The beginning of a new year also means that lots of books, movies, and music enter the public domain. What is the public domain? The public domain are works where the copyright has expired so they are now free to the public to use. In 2024, this includes books and movies first published in 1928. When a work enters into the public domain, the public is free to use the works. This could be by publishing their own edition, reimagining the characters, creating art and more. Of course, there are still some things you need to make sure of before using these works and characters. Always do extra research beforehand on what you can or can’t do with the work.
Here’s a list of books and movies now in the public domain (and you can check them out from the library)
Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy
The earliest movie featuring Mickey Mouse is entering the public domain! Steamboat Willie is where we first see the famous mouse and is also the first appearance of Minnie Mouse. The two are also featured in Plane Crazy. While the characters are still silent in these films, the copyright expiring means that this famous mouse couple can be used by anyone. Although, specifically their black and white versions from these films can be used.
The House at Pooh Corner
While the first Winnie the Pooh book entered the public domain in 2022 (which is how Blood and Honey, a Winnie the Pooh horror movie was able to be made), the second book is entering the public domain this year. The most notable fact about this is that Tigger first appeared in this book, which means Tigger will be entering the public domain. Again, this is specifically the Tigger featured in this book as Disney still holds the copyright for their version.
Millions of Cats
First published in 1928 and winning the Newberry Honor in 1929, this picture book is one of the oldest picture books still in print. The tagline goes: “How can an old man and his wife select one cat from a choice of millions and trillions?”
The Mystery of the Blue Train
Hercule Poirot has been in the public domain for a few years now, but now his sixth mystery is in the public domain. But only in the U.S. In the U.K. the detective is still under copyright and will be under copyright until 2046.
The Trumpeter of Krakow
The winner of the Newberry Medal in 1929 is also entering the public domain. A summary of the book: “A Polish family in the Middle Ages guards a great secret treasure and a boy’s memory of an earlier trumpeter of Krakow makes it possible for him to save his father.”
The Missing Chums, Hunting for Hidden Gold, and The Shore Road Mystery
Books 4, 5, and 6 in the Hardy Boys series are entering into the public domain this year.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Published in 1928 and the last novel written by the author. The book was well-known and sold millions of copies but was also famous for being controversial as it was once banned in United States, Canada, Australia, India and Japan.
