A 100-year-old comedy is streaming for free, and it comes with a strange pedigree: it inspired the stunts in Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning and the jokes in Minions & Monsters. The film in question is The General, a 1926 silent comedy about a train chase during the Civil War. It is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, even though it was only a modest box-office hit.
The film’s critical fortunes diverged sharply from its commercial ones at the time of its release. It became a modest box-office hit rather than a major success, and its apparent underperformance caused troubles for its legendary filmmaker. Following the film’s release and mediocre performance, his creative freedom was significantly curtailed. History has since been extremely generous to the film, particularly the 1926 classic.
The Filmmaker’s Own Words
Decades later, the filmmaker reflected on the film by saying, “I was more proud of that picture than any I ever made. Because I took an actual happening out of the history books, and I told the story in detail too.” It was presented as a broad comedy despite being ostensibly based on a real story. Some of its greatest technical achievements involved a locomotive, and its influence could be felt on a similar sequence in Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, the seventh installment of the landmark action franchise starring Tom Cruise.
The film’s influence extends beyond stunts. It also inspired some of the slapstick humor in one 2026 film, and another — the film’s influence could be felt in movies as recent as Zach Cregger’s critically lauded Resident Evil reboot and Minions & Monsters. That is a remarkable arc for a film that barely turned a profit when it first screened.
The Train Chase That Made It Famous
This comedy centers on a man and a locomotive, and it stands as a masterclass in physical comedy. It remains one of the most influential examples of the genre.
The train sequence is the film’s central set piece, built around a series of elaborate stunts. This technical ambition sits alongside the film’s emotional core, which gives the movie its reputation for both spectacle and feeling.
A Century of Influence
The film’s legacy is vast. It has been referenced in countless other works, from comedies to action thrillers. The influence of The General can be seen in Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, where a similar train sequence pays homage to the original stunt. The film’s impact on comedy is equally notable, with Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot and Minions & Monsters both drawing on its slapstick traditions.
The film’s reputation has grown steadily over the years. It is now widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, a status that belies its modest commercial debut. The film’s enduring appeal is a sign of the filmmaker’s skill.
Streaming for Free
A new streaming platform now makes The General available without charge. That means viewers can watch the film at no cost. Its fame is justified, and its easy access is a benefit to those who have not yet seen it.
The filmmaker’s work deserves to be seen, and the fact that it is free to watch is a small miracle. The film’s influence on comedy and action is undeniable, and its technical achievements remain impressive. Watching The General is a reminder of why the filmmaker is remembered as one of the greats.
- It is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made
- It inspired the train chase in Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning
- It influenced the slapstick humor in Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot and Minions & Monsters
- It is streaming for free on a new platform
- Its legacy is secure, even if its initial performance was modest
The film’s streaming availability is a gift to audiences, and its influence is a gift to filmmakers. The filmmaker’s work deserves to be seen, and the fact that it is free to watch is a small miracle. The film’s enduring appeal is a sign of the filmmaker’s skill.
The General is a comedy about a train chase and a man chasing his own destiny. It is also a story about the gap between critical acclaim and commercial failure. The filmmaker’s film is a reminder that great art is not always rewarded in its own time. But the film’s streaming availability is a chance to rediscover it, and its influence is a sign of its enduring power.
Take note of it, find amusement in it, and recall that a film from a hundred years ago can still catch you off guard.
See the video the story is built around at Collider.
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