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Modern Times

Play trailer Poster for Modern Times G 1936 1h 29m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 114 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
This comedic masterpiece finds the iconic Little Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) employed at a state-of-the-art factory where the inescapable machinery completely overwhelms him, and where various mishaps keep getting him sent to prison. In between his various jail stints, he meets and befriends an orphan girl (Paulette Goddard). Both together and apart, they try to contend with the difficulties of modern life, with the Tramp working as a waiter and eventually a performer.
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Modern Times

Modern Times

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Critics Consensus

A slapstick skewering of industrialized America, Modern Times is as politically incisive as it is laugh-out-loud hilarious.

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Critics Reviews

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Ella H. McCormick Detroit Free Press May 6, 2021
Several high spots stand out as notable examples of Chaplin's expert timing of slapstick burlesque, scenes that are apt to make the spectator shed tears from the strain of laughter. Go to Full Review
Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer May 6, 2021
There are reminders of every Chaplin picture that was ever made all through Modern Times and there are enough brand new comic inventions to explain why Charlie takes such a long time between pictures and why they are so superlatively worth waiting for. Go to Full Review
Mae Tinée Chicago Tribune May 6, 2021
What most amazes you about Modern Times, is the fact that, in this day of superfine sound films, it says everything without saying anything. Go to Full Review
Lexi Amoriello Movie Recs by Lex Jul 11, 2026
These ideas about the dehumanization that stems from industrialization are part of what makes Modern Times such a timeless film. Go to Full Review
Julian Singleton Cinapse Jul 12, 2025
With Modern Times’ wondrous balancing act of comedy, tragedy, sound, and silence, Chaplin proves himself to be as skillful of an artist behind the camera as he is in front of it. Go to Full Review
Jeremy Carr Vague Visages Nov 15, 2023
Emblematic of a ‘Hollywood realism,’ with a rather immaculate industrial setting, strategically tattered clothing and deliberately designed destitution. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Ali Stevenson Jun 20, 2021 I love Modern Times so much I came back for the second showing! See my earlier post. See more Cindy Y @RT82811792 1 day ago I think this is a historical movie that is important to film history and everyone should watch it. The story and humor is revolutionary for its time and Charlie Chaplin is a genius. Behind all the jokes and comedy, the real purpose of this movie is a strong message during its time and worth studying right now. I like how Charlie have hidden meaning behind this movie about the Great Depression that fights against capitalism and the poor economic state at that time. After learning about this, I would even recommend people to watch it for the second time to look at it from a different point of view. See more Cole M @RT43981705 1 day ago Modern Times lives up to it's title by exploring most troubles in modern society from technological advancement putting the working class out of work, the constant battle of strikes and marches to secure basic rights and the expression of art as not only an escape but a financial solution. As a film that is a mixture of classic silent film storytelling combined with punches of synchronized audio also plays into the the themes of entering the modern era. The comedic aspects still sell today which is testament to Chaplin's physical ability but also the timeless nature of the story still feels relevant today with the constant struggle to exist in a hyper-capitalist society. The literal written line on screen in the department store that they are not thief's but are just hungry is sobering through the comedy as harsh economic outcomes and the pain of scrapping by is expressed in such an simple and exasperated way. Thoroughly funny and still painfully relevant. See more Sean H @Seanishere 4 days ago Modern Times remains as hilarious and timeless as the first time I watched it. The clever combination of sound and slapstick humor that follows a factory worker makes for something that would seem far-fetched by today’s standards. However, in the way the workers run through the factory like livestock, the viewer starts to realize that this is not specific to the Great Depression, but rather applicable to any "Modern Time." The evolving technologies and our constant need to make everything more efficient is eerily similar to AI and the housing crisis that Chaplin and his counterpart are struggling to navigate and not too far removed from the current state of housing in the U.S. As much as it reminds the viewer of the great demise that our technologically focused society seems to always be headed toward, there is magic to Chaplin that can only be seen as hopeful. As the Gamin and the factory worker walk toward a hopeful future, the viewer can't help but trail behind them in solidarity. See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 26, 2026 Modern Times = a *5* star Movie! See more Cristopher S @cris_sanchez Aug 20, 2026 Una película increíble. Sorprende lo vigente que sigue siendo el humor de Chaplin, pero lo mejor es la crítica que existe detrás de la comedia, especialmente hacia un sistema que termina tratando al trabajador como un número más. See more Read all reviews
Modern Times

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Movie Info

Synopsis This comedic masterpiece finds the iconic Little Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) employed at a state-of-the-art factory where the inescapable machinery completely overwhelms him, and where various mishaps keep getting him sent to prison. In between his various jail stints, he meets and befriends an orphan girl (Paulette Goddard). Both together and apart, they try to contend with the difficulties of modern life, with the Tramp working as a waiter and eventually a performer.
Director
Charlie Chaplin
Producer
Charlie Chaplin
Screenwriter
Charlie Chaplin
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
Charles Chaplin Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 5, 1936, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 22, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$163.2K
Runtime
1h 29m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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