Lists
- ranked 3 in Paul Schrader's Film Canon
- ranked 10 in AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions
- ranked 18 in BBC 100 Greatest American Films
- ranked 21 in They Shoot Pictures, Don't They? 1000 Greatest Films (December 2006)
- ranked 22 in They Shoot Pictures, Don't They? 1000 Greatest Films (March 2006)
- ranked 23 in They Shoot Pictures, Don't They? 1000 Greatest Films (August 2005)
- ranked 38 in AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs
- ranked 76 in AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies
- ranked 86 in The IMDb Top 250
- one of 100 Of Edgar Wright's Favourite Comedies
- one of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
- one of AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs Nominees
- one of AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies Nominees
- one of AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions Nominees
- one of Leonard Maltin's 100 "Must See" Films of the 20th Century
- one of TIME Magazine All-Time 100 Movies
- one of AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies, 10th Anniversary Edition
Although less interesting than The Great Dictator and less funny than The Gold Rush, City Lights is the quintessential Chaplin. The usual skits are infused with unusual pathos (surpassing even The Kid), the eccentric millionaire brings an element of social satire, and the Tramp's interactions with the flower girl -- particularly in the final scene -- are a joy to behold.