Terrence Malick Movies: Release Order
Terrence Malick is a visionary director, known for his poetic visual style and philosophical explorations of nature, memory, and spirituality. This complete filmography spans over four decades, from his acclaimed debut Badlands to his recent meditative works.
Malick's career divides roughly into two periods: his early masterpieces from the 1970s-90s and his more experimental later phase beginning with The Tree of Life. Critics often group his contemporary relationship films To the Wonder, Knight of Cups, and Song to Song as an informal trilogy exploring love and spiritual searching through increasingly improvisational storytelling.
There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.
Badlands
An impressionable teenage girl and her older greaser boyfriend go on a crime spree across the South Dakota badlands in this poetic tale inspired by real events.
Days of Heaven
A Chicago steel worker flees to the Texas panhandle with his girlfriend and sister after accidentally killing his supervisor, where they find work on a wheat farm in 1916.
The Thin Red Line
A U.S. Army rifle company experiences the brutal realities of war during the World War II battle of Guadalcanal, as soldiers confront both external enemies and their own inner struggles. The film follows their harrowing journey from initial landing through fierce combat, exploring how war transforms the men who fight it.
The New World
Terrence Malick's poetic historical drama explores the encounter between English explorer John Smith and the Powhatan tribe in early 17th century Virginia, focusing on the legendary romance between Smith and Pocahontas amid the clash of two vastly different worlds.
The Tree of Life
An impressionistic drama following a Texas family in the 1950s, focusing on eldest son Jack as he navigates childhood and his complicated relationship with his father. The film explores universal themes of family, faith, and the search for meaning in life through both intimate family moments and cosmic imagery.
To the Wonder
A couple moves from Paris to Oklahoma where their relationship faces challenges, while a local pastor grapples with his own crisis of faith.
Knight of Cups
A successful but spiritually lost screenwriter in Los Angeles searches for meaning through Hollywood's decadent lifestyle and fleeting romantic encounters.
Song to Song
Set against Austin's vibrant music scene, two interconnected couples navigate love, ambition, and betrayal as they pursue their dreams in the competitive world of rock and roll.
A Hidden Life
An Austrian farmer faces execution for his conscientious objection to fighting for the Nazis during World War II, based on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter.
Other Film Series
A Star Is Born
Four generations of the same tragic Hollywood story, each reimagined as a vehicle for the era's biggest stars.
Bridget Jones
A British romantic comedy series following the personal and romantic misadventures of Bridget Jones, a single woman navigating love, work, and life in London.
Ip Man
A martial arts franchise inspired by the real-life Wing Chun grandmaster who taught Bruce Lee, featuring multiple interpretations and timelines of his legendary story.
Les Misérables
Multiple film adaptations of Victor Hugo's classic novel, each interpreting the story of Jean Valjean for different eras and audiences.
Madea
Tyler Perry's comedy-drama series featuring the outspoken and larger-than-life Mabel 'Madea' Simmons as she intervenes in various family situations.
Peter Bogdanovich
Influential American filmmaker and film critic who emerged as a key figure of the New Hollywood movement with his masterful early 1970s films.