All 21 Tom Gries Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online

Christopher Castillo
8 min readJun 20, 2024

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Dive into the world of Hollywood’s unsung heroes with this roundup article on Tom Gries Movies! Gripped by the magic of cinema, we’ll revisit the brilliant yet lesser-known director’s contributions to the silver screen. Explore a diverse range of genres, from heart-wrenching dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers, as we delve into the captivating world of Tom Gries’ cinematic masterpieces.

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1. The Bushwhackers (1951)

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“The Bushwhackers, “ released in 1951, is a Western film-noir set in a time of conflict between ambitious ranchers and the relentless expansion of railroads. Directed by Rod Amateau, the movie follows the chilling and unpredictable story of an arthritic rancher and his murderous daughter who terrorize settlers attempting to sell their land to the railway.

2. The Lusty Men (1952)

In 1952, the heart-pounding drama “The Lusty Men” hit theaters, showcasing the gritty world of rodeo and the intense rivalry between riders. Directed by Nicholas Ray and Robert Parrish, this thrilling film features Academy Award-winning actress Susan Hayward, joined by Robert Mitchum and Arthur Kennedy in star-studded roles.

3. Donovan’s Brain (1953)

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“Donovan’s Brain, “ released in 1953, is a thrilling mix of science fiction and horror that puts a sinister spin on the premise of transferring the essence of one’s consciousness to another. When three brainiacs perform an illegal postmortem extraction of a deceased multi-millionaire’s brain, they soon regret their actions when the malignant organ begins to exert telepathic control over one of the scientists.

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4. Hell’s Horizon (1955)

“Hell’s Horizon” is a thrilling 1955 war drama that takes viewers on a gripping journey through the Korean War. As the bombing squadron faces perilous missions, the men behind the scenes face their own personal battles. Following the daring acts of a bomber pilot and his co-pilot, the film explores the tenuous bond between them, the challenges they face, and the sacrifices they make.

5. Girl in the Woods (1958)

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Submerged amidst the verdant depths of the forest, an exhilarating fight for dominance unfurls. In the 1958 classic, “Girl in the Woods,” distinguished actors Forrest Tucker, Margaret Hayes, and Barton MacLane command a determined band of loggers in their pursuit of securing an invaluable and prosperous woodland. As the plot unfolds, these gritty individuals confront not only the rigorous realities of the lumber industry, but also their personal conflicts.

6. Mustang! (1959)

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In the rugged heart of a horse-breeding ranch, a relentless untamed male horse, known as Autumn Moon, fiercely dominates the landscape. The unyielding force of his independence incites repeated attempts by the ranch owner and his hired hand to assert dominance, each ultimately ending in failed attempts. Yet, the enthralling bond between Autumn Moon and his determined adversaries continues to evolve, driven by the unyielding will of man and horse.

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7. Will Penny (1967)

In the rugged landscape of the West, a retired cowboy named Will Penny settles into a line camp job on a sprawling cattle ranch. Will’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a woman with no known history and her young son already living in his remote cabin. As these unlikely strangers encounter each other, they form an unlikely bond that challenges past choices and shapes their future.

8. Number One (1969)

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“Number One” is a captivating drama film released in 1969 starring Charlton Heston as Cat Catlan, a seasoned quarterback facing a mid-life crisis. With a penchant for excessive drinking and romantic encounters, Catlan hopes to find solace in the chaos of his life.

9. 100 Rifles (1969)

Experience the thrilling 1969 classic, “100 Rifles, “ where the lines between justice and revolution blur. Set in 1912 Sonora, Mexico, native revolutionary Yaqui Joe, played by Burt Reynolds, embarks on an audacious mission to buy arms for his oppressed people.

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10. The Hawaiians (1970)

“The Hawaiians” is an adventure drama film set in the mid-1800s, following the journey of Captain Whip Hoxworth as he returns to his ancestral land in Hawaii. He discovers that his grandfather has passed away and left him nothing but worthless and seemingly barren land in Hanakai plantation. Unwilling to give up, Whip decides to start a plantation and work the land with the help of a Chinese couple he met on his ship.

11. Fools (1970)

In the dramatic 1970 film “Fools, “ an aging actor, played by Jason Robards, unexpectedly finds himself captivated by the enchanting and much younger wife, portrayed by Katharine Ross, of a prominent San Francisco lawyer. Amidst the backdrop of California’s vibrant city, this unconventional love triangle unfolds, challenging the boundaries of societal expectations. As they delve deeper into their passionate affair, each character grapples with their personal desires and the constraints that come with starting over.

12. Earth II (1971)

Earth II is a 1971 Sci-Fi film that takes place on an orbiting research space station bearing the same name. With its unique setting, the station houses approximately 2,000 inhabitants who find themselves in a perilous situation when a Red Chinese nuclear weapon threatens their existence.

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13. The Glass House (1972)

Delve into the gripping drama of “The Glass House” as it takes you on a surprising journey within the walls of a prison. The film, released in 1972, follows two unlikely individuals, a young guard and a college professor, both freshly convicted of manslaughter. As they begin their first day behind bars, they must navigate the complexities of prison life, injustice, and their own personal struggles.

14. Journey Through Rosebud (1972)

“Journey Through Rosebud” is a powerful 1972 drama that takes you on a gripping journey through the life of a group of young Sioux Indians. Set on the Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the story unfolds when the young Indians stage a protest against the U. S. Government.

15. Michael O’Hara the Fourth (1972)

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In the heartwarming comedy-crime film Michael O’Hara the Fourth, we follow the life of a legendary family of law enforcement officers. As the fourth Michael O’Hara takes on the mantle of a policeman, the movie delves into the challenges of maintaining the family’s legacy and nurturing the unique father-daughter bond that lies at the core of this tale. With a dash of humor and an intriguing amateur detective twist, this film is a delightful exploration of family, duty, and the power of tradition.

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16. The Connection (1973)

“The Connection” is a riveting 1973 crime drama set in the bustling streets of New York City. After losing his job, a resourceful yet down-on-his-luck newspaper reporter finds a lucrative new role as the go-between for a notorious jewel thief and an insurance company keen on settling their claim. As the stakes grow higher, this unlikely hero must navigate a dangerous web of intrigue and treachery, all while trying to keep one step ahead of the law.

17. Lady Ice (1973)

In “Lady Ice” (1973), a thrilling crime drama that takes place in 1970s Florida, a seasoned insurance investigator finds himself tangled up in a web of stolen jewels and illicit affairs when he uncovers a possible connection with a wealthy young beauty, played by Jennifer O’Neill. Donald Sutherland stars as the determined investigator who becomes smitten with the alluring woman, while Robert Duvall brings a touch of danger as the chasing villain.

18. The Migrants (1974)

“The Migrants” is a touching 1974 drama that takes a profound look into the lives of migratory farm workers, particularly focusing on one resilient family. Penned by the legendary Tennessee Williams and Lanford Wilson, the movie illuminates the challenges confronted by these dedicated individuals, who roam from one location to another, relentlessly toiling away in the fields to make ends meet.

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19. Breakheart Pass (1975)

In the suspense-filled Western, Breakheart Pass, Charles Bronson stars as John Deakin, a man transported as a prisoner on a train bound for Fort Humboldt, Nevada. The journey includes crucial supplies and medical equipment.

20. Breakout (1975)

In the heart-pounding action-adventure film “Breakout” (1975), directed by Tom Gries and starring Charles Bronson, Robert Duvall, and Jill Ireland, a bush pilot is hired for an unthinkable sum of fifty thousand dollars to embark on a dangerous mission in Mexico. With a plot driven by false accusations and fierce determination, Bronson and Ireland come together in this thrilling adventure to free an innocent prisoner.

21. The Greatest (1977)

“The Greatest” takes us on a journey through the moments that shaped the iconic Muhammad Ali into the legendary champion he became. This 1977 biographical drama, filmed in the UK and USA, features a captivating performance by Muhammad Ali himself, who plays a version of his own life and career. The film delves into the events that led to his rise to fame, including his memorable battles against Sonny Liston, Angelo Dundee, and others.

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