The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)

What is the oldest animated film you have ever watched? There is a good chance that you have watched Snow White and the Seven Dwarf. This was the feature film that launched the whole animation dynasty that is Disney Animation. Walt Disney obviously made a giant impact on the world of animation, and most people attach the dawn of animation with his work. But there was a German animated feature film from Lotte Reiniger that just might be the true first animated feature film. Far from the painted cells of Disney animation, The Adventures of Prince Achmed gives quite the unique animated experience for sure.

What makes Reiniger’s film feel so unique in the realm of animation? What is so interesting is that most people might not connect this approach with the word “animation” based on what that term represents today. But if you think about “being animated” , it comes to life. The impressive and detailed cut outs that are used for the film certainly feel like they are coming to life. The gorgeous backlighting grabs your attention so well due to the richness of the colors and holds well it contrasts with the black cut outs on screen. The impressive number of details put into them is wild and honestly mind-blowing for a film that came out in 1926. Just from a visual experience, this will probably be one of the most unique experiences for most viewers who check it out.

But The Adventures of Prince Achmed isn’t just worthwhile for its visual experience, is it? The fantasy elements of stories are quite fun and exciting as well. This film draws upon plenty of mythology, legends, fables, and folklore to craft quite an expected adventure for the titular hero. The wide range of different mythical creatures and foreign lands makes this early animated masterpiece such a wild ride. Reiniger takes inspiration from One Thousand and One Nights with specific stories like Aladdin and The Ebony Horse. Audiences get to witness flying horses, sorcerers, the magical island of Wak Wak giant bats, and plenty of other terrifying creatures. Sprawling and inventive, this film delivers so many thrills through its vibrant silent storytelling.

Is The Adventures of Prince Achmed a film that can still be enjoyed in 2025? Many films certainly feel dated from early cinematic years like 1926…but Reiniger’s film feels fresh and exciting even today. You see few films with this level of detail and craftsmanship. But more importantly, this is a wondrous and satisfying fantasy romp.

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)is streaming on The Criterion Channel.