The best of Charlie Chaplin: five films every fan of classic movies should see -.

Charlie Chaplin is one of the most iconic figures in film history. Born in London in 1889, Chaplin grew up in difficult circumstances, but his natural talent for entertainment enabled him to stand out from an early age. Throughout his career, he established himself as one of the most influential actors, directors, screenwriters and composers in the film industry. Chaplin is best remembered for his character, The Tramp, a humble man with a big heart who often faced life’s adversities with a mix of tenderness and humor. His films, though filled with physical comedy, touch on deep social and political themes, many of which are still relevant today. And his ability to connect with us through universal stories has made his films timeless classics.

Below we look at five of Charlie Chaplin’s best films, ranked from fifth to first. So let’s not waste any more time. Here is what we consider the best of Charlie Chaplin.

5. The Gold Rush (1925).

I still remember that moment when Chaplin cooks and eats his own shoe. This film follows a lone prospector, played by Chaplin, who travels to the Klondike during the gold rush of the 1890s, hoping to strike it rich. Along the way, The Tramp faces the challenges of nature, isolation and hunger, but also falls in love with a young woman working in a dance hall.

The Gold Rush is a masterpiece of visual comedy, famous for scenes like Chaplin eating his shoe from hunger or his iconic “sandwich dance.” But beyond the slapstick humor, the film reflects the struggle to survive and the desire for a better life. The Tramp symbolizes hope and perseverance even in the worst of circumstances. Chaplin reminds us that although times can be difficult, the human spirit has an incredible ability to find joy in the simplest things.

4. The Child (1921)

In The Kid, Chaplin revisits his famous The Tramp character, who finds an abandoned baby and decides to raise him. Despite his limited resources, the two develop a deep, loving bond. However, when the authorities try to separate them, The Tramp is faced with the heartbreaking possibility of losing the child he loves.

This film was one of Chaplin’s first great successes, combining comedy and drama with precision. The Kid is about love, family and the struggle against social injustices. The Tramp and the Kid represent the emotional bonds that go beyond biology or social structures, and Chaplin sensitively exposes the inequalities and harsh treatment that the poor often face. At its core, The Kid is a declaration of love to those who fight to stay together despite adversity.

3. City Lights (1931)

In this film, Chaplin’s The Tramp falls in love with a blind flower seller. To help her, he poses as a rich man and sets out to find ways to raise money for an operation that could restore her eyesight. Along the way, he strikes up a peculiar friendship with a drunken millionaire, leading to both comical and touching moments.

In our opinion, City Lights is one of Chaplin’s most heartfelt films, exploring the transformative power of love and empathy. Through The Tramp, Chaplin shows how selfless kindness and compassion are the true forms of wealth. The young woman’s blindness can also be seen as a metaphor for how, in a society obsessed with material wealth, we often fail to see the true value of people. The end of the film, where the woman regains her eyesight and recognizes The Tramp as her true benefactor, is one of the most iconic and emotionally charged moments in film history.

2. The Great Dictator (1940)

Who doesn’t remember that iconic scene in which Chaplin plays with the world as if it were a balloon? (which it actually was, of course). In The Great Dictator, Chaplin boldly delivers a biting satire of Adolf Hitler and fascism. The film tells the story of a humble Jewish barber who, because of his physical resemblance to dictator Adenoid Hynkel, is mistaken for him. As Hynkel tries to expand his empire, the barber struggles to survive amid persecution.

In his first speaking film, Chaplin takes a bold political stand, humorously criticizing dictatorship, intolerance and anti-Semitism. The final speech in The Great Dictator, spoken by the barber instead of the dictator, is one of the most powerful calls for humanity, freedom and brotherhood in film history. Chaplin warns of the dangers of totalitarianism, but also reminds us that the power of people to unite in the name of peace and understanding can overcome oppression.

1. Modern Times (1936)

And we’ve finally arrived at our favorite. In Modern Times, Chaplin’s The Tramp struggles to adjust to life in an industrialized, mechanized world. Throughout the film, he works in a factory where he suffers from the alienation and pressures of modern labor. With the help of a young homeless woman, The Tramp tries to find his place in an increasingly dehumanized world.

Modern Times is a biting critique of industrial society and capitalism. Chaplin emphasizes how modernization and mass production rob individuals of their humanity and turn them into mere cogs in a giant machine. Through The Tramp, Chaplin shows how the human spirit can resist dehumanization. Although the film is a satire, it contains moments of deep tenderness, with Chaplin insisting that true happiness comes not from work or wealth, but from human connections and the ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

And that’s all for today! Charlie Chaplin was not only a pioneer of cinematic comedy, but also an avid social commentator. His films, though full of unforgettable comedic moments, dealt with deep issues such as poverty, alienation, dictatorship and the struggle for human dignity. Through his iconic The Tramp character, Chaplin managed to touch the hearts of audiences around the world and show that cinema can be both a vehicle for entertainment and a powerful tool for social change. Chaplin’s films remain a testament to his creative genius and his unwavering faith in humanity.

Now we’d love to hear about your experiences with Charlie Chaplin’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? Do you have any memorable moments from his films? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!