Metropolis

Released Mar 13, 1927

2h 3m

Sci-Fi

Drama

TRAILER

for

List

97%

Tomatometer

138 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.

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Critics Consensus

A visually awe-inspiring science fiction classic from the silent era.

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Times (UK) Staff

Times (UK)

The film has, in consequence, a remarkable pictorial power, and, in spite of its occasional solemnities, is one which will well repay study by those who are interested in the development of a separate cinematographic technique.

Jul 8, 2020

Full Review

H.G. Wells

New York Times

It gives in one eddying concentration almost every possible foolishness, cliché, platitude, and muddlement about mechanical progress and progress in general, served up with a sauce of sentimentality that is all its own.

Mar 31, 2020

Full Review

SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

Often enough it is exciting in a broad, elemental way, just as an earthquake or a loud clap of thunder would be exciting; but when individual characters come on to the screen they rouse little Interest for their own sakes.

Apr 2, 2019

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Lang’s visionary visual creation remains impressive a century later, from the densely imagined cityscape to the massive sets that dwarf the actors and the swarms of extras, and its socio-political themes are just as soft-headed and simplistic.

Oct 5, 2023

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

With its memorable sets and special effects courtesy of Eugen Schüfftan, the film remains a landmark of global cinema nearly 100 years later.

Mar 6, 2023

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David Bromwich

The Nation

The movie is a period piece, with roots in dystopian novels like H.G. Wells's When the Sleeper Wakes and The Time Machine; yet the stark and garish black-and-white staging here engenders an emotion oddly stronger than words.

Oct 7, 2022

Full Review

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M'lagroOG D

It can drag a bit, butttt this is a movie you really do wanna see. Super innovative to the sci-fi genre and has a pretty unique world, even by todays standards. Sets are massively impressive for the time, especially with the flooding scene and the machine man costume. Definitely watch this if you're studying film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

Full Review

Alejandro E

Igual que Tiempos Modernos, de Charles Chaplin, puso sobre la mesa los riesgos del totalitarismo y la mecanización. Una de las indispensables del cine mudo.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/09/24

Full Review

Alex L

A masterpiece still relevant to this day

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/24

Full Review

雅苏典

反派有的演得够邪，音乐也挺贴，立意和情节倒谈不上绝，只能说看着不无聊倒是

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/14/24

Full Review

Joe E

One of the most visually stunning movies ever made! The storyline and plot are average, but the characters and sets are fabulously memorable. Everyone should see this film at least once in their lives (just like the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, the Eiffel Tower, and the other great wonders)!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

Full Review

Estevan G

This is a groundbreaking silent science fiction film. Known for its innovative special effects and set design, it explores themes of industrialization, class struggle, and the impact of technology on society. The dystopian cityscape and iconic robot Maria have left an enduring legacy in cinema. While the narrative can be complex, the film's visual brilliance and social commentary make it a timeless classic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/24

Full Review

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Fritz Lang

Director

Brigitte Helm

Maria

Alfred Abel

Johhan (Joh) Fredersen

Gustav Fröhlich

Freder Fredersen

Rudolf Klein-Rogge

C.A. Rotwang

Fritz Rasp

Slim

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Synopsis

This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.

Director: Fritz Lang
Producer: Erich Pommer
Screenwriter: Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, Thea von Harbou
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language: German
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 13, 1927, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 14, 2011
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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