10 Classic Films Now in the Public Domain in the USA

Description: A German silent horror film about a hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders. Its entry into the public domain has made it a seminal work in the expressionist movement, influencing countless filmmakers.

Fact: The film's sets and costumes were designed to reflect the distorted, dream-like quality of the story, creating a visually unique experience.

Description: Lon Chaney stars as Quasimodo in this adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel, where the bell-ringer of Notre Dame falls in love with the beautiful Esmeralda. Its public domain status has made it a timeless tale of love and acceptance.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use extensive location shooting, with scenes filmed at the actual Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Description: Charlie Chaplin's silent comedy masterpiece, where the Little Tramp heads to the Klondike in search of gold, only to find love and laughter. Its entry into the public domain allows new generations to enjoy this timeless classic without restrictions.

Fact: Chaplin re-released the film in 1942 with a new soundtrack and narration, and it was one of the first films to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry.

Description: Lon Chaney stars in this silent film adaptation of Gaston Leroux's novel, where a disfigured musical genius haunts the Paris Opera House. Its public domain status has allowed for numerous remakes and adaptations.

Fact: Chaney's makeup for the Phantom was so effective that it was kept secret until the film's premiere.

Description: Buster Keaton's silent comedy about a Confederate railroad engineer who goes to great lengths to retrieve his beloved locomotive and win back his girl. Its public domain status has made it a beloved classic, showcasing Keaton's physical comedy.

Fact: The film is based on a true story from the American Civil War, known as the Great Locomotive Chase.

Description: This pre-Code gangster film stars James Cagney as Tom Powers, a young man who rises through the ranks of organized crime. Its entry into the public domain has made it a classic study of early Hollywood's portrayal of crime and morality.

Fact: Cagney's iconic grapefruit scene was improvised on the spot, adding to the film's gritty realism.

Description: A fast-paced screwball comedy where a newspaper editor tries to win back his ex-wife and star reporter. Its public domain status has made it a favorite for film studies and screenings, showcasing the rapid-fire dialogue of the era.

Fact: The film was adapted from the play "The Front Page," but the gender swap of the lead character added a new dynamic to the story.

Description: John Huston's directorial debut, this film noir features Humphrey Bogart as detective Sam Spade, entangled in a web of deceit over a mysterious statue. Its public domain status has made it a cornerstone of film noir studies.

Fact: This was the third film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's novel, but the first to remain true to the book's plot.

Description: Frank Capra's heartwarming tale of George Bailey, whose life is shown to be truly wonderful by an angel named Clarence. Its public domain status has made it a holiday staple, freely available for broadcast and home viewing.

Fact: The film was not a commercial success upon release but has since become one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.

Description: George A. Romero's groundbreaking horror film about a group of strangers trapped in a farmhouse, fighting off an onslaught of flesh-eating ghouls. Its public domain status has made it a staple in horror film festivals and screenings worldwide.

Fact: Due to a copyright error, the film entered the public domain immediately upon release, allowing it to be freely distributed and remade.