Buster Keaton’s 11 Best Films, According to Rotten Tomatoes
Buster Keaton, celebrated as one of the greatest silent film stars and directors, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his masterful blend of physical comedy and visual storytelling. While many of his films are considered classics, some stand out more than others, according to the critic aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes. In this article, we delve into Keaton’s 11 best films based on their scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
1. “The General” (1926) – Often cited as Keaton’s masterpiece, “The General” isn’t just one of the greatest silent films ever made, but one of the greatest films in the history of cinema. It boasts a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. “Sherlock Jr.” (1924) – With a perfect score as well, this innovative film showcases Keaton’s creativity and contains some of the most memorable and influential scenes in cinematic history.
3. “Our Hospitality” (1923) – This comedy receives high praise for its clever blend of slapstick humor with a touching romance, earning itself a near-perfect score.
4. “The Navigator” (1924) – Another Keaton classic with an almost perfect rating, “The Navigator” is commended for its originality and hilarious gags.
5. “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” (1928) – Known for containing one of the most dangerous stunts ever performed by Keaton himself, this film is a jewel in silent film history with high marks from critics.
6. “Seven Chances” (1925) – This romantic comedy about a man who must marry by 7 PM to inherit a fortune is considered one of the funniest films of the silent era and enjoys a very positive score on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. “Go West” (1925) – Featuring Keaton in a more sentimental role amid humorous Western tropes, this film is both charming and cleverly crafted, reflected by its strong critical acclaim.
8. “The Cameraman” (1928) – One of Keaton’s last silent films before MGM took control over his work; it’s warm-hearted and inventive narrative secures its place among his highest-rated films.
9. “Battling Butler” (1926) – This film features Keaton as a wealthy weakling pretending to be a boxer to impress his love interest shows off his talent for situational comedy and maintains an admirable score from critics.
10. “College” (1927) – This story about a bookish young man trying to become more athletic to win the heart of his crush has a solid reception among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
11. “Spite Marriage” (1929) – As Keaton’s last silent film as an independent producer-star before fully transitioning to sound pictures, it completes the list with strong reviews for its comedic sequences and physical gags that display Keatons’ signature style.
These rankings demonstrate not only Buster Keaton’s prolific talent but also highlight his influence on filmmaking that continues to be celebrated today. His films are timeless classics that resonate with audiences nearly a century after they were first released, earning them enduring acclaim on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes.