Best Buster Keaton Films

From Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Joe Keaton, Erwin Connelly
Rated Passed

Sherlock Jr. is a 1924 silent film directed by the legendary Buster Keaton. The film follows the story of a projectionist, referred to as "Sherlock Jr.", who dreams of becoming a detective. When his friend's father is accused of stealing a pocket watch, Sherlock Jr. attempts to use his detective skills to solve the case and prove his friend's father's innocence. In his dreams, Sherlock Jr. is able to solve the case by entering the film world on the movie screen and taking part in the film. With the help of the audience, Sherlock Jr. is able to catch the real criminal, who is revealed to be the man who hired his friend's father. The film ends with Sherlock Jr. and his friend's father being reunited and Sherlock Jr. realizing that his dreams of being a detective were able to come true.

From Directors: Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender, Jim Farley
Rated Passed

The General is a 1926 American silent comedy-adventure film starring Buster Keaton. After his beloved train, The General, is stolen by Union spies during the American Civil War, Keaton's character, Johnnie Gray, embarks on an epic quest to get it back. Along the way, he must outwit enemy forces, bridge chasms, and survive dangerous stunts. With the help of his beloved Annabelle, Johnnie fights through perilous obstacles to reclaim his beloved locomotive, save the day, and win the admiration of his peers.

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, Joe Roberts
Rated TV-G

One Week is a 1920 silent comedy film starring Buster Keaton, who also wrote and directed the film with Edward F. Cline. The plot follows newlyweds who move into a new house, only for the husband (Keaton) to inadvertently assemble it incorrectly and have to struggle to fix it before the week’s end. Along the way, the couple encounters various comedic obstacles, including a vengeful ex-lover of the wife, a bull, and a flood. Throughout their adventures, the couple’s love for each other grows stronger. In the end, they manage to repair the house and live happily ever after.

From Directors: Edward Sedgwick, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Marceline Day, Harold Goodwin, Sidney Bracey
Rated Passed

The Cameraman is a silent comedy film directed by Edward Sedgwick and Buster Keaton. It stars Keaton as Buster, a tintype photographer who is determined to become a motion picture cameraman. After numerous failed attempts to join the MGM newsreel crew, Buster finally succeeds and falls in love with the secretary, Sally. He soon finds himself in competition with a rival cameraman, who is also vying for Sally's affections. Through a series of comic misadventures, Buster learns about the power of the camera and the importance of capturing an unforgettable moment. With a mix of physical comedy and heartfelt storytelling, The Cameraman is an enjoyable and timeless classic.

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Luke the Dog, Joe Keaton
Rated Not Rated

The Scarecrow is a silent comedy film from 1920 directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton. The film follows Sylvester, a penniless farmhand who dreams of becoming a wealthy and successful farmer. After being fired from his current job, Sylvester discovers an abandoned farm and decides to make it his own, against the wishes of a powerful and possessive local landlord. Sylvester's neighbor Mary helps him make the farm a success, and eventually the two fall in love. Meanwhile, the landlord devises a plan to take back the farm, but Sylvester is able to outwit him and keep his newfound home. In the end, Sylvester and Mary marry and continue to enjoy a successful life on the farm.

From Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Ruth Dwyer, T. Roy Barnes, Snitz Edwards
Rated Passed

Seven Chances is a 1925 American silent romantic comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. The film follows the story of a young man who must find a bride before 7pm on his 27th birthday in order to inherit a large fortune. With the help of his agents, he sets out to find a woman to marry him, leading him on a wild chase as he attempts to avoid a jealous rival while racing against the clock. As the film progresses, Buster Keaton’s character discovers that the woman he loves is the one he’s been chasing. In the end, he gets the girl, and he inherits the fortune. The film is renowned for its comedic slapstick scenes, and the epic foot chase scene at the end of the film is considered one of Keaton’s greatest works.

From Directors: John G. Blystone, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Natalie Talmadge, Joe Keaton, Joe Roberts
Rated Passed

Our Hospitality is a 1923 silent comedy film starring and co-directed by Buster Keaton. The film is a comic retelling of the Hatfield-McCoy feud set in the 19th century. Willie McKay (Keaton) is a young man from New York City who learns he is the sole heir to a fortune in Kentucky. When he travels there to collect his inheritance, he finds himself embroiled in a bitter conflict between the two families. Willie is taken in by his Aunt Martha and her son Joe and is soon smitten by the family's beautiful daughter, Virginia Canfield (Natalie Talmadge). But Virginia's father has decreed that no member of the Canfield family can marry a McKay, and Willie must face a series of dangerous obstacles if he is to win her heart. Though Our Hospitality features Keaton's trademark physical comedy, its narrative is driven by the tension between the two families and the romance between Willie and Virginia. The film is an important example of the silent comedy genre, combining broad humor and stunning stunt work with a nuanced story.

From Directors: Charles Reisner, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Tom McGuire, Ernest Torrence, Tom Lewis
Rated Not Rated

Steamboat Bill, Jr. is a 1928 silent comedy film directed by Charles Reisner and starring Buster Keaton. The film follows the story of William Canfield Jr. (Buster Keaton), or “Steamboat Bill,” who returns home to join his father's riverboat business. After learning that his father is struggling financially and facing competition from a rival captain, Bill Jr. rallies the crew to save his father's business. In the process, he faces off against a violent storm, impresses a young woman, and faces danger from a collapsing building. Ultimately, he reunites with his father and saves the day. The film is known for its remarkable stunts and set pieces, which make for a fast-paced and beautifully choreographed comedy classic.

From Directors: Buster Keaton, Malcolm St. Clair, starring Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts, Malcolm St. Clair
Rated Not Rated

The Goat is a 1921 silent comedy film directed by Buster Keaton and Malcolm St. Clair. It tells the story of a luckless man named Dippy (Keaton) who is constantly getting himself into trouble. After a series of misadventures, he finally manages to make it back to his home, only to find out that the police have mistaken him for a dangerous criminal who goes by the same name. Dippy is then forced to go on the run in order to clear his name and prove his innocence. The film features Keaton's signature physical comedy and is considered one of his best works.

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Virginia Fox, Steve Murphy
Rated Unrated

Cops is a silent comedy film from 1922 directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton. The film follows the story of a young man from the city who is chased by a group of policemen after mistakenly being identified as a criminal. He attempts to outsmart them by disguising himself as a series of other characters throughout the movie. Along the way, he finds love, friendship, and hilarity. The film culminates in a wild chase involving a large group of policemen and a horse-drawn wagon as they try to apprehend the young man. In the end, he is able to outwit the police and escape. The film was well-received upon its release and celebrated for its clever editing and visual gags.

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Jack Duffy, The Flying Escalantes

Neighbors is a silent comedy directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton in 1920. The film tells the story of two neighbors — Buster and Joe Roberts — who are both vying for the attentions of the same woman, Mary. Buster and Joe are both determined to win Mary's affections, and soon their competition for her attention leads to increasingly comical antics. Buster and Joe each try to outdo the other by performing outrageous stunts and pranks, such as throwing pies at each other. Eventually, the competition leads to a physical fight between the two, with Buster emerging victorious. In the end, Buster and Mary get married and the two neighbors become friends.

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Bartine Burkett, Charles Dorety, Ingram B. Pickett
Rated Not Rated

The 'High Sign' is a 1921 silent comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton. The film follows the story of a young man, Joe, who is hired by a shady character known only as "The Boss". He soon discovers that "The Boss" is trying to take over the town and that Joe is the only one who can stop him. With the help of a sharpshooter and a local girl, Joe must take on the gang of assassins to save the town. Along the way, he must also outwit a dangerous gambler and a ruthless killer. Through a series of hilarious and inventive gags, Joe manages to save the day and restore order to the town.

From Directors: Donald Crisp, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Frederick Vroom, Clarence Burton
Rated Unrated

"The Navigator" is a 1924 silent comedy film starring Buster Keaton, directed by Donald Crisp. The film follows two wealthy yet bumbling young men, Rollo Treadway and Bunbury, as they find themselves stranded on a luxury cruise ship after being accidentally locked in a cabin. As the ship sails off, the two must find a way to navigate their way back home. Along the way, they face various obstacles, including a group of criminals and a group of cannibals. In the end, Rollo and Bunbury manage to make it back safely, but not without a few humorous mishaps along the way.

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Keaton, Louise Keaton
Rated TV-G

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, Joe Roberts, Edward F. Cline
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Sybil Seely
Rated Not Rated

From Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Howard Truesdale, Kathleen Myers, Ray Thompson
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts, Edward F. Cline
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts, Bull Montana

From Directors: Edward Sedgwick, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Dorothy Sebastian, Edward Earle, Leila Hyams
Rated Passed

From Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Snitz Edwards, Sally O'Neil, Walter James
Rated Passed

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox, Joe Roberts
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Renée Adorée, Edward F. Cline, Joe Keaton
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, John Brown, Phyllis Haver, Babe London
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Wallace Beery, Monte Collins, Wheezer Dell