Modern Times (1936)

Kernel Score: 90% · 4,011 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Released: 1936-02-05

Runtime: 87 minutes

Is Modern Times worth watching?

Must-watch. Chaplin's Tramp battles factory life and the Depression in a mostly silent comedy. The gags still work, the romance is sweet, and it's short enough to watch even if you've never seen a silent film.

Watch it if you

  • want to try a silent classic
  • like physical comedy and invention
  • enjoy sweet, simple love stories

Skip it if you

  • can't bear black-and-white or silent film
  • want dialogue-heavy comedy

Best for: Easy classic night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Modern Times

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A bumbling tramp desires to build a home with a young woman, yet is thwarted time and time again by his lack of experience and habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time..

Modern Times parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that Modern Times is a classic silent comedy by Charlie Chaplin about a tramp struggling amid industrial-era hardship.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Slapstick mishaps and a jail sequence occur, but violence is comedic and non-graphic.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Modern Times

If you liked Modern Times, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • City Lights (1931) — 91%: Chaplin's other great, sweeter romantic comedy
  • The Great Dictator (1940) — 91%: Chaplin's bold comedy about power and dictators
  • The Gold Rush (1925) — 90%: Chaplin's funniest and best known adventure
  • The Kid (1921) — 92%: Early Chaplin that mixes laughs and heart
  • The Circus (1928) — 88%: Chaplin at his most daring with stunts
  • A Dog's Life (1918) — 81%: Short early Chaplin with endless gags

Director

Charlie Chaplin

Cast

  • Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp (A Factory Worker)
  • Paulette Goddard as A Gamin
  • Henry Bergman as Cafe Proprietor
  • Tiny Sandford as Big Bill
  • Chester Conklin as Mechanic
  • Hank Mann as Burglar
  • Stanley Blystone as Gamin's Father
  • Al Ernest Garcia as President of the Electro Steel Corp.
  • Richard Alexander as Prison Cellmate
  • Cecil Reynolds as Minister

Modern Times FAQ

Is Modern Times worth watching?

Must-watch. Chaplin's Tramp battles factory life and the Depression in a mostly silent comedy. The gags still work, the romance is sweet, and it's short enough to watch even if you've never seen a silent film.

Where can I watch Modern Times?

In the US you can stream Modern Times on Prime Video, YouTube TV, The Criterion Channel and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, YouTube Free, Prime Video (free with ads), Mometu and Amazon MX Player and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.

Is Modern Times OK for kids?

Modern Times is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Modern Times is a classic silent comedy by Charlie Chaplin about a tramp struggling amid industrial-era hardship.

What movies are like Modern Times?

If you liked Modern Times, try City Lights, The Great Dictator, The Gold Rush and The Kid.