And as long as you include Silent Movies, you must include
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
Which many include in the top 10 list.
Yes, the flawed masterpiece of “Birth of a Nation” proved movies could make money—lots of money far beyond nickelodeons. Another silent classic, the first porn movie “Free Ride” 1914. Its still around as so many copies were made. Two hitch hiking women are picked up, strip and “pay for their ride”.