Earliest Surviving Movies
Excluding lost films. I wanted a list of films I could watch online, probably on YouTube.
I stopped at 1896, since there are over 800 titles that year: https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?year=1896
I stopped at 1896, since there are over 800 titles that year: https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?year=1896
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245 titles
- DirectorLouis Aimé Augustin Le PrinceStarsAnnie HartleyAdolphe Le PrinceJoseph WhitleyIn the garden, a man asks his friends to do something silly for him to record on film.
- DirectorLouis Aimé Augustin Le PrinceA shot of people walking on The Leeds Bridge.
- DirectorLouis Aimé Augustin Le PrinceStarsAdolphe Le PrinceA very brief film of a man playing the accordion.
- DirectorOttomar AnschützA horse with rider jumping over an obstacle
- 18891m5.0 (487)ShortDirectorWilliam Friese-GreeneAlleged silent black-and-white short film shot at Apsley Gate, Hyde Park, London.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsGiuseppe Sacco AlbaneseOne of W.K.L. Dickson's laboratory workers horses around for the camera.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsGiuseppe Sacco AlbaneseIn an experiment that follows up on the results of 'Monkeyshines, No. 1', an Edison company worker again moves around in front of the motion picture camera.
- DirectorÉtienne-Jules MareyShot of the flight of a fly.
- DirectorWilliam Carr CroftsWordsworth DonisthorpeA shot of Trafalgar Square.
- DirectorWilliam Friese-GreeneLost film from 1890, directed by William Friese-Greene.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsGiuseppe Sacco AlbaneseAn Edison company worker makes large gestures in front of a Kinetoscope to test the new camera system.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseTwo men wearing boxing gloves prepare to spar in the Edison Company studio.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonAn athlete swings Indian clubs.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsWilliam K.L. DicksonThe very first American film shown to public audiences and the press. It depicts William K.L. Dickson taking off his hat and greeting the audience.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsJames C. DuncanShort, experimental film depicting James C. Duncan smoking a pipe.
- DirectorGeorges DemenÿStarsGeorges DemenÿMedium close-up of a man saying "Je vous aime".
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsJames C. Duncan
- DirectorÉtienne-Jules MareyShot of two people fencing.
- DirectorÉtienne-Jules MareyIn this early film experiment a wave crashes against a jagged rock.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseShort film featuring two monkeys fighting.
- DirectorÉmile ReynaudOne night, Arlequin come to see his lover Colombine. But then Pierrot knocks at the door and Colombine and Arlequin hide. Pierrot starts singing but Arlequin scares him and the poor man goes away.
- DirectorÉmile ReynaudLost short film consisting of 300 painted images. It shows a clown entering a circus ring and greeting the audience before he starts to perform tricks with three dogs. The dogs jump through hoops, walk on a ball and jump over a wand.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonExperimental film to test the new kinetoscope which depicts two men practicing fencing.
- DirectorÉmile ReynaudLost 1892 French short animated film directed by Émile Reynaud about a wanderer who orders a good beer ("Un bon bock") and meets a traveler who also orders a beer. They enter an argument because a kitchen boy steals their beers.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonLost film directed by William K.L. Dickson. Presented by Edison Manufacturing Company.
- StarsWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseTwo men shake hands for the Kinetograph.
- DirectorLouis LumièreStarsKing Edward VIIThis short documentary is a mini-biography of Edward VII, then Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the throne of England. Because his mother, Queen Victoria, reigned for such an unusually long period, he would not receive the crown until her death.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonA lost film, directed by William K.L. Dickson about two men wrestling.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsCharles KayserJohn OttThree men hammer on an anvil and pass a bottle of beer around.
- DirectorÉtienne-Jules MareyRabbits jump, play and interact with each other in multiple different sequences.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsWilliam K.L. DicksonOne of the pictures to be seen in the machine, for example, was that of a blacksmith shop in which two men were working, one shoeing a horse, the other heating iron at the forge. One would be seen to drive the nail into the shoe of the horse's hoof, to change his position and every movement needed in the work was clearly shown as if the object was in real (life). In fact, the whole routine of the two men's labour and their movements for the day was presented to the view of the observer.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsCarmencitaPerforming on what looks like a small wooden stage, wearing a dress with a hoop skirt and white high-heeled pumps, Carmencita does a dance with kicks and twirls, a smile always on her face.
- DirectorAlexander BlackStarsBlanche BaylissWilliam CourtenayChauncey DepewThe adventures of a female reporter in the 1890s.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsWilliam K.L. DicksonThe earliest extant sound film. William K.L. Dickson stands in the background next to a huge sound pickup horn connected to a Thomas Edison phonograph recorder. As he plays a violin, two men dance in the foreground. This film was made to demonstrate a new Thomas Edison machine, the Kinetophone. These machines were Kinetoscope peepshow viewers mated with Thomas Edison wax cylinder phonographs. But the Kinetophone never caught on and this film was never released. The film still exists, but the phonograph soundtrack has been lost.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsHenry Welton"A glove contest between trained cats. A very comical and amusing subject, and is sure to create a great laugh." (by Edison Films)
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsFrancis E. ButlerAnnie OakleyAnnie Oakley, the 'Little Miss Sure Shot' of the 'Wild West' gives an exhibition of rifle shooting at glass balls and clay pigeons in a film from the Edison Catalog.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsHair CoatParts His HairLast HorseThree Sioux Indians perform a 'buffalo dance', while two others use drums to supply a rhythm. The three dancers move around in a circle as they perform the various actions that are part of the dance.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsFred OttA man (Thomas Edison's assistant) takes a pinch of snuff and sneezes. This is one of the earliest Thomas Edison films and was the first motion picture to be copyrighted in the United States.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsAnnabelle MooreAnnabelle (Whitford) Moore performs one of her popular dances. For this performance, her costume has a pair of wings attached to her back, to suggest a butterfly. As she dances, she uses her long, flowing skirts to create visual patterns.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsBuffalo Bill Cody"The famous army scout in an exhibition of rifle shooting. A fine picture of the principal, and beautiful smoke effects."
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsEugen SandowEugen Sandow, who claims to be the strongest man in the world, appears in the Edison Company's film studio.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseCustomer gets a lightning-fast shave.
- DirectorÉmile ReynaudPre-cinematograph colour animation of a woman and man at the beach.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsPhil DoretoRobettaThe pursuit of Hop Lee by an irate policeman.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseA group of Sioux Indians from Buffalo Bill's Wild West exhibition demonstrates a dance called a "ghost dance".
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonTwo gamecocks fight in the Edison Company film studio. This feature was remade later in the same year, with additional detail added.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsJames J. CorbettPeter CourtneyJames J. Corbett and Peter Courtney meet in a boxing exhibition.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsJack CushingMike LeonardIn the background, five fans lean on the ropes looking into the ring. The referee is to the left; like the fans, he hardly moves as two fighters swing roundhouse blows at each other. Mike Leonard, in white trunks, is the aggressor; in black, Jack Cushing stands near the edge of the ring, warily pawing the air as Leonard comes at him. A couple of punches land, but the fighters maintain their upright postures.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsThe Sarashe SistersA charming representation of the Mikado dance by three beautiful Japanese ladies in full costume. Very effective when colored. (from the Edison Catalog)
- DirectorÉtienne-Jules MareyA cat falls down and lands on its feet.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsFred W. BoardmanWilliam CushingAd DorschA scene from Charles Hoyt's 'A Milk White Flag': A brass band marches out, led by bandmaster Steele Ayers. When Ayers reaches his position, he turns around and directs the musicians as they take up their own positions.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsJuan A. Caicedo"King of the slack wire. His daring feats of balancing as he performs his thrilling feats in midair show that he is perfectly at home." (from Edison Films)
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsLuis MartinettiLuis Martinetti, a contortionist suspended from acrobatic flying rings, contorts himself for about thirty seconds. This is one of the first films made for Edison's kinetoscopes.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson"Showing the wind-up of a political discussion. Dramatis personae: A Democrat, a Republican, a Bar Maid, and a Policeman."
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsHadj CheriffHadj Cheriff, a performer known for a variety of unusual abilities, demonstrates part of his act in the Edison studio.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsFrank HammittLee MartinSunfishA fine exhibition of horsemanship by Lee Martin, a genuine cowboy. This particular broncho is an unusually wicked one. (from Edison Films)
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsHenry WeltonTwo gamecocks are fighting inside a wire cage, while two spectators look on in the background. The two men agree to make a bet on the outcome. One of them shows his money to the other, who is commenting on the fight.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam Heise"Firemen in working uniform, rubber coats, helmets, and boots. Thrilling rescue from burning building. Smoke effects are fine." - from the Edison Catalog
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsThe Glenroy BrothersThe Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete", which depicts a boxer with a classic style trying to contend with an opponent who uses a very unorthodox approach.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsPedro EsquivelDionecio GonzalesTwo Mexican men duel with knives.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsEugene HornbackerMurphyA referee and five fans (including a waiter in his apron) look on as two young men box. The dark-haired, slightly taller boxer throws a right and the light-haired smaller one goes down; but he's up before the referee starts counting. After the knockdown, the boxers mostly hit each other's gloves. The fans, at least one of whom is sitting inside the ring, show no animation. They're all men, dressed in a range of late 19th-century garb.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonWilliam HeiseStarsThe Glenroy BrothersThomas GlenroyWilliam GlrenroyThe Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete".
- DirectorÉmile Reynaud
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsAnnabelle MooreAnnabelle Moore performs her Sun Dance.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsAnnabelle Moore
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsRuth St. Denis"Said to be the Champion High Kicker of the World."
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonA gymnast assumes a number of positions while holding a wand in both hands.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsJoe RastusDenny TolliverWalter WilkinsA scene representing Southern plantation life before the war. A jig and a breakdown by three colored boys.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsJohn SlavinCharles F. Walton
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonA couple performs a Highland Fling.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsDick the Rat"'Dick the Rat' and his rat-terrier. The dog is turned loose among a lot of big, live rats, and kills them in lightning order."
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsVicente OropezaChampion Lasso Thrower Vicente Oropeza (aka. Vincente Ore Passo/Bisento Orapeso/Vincenti Orapazza) shows his skills.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonOne of the series gives successive pictures of an athlete in an unsuccessful attempt to turn a somersault. Everybody who has seen a boy perform this act knows the brief space of time it takes him to throw himself upon his hands, with his feet in the air and how quickly he recovers himself if he fails to go over. Yet it will be seen that the kinetograph photographed the athlete forty-four times between the beginning and the end of the act, aside from the numerous pictures taken when he was bending down to the ground and coming back to an erect position.
- DirectorBirt Acres
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsFlorence EwerLenora EwerMildred EwerThree beautiful girls La Regloncita, La Graciosa and La Preciosa in a charming dance.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsFred Ott
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsGeorge W. SteeleGeorge TopackLively political debate, representing [Grover] Cleveland and [Benjamin] Harrison.
- DirectorÉmile Reynaud
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsHadj Lessik
- DirectorÉtienne-Jules Marey
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsFrank HammittLee MartinMen return at a station from an exhibition.
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsEugen Sandow
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsJuan A. Caicedo
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsLucy the DogIvan Tschernoff
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsEugen Sandow
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsJohn R. Abell
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson
- DirectorWilliam K.L. Dickson