History's Best Selling Movies of 1928

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1928 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 The Circus and Four Sons, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Charles Chaplin and Frank Borzage proved their mettle with Street Angel, 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. The Circus

   Released in 1928 by Charles Chaplin, United Artists

   On January 6, 1928, Charles Chaplin's iconic silent comedy, 'The Circus,' premiered, marking another triumph for the legendary filmmaker. This pivotal date introduced audiences to one of the most remarkable and challenging productions of Chaplin's career, ultimately cementing his status as a cinematic genius. Despite facing numerous personal and professional obstacles during its making, the film quickly captivated viewers worldwide, grossing an impressive $3.8 million at the box office. Its launch was a testament to Chaplin's unwavering dedication to his craft, delivering a heartwarming blend of slapstick comedy and poignant storytelling that would endure for generations.

2. Four Sons

   Released in 1928 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   The launch of Frank Borzage's "Four Sons" on February 13, 1928, marked a significant moment in the silent film era, just on the cusp of the sound revolution. Premiering in New York City, this date introduced audiences to a poignant tale of family, war, and sacrifice that would resonate deeply, establishing itself as one of Fox Film Corporation's major successes for the year. The film quickly garnered critical acclaim and strong box office performance, underscoring its immediate impact and establishing it as a powerful cinematic experience. This premiere date was not just a release; it was the unveiling of a profound narrative that spoke to universal human emotions during a period of global change and reflection, solidifying Borzage's reputation as a master storyteller.

3. Street Angel

   Released in 1928 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   On April 6, 1928, a cinematic masterpiece graced screens, launching Street Angel to critical acclaim and impressive box office success during the twilight of the silent era. This premiere marked a significant moment for Fox Film Corporation and solidified the star power of its lead actress, Janet Gaynor. The film, a poignant romantic drama, captivated audiences with its tender narrative and breathtaking visuals, quickly becoming one of the year's most beloved productions. Its release highlighted the enduring artistic potential of silent cinema, even as the industry began its transition to sound, proving that compelling storytelling transcended the spoken word.

4. Ramona

   Released in 1928 by Edwin Carewe, United Artists

   The cinematic adaptation of 'Ramona' premiered on April 14, 1928, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history as one of the last major silent films released before the industry fully transitioned to sound. This poignant romantic drama, directed by Edwin Carewe and starring the legendary Dolores del Río, captivated audiences with its sweeping visuals and emotional depth. Its debut was not just another movie release; it was a grand event that showcased the pinnacle of silent filmmaking artistry, combined with early experimentation in color photography, making it a unique and memorable spectacle for its time. The film's premiere cemented its place as a visually ambitious and emotionally resonant work on the eve of a new cinematic era.

5. Lilac Time

   Released in 1928 by George Fitzmaurice, First National Pictures

   August 11, 1928, marked the highly anticipated world theatrical premiere of 'Lilac Time,' a poignant silent romantic drama that captivated audiences with its wartime romance and star-studded cast. This release date ushered in a significant commercial success for First National Pictures, establishing it as one of the year's top-grossing films. With its blend of emotional storytelling and the burgeoning star power of Colleen Moore and Gary Cooper, 'Lilac Time' wasn't just another movie; it was a cultural event that resonated deeply with the public, offering a bittersweet escape into a world of love, loss, and heroism against the backdrop of World War I. Its premiere set the stage for a strong box office performance, solidifying its place in the cinematic landscape of the late silent era.

6. The Red Dance

   Released in 1928 by Raoul Walsh, Fox Film Corporation

   The Red Dance, a captivating silent film directed by Raoul Walsh, made its grand theatrical premiere on August 19, 1928. This date marked the launch of a significant cinematic effort by Fox Film Corporation, arriving just as the film industry was on the cusp of the sound era. Despite the looming revolution of 'talkies,' The Red Dance proved to be a commercial success, reportedly grossing $1,300,000 at the box office. Its premiere introduced audiences to a dramatic romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution, solidifying its place as one of the notable achievements of late silent cinema and a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling.

7. The Terror

   Released in 1928 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   The first day of September 1928 marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the release of Warner Bros.' "The Terror." This groundbreaking film, directed by Michael Curtiz, wasn't just another horror mystery; it holds the distinction of being the first all-talkie horror film ever produced and commercially distributed. Its premiere on September 1, 1928, opened the floodgates for a new era of sound cinema, captivating audiences with its innovative use of dialogue and sound effects. Achieving an impressive box office gross of $1,221,000 domestically, "The Terror" solidified its place as an early commercial success and demonstrated the immense potential of synchronized sound, proving that audiences were eager for this revolutionary cinematic experience.

8. The Singing Fool

   Released in 1928 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros.

   On September 19, 1928, the entertainment world witnessed a monumental shift with the premiere of 'The Singing Fool' at the Winter Garden Theatre. This film was not just a sequel to the groundbreaking 'The Jazz Singer' but a phenomenon that solidified Al Jolson's status as the world's greatest entertainer and cemented the 'talkie' revolution. Breaking box office records left and right, it became the highest-grossing film of its era, captivating audiences with its emotional story and the novelty of synchronized sound. This date marks the beginning of a new chapter in cinema, demonstrating the immense commercial power of sound films.

9. Noah's Ark

   Released in 1928 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On October 27, 1928, the cinematic epic 'Noah's Ark' made its grand debut, captivating audiences with its ambitious scale and groundbreaking special effects. This release date marked a pivotal moment in film history, showcasing Warner Bros.' commitment to big-budget productions and pioneering sound technology, even as the industry transitioned from silent to 'talkie' films. Directed by the visionary Michael Curtiz, the movie was an early example of a disaster film, intertwining a contemporary WWI narrative with the biblical tale. Despite its hefty budget and a notoriously difficult production, 'Noah's Ark' proved to be a significant box office success, solidifying its place as one of the most remarkable films of the late silent era and an early testament to Hollywood's spectacle-driven ambitions.

10. In Old Arizona

    Released in 1928 by Raoul Walsh, Irving Cummings, Fox Film Corporation

    On Christmas Day, December 25, 1928, Hollywood unveiled a cinematic marvel that would forever change the landscape of the Western genre and the nascent world of talking pictures. 'In Old Arizona' premiered, captivating audiences with its innovative use of sound, especially in an outdoor setting, a feat previously deemed near-impossible. This release date marked a pivotal moment, not just for Fox Film Corporation, but for the entire industry, demonstrating the commercial viability and artistic potential of synchronized dialogue. It swiftly became a box office success, grossing a remarkable $1.5 million worldwide against a modest budget, cementing its place as one of the early talkie trailblazers and earning Warner Baxter an Academy Award, making this Christmas premiere truly special.