Direction: F.W. Murnau

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by F.W. Murnau. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


Sunrise

1927 · Movie · 94 min. · United States

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast George O'Brien · Janet Gaynor · Margaret Livingston · Bodil Rosing

Synopsis Sunrise (1927) tells the tale of a contented farmer, portrayed by George O' Brien, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a charming city woman, played by Margaret Livingstone. Initially living in harmony with his devoted wife, Janet...

8.4

14K votes

8.4

14K votes

The Last Laugh

1924 · Movie · 90 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Emil Jannings · Maly Delschaft · Max Hiller · Emilie Kurz

Synopsis The Last Laugh (1924) centers around an aged hotel doorman whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is reassigned to the role of lavatory attendant. Ashamed of his new position, he attempts to conceal it from his friends and...

8.2

6K votes

8.2

6K votes

Faust

1926 · Movie · 100 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Emil Jannings · Gösta Ekman · Camilla Horn · William Dieterle

Synopsis Faust (1926) opens with a celestial wager between angels and the Devil, who claims dominion over Earth. The Devil, disguised as the cunning Mephisto, spreads plague in a town, causing the elderly scholar Faust to seek a cure. Mephisto tempts...

8.1

6K votes

8.1

6K votes

Nosferatu

1922 · Movie · 91 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Max Schreck · Alexander Granach · Gustav von Wangenheim · Greta Schröeder

Synopsis Nosferatu (1922) chronicles the tale of Count Orlok, who journeys from his crumbling castle to the bustling city of Wisborg following a visit from Thomas Hutter. Upon his arrival, Orlok becomes entangled with Thomas' betrothed, Ellen, who possesses the unique...

8.0

29K votes

8.0

29K votes

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Matahi · Anne Chevalier · Bill Bambridge · Hitu

Synopsis Tabu: A Story of the South Seas (1931) unfolds on a picturesque island within the Bora Bora lagoon, where a young fisherman named Matahi harbors deep feelings for a woman named Reri. However, Reri is selected to become a sacred...

7.8

2K votes

7.8

2K votes

City Girl

1930 · Movie · 117 min. · United States

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Charles Farrell · Mary Duncan · David Torrence · Edith Yorke

Synopsis City Girl (1930) was initially envisioned as a silent film by director F.W. Murnau, aiming to replicate the artistic success of his previous work, Sunrise. Murnau faced two significant challenges: the studio's decision to quickly convert the film into a...

7.4

561 votes

7.4

561 votes

Tartuffe

1925 · Movie · 64 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Emil Jannings · Werner Krauss · Lil Dagover · Hermann Picha

Synopsis Tartuffe (1925) is a cinematic adaptation of Molière's classic tale of religious deception, directed by the masterful F. W. Murnau. The narrative revolves around a devoted wife (Lil Dagover) who attempts to persuade her husband (Werner Krauss) that their seemingly...

7.2

946 votes

7.2

946 votes

Phantom

1922 · Movie · 125 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Alfred Abel · Grete Berger · Lil Dagover · Lya De Putti

Synopsis Phantom (1922) centers around a man consumed by his infatuation with a woman he cannot have, leading him to desperate measures to fulfill his unrequited longings. The narrative delves into his relentless pursuit and the consequences of his obsession, as...

6.8

336 votes

6.8

336 votes

Burning Soil

1922 · Movie · 110 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Eugen Klöpfer · Vladimir Gajdarov · Werner Krauss · Eduard von Winterstein

Synopsis Burning Soil (1922) follows the tale of a farmer named Rog and his sons, Peter and Johannes. After Rog's passing, Peter chooses to remain on the family farm, while Johannes, unsatisfied with his current circumstances and the affection of their...

6.6

166 votes

6.6

166 votes

The Haunted Castle

1921 · Movie · 82 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Arnold Korff · Lulu Kyser-Korff · Lothar Mehnert · Paul Bildt

Synopsis The Haunted Castle (1921) follows a group of nobles who assemble at the Vogelöd family estate for a weekend of hunting, only to have their gathering disrupted by the unexpected appearance of Count Oechst, portrayed by Lothar Mehnert. Whispers circulate...

6.2

445 votes

6.2

445 votes

6.2

102 votes

Finances of the Grand Duke

1924 · Movie · 80 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Alfred Abel · Mady Christians · Adolphe Engers · Julius Falkenstein

Synopsis Finances of the Grand Duke (1924) follows the jovial and carefree Grand Duke of Abacco as he faces financial ruin. The state is on the brink of bankruptcy, with the primary creditor eager to seize the entire Duchy. A potential...

6.0

143 votes

6.0

143 votes

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Tzwetta Tzatschewa · Adele Sandrock · Harry Frank · Hans Heinrich von Twardowski

Synopsis Marizza, Called the Smugglers' Madonna (1922) follows the enchanting Maritza, who captivates every man she meets. Exhausted by her role working for the demanding Yelina, who compels her to charm customs officials to aid smugglers, Maritza escapes and secures a...

5.6

21 votes

5.6

21 votes

Satanas

1920 · Movie · 126 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Conrad Veidt · Fritz Kortner · Sadjah Gezza · Ernst Hofmann

Synopsis Satanas (1920) is a captivating historical epic that unfolds over three distinct episodes, each set in a different era. The first segment transports viewers to the mystical lands of ancient Egypt, where grand spectacles and timeless tales come to life....

Not rated

Not rated

Emerald of Death

1919 · Movie · 54 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Ernst Hofmann · Blandine Ebinger · Margit Barnay · Karl Platen

Synopsis Emerald of Death (1919) follows the tale of Thomas von Weerth, the sole remaining member of a once-illustrious noble family, residing in a crumbling castle. His life takes a peculiar turn when he becomes captivated by a painting titled "The...

Not rated

Not rated

Desire

1921 · Movie · 60 min. · Germany

Direction F.W. Murnau

Cast Conrad Veidt · Gussy Holl · Eugen Klöpfer · Margarete Schlegel

Synopsis Desire (1921) follows the journey of a youthful Russian dancer who, after performing in Geneva, makes his way back to his homeland. Upon his return, he becomes captivated by a grand duchess, leading to a whirlwind romance. However, his newfound...

Not rated

Not rated

Not rated