Phantom of the Opera (1925)

One of the most endearing characters from 20th century fiction, whose story has been told in several films and is currently the longest-running musical production on Broadway, THIS film is the first and thus far the only version that accurately presents The Phantom as author Gaston Leroux had envisioned him.

Lon Chaney Sr.'s "Phantom" is more raw, frightening, tragic, and nowhere near so easy to fall in love with as all the later versions would lead one to believe. Long before Gerard Butler was miscast in the title role (this reviewer's opinion), here's the most famous and best "Phantom" portrayal in all its Grand Guignol glory.