25 Best Greta Garbo Movies: The Enigmatic Beauty’s Timeless Classics

Few names in the history of cinema can command the reverence and admiration associated with Greta Garbo. Known for her striking beauty, enigmatic persona, and compelling performances, Garbo was a titan of both the silent and talkie eras, solidifying her place in the pantheon of movie icons. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1905, Garbo’s journey from a humble background to the pinnacle of Hollywood’s Golden Age is a testament to her unrivaled talent and enduring allure.

Garbo began her acting career in the early 1920s, starring in films in her native Sweden before catching the attention of Louis B. Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, one of Hollywood’s most influential studios.

Garbo’s transition to Hollywood marked the beginning of a legendary career, and she quickly gained acclaim for her naturalistic style and ability to convey deep emotion without uttering a word. Her transition to “talkies” was equally successful, with her distinct voice adding another layer to her charismatic performances.

Garbo’s filmography is characterized by diverse roles that explore a broad spectrum of human experience. From her portrayal of tragic heroines in classic dramas to her performances in comedies that display a surprising flair for humor, Garbo was a versatile actor who transcended the boundaries of genre.

Garbo’s elusive off-screen persona, which earned her the moniker “the Swedish Sphinx,” only heightened her appeal. Shunning the Hollywood spotlight, she valued her privacy, giving few interviews and making limited public appearances.

This mysteriousness fueled the public’s fascination with her, and Garbo’s name became synonymous with enigma.

Despite her retirement from acting in 1941 at the age of 36, Greta Garbo’s influence on cinema remains profound. Her iconic performances continue to captivate audiences, and her distinctive screen presence set the standard for cinematic stardom.

Best Greta Garbo Movies

The following list delves into some of Greta Garbo’s finest films, each a shining testament to her extraordinary talent and indelible legacy.

1. Queen Christina (1933)

Queen Christina” is a 1933 historical drama film directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Greta Garbo as Queen Christina of Sweden. The film is loosely based on the real-life story of the 17th-century queen who abdicated her throne to convert to Catholicism and pursue a life of personal freedom.

The film received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise for Garbo’s performance as the charismatic and complex queen.

The film’s depiction of Christina’s struggle to balance her duties as a monarch with her desire for personal fulfillment and romantic love is both poignant and thought-provoking.

“Queen Christina” is noted for its lush period setting, detailed costumes, and impressive cinematography, which together create a vivid and immersive world. The film also explores themes such as gender roles, power dynamics, and the conflict between duty and personal desire.

The film remains a landmark in the history of cinema and a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood films.

2. Camille (1936)

 “Camille”. This classic romantic drama film is directed by George Cukor and stars Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor, and Lionel Barrymore in the lead roles.

The film is based on the novel “La Dame aux Camélias” by Alexandre Dumas and tells the story of Marguerite Gautier, a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with a young man named Armand Duval.

However, their relationship is threatened by the social expectations of the time and the disapproval of Armand’s father.

3. Anna Christie (I) (1930)

“Anna Christie” is a 1930 American Pre-Code drama film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Greta Garbo, Charles Bickford, and Marie Dressler. The movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Eugene O’Neill.

The film tells the story of Anna Christie (Garbo), a former prostitute who tries to start a new life with her estranged father Chris (Bickford) on a barge in New York City.

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Anna falls in love with a sailor named Matt (played by newcomer actor, and future Hollywood icon, Clark Gable), but their relationship is threatened when her troubled past is revealed.

“Anna Christie” was Garbo’s first sound film and marked a departure from her previous silent film roles. Garbo’s performance was praised by critics, and the film was a commercial success. It was also nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Garbo.

The film is notable for its realistic depiction of life on the barge and for its mature themes, including prostitution and alcoholism. It was also one of the first Hollywood films to use extensive location shooting.

Overall, “Anna Christie” is a classic of early sound cinema and a powerful drama that explores the human condition with honesty and depth.

4. Ninotchka (1939)

“Ninotchka” is a 1939 American comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas.

The film follows the story of Nina Ivanovna “Ninotchka” Yakushova, a stern Soviet envoy who travels to Paris to oversee the sale of jewels confiscated from the aristocracy during the Russian Revolution.

While in Paris, she meets a charming count, Leon d’Algout, who shows her the joys of life and love outside of her strict Communist upbringing.

The film was notable for being Garbo’s first comedy role after a string of dramatic performances. It was also a critical and commercial success, receiving four Academy Award nominations and winning for Best Original Story.

“Ninotchka” is regarded as a classic of the romantic comedy genre and is particularly notable for its witty dialogue and Lubitsch’s deft direction. The film has been praised for its ability to balance humor and romance with a satirical commentary on the differences between Soviet and Western cultures.

5. Anna Karenina (1935)

“Anna Karenina” is a 1935 film directed by Clarence Brown and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Leo Tolstoy, which tells the story of a married aristocrat, Anna Karenina, who falls in love with a wealthy Count, Vronsky, and becomes embroiled in scandal and social upheaval in 19th century Russia.

The film stars Greta Garbo as Anna Karenina, Fredric March as Count Vronsky, and Basil Rathbone as Karenin, Anna’s husband.

The movie was highly acclaimed for its production values, including the lavish costumes and sets, and for the performances of its cast. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Garbo, and Best Supporting Actor for Basil Rathbone.

“Anna Karenina” is widely considered to be one of the greatest film adaptations of a literary work and is still highly regarded today.

It is notable for its lush visuals and strong performances, particularly by Garbo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

6. A Woman of Affairs (1928)

“A Woman of Affairs” is a silent film drama directed by Clarence Brown and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1928. The film stars Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, and Lewis Stone.

The story revolves around the character of Diana Merrick (played by Garbo), a young woman from a wealthy family who falls in love with a man named Neville Holderness (played by Gilbert).

However, her family disapproves of Neville and forces Diana to marry another man, David Furness (played by Stone).

Despite her unhappy marriage, Diana continues to pine for Neville and eventually reunites with him, leading to a tragic ending.

The film was controversial at the time of its release due to its portrayal of adultery and sexual themes, which caused it to be heavily censored in some markets. Nevertheless, it was a critical and commercial success, cementing Garbo’s status as a leading Hollywood actress.

The film is also notable for its innovative camera work and visual style, which was ahead of its time.

7. Flesh and the Devil (1926)

“Flesh and the Devil” is a silent romantic drama film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, and Lars Hanson. The film was released in 1926 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

The story follows two childhood friends, Leo and Ulrich, who grow up to become officers in the army. They fall in love with the same woman, Felicitas, and their friendship is tested when Ulrich finds out that Leo is having an affair with her.

The two men engage in a duel, but ultimately reconcile when they realize the true value of their friendship.

The film was a critical and commercial success and helped establish Garbo and Gilbert as major stars. It also features some innovative camera work and special effects for the time, particularly in the scenes depicting the duel.

Overall, “Flesh and the Devil” is considered a classic of the silent era and a landmark in the careers of its stars and director.

8. As You Desire Me (1932)

“As You Desire Me” is a 1932 American pre-Code film directed by George Fitzmaurice and starring Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, and Erich von Stroheim.

The film tells the story of a woman named Zara, who has lost her memory and wanders into a nightclub owned by a man named Tony. Tony recognizes her as a former cabaret singer and convinces her to return to the stage, where she becomes a star once again.

However, as Zara’s memories slowly return, she begins to realize that her life may not have been as glamorous as she once thought.

She discovers that she was once the mistress of a wealthy man named Bruno, who is now married to her former best friend. As she struggles to come to terms with her past, she must decide whether to stay with Tony or return to Bruno.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, but Garbo’s performance was praised by many critics. The film is notable for its early exploration of themes such as amnesia, identity, and sexual liberation, which would become more common in later films.

9. The Kiss (1929)

“The Kiss” is a silent romantic drama film directed by Jacques Feyder and released in 1929. The film stars Greta Garbo and Conrad Nagel, and is considered one of Garbo’s most iconic roles.

The story follows Irene (Garbo), a married woman who falls in love with a married man, André (Nagel). Despite their strong feelings for each other, the two struggle with the societal expectations and moral constraints of their time.

The film was notable for its realistic portrayal of love and passion, as well as its exploration of the moral complexities of adultery. It was also a technical achievement, featuring advanced camera techniques and innovative use of sound.

Despite being released at the dawn of the sound era, “The Kiss” was a silent film with a synchronized soundtrack, featuring music and sound effects. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike and is considered a classic of early Hollywood cinema.

10. The Painted Veil (1934)

“The Painted Veil” is a 1934 American drama film directed by Richard Boleslawski and starring Greta Garbo, Herbert Marshall, and George Brent. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham.

The film tells the story of Kitty Garstin (Garbo), a shallow and unfaithful woman who marries a British bacteriologist named Walter Fane (Marshall) in order to escape her stifling life in London.

They move to Shanghai, where Kitty has an affair with a married man (Brent). When Walter discovers her infidelity, he takes her to a remote village in China that is suffering from a cholera epidemic.

As Kitty begins to help the villagers and develop a deeper understanding of Walter, she realizes the shallowness of her previous life and starts to change. However, their relationship is complicated by the presence of the other man and by the danger of the epidemic.

“The Painted Veil” was praised for its cinematography and performances, particularly Garbo’s nuanced portrayal of a complex and flawed character. The film was also notable for its sensitive treatment of cultural differences between the British and the Chinese, which was unusual for Hollywood at the time.

Overall, “The Painted Veil” is a powerful drama that explores themes of love, redemption, and cultural understanding. It remains a classic of 1930s Hollywood cinema and a testament to Garbo’s talent as an actress.

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11. Wild Orchids (1929)

“Wild Orchids” is a 1929 American silent drama film directed by Sidney Franklin and starring Greta Garbo and Lewis Stone. The film is based on a novel by British author Hanns Heinz Ewers and was adapted for the screen by Dorothy Farnum.

The story follows the wealthy and unhappy American businessman John Sterling (Stone) and his wife Lillie (Garbo) as they travel to Java for a business trip.

While there, they encounter the handsome and charismatic Prince De Gace (Nils Asther), who becomes a romantic interest for Lillie. As Lillie and the prince grow closer, John becomes increasingly jealous and resentful, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

“Wild Orchids” was notable for being Garbo’s first film shot on location outside of the United States, with many scenes filmed in Java, Indonesia. The film was also one of the last major silent films to be released before the advent of sound in motion pictures.

While the film received mixed reviews upon release, it has since been reappraised and is now considered a minor classic of the silent era, particularly for Garbo’s performance and the exotic location photography.

12. Grand Hotel (I) (1932)

“Grand Hotel” is a 1932 American drama film directed by Edmund Goulding and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It features an ensemble cast including Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford, Wallace Beery, and Lionel Barrymore.

The film is based on the 1929 play “Menschen im Hotel” by Vicki Baum, and is considered a classic of early Hollywood cinema.

The film is set in the luxurious Grand Hotel in Berlin, where the lives of various guests intersect over the course of a few days.

Among them are a fading ballerina (Garbo) who is pursued by a wealthy baron (John Barrymore), a struggling typist (Crawford) who becomes involved with a charming thief (Beery), and a dying bookkeeper (Lionel Barrymore) who wants to experience the finer things in life before he passes away.

“Grand Hotel” was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and receiving several other nominations, including Best Director for Goulding and Best Actress for Garbo.

It is known for its stylish direction, impressive cast, and memorable lines, including Garbo’s famous line “I want to be alone.” The film is also notable for its innovative use of a multi-storyline narrative structure, which has influenced many films that followed.

13. Conquest (1937)

“Conquest” is a historical romance film directed by Clarence Brown and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1937. The film stars Greta Garbo and Charles Boyer.

The story is set in the late 18th century and centers around the relationship between the Polish Countess Marie Walewska (played by Garbo) and the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (played by Boyer).

Marie becomes Napoleon’s mistress and bears him a son, but their relationship is complicated by political and social factors, as well as by Napoleon’s marriage to Empress Josephine.

The film was a lavish production with elaborate sets and costumes, and it received mixed reviews upon its release.

While some praised Garbo’s performance and the film’s romantic atmosphere, others criticized its historical inaccuracies and melodramatic plot. Nevertheless, “Conquest” was a box office success and remains notable for its portrayal of the tumultuous romance between Napoleon and Marie.

In addition to Garbo and Boyer, the film also features notable actors such as Reginald Owen, Henry Stephenson, and Alan Marshal in supporting roles. The film’s score, composed by Herbert Stothart, was also praised for its sweeping and romantic themes.

14. The Joyless Street (1925)

“The Joyless Street” is a silent film directed by Austrian filmmaker G.W. Pabst and released in 1925.

The film is set in Vienna in 1921, during the post-World War I era, and depicts the struggles of various characters trying to survive in a society plagued by poverty, unemployment, and corruption.

The film’s main plot revolves around a young woman named Greta (played by Asta Nielsen) who is forced to become a prostitute to support herself and her family.

Another character, a wealthy businessman named Meyerbeer (played by Greta Garbo’s future co-star, Conrad Veidt), takes advantage of the economic desperation of those around him to pursue his own selfish interests.

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“The Joyless Street” was controversial at the time of its release due to its frank portrayal of sexuality and social issues, and it was initially banned in many countries. However, it has since come to be recognized as a landmark of German Expressionist cinema and a powerful critique of the economic and social conditions of the time.

The film features a talented cast, including renowned actors like Greta Garbo and Veidt, as well as striking cinematography and innovative camera work.

It remains a significant work of the silent era, known for its gritty realism and harsh depiction of the social and economic conditions of its time.

15. Inspiration (1931)

“Inspiration” is a 1931 American pre-Code film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Greta Garbo, Robert Montgomery, and Lewis Stone.

The film tells the story of Yvonne, a young woman living in the French Riviera who falls in love with an artist named André.

Yvonne becomes the subject of André’s paintings and their relationship inspires his work, but as their love deepens, Yvonne realizes that André is already married.

The film is notable for its stunning visuals and art direction, as well as Garbo’s performance. It was one of the first films to use the new three-strip Technicolor process, which allowed for more vibrant colors on screen.

The film’s soundtrack also featured several popular songs, including “When I Fall in Love” and “I’m Yours”.

Despite its technical achievements and critical acclaim, “Inspiration” was not a commercial success and is now considered a lesser-known entry in Garbo’s filmography.

However, it remains an important film for its technical innovations and for its exploration of themes such as love, passion, and artistic inspiration.

16. The Saga of Gösta Berling (1924)

“The Saga of Gösta Berling” is a Swedish silent film directed by Mauritz Stiller and released in 1924. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Selma Lagerlöf and stars Lars Hanson in the titular role.

The story is set in 1820s Sweden and follows Gösta Berling, a fallen priest who becomes the leader of a group of misfits living in a manor house.

The group includes a former countess, a drunkard, a gambler, and others who have been cast out by society. Together, they engage in various adventures and hijinks, while also struggling with personal demons and societal expectations.

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The film was a major success in Sweden and helped establish Stiller and Hanson as leading figures in Swedish cinema. It was also notable for its use of location shooting and naturalistic performances, as well as its exploration of themes such as redemption and social exclusion.

“The Saga of Gösta Berling” was later released in the United States, where it received critical acclaim and helped introduce Swedish cinema to American audiences.

Today, it is regarded as a classic of Swedish cinema and an important early work in the career of Mauritz Stiller and Lars Hanson.

17. The Mysterious Lady (1928)

“The Mysterious Lady” is a 1928 silent film directed by Fred Niblo and starring Greta Garbo and Conrad Nagel. The film is a romantic spy thriller set in Vienna during World War I.

Garbo plays Tania Fedorova, a Russian spy who seduces and steals secrets from Austrian army officer Karl von Raden (Nagel). Despite her deception, Tania and Karl fall in love, and Tania struggles with her loyalty to her country and her growing feelings for Karl.

“The Mysterious Lady” was a critical and commercial success, and helped to solidify Garbo’s status as a Hollywood star. Garbo’s performance was praised for its emotional depth and sensuality, and the film’s romantic and thrilling plot was popular with audiences.

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The film is also notable for its stylish production design and cinematography, which captures the glamour and intrigue of Vienna’s aristocratic society during the war.

The film’s themes of love, loyalty, and espionage continue to resonate with audiences and make “The Mysterious Lady” a classic of silent cinema.

Overall, “The Mysterious Lady” is a captivating and suspenseful romance that showcases Garbo’s talents as an actress and helped to establish her as a major Hollywood icon.

18. Love (1927)

“Love” is a 1927 American silent drama film directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. The film is based on a play by Leo Tolstoy called “Anna Karenina” and was adapted for the screen by Frances Marion.

The story follows the beautiful and married Countess Anna Karenina (Garbo), who falls in love with the dashing cavalry officer Vronsky (Gilbert).

As Anna pursues a scandalous affair with Vronsky, she becomes increasingly ostracized by society and is torn between her love for him and her duty to her husband and young son.

“Love” was a critical and commercial success upon release, and is now regarded as a classic of the silent era. The film is notable for the intense chemistry between Garbo and Gilbert, who were also involved in a highly publicized real-life romance at the time.

It was also one of the first American films to feature a synchronized score and sound effects, though it was not a “talkie.”

Garbo’s performance in “Love” is widely regarded as one of her finest, and the film helped to establish her as one of the most iconic actresses of the silent era. The film’s themes of love, passion, and societal expectations continue to resonate with audiences today.

19. Mata Hari (1931)

“Mata Hari” is a 1931 American pre-Code film directed by George Fitzmaurice and produced by MGM. It is based on the life of Mata Hari, a famous exotic dancer and courtesan who was executed for espionage during World War I.

The film stars Greta Garbo in the title role as Mata Hari, a woman of mixed Dutch-Javanese heritage who becomes a famous dancer and seductress in Paris.

She attracts the attention of a French intelligence officer, Captain Pierre Bouchardon (Ramon Novarro), who is tasked with investigating her suspected involvement with the Germans. Mata Hari falls in love with him, but is ultimately betrayed and executed.

“Mata Hari” was a commercial success, but received mixed reviews from critics. The film was praised for Garbo’s performance, which was described as sensual and glamorous, but criticized for its historical inaccuracies and melodramatic plot.

It was also controversial for its depiction of Mata Hari as a seductive and promiscuous woman, rather than a victim of circumstance.

Despite its flaws, “Mata Hari” is still considered a classic film and is notable for Garbo’s performance, as well as for its lavish sets and costumes. It is also remembered for its famous line, spoken by Garbo as Mata Hari: “Men are my hobby. If I ever got married, I’d have to give it up.”

20. Two-Faced Woman (1941)

“Two-Faced Woman” is a romantic comedy film directed by George Cukor and released by MGM in 1941. The film stars Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas.

The story follows a successful ski instructor named Karin Borg Blake (played by Garbo) who falls in love and marries a magazine publisher named Larry Blake (played by Douglas).

However, their relationship becomes strained when Larry suspects that Karin is cheating on him with one of her former students.

Karin decides to play along with Larry’s mistaken assumption, creating a series of comedic misunderstandings and complications.

The film was controversial at the time of its release, with some critics and audiences criticizing Garbo’s portrayal of a character who engages in deception and infidelity.

Additionally, the film’s lighthearted tone and comedic elements were seen as atypical for Garbo, who was known for her dramatic roles.

“Two-Faced Woman” was also a commercial disappointment, leading Garbo to retire from acting shortly after its release.

Despite its troubled reception, the film has since gained a cult following among fans of classic Hollywood cinema, and is noted for its sophisticated dialogue and stylish art direction.

Garbo’s performance in particular has been reevaluated in recent years, with some critics praising her comedic timing and charisma.

21. The Single Standard (1929)

“The Single Standard” is a pre-Code romantic drama film directed by John S. Robertson and released by MGM in 1929. The film stars Greta Garbo, Nils Asther, and Johnny Mack Brown.

The story revolves around Arden Stuart (played by Garbo), a wealthy and independent woman who lives by her own moral code and refuses to conform to the expectations of society.

She has a romantic relationship with a married man named Packard (played by Asther) but struggles to come to terms with the fact that he cannot leave his wife for her.

The film is notable for its progressive portrayal of women and their sexuality, as well as for its striking visual style and use of lighting and shadow. Garbo’s performance in the film is also highly regarded, with many critics citing it as one of her best.

Overall, “The Single Standard” is considered a significant work of the late silent era and an important example of pre-Code Hollywood cinema. It explores themes of love, independence, and social norms in a nuanced and sophisticated way, and remains a classic of its genre.

22. Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (1931)

“Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)” is a 1931 American pre-Code film directed by Robert Z. Leonard and starring Greta Garbo and Clark Gable.

The film tells the story of Susan Lenox, a young woman from a poor background who falls in love with a wealthy man named Rodney Spencer. When Susan becomes pregnant, Rodney’s disapproving father forces him to marry another woman, leaving Susan alone and pregnant.

After giving birth to a son, Susan is forced to give him up and flees to New York City to start a new life. There, she meets and falls in love with a gangster named Sarny, but their relationship is complicated by Sarny’s criminal activities and Susan’s past.

The film was based on the novel “Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise” by David Graham Phillips and was highly anticipated upon its release due to the pairing of Garbo and Gable, who had previously appeared together in the hit film “Mata Hari” (1931).

Despite this, the film received mixed reviews and was not a major commercial success.

However, the film is notable for its frank portrayal of sexuality and its depiction of a strong, independent female character. It also features memorable performances from Garbo and Gable, who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic onscreen pairings.

23. The Temptress (1926)

“The Temptress” is a silent romantic drama film directed by Fred Niblo and released in 1926. The film stars Greta Garbo in her second American film and Antonio Moreno.

The story follows Elena (Garbo), a mysterious and seductive woman who arrives in Buenos Aires and attracts the attention of many wealthy men, including Robledo (Moreno).

Robledo, who is already engaged, finds himself drawn to Elena despite his better judgment, leading to a web of romantic and emotional complications.

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The film was notable for its lush visuals, dramatic lighting, and Garbo’s performance as the enigmatic and alluring Elena. It was also a financial success, helping to cement Garbo’s status as a major Hollywood star.

“The Temptress” was one of several successful collaborations between Garbo and director Fred Niblo, who would go on to direct her in “Flesh and the Devil” and “The Mysterious Lady.” Today, the film is considered a classic of the silent era and an important early work in Garbo’s career.

24. The Torrent (1924)

“The Torrent” is a 1924 silent romantic drama film directed by Monta Bell and starring Greta Garbo in her first leading role in a Hollywood film. The movie is based on a novel by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez.

In the film, Garbo plays Leonora, a beautiful and passionate Spanish woman who is pursued by both the wealthy Don Rafael (Ricardo Cortez) and the poor but talented artist Ricardo (Antonio Moreno). Leonora must choose between love and money, and her decision has far-reaching consequences for herself and those around her.

“The Torrent” was a critical and commercial success, and helped to launch Garbo’s career as a Hollywood star.

Garbo’s performance was praised for its intensity and sensuality, and the film’s lush production values and romantic plot were popular with audiences.

The film is also notable for its use of location shooting in Spain, which gave the film an authentic and exotic feel. Overall, “The Torrent” is a classic of silent cinema and a showcase for Garbo’s talent and screen presence.

25. Romance (1930)

“Romance” is a 1930 American pre-Code drama film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Greta Garbo and Gavin Gordon. The film is based on a play by Edward Sheldon and was adapted for the screen by Bess Meredyth.

The story follows Rita Cavallini (Garbo), a successful opera singer who falls in love with the young and idealistic composer Guido (Gordon).

However, their relationship is complicated by Guido’s strict Catholic beliefs and Rita’s scandalous reputation. As they struggle to navigate their love in the face of societal pressures and personal beliefs, they must decide whether their love is worth fighting for.

“Romance” was Garbo’s first sound film and was notable for her heavily accented English, which only added to her allure as a mysterious foreign star. The film was a commercial and critical success, and helped to establish Garbo as a major force in the sound era of Hollywood.

The film’s themes of forbidden love and societal pressures continue to resonate with audiences, and it is now considered a classic of early Hollywood cinema.

Garbo’s performance in “Romance” is widely regarded as one of her finest, and the film showcases her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and nuance.

3 Reasons To Watch Greta Garbo Movies

Timeless performances: Greta Garbo was one of the most iconic actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age and her performances in films like “Grand Hotel” and “Camille” are still praised today.

Her on-screen presence, natural talent, and unique beauty made her stand out among her contemporaries, and she remains a symbol of classic Hollywood glamour and sophistication.

Historical significance: Greta Garbo’s films provide a window into the history of Hollywood and the culture of the time.

Many of her films were made during the Great Depression and World War II, and they reflect the social and political issues of those eras. By watching her movies, you can gain a better understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present.

Artistic merit: Greta Garbo’s films were not just popular with audiences, but were also critically acclaimed. Many of her films were nominated for and won Academy Awards, and her performances are still studied and analyzed by film scholars today.

Her films are also notable for their innovative cinematography, stylish direction, and beautiful costumes and sets, making them works of art in their own right.

Best Greta Garbo Movies – Wrap Up

Greta Garbo was one of the most iconic actresses of Hollywood’s golden age, known for her striking beauty, intense screen presence, and memorable performances. Throughout her career, she starred in a variety of films, ranging from silent dramas to romantic comedies to historical epics.

Some of Garbo’s most celebrated movies include “Anna Karenina” (1935), directed by Clarence Brown and co-starring Fredric March, which is a faithful adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel; “Grand Hotel” (1932), directed by Edmund Goulding and co-starring John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, and Joan Crawford, which is an ensemble drama set in a luxurious hotel; and “Ninotchka” (1939), directed by Ernst Lubitsch and co-starring Melvyn Douglas, which is a witty and sophisticated romantic comedy.

Other notable Garbo films include “Camille” (1936), “Queen Christina” (1933), and “Mata Hari” (1931), among others.

While some of Garbo’s films were controversial or commercially unsuccessful at the time of their release, they have since become classics of cinema and continue to be admired by fans and scholars alike.

Garbo retired from acting in 1941 and lived a reclusive life until her death in 1990. However, her legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest stars lives on, and her films continue to be appreciated and celebrated for their artistry, storytelling, and unforgettable performances.