AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 94

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

No. 94: The Jazz Singer (1927)
Original List Ranking: 90
Starring: Al Jolson and May McAvoy
Director: Alan Crosland
About: This is the third film in a row that didn't make the list when we got to the anniversary in 2007. This one wasn't ranked nearly as high, clocking in at 90 on the original list. I have it in about the same position. This one is another film where you have to appreciate the landmark nature of what it means in to the history of film in addition to the problematic nature of the story. It includes a performer who plies his craft in blackface, which made sense at the time but is wildly inappropriate in 2026. Still, the film is nearly 100 years old and it is a landmark part of American cinema because of its introduction of sound. It is fair to look back and say it changed film forever, even if it doesn't hold up as well on repeat viewing in the modern era.

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