Karl May Movies: Release Order
The Karl May films represent a unique chapter in Western cinema, bringing German author Karl May's popular adventure novels to life through a series of colorful, romantic Westerns produced in the 1960s. Pierre Brice as the noble Apache chief Winnetou and Lex Barker as his blood brother Old Shatterhand became cultural icons, particularly in Germany.
This release order watch list includes all eleven theatrical films from the classic cycle, spanning from Der Schatz im Silbersee in 1962 through Winnetou und Shatterhand im Tal der Toten in 1968. While the films share characters and continuity, most work as standalone adventures with episodic storytelling, though the core Winnetou trilogy forms a tighter narrative arc that culminates in a dramatic conclusion.
There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.
Treasure of Silver Lake
When Fred Engel's father is murdered for a treasure map, the legendary frontiersman Old Shatterhand and his Apache companion Winnetou help the young man seek justice and find the hidden treasure of Silver Lake.
Apache Gold
When a railroad construction project threatens to pass through sacred Apache land, a measurement technician discovers a criminal plot involving a gold mine and must work with the Apache tribe to prevent war.
Last of the Renegades
A ruthless oil baron attempts to incite war between Native American tribes and white settlers, but the legendary frontiersman Old Shatterhand and his Apache friend Winnetou work to prevent the conflict.
Frontier Hellcat
Winnetou and Old Surehand work together to expose outlaws who are disguising themselves as Indians to commit crimes against settlers in the American frontier.
Rampage at Apache Wells
An unscrupulous businessman called 'The Oilprince' tries to swindle a bank by selling them non-existent oil wells, but his schemes are threatened when he encounters Winnetou, the righteous Apache leader, and his blood brother Old Surehand.
The Desperado Trail
Winnetou and Old Shatterhand work to maintain peace between settlers and Indians while facing off against Rollins' gang, who scheme to incite war for their own land-grabbing purposes.
Flaming Frontier
Old Surehand and his companion Old Wabble pursue a cold-blooded killer known as 'The General' who murdered Old Surehand's brother. Along the way, they become involved in escalating tensions between settlers and Comanches, with help from Winnetou, the Apache chief and Old Surehand's blood brother.
Winnetou and the Crossbreed
When a settler's daughter inherits her father's secret gold mine on her birthday, greedy prospectors turn to murder and kidnapping to claim the treasure. She and her brother must seek the protection of the legendary Apache chief Winnetou to survive.
Thunder at the Border
Firehand and his Apache friend Winnetou seek justice for the murder of four young braves, tracking down the gang responsible for the crime.
The Valley of Death
When an army gold shipment disappears in the Ozarks, frontiersman Old Shatterhand and Apache chief Winnetou team up to solve the mystery and clear false accusations of theft and desertion.
Other Film Series
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Predator
Elite alien hunters stalk Earth throughout history, seeking the most dangerous prey in brutal combat.
Shaft
A multi-generational action franchise following the Shaft family of private detectives across five decades, from the original blaxploitation classic to modern action films.
Swordsman
A celebrated wuxia trilogy based on Louis Cha's novel, featuring legendary martial arts action and evolving from faithful adaptation to fantastical spectacle.
The Expendables
An ensemble action franchise featuring elite mercenaries led by Barney Ross, uniting classic action stars from the 1980s and 1990s in high-octane adventures.
The Magnificent Seven
Western films following the premise of seven gunfighters defending communities, from the classic 1960 adaptation to modern reboots.