Movie Eras - History of Cinema, Movies and Film Iindustry

Film history consists of several distinct eras that were widely different and distinctive. Here you can find out more about them, how they impacted film creation, the rise of specific acting stars and directors, and the development of the modern film industry.

Roundhay Garden Scene 1888, the world's first film

Movie Eras - History of Movies

The history of film spans more than 100 years of our recent history, and during that time, movie trends evolved from simple short silent films to the large productions and blockbusters of the modern age. Here you can learn more about all distinct eras of film.

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The Silent Era of Movies

The popularity of silent black-and-white movies marked the first few decades of movie history. Before advanced technology enabled filmmakers to create movies with sound, silent films played a significant role in establishing the roots of the modern film industry.

Photograph demonstrating Vitaphone projection system

The Sound Era of Movies

From the moment sound entered the film industry, it managed to revolutionize this art medium and enable countless filmmakers to express themselves in a way it was not possible before. With over 80 years of presence in the market, sound movies represent the most dominant way we experience films today. You can learn more about its history here.

Hollywood film studios, 1922

Early History of Hollywood

The beginnings of Hollywood were marked by the arrival of film studios from the heavily taxed New York area to sunny California and the establishment of five large film studios that dominated theaters in the US and the World between 1910 and the end of World War II.

Picture of Hollywood Sign

New and Modern Hollywood

The arrival of the sound film changed the landscape of Hollywood and the film industry significantly. Changes brought the larger popularity of film stars, larger budgets, and the introduction of new film styles and genres. You can learn more about the history of modern Hollywood here.

Picture of Bombay talkie Achhut Kanya

History of Bollywood

Bollywood is one of the largest film industries ever created on planet earth, serving the fans on the Indian subcontinent hundreds of movies each year, from the second decade of the 20th century to today. Here you can learn more about the incredible history of Bollywood, its origins, influences, and most popular films.

Film still from Dickson Greeting
Photo of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello
Picture of Alfred Hitchcock