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Silent Movie

Silent Movie

Made In Hollywood. U.S.A.

197687 minPassedMidcredits score: 70th percentile of all films
Director
Mel Brooks
Starring
Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar

Aspiring filmmakers Mel Funn, Marty Eggs and Dom Bell go to a financially troubled studio with an idea for a silent movie. In an effort to make the movie more marketable, they attempt to recruit a number of big name stars to appear, while the studio's creditors attempt to thwart them.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Silent Movie?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Silent Movie on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Silent Movie?

Silent Movie earns 5 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Silent Movie worth watching?

Silent Movie's Midcredits score is the 70th percentile of all films, from 34K ratings across 6 sources. 61% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

70th percentile

Better received than 70% of films

78th percentile among Comedy70th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)70th
Approval (how many liked it)67th

67 /100

70th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Comedy71st percentile among 1970s

Critics 75 · Audience 66

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

61% liked it

67th percentile of all films

74th percentile among Comedy69th percentile among 1970s
61% rated it 7–1039% rated it 1–6

Critics 79% · Audience 72%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 6 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture

89th percentile

34K ratings across platforms

88th percentile among Comedy93rd percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 57% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$4.4M
Domestic gross$36M
Worldwide gross$36M

Returned 8.2× its budget — 88th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a silent comedy that relies on slapstick and star cameos with a thin plot.

Fans praised

  • Bold concept: a silent film in the 1970s
  • Enthusiastic slapstick and visual gags
  • Star cameos (Reynolds, Newman, Minnelli, Marceau) are fun

Detractors panned

  • Gags are obvious, amateurish, and overlong
  • Fails to match the timing or craft of silent-era masters
  • Thin, disjointed plot with no narrative drive

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive75

Bold, risky idea to make a silent film in 1976

Sound and music70

John Morris's score adds energy and charm

ActingDivisive65

Brooks, Feldman, DeLuise mug shamelessly

HumorDivisive55

Hit-and-miss; some laugh-out-loud moments, many flat gags

Effects and spectacleDivisive50

Physical comedy varies from clever to clumsy

Pacing40

Gags drag; feels longer than 87 minutes

Characters40

One-dimensional types used for gags

Plot and story35

Thin story just an excuse for gags

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Silent Movie like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulWarmAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Slapstick humor
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its own absurd premise with playful affection, never winking too hard at the audience, and delivers its gags with earnest slapstick energy.
The rideThe film maintains a buoyant, silly energy through most of its runtime, with a brief dip when Funn relapses before the triumphant finale.
StructureThe story is told in a straightforward linear order with a clear beginning (pitch), middle (recruitment and sabotage), and end (premiere).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe triumphant finale and affectionate silliness leave you grinning, carried by the infectious joy of the filmmaking process.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% (this title) · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Buddy comedy: A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).

11% of films fit this archetype

with Rags to riches underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows a down-on-his-luck director and his two friends as they pitch and produce a silent movie to save a studio, a classic underdog comeback structured as a series of comedic gags and set pieces.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeMel Funn seeks to regain his lost career and self-respect by making a silent movie, supported by his loyal friends.
StanceThe film celebrates the power of persistence and collaboration in making movies, cheering on the underdog trio as they save the studio through sheer creativity.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · John Morris
SettingHollywood, 1976: movie studios, stars' homes, and nightclubs
MusicThe score fills the silence of the film, driving the comedy and providing rhythmic energy to the gags.

Content guide

Is Silent Movie okay for kids?

Passed

Silent Movie is rated Passed. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (27/100), sexual content at moderate (40/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at mild (22/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • Germany6
  • FranceU
  • SpainA
  • SwedenBtl
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 52%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (36 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Silent Movie have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Silent Movie?

Cast

Mel Brooks
as Mel Funn
Marty Feldman
as Marty Eggs
Dom DeLuise
as Dom Bell
Sid Caesar
as Studio Chief
Harold Gould
as Engulf
Ron Carey
as Devour
Bernadette Peters
as Vilma Kaplan
Carol Arthur
as Pregnant Lady
Liam Dunn
as Newsvendor
Fritz Feld
as Maître d'

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Silent Movie?

Movies like Silent Movie include Nice Dreams (1981), Loaded Weapon 1 (1993) and Up in Smoke (1978). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in Los Angeles, and several are satires.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: buddy comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Silent Movie?

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.