The Unknown (1927): cast, story & where to watch
1927 · Film · ★ 7.5
Released in 1927, The Unknown is a thriller, drama, horror and romance film directed by Tod Browning, running about 68 minutes. “Don't miss this startling spectacle!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. A criminal on the run hides in a circus and seeks to possess the daughter of the ringmaster at any cost.
Who’s in it. The Unknown stars Lon Chaney as Alonzo, Norman Kerry as Malabar, Joan Crawford as Nanon and Nick De Ruiz as Zanzi, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, The Unknown has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel and Bloodstream and rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Unknown page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Unknown tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Unknown (1927)?
- In US, The Unknown is available to stream on Criterion Channel and Bloodstream, and rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Unknown worth watching?
- The Unknown holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama, horror and romance. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Unknown?
- The Unknown stars Lon Chaney, Norman Kerry, Joan Crawford, Nick De Ruiz and John George.
- When was The Unknown released?
- The Unknown was released in 1927, with a runtime of about 68 minutes.