9. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
The second and last silent film on the list,"Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" was F.W. Murnau's first Hollywood production and what a production it was. Using his trademark German Expressionist style that entranced film goers with "Nosferatu" and "The Last Laugh", Murnau was able to create a visual flair that rivals that of the CGI films of today. To watch "Sunrise" is to live in the 1920's as through an innovative tracking sequence, he seamlessly goes from the quiet country to the frenetic city. Arguably, this film is credited for inventing the use of a tracking shot. But, it isn't just the visuals that makes this film so great. The title says it is a song of two humans and indeed it is a humanistic tale of love. The universal tale of Man and Wife as they rediscover their love for each other is threatened by the corruption of city. It touched the hearts of so many people that it shared the Best Picture Oscar with a far inferior "Wings".