All 22 Tom Laughlin Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Get set for a thrilling journey through the world of Tom Laughlin’s movies! In this exclusive roundup, we take you on a captivating ride as we explore the unique and compelling filmography of this talented artist.
As an Amazon Affiliate™ I earn through qualified purchases.
1. These Wilder Years (1956)
In “These Wilder Years, “ an emotionally charged drama, a middle-aged man, played by legendary James Cagney, sets out to reunite with the son he gave away in his youth. The boy, now an orphan, was taken from him long ago and placed in an orphanage. As Cagney’s character grapples with the past, he embarks on a journey to mend the broken bond and reclaim his relationships.
2. Tea and Sympathy (1956)
Tea and Sympathy, a gripping drama released in 1956, explores the machismo culture of a boy’s prep school and the impact it has on a new senior. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and written by Robert Anderson, the film features a stellar cast including Deborah Kerr, John Kerr, and Leif Erickson.
3. The Delinquents (1957)
Step into the world of “The Delinquents, “ a gripping drama set in the 1950s, directed by Robert Altman and starring the iconic Tom Laughlin. The film introduces us to a young man who, after being separated from his sweetheart, becomes entangled in the dangerous and thrilling life of a juvenile gang.
4. Lafayette Escadrille (1958)
Lafayette Escadrille is a World War I-era drama film from 1958 that stars Tab Hunter and Clint Eastwood. The story follows an American youth who joins the French air force as a flying ace and embarks on a thrilling journey filled with love, loyalty, and danger.
5. South Pacific (1958)
Titled “South Pacific, “ the film takes place on a picturesque tropical island during the volatile era of World War II. In an era characterized by war and violence, love unexpectedly blossoms between two distinct characters; a young American nurse, and a secretive Frenchman with a mysterious past.
6. Senior Prom (1958)
In the 1958 classic “Senior Prom, “ the audience is treated to a delightful musical tale centered around a student’s quest for both stardom and romance. As the young protagonist rises to fame as a disc-star, they are not only catapulted into an enchanting whirlwind of music and dancing, but also into a passionate love story that will leave audiences’ hearts fluttering. Written by Hal Hackady and directed by David Lowell Rich, this lively Columbia Pictures production boasts a talented cast, including Jill Corey, Paul Hampton, and James Komack, all of whom add an indelible charm and vivacity to the on-screen experience.
7. Battle of the Coral Sea (1959)
“Battle of the Coral Sea” is a gripping war-drama film set in 1942, where submarine commander Jeff, portrayed by Cliff Robertson, captures vital images of Japanese aircraft carriers in the Coral Sea — only to be captured by the enemy himself. Cliff’s life mirrors the unpredictable nature of war where one moment, he’s a hero, and the next, a prisoner. Gia Scala plays a romantic interest with Teru Shimada, a Japanese officer, creating a compelling love triangle that blurs the line between enemy and ally.
8. Gidget (1959)
During the summer of her 17th birthday, tomboyish Southern Californian Francie Lawrence, also known as Gidget, played by Sandra Dee, finds herself caught between two worlds. Her discovery of surfing leads her to the affection of Moondoggie, played by James Darren, but her inexperience with romance makes her a bit lost. Gidget’s love story unfolds as she navigates the beach and navigates the complexities of love, learning along the way that sometimes, the smallest ones can make the biggest impact.
9. Tall Story (1960)
Tall Story, a 1960 comedy film, tells the story of a young, insecure college sportsman who finds himself in a dilemma. Struggling with his finances and desperate to marry his straightforward girlfriend, also a student, he is torn when he’s offered a bribe to fix a game. Starring Anthony Perkins, Jane Fonda, and Ray Walston, and directed by Joshua Logan, this heartwarming tale dives into the challenges of young love and the world of college sports.
10. Like Father, Like Son (1961)
“Like Father, Like Son” is a gripping and powerful drama film released in 1965. Set in a small town, the story revolves around a talented, yet rebellious football star, Chris Wotan, played by Tom Laughlin. As the story unfolds, we witness Chris’s descent into chaos, as he challenges societal norms, moral values, and even his faith.
11. The Proper Time (1962)
“The Proper Time” (1962) is a compelling low-budget drama that focuses on the life of a college boy suffering from a speech impediment. This heartbreaking tale teaches valuable lessons about love and the consequences of heartbreak.
12. The Born Losers (1967)
“The Born Losers” is an action-packed, thrilling film set in a quaint California beach town. Directed by the talented Tom Laughlin and starring himself alongside Elizabeth James and Jeremy Slate, the movie follows the story of Billy Jack, a half-Indian, ex-Green Beret who takes the law into his own hands when a vicious motorcycle gang rapes four young women and tries to intimidate them into silence. As their actions escalate, Billy must protect the women and battle the gang, ultimately leading to a suspenseful climax.
13. Billy Jack (1971)
Billy Jack is a thrilling action drama from 1971, starring Tom Laughlin in the eponymous role of a half-Indian, ex-Green Beret, and hapkido-expert who takes the law into his own hands. As part of a native American reservation, Billy Jack fights to protect a desert “freedom school” for runaway children.
14. The Trial of Billy Jack (1974)
“The Trial of Billy Jack” follows the story of Billy Jack, whose efforts to prevent the abuse of students at the Freedom School, a Native American reservation in Arizona, landed him in a four-year prison sentence. Despite the utopian existence of the school, where students partake in yogurt sports and unveil scathing political exposes, the troubles begin anew upon Billy’s return.
15. Callan (1974)
“Callan” (1974) is a gritty, action-packed film that follows former top agent, David Callan (played by Edward Woodward), who was forced into retirement due to his inability to maintain the required nerve for his job. When he’s drawn back into service, Callan faces the assassination of a wealthy German businessman, Schneider.
16. The Master Gunfighter (1975)
In 1975, The Master Gunfighter emerged as a captivating and action-packed spaghetti western, taking the audience on a thrilling journey through the dusty streets of Juarez, Mexico. The story revolves around a skilled swordsman/gunfighter who must defend local Indians against the avaricious landowners, battling for justice, survival, and the repercussions of greed.
17. The Littlest Horse Thieves (1976)
The Littlest Horse Thieves, a heartwarming family drama released in 1977, is set in a Yorkshire coal-mine where the pit ponies face a bleak fate due to a profit-driven mechanization. To save them, three compassionate children embark on a daring plan to steal the horses and nurse them back to health. When they are caught, the mine’s owners and miners must confront the question of what’s truly right.
18. Voyage of the Damned (1976)
In 1976, “Voyage of the Damned” unravelled the harrowing tale of the SS St. Louis, an ocean liner that carried hundreds of German Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany in a desperate bid for safety. The film was set against the backdrop of the historical event, where nations seemed unwilling to offer asylum to these refugees, who were facing imminent doom.
19. Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977)
“Billy Jack Goes to Washington” is a thrilling drama-turned-thriller that finds half-Indian ex-Green Beret Billy Jack (Tom Laughlin) reluctantly appointed as a senator. When the death of another senator creates a vacancy to fill, Billy is tapped to ensure corruption within the nuclear power industry goes undisturbed. The senator’s role has been set up by corrupt politician Jim Bailey (Sam Wanamaker) — the Bailey Machine — who chooses the same location as Billy for a nuclear power plant.
20. Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick (1995)
Dive into the fascinating world of Hollywood’s legendary director, Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick, a riveting documentary unveiling the illustrious career of William A. Wellman! Join us as we explore the thrilling journey of this innovative and groundbreaking filmmaker. From his early beginnings to the heights of success and beyond, this compelling documentary brings you closer than ever to the dynamic life and filmography of one of Hollywood’s most remarkable mavericks.
21. Far from the Sea (2008)
“Away from the Shores” is a deeply moving drama depicting the life journey of Eric Elliott, a man haunted by the abandonment of his father during his childhood. Growing up, Eric’s father was a sailor who trained him to sail on Lake Roosevelt. Later in life, Eric embarks on the task of constructing a boat, seeking to relive the cherished memories of his loving father.
22. The Oscars (2014)
“The Oscars, “ an unforgettable celebration of the movie industry’s triumphs in 2013, unfolds on the silver screen. This thrilling awards show highlights the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ recognition of the year’s most outstanding achievements.
