Faust vs Nosferatu

I just watched Faust for the first time in its entirety last night and while I'm sold it being a cinematic masterpiece, I strongly disagree with any talk of it being superior to Nosferatu. One thing people must remember is that while Nosferatu was released in the US three years after Faust, it was made four years before. The progression in Marnau's directing skills are quite evident and can't be dismissed, but compare anything made in the early 20's to Nosferatu and you'll find a short list if any.

My big issue is that Nosferatu is viewed only as a horror movie, where as Faust is a drama/fantasy first. Nosferatu is truly a love story. If viewed with that in mind and the pain that Count Orlok feels, knowing he will live without ever experiencing love, he becomes a tragic character, much like Faust. I have always argued, even with a film maker/professor, that Nosferatu's classification kills it in some circles. Although true horror fans, almost across the board, consider it one of, if not the most important horror movie ever made.