Silent films were the first type of movies, created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These films had no synchronized sound, so audiences relied on visual storytelling, intertitles, and live music to understand the plot. Famous actors like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton became stars during this era, captivating viewers with their expressive performances and physical comedy.
With the introduction of early sound films in the late 1920s, cinema began to change dramatically. The first successful sound film, The Jazz Singer, featured synchronized dialogue and music, revolutionizing the industry. This new technology allowed filmmakers to enhance storytelling, leading to the decline of silent films and the rise of the "talkies."