Ernst Lubitsch
DirectingAbout Ernst Lubitsch
Ernst Lubitsch (January 29, 1892 – November 30, 1947) was a German film director, producer, writer, and actor. His urbane comedies of manners gave him the reputation of being Hollywood's most elegant and sophisticated director; as his prestige grew, his films were promoted as having "the Lubitsch touch". Lubitsch is best known for screwball comedies and romantic comedies, such as Trouble in Paradise (1932), Ninotchka (1939), The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and To Be or Not to Be (1942). While being escapist, his films often offer social commentary on human relationships and society in a satirical way. 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 Ernst Lubitsch reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 40 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Ernst Lubitsch's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ernst Lubitsch remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in A Trip on the Ice, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ernst Lubitsch Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ernst Lubitsch's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ernst Lubitsch.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 100 Years of the UFA | Self - Filmmaker (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2015 | From Caligari to Hitler | Self - Filmmaker (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Hitler: A Career | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Eternal Jew | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Ninotchka | Himself - Director in Trailer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Mr. Broadway | Ernst Lubitsch | Flop | Similar → |
| 1920 | Sumurun | Yeggar - the Hunchback Beggar | Average | Similar → |
| 1919 | The Doll | Director in Prologue (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1919 | Käsekönig Holländer | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1919 | Meyer from Berlin | Sally Meyer | Average | Similar → |
| 1918 | The Rosentopf Case | Sally | Flop | Similar → |
| 1918 | The Toboggan Cavalier | Sally Piner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1918 | Prinz Sami | Prinz Sami | Flop | Similar → |
| 1917 | When Four Do the Same | Bit Role | Flop | Similar → |
| 1917 | Der Blusenkönig | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1917 | Hans Trutz in the Land of Milk and Honey | Der Teufel Satan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1916 | The Tenor, Inc. | Sally | Flop | Similar → |
| 1916 | The New Nose | Ernst | Flop | Similar → |
| 1916 | The Most Beautiful Gift | Verehrer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1916 | The Mixed Ladies Chorus | Dirigent | Flop | Similar → |
| 1916 | Pinkus's Shoe Palace | Sally Pinkus | Average | Similar → |
| 1916 | Doctor Satanson | Dr. Satansohn | Flop | Similar → |
| 1916 | Where Is My Treasure? | Ernst | Average | Similar → |
| 1915 | How I Was Murdered | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | The Bodybuilder | Stubenhocker | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | The Last Suit | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | Robert and Bertram | Kommis Max Edelstein | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | His Only Patient | Doktor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | Miss Soapsuds | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | Miss Bellboy | Pinkeles | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | Sugar and Cinnamon | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | Blind Cow | Verlobter | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | A Trip on the Ice | Ernst | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1915 | Arme Maria | Commissioner Moritz Rosenthal | Flop | Similar → |
| 1914 | The Pride of the Firm | Siegmund Lachmann | Hit | Similar → |
| 1914 | A Venetian Night | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1914 | The Firm Gets Married | Moritz Abramowski / Siegmund Lachmann (Lehrling) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1913 | The Ideal Wife | Krispin | Flop | Similar → |
| 1912 | The Miracle | Spielmann | Average | Similar → |
| 1912 | Das Mirakel | - | Flop | Similar → |
Ernst Lubitsch - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ernst Lubitsch?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ernst Lubitsch is "A Trip on the Ice" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Ernst Lubitsch acted in?
Ernst Lubitsch has been featured in at least 40 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ernst Lubitsch?
Other notable films include "Ninotchka", "From Caligari to Hitler", and "Hitler: A Career".