Name: Steamboat Willie
Director: Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks
Genre: Animated Short / Comedy
Released: 1928

Steamboat Willie wasn't Mickey's first cartoon, but it was the first released with synchronized sound, and the one that made him a star. On January 1, 2024, its copyright expired after exactly 95 years -- one of the most publicized public domain days ever, with news outlets worldwide covering the moment this specific film, and only this one, became free to use. Steamboat Willie wasn't Mickey's first cartoon, but it was the first released with synchronized sound, and the one that made him a star. On January 1, 2024, its copyright expired after exactly 95 years -- one of the most publicized public domain days ever, with news outlets worldwide covering the moment this specific film, and only this one, became free to use.

Steamboat Willie

1928

Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks — USA — Animated Short / Comedy

The cow's-teeth xylophone