F. W. Murnau
DirectingAbout F. W. Murnau
Friedrich Wilhelm “F. W.” Murnau (December 28, 1888 – March 11, 1931) was one of the most influential German film directors of the silent era, and a prominent figure in the expressionist movement in German cinema during the 1920s. Although some of Murnau’s films have been lost, most still survive. While the horror film Nosferatu (1922) is his most famous work, the romantic melodrama Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) is his critically most acclaimed; the British Film Institute's 2012 Sight & Sound critics' poll named it the fifth-best film in the history of motion pictures. Murnau's characteristics are an atmospheric imagery and an innovative use of camera movement. Andrew Sarris in his influential book of film criticism The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968 included him in the "pantheon" of the 14 greatest film directors who had worked in the United States.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of F. W. Murnau reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 6 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of F. W. Murnau's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 67% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), F. W. Murnau remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best F. W. Murnau Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from F. W. Murnau's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of F. W. Murnau.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Murnau, Borzage and Fox | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Way to Murnau | Himself (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Los 5 Faust de F. W. Murnau | Himself (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Movie City of Hollywood | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1927 | Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans | Dancer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | The Film in the Film | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
F. W. Murnau - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of F. W. Murnau?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring F. W. Murnau is "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" with a rating of 7.8/10.
How many movies has F. W. Murnau acted in?
F. W. Murnau has been featured in at least 6 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by F. W. Murnau?
Other notable films include "The Film in the Film", "Murnau, Borzage and Fox", and "Los 5 Faust de F. W. Murnau".