside sensationally popular hits like The King of Kings and 7th Heaven, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Fritz Lang and Cecil B. DeMille set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Metropolis

   Released in 1927 by Fritz Lang, UFA

   On January 10, 1927, Fritz Lang's monumental silent film "Metropolis" premiered at the Ufa-Palast am Zoo in Berlin, Germany. This premiere was not just a movie opening; it was the unveiling of a cinematic vision so ambitious and groundbreaking that it would echo through the art form for nearly a century. As a pillar of German Expressionism and one of the first feature-length science fiction films, "Metropolis" presented a dystopian future that was both a technical marvel and a powerful social allegory. Its debut on this date marked the moment the world first laid eyes on a film that would become a cornerstone of science fiction and a timeless masterpiece of visual storytelling.

2. The King of Kings

   Released in 1927 by Cecil B. DeMille, Producers Distributing Corporation

   The grand premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's epic silent film, 'The King of Kings', on April 19, 1927, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, was a monumental event that captivated audiences and critics alike. This cinematic spectacle, a reverent portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, marked a significant moment in film history, showcasing DeMille's unparalleled ambition and mastery of the biblical epic genre. Its launch was more than just a movie premiere; it was a cultural phenomenon, designed to be an immersive spiritual experience that drew millions. The meticulous craftsmanship, coupled with its profound subject matter, ensured that this film would not only dominate the box office but also leave an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most important silent films ever made.

3. 7th Heaven

   Released in 1927 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   On May 6, 1927, audiences in New York City were first transported to the romantic streets of Paris with the premiere of Frank Borzage’s silent masterpiece, "7th Heaven." This seminal date marked the debut of a film that would not only become one of the highest-grossing productions of its era but also a critical darling, securing multiple Academy Awards at the very first ceremony. Its launch introduced a deeply moving love story that captivated viewers and critics alike, establishing itself as a benchmark for romantic dramas and showcasing the expressive power of silent cinema at its zenith, making this premiere a truly special moment in film history.

4. Jesse James

   Released in 1927 by Lloyd Ingraham, Paramount Pictures

   The silent film 'Jesse James,' starring cowboy sensation Fred Thomson, premiered on August 6, 1927, captivating audiences with its thrilling portrayal of America's legendary outlaw. This release marked a significant moment for Paramount Pictures, leveraging Thomson's immense popularity as one of the era's biggest Western stars. The film’s launch capitalized on the public's enduring fascination with the Wild West and its iconic figures, delivering a compelling narrative that drew crowds into theaters during the twilight years of the silent film era. Its debut underscored the continuing commercial power of the Western genre, even as Hollywood stood on the cusp of the sound revolution, cementing its place in the cinematic landscape.

5. Wings

   Released in 1927 by William A. Wellman, Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation

   On August 12, 1927, the cinematic landscape was forever altered with the premiere of 'Wings' in New York City. This monumental event marked the debut of a film that would not only captivate audiences with its groundbreaking aerial sequences but also etch its name into history as the inaugural recipient of the Academy Award for Best Picture. Its launch heralded a new era for filmmaking, combining spectacle with heartfelt drama, setting box office records for its time, and establishing a benchmark for silent era blockbusters. The premiere was a grand affair, fitting for a movie of such epic scale and ambition, hinting at the monumental success and lasting legacy it would soon achieve.

6. The Jazz Singer

   Released in 1927 by Alan Crosland, Warner Bros.

   The date October 6, 1927, marks a pivotal moment in cinematic history: the world theatrical premiere of "The Jazz Singer." Unveiled at the Warner Theatre in New York City, this film wasn't just another movie; it was the audacious gamble by Warner Bros. that changed Hollywood forever. While not fully a "talkie," its revolutionary use of synchronized dialogue and singing segments shattered the silent film paradigm, captivating audiences and signaling the dawn of a new era. This premiere wasn't merely a release; it was a cultural earthquake, demonstrating the immense commercial potential of sound film and setting the stage for a technological revolution that would sweep through the entertainment industry, making it one of the most significant releases of its time.

7. The Patent Leather Kid

   Released in 1927 by Frank Lloyd, First National Pictures

   Released on October 22, 1927, 'The Patent Leather Kid' wasn't just another silent film; it was a potent cinematic statement that resonated deeply with post-World War I audiences, becoming one of First National Pictures' biggest hits of the year. This original premiere date marked the debut of a powerful drama that explored themes of masculinity, cowardice, and redemption against the backdrop of the Great War, solidifying star Richard Barthelmess's position as a leading man. Its impressive box office performance of $1.2 million highlighted its commercial appeal and the public's thirst for compelling, emotionally charged narratives, making this release a significant moment in the late silent era.

8. My Best Girl

   Released in 1927 by Sam Taylor, United Artists

   October 31, 1927, marks a bittersweet yet significant date in cinematic history with the premiere of 'My Best Girl'. This enchanting romantic comedy holds a special place as the final silent film starring "America's Sweetheart," Mary Pickford, released just as the era of sound cinema was dawning. Its launch was not merely a commercial event but a cultural milestone, showcasing Pickford's enduring star power in a heartfelt story that captivated audiences. The film's impressive box office performance solidified its place as a beloved classic, delivering a poignant farewell to a golden era of filmmaking while hinting at the transformative changes ahead for Pickford and the industry.

9. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

   Released in 1927 by F.W. Murnau, Fox Film Corporation

   On November 4, 1927, audiences in New York City were introduced to a cinematic marvel that would forever redefine the art of filmmaking: F.W. Murnau's 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans.' This date marked the North American theatrical premiere of a film that, despite its modest commercial returns at the time, immediately captivated critics and solidified its place as a groundbreaking masterpiece of the silent era. With its revolutionary visual poetry and profound emotional depth, 'Sunrise' transcended conventional storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history and earning its place as one of the most celebrated films of all time, a true testament to the power of pure visual narrative.

10. The Gaucho

    Released in 1927 by F. Richard Jones, United Artists

    The release of "The Gaucho" on November 21, 1927, marked a pivotal moment for silent cinema and a grand spectacle for audiences worldwide. Starring the legendary Douglas Fairbanks, this adventure drama premiered in New York City, electrifying crowds with its blend of swashbuckling action and dramatic intensity. Fairbanks, renowned for his athletic prowess and charismatic screen presence, brought an unparalleled energy to the role, cementing the film's status as a major cinematic event of the year. Its premiere wasn't just another movie launch; it was a testament to the enduring appeal of silent epics and a significant entry in Fairbanks' illustrious career, contributing substantially to its impressive box office performance.

11. Love

    Released in 1927 by Fred Niblo, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    Christmas Day, 1927, marked a spectacular cinematic event with the premiere of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 'Love' in New York City. This highly anticipated silent film brought together the incandescent star power of Greta Garbo and John Gilbert, two of Hollywood's most magnetic on-screen couples. Its launch, strategically timed for the holiday season, captivated audiences with its opulent production and passionate performances. 'Love' quickly became a box office success, grossing an impressive $946,000 in rentals, a significant achievement for a silent film in an era rapidly transitioning to sound. This date signifies the debut of a romantic epic that solidified its stars' legendary status and showcased the enduring power of silent storytelling.