History's Best Selling Products of 1927

Revisiting 1927 presents a grand parade of items history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Metropolis, The King of Kings, and 7th Heaven took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Fritz Lang and Cecil B. DeMille 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. 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. Twilight Sleep

   Released in 1927 by Edith Wharton, D. Appleton and Company

   In 1927, Edith Wharton, already a literary titan, released 'Twilight Sleep,' a novel that immediately captured the public imagination and swiftly ascended the bestseller lists. Positioned as a sharp, satirical commentary on the American upper class during the Jazz Age, the book tapped into contemporary anxieties and fascinations with modernity, spiritualism, and psychoanalysis. Its title alone, a potent metaphor for a generation's deliberate escapism and willful ignorance, promised a compelling exploration of society's underbelly. As a Wharton novel, it arrived with significant fanfare, drawing readers eager for her incisive observations, sophisticated prose, and unflinching critiques of the social fabric, making it a notable cultural phenomenon upon its debut.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Electronic Television, The TV

   Released in 1927 by Philo Farnsworth

   On September 7, 1927, inside his laboratory at 202 Green Street in San Francisco, 21-year-old inventor Philo T. Farnsworth achieved a breakthrough that would define the 20th century. With a small group of investors watching, he demonstrated the world's first fully electronic television system. The image transmitted was a simple horizontal line, but its appearance on the receiver's screen was monumental. This moment was the culmination of years of theoretical work and frantic experimentation, proving that an image could be captured, transmitted, and reproduced using electrons alone, without any mechanical moving parts. This specific date marks the birth of electronic television, the fundamental technology behind every CRT screen for decades to come.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Doomsday

    Released in 1927 by Warwick Deeping, Cassell and Co.

    The novel "Doomsday," published in 1927, instantly captivated readers and ascended to become the third best-selling novel of the year in the United States, cementing Warwick Deeping's reputation as a literary force. Its launch tapped into a public yearning for narratives of resilience and self-reliance amidst the roaring twenties' economic boom and social shifts. The novel’s powerful portrayal of a woman carving out her own destiny in rural England resonated deeply, making it not just a book, but a cultural touchstone reflecting the evolving aspirations of its era and solidifying its place in popular literary history.

15. Elmer Gantry

    Released in 1927 by Sinclair Lewis, Harcourt, Brace & Company

    Elmer Gantry exploded onto the American literary scene in 1927, instantly igniting a firestorm of controversy and becoming an undeniable cultural phenomenon. Sinclair Lewis’s audacious satire of American evangelism didn't just sell well; it forced a national conversation about faith, hypocrisy, and the burgeoning consumer culture of the Roaring Twenties. Its release was met with both fervent condemnation from religious leaders and enthusiastic readership from a public eager to challenge societal norms. The novel’s unflinching portrayal of a charismatic yet morally bankrupt preacher made it one of the most talked-about books of its time, securing its place as a quintessential representation of 1920s America’s rebellious spirit and its critical gaze upon institutionalized religion.

16. Jalna

    Released in 1927 by Mazo de la Roche, Little, Brown and Company

    Jalna burst onto the literary scene in 1927, captivating readers and critics alike as the winner of the prestigious Atlantic Monthly Prize. This immediate acclaim launched Mazo de la Roche onto the global stage, transforming her into an overnight sensation. The novel quickly became a cultural phenomenon, a must-read for anyone immersed in the roaring twenties' literary landscape. Its raw portrayal of a sprawling, eccentric family, steeped in tradition and rife with conflict, struck a chord, offering an irresistible glimpse into a world both familiar and wildly dramatic. The initial buzz around its prize-winning status set the stage for its rapid ascent to bestseller lists and solidified its place in literary history.

17. Radio Flyer Wagon

    Released in 1927 by Liberty Coaster Company

    On January 1, 1927, Antonio Pasin's Liberty Coaster Company unveiled a product that would become an icon of American childhood: the Radio Flyer wagon. This debut marked a pivotal moment in toy manufacturing, shifting from handcrafted, expensive wooden items to affordable, mass-produced steel goods. Launched during the optimism of the Roaring Twenties, the wagon's name was a stroke of marketing genius, combining two of the era's most exciting technological marvels: the radio and the airplane. The introduction of this durable, sleek, and accessible toy vehicle set the stage for it to become a ubiquitous part of suburban life, promising adventure and utility to millions of children for generations to come.

18. The Bridge of San Luis Rey

    Released in 1927 by Thornton Wilder, Albert & Charles Boni

    Released in 1927, "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" emerged as a profound literary counterpoint to the decade's prevailing materialism and superficiality, known as the Roaring Twenties. At a time when America was grappling with rapid social change, economic prosperity, and the lingering psychological aftermath of World War I, Wilder's novel offered a deeply introspective examination of existential questions. Its immediate and widespread popularity underscored a public yearning for narratives that delved into the mysteries of human existence, purpose, and destiny, making it a culturally significant artifact that transcended mere entertainment and fostered widespread philosophical reflection.

19. Trompe-l'œil

    Released in 1927 by Elsa Schiaparelli

    The year 1927 marked a playful revolution in fashion with Elsa Schiaparelli's iconic 'bowknot' sweater, which boldly introduced the art of Trompe-l'œil to the modern wardrobe. This ingenious technique, meaning "deceive the eye," immediately captivated onlookers, transforming a simple knit garment into a witty optical illusion. Instead of a real scarf and bow, the design featured knitted-in imagery that mimicked their three-dimensional presence, creating a startlingly realistic yet entirely flat depiction. Schiaparelli’s pioneering use brought a sense of surrealism and intellectual humor to haute couture, instantly establishing Trompe-l'œil as a signature element in her groundbreaking collections and cementing its place as a fascinating tool for fashion innovation.