What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedModern Times
Film · 1936
If you loved Modern Times, start with The Essential Chaplin (Richard Schickel, 2006) — a book on the same thread. Below: 3 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Modern Times across media.
You appreciate how Modern Times uses physical comedy and satirical wit to navigate the crushing pressures of an industrializing, modern world.
Books on the same thread
Hard Times
Charles Dickens · Book · 1998
Explores: Utilitarianism, Industrial Revolution, Class Conflict.
If the social criticism in Modern Times resonated with you, this novel offers a darker, more literary exploration of the dehumanizing effects caused by the rigid industrial revolution.
The Man Without Qualities: A sort of introduction. The like of it now happens (I)
Robert Musil · Book · 1953
Explores: Existential ennui, Decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Epistemological crisis.
Those who enjoyed the cynical social critique underlying the slapstick in Modern Times will appreciate this complex, philosophical examination of a society facing an inevitable period of decline.
The Essential Chaplin
Richard Schickel · Book · 2006
Explores: Poverty and Resilience, The Tramp Archetype, Social Commentary.
Deepen your understanding of Modern Times by exploring these essays, which connect the filmmaker's personal history of poverty directly to the resilient spirit of his iconic cinematic tramp.
Series on the same thread
Mr. Bean
Richard Curtis · Series · 1990
Shares a thread with Modern Times: Silent Comedy.
You will recognize the same spirit of chaotic incompetence found in Modern Times as this character turns simple, everyday tasks into a series of hilariously disastrous physical comedy routines.
The Flintstones
William Hanna · Series · 1960
Explores: Suburban Life, Working Class Family, Friendship.
Much like the working-class struggles depicted in Modern Times, this series finds humor in the daily obstacles of modern life, albeit through the lens of a prehistoric family setting.
Modern Family
Steven Levitan · Series · 2009
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Multi-Generational Family, Suburban Life.
While the format differs, this show mirrors the focus on the modern family unit found in Modern Times, using humor to navigate the complexities of contemporary social relationships.
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em
Series · 1973
Explores: Misunderstandings, Accidental Disaster, Incompetence.
This series captures the specific feeling of the well-meaning but disaster-prone protagonist that you enjoyed in Modern Times, as Frank Spencer repeatedly stumbles through his daily life.
Podcasts on the same thread
Chapo Trap House
Podcast
Shares a thread with Modern Times: social criticism.
If the anti-capitalist themes and biting social commentary of Modern Times drew you in, this podcast provides a modern, conversational, and unfiltered perspective on those same institutional critiques.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Joe Rogan · Podcast · 2026
Explores: intellectual curiosity, unfiltered dialogue, lifestyle exploration.
Fans of the observational humor found in Modern Times will appreciate this long-form format, which allows for an expansive, unfiltered exploration of ideas and pop culture through conversation.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Modern Times a silent film?
Modern Times was released in 1936. While it features synchronized sound effects and music, it is primarily a silent film that relies on physical comedy to depict the tramp's struggle to find stability with a young woman in a difficult world.
What is the main conflict in Modern Times?
The central conflict in Modern Times involves a bumbling tramp who attempts to build a home with a young woman. His efforts are repeatedly thwarted by his lack of experience and his tendency to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
How long is Modern Times?
Modern Times is a 1936 film. The story follows a bumbling tramp as he navigates various misfortunes while attempting to establish a home with a young woman. The narrative focuses on his persistent struggles with circumstances beyond his control.
Should I watch Modern Times if I enjoy stories about the tramp?
If you enjoy stories about the tramp, Modern Times is a relevant choice. The film centers on his desire to build a home with a young woman, showcasing the recurring obstacles he faces due to his inexperience and unfortunate timing.