All-Time Best Greta Garbo Movies

Greta Garbo starred as Katrin Koerber Fane in the 1934 film 'The Painted Veil.' The romantic drama was based on the 1925 novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham. The film follows a young couple as they embark on a journey to a remote part of China, and their struggles against the harsh environment and its customs. Garbo's performance was widely praised.

Greta Garbo starred in the 1929 film 'Wild Orchids' as Lillie Malyne, a young woman who is seduced by a married man. The film was directed by Sidney Franklin and also starred Nils Asther and Lewis Stone. The film received mixed reviews and was considered a box office success.

Greta Garbo stars in the 1929 silent film 'The Single Standard' as Arden, a wealthy socialite who is determined to make her own way in life and finds herself torn between two men. She is courted by a charming Packy Cannon (Nils Asther) and a stoic Tommy Hewlett (John Mack Brown). Despite her family's dismay, Gwen follows her own path and ultimately chooses to follow her heart. The film was a commercial success and showcased Garbo's star-making performance.

In the 1929 film "The Kiss," Greta Garbo portrays Irene Guarry, a young wife caught in a passionate love affair. Directed by Jacques Feyder, this silent drama explores themes of infidelity, societal expectations, and the consequences of desire. Irene Guarry finds herself torn between her husband, played by Conrad Nagel, and her lover (André Dubail), portrayed by Conrad Nagel. The film unfolds with intense emotional scenes and captures Garbo's magnetic presence on screen. "The Kiss" is notable for being one of Greta Garbo's early American films, contributing to her rise as an iconic actress of the silent and early sound film era.

'The Temptress' is a 1926 silent film starring Greta Garbo. The film was directed by Fred Niblo and was based on a Spanish novel by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. The film follows a woman named Elena (Garbo) who is an evil temptress who uses her sexuality to manipulate men. She falls in love with an engineer, Antonio, who is involved with a married woman. The film is considered Garbo's breakthrough role as it showcased her range as an actress and helped propel her to stardom.

In the 1926 film "Torrent," Greta Garbo portrays Leonora Moreno, a young Spanish peasant girl. Directed by Monta Bell, this silent romantic drama is one of Garbo's earliest Hollywood films and showcases her magnetic screen presence. The story revolves around Leonora's love affair with a nobleman, played by Ricardo Cortez. The film explores themes of social class, forbidden romance, and the challenges faced by a woman from humble origins trying to navigate a world of privilege.

In the 1927 silent film "Love," Greta Garbo takes on the role of Anna Karenina, the iconic character from Leo Tolstoy's novel. Directed by Edmund Goulding, the film is an adaptation of the classic Russian novel, with Garbo delivering a captivating portrayal of the tragic heroine. The narrative explores themes of love, societal expectations, and morality. Garbo's nuanced performance captures the complexity of Anna's character as she navigates the societal norms of 19th-century Russia and grapples with the consequences of her passionate affair with Count Vronsky.

In the 1924 Swedish film "The Saga of Gosta Berling," Greta Garbo portrays the character Elizabeth Dohna. Directed by Mauritz Stiller, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Nobel Prize-winning author Selma Lagerlöf. In the story, Elizabeth Dohna is a noblewoman who becomes entangled in the tumultuous life of Gosta Berling, a defrocked minister. The film explores themes of love, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of 19th-century Sweden.

Greta Garbo starred in the 1935 film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s novel 'Anna Karenina.' She starred as the titular character, Anna Karenina. Garbo’s performance was praised for her ability to convey the emotional struggles of her character as she faces a difficult decision between her love for Vronsky (played by Fredric March) and her duty to her family.

In the 1930 film "Anna Christie," Greta Garbo takes on the titular role of Anna Christopherson. Directed by Clarence Brown, this film adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play explores the complexities of Anna's past and her journey to find love and redemption. Anna, a former prostitute, reunites with her estranged father on a coal barge. As the story unfolds, Anna's dark past comes to light, and she navigates the challenges of forming a relationship with a sailor named Mat Burke. The film is notable for being one of Greta Garbo's first talkies, showcasing her transition to sound films.

'The Divine Woman' is a 1928 Swedish silent drama film directed by Victor Sjöström, starring Greta Garbo. She plays Marianne, a poor country girl who goes to Paris to try her luck as an actress. As she gets success in her career, she gets the romantic attention of two men. Garbo is captivating in her performance as the naive, yet strong-willed heroine. The film also features Lars Hanson, Lowell Sherman , and Polly Moran.

Greta Garbo starred in the 1928 silent film 'The Mysterious Lady.' The film was directed by Fred Niblo. The film follows the story of a Russian spy, Tania Fedorova (Garbo), who falls in love with an Austrian officer, Captain Karl von Raden (Conrad Veidt). The two must then struggle to protect their love and outwit the enemies who are determined to destroy them.

Greta Garbo starred as the enigmatic Grusinskaya in the 1932 classic 'Grand Hotel.' Directed by Edmund Goulding, the film follows several disparate characters who are staying at a luxury Berlin hotel, and the interconnected stories between them. Garbo's performance as Grusinskaya received critical acclaim, and the line "I want to be alone" is one of her most famous quotes.

Greta Garbo starred as Marguerite "Camille" Gautier in the 1936 romantic drama film 'Camille.' The film was directed by George Cukor and based on the 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils. In the film, Garbo plays a courtesan who must choose between love and a life of luxury. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Garbo her third Academy Award nomination.

Greta Garbo starred in the 1933 film Queen 'Christina.' In the film, Garbo plays the titular Christina, the Queen of Sweden, who falls in love with a Spanish envoy. The film was a critical success and is remembered for Garbo's performance as the independent, strong-willed queen.

'Flesh and the Devil' is a 1926 American silent romantic drama film starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. It was directed by Clarence Brown and based on the 1905 novel of the same name by Hermann Sudermann. It was the third of six films Garbo made with Gilbert.

Greta Garbo starred as the title character in the 1939 romantic comedy-drama 'Ninotchka.' The film follows a strict Soviet envoy (Garbo) who is sent to Paris to try and retrieve three Soviet officials who have become enamored with the West. Garbo's performance is widely praised and she is considered a standout in the film. Ninotchka is one of her best films and is regarded as a classic.