Free Movies! The Best Films In The Public Domain

Over 3.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Free Movies! The Best Films In The Public Domain
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite royalty free movies.

The best free movies in the public domain number among some of the best movies of all time, and since their copyrights have lapsed, they are royalty free to watch, distribute, and remake. Many of these free films in the public domain and out of copyright were once high-grossing, Academy Award-winning movies that have since become open to public use. Classic movies like The Wizard of Oz, Metropolis, and Metropolis are now part of the general public experience.

What is the best film in the public domain? What Oscar winning films are now free to use? What are the greatest films whose copyrights have lapsed? Vote on the movies you think are the best available in the public domain and if you want to see them again, you might be able to watch them on YouTube. 

Most divisive: Algiers
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  • His Girl Friday
    1
    Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy
    383 votes
    • Released: 1940
    • Directed by: Howard Hawks

    A fast-paced screwball comedy that showcases the talents of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell as a feisty, divorced couple working in the newspaper business. With snappy dialogue and a relentless pace, this film is full of hilarity and wit, making it an enduring classic that's still beloved by many today. It's also notable for its progressive portrayal of working women during the 1940s, serving as both a comedic gem and a social commentary.

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  • Charade
    2
    Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau
    358 votes
    • Released: 1963
    • Directed by: Stanley Donen

    Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant dazzle in this stylish romantic thriller set in Paris, which combines lighthearted humor with suspenseful action. The plot revolves around a woman pursued by several men trying to retrieve stolen money her murdered husband hid away. The film earns its status as a timeless classic through its engaging script, memorable performances, and sophisticated visual style.

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  • Night of the Living Dead
    3
    Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman
    874 votes
    • Released: 1968
    • Directed by: George A. Romero

    This groundbreaking horror film from George A. Romero changed the landscape of the genre, introducing the concept of zombies as reanimated corpses hungry for human flesh. With its unsettling atmosphere, visceral gore, and chilling social commentary, the film manages to remain relevant and terrifying even decades later. It's a must-see for any horror aficionado and a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.

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  • The Gold Rush
    4
    Charlie Chaplin, Mack Swain, Tom Murray
    247 votes
    • Released: 1925
    • Directed by: Charlie Chaplin

    Charlie Chaplin's iconic Little Tramp character ventures to Alaska in search of gold, during the Klondike Gold Rush, resulting in a delightful blend of humor, romance, and adventure. The film contains some of the comedian's most famous scenes, including the all-time classic "dance of the dinner rolls." This silent masterpiece is a testament to Chaplin's genius and remains an influential, beloved work in cinema history.

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  • The Phantom of the Opera
    5
    Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry
    340 votes
    • Released: 1925
    • Directed by: Rupert Julian

    This silent adaptation of Gaston Leroux's famous novel stars Lon Chaney Sr. in the titular role, delivering a chilling, heart-wrenching performance as the tragic figure haunting the Paris Opera House. With its elaborate sets, haunting atmosphere, and groundbreaking use of color, the film stands as a prime example of early 20th-century filmmaking. It's a fascinating look into the foundation of horror cinema and the birth of an iconic character.

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  • The General
    6
    Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender
    182 votes
    • Released: 1926
    • Directed by: Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton

    Buster Keaton stars in this silent comedy epic, portraying a heroic train engineer during the American Civil War. Known for its breathtaking stunts and impressive visual gags, the film combines high-stakes action with laugh-out-loud comedy. It's widely considered one of Keaton's greatest works, as well as a milestone in the history of silent cinema.

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