Iconic films & characters
Quick-reference copyright status guides for famous films and characters frequently asked about by filmmakers, YouTubers, and educators.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930): Movie Usage Rights
The Lewis Milestone film All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) enters the US public domain on January 1, 2026. Here's the usage rights breakdown for filmmakers and educators.
Betty Boop Original 1930 Cartoons: Rights & Public Domain
Betty Boop debuted in 1930. The earliest cartoons enter the US public domain on January 1, 2026. Here's what creators can use and what King Features still controls.
Is Dracula (1931) Public Domain?
Tod Browning's Dracula (Universal, 1931) starring Bela Lugosi enters the US public domain on January 1, 2027. Here's the status and commercial use breakdown.
Is Frankenstein (1931) Public Domain?
James Whale's Frankenstein (Universal, 1931) with Boris Karloff enters the US public domain on January 1, 2027. The Mary Shelley novel is already public domain.
Is King Kong (1933) Public Domain?
The original RKO King Kong (1933) enters the US public domain on January 1, 2029. Here's what creators need to know in 2026 about using the giant ape.
Is M (1931) Public Domain?
Fritz Lang's M (1931) is a German production with complex US copyright. Here's the status, what you can use, and how to verify your source print.
Is Pluto (Disney's Dog) Public Domain Yet?
Pluto first appeared (as "Rover") in the 1930 Mickey Mouse short The Chain Gang. The earliest Pluto enters the US public domain on January 1, 2026.
Is Popeye the Sailor Public Domain in 2026?
Popeye debuted in 1929 newspaper comics. Here's the US copyright status of the original character and the 1933 Fleischer cartoons in 2026, plus what you can use commercially.
Steamboat Willie & Mickey Mouse: Public Domain Status
Steamboat Willie entered the US public domain on January 1, 2024. Here's what you can — and can't — do with the original 1928 Mickey Mouse for commercial projects.
Tarzan the Ape Man (1932): Public Domain Status
MGM's Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) with Johnny Weissmuller enters the US public domain on January 1, 2028. The Edgar Rice Burroughs novels are partially public domain.
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