The Passion of Joan of Arc

This 1928 silent film tells the story of the doomed but ultimately canonized 15th-century teenage warrior, Jeanne d'Arc, as she's subjected to inhumane treatment and scare tactics at the hands of church court officials. On trial for claiming she'd spoken to God, Jeanne eventually opts for what she sees as the truth, earning her brutal execution and perpetual martyrdom. With its groundbreaking cinematography and performances, particularly Maria Falconetti's tour-de-force portrayal of the titular character, The Passion of Joan of Arc is a landmark of cinema that continues to inspire and awe audiences today.