The Magnificent Seven Movies: Original Timeline

Other Watch Orders:
1960 - 19724 Films7h 7m3.3 Average

The four films from 1960-1972 form a loosely connected series centered around the character of Chris Adams, though the connections become increasingly tenuous with each sequel. Yul Brynner returns as Chris Adams in the first sequel, but the character is then recast with George Kennedy and Lee Van Cleef in subsequent films, with each actor bringing their own interpretation to the role.

While the character name provides continuity, each sequel essentially functions as a standalone story with a mostly new supporting cast and fresh mission. The films are more thematically linked than narratively connected, each exploring variations on the concept of assembling a team of skilled fighters to protect the vulnerable against powerful antagonists.

There are 2 other watch orders available – see the links up above.

1
The Magnificent Seven poster

The Magnificent Seven

19602h 7m4.4
Director: John Sturges
Cast: Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn

Seven gunfighters are hired to protect a Mexican village from bandits terrorizing the local peasants.

WesternActionAdventure
2
Return of the Seven poster

Return of the Seven

19661h 35m3.3
Director: Burt Kennedy
Cast: Yul Brynner, Robert Fuller, Julián Mateos, Warren Oates, Claude Akins

When bandits capture most of the men from a Mexican village, the wife of Chico (one of the original Magnificent Seven) seeks help from Chris and Vin. The remaining members recruit new gunfighters to rescue the prisoners and protect the town once again.

3
Guns of the Magnificent Seven poster

Guns of the Magnificent Seven

19691h 45m2.7
Director: Paul Wendkos
Cast: George Kennedy, James Whitmore, Monte Markham, Reni Santoni, Bernie Casey

A Mexican revolutionary's loyal subordinate hires American mercenary Chris Adams and a team of skilled gunfighters to rescue their imprisoned leader from the forces of President Diaz.

4
The Magnificent Seven Ride! poster

The Magnificent Seven Ride!

19721h 40m2.8
Director: George McCowan
Cast: Lee Van Cleef, Stefanie Powers, Michael Callan, Mariette Hartley, Luke Askew

Marshal Chris Adams recruits a writer and five prisoners to help him take down a gang of Mexican bandits after personal tragedy strikes. This is the fourth and final film in the original Magnificent Seven series.