#BirthdaySpecial: 5 MUST WATCH Charlie Chaplin movies

Arguably one of the most influential and iconic stars, Charlie Chaplin is still considered the king of comedy, four decades after his death. His famous 'Tramp' avatar and his deft merging of comedy and pathos make him a cult figure in cinema that many have tried to copy and failed miserably.

From a poverty-ridden childhood to being the greatest comedian of of all times, he set a fine example to anyone who dared to dream. On his birth anniversary, we drum up a list of his five movies that you MUST watch...take a look:

CityLights:

Considered a masterpiece by film thespians and fans alike, this 1931 film is an ode to the simple romance of 'the tramp' and a blind flower girl. Through many a twists and turns, the movie takes us through the lives of the protagonists and mixes Chaplin's favourite theme of comedy and pathos with an expertise that can wow us eighty-odd years after its release. Every character is well etched out and depicts the lifestyle of the era with nonchalant ease. Despite movies being made with sound in the '30s, Chaplin's CityLights sticks to the silent film category. It was a huge hit upon release and has generally been declared as one of the greatest movies ever made.

Modern Times:

Almost eight decades after this movie's release, we are facing pretty much the same issues as Chaplin's tramp does in Modern Times. From industrialisation to unemployment, the movie tackles the cons of modernisation in a light-hearted way. The movie drives home the point without critiquing anything out of context. Perhaps that's what makes it an entertaining watch. Filled with funny moments and iconic scenes from the tramp's work at the factory, it's one of those movies that's relevant even today.

The Dictator:

It's easy to understand why he is considered a legend by filmmakers. At a time when technical brilliance was not heard of, Chaplin tried his hands at a double role of a Jewish barber and a parody of Adolf Hitler. The movie, loosely based on the life and tyranny of the German ruler, was the first 'talking film' made by Chaplin, which was also his most commercially successful film. Even though, in later years, Chaplin regretted making the movie due to the unimaginable horrors that Hitler committed, we are glad that he made it. Because it's a stunning collection of well directed frames that will go down in history as one of the greatest parodies ever made.

Gold Rush:

It's the movie Chaplin wants us to remember him for. And we will certainly honour his wishes, won't we? A perfect mix of comedy, poetry, imaginative themes, and pathos, this 1925 movie stands out as a classic. You must watch it for the way he  tackles the issues of the era and how he uses props and shadows to move the plot ahead. It has arguably one of the funniest moments in history, along with some great acting chops and crisp direction.

The Kid:

There's no way we are leaving his first ever full length movie out of this list. Chaplin fans calls this movie the ultimate masterpiece of mirth, and rightly so. When Chaplin's tramp finds an abandoned child, he initially doesn't want to take care of it, but eventually becomes the child's adoptive father. The two form a special bond that's threatened when the child's biological mother comes to claim him. Chaplin expertly mixes both comedic elements and the tragedy of losing a loved one in this cinematic wonder. 

This is our list of his favourite movies, which is yours? Do let us know the Charlie Chaplin movie that you enjoy watching...