Terrence Malick: essential movies to stream online

Few directors command as much reverence as Terrence Malick. With a poetic visual style and deep philosophical undertones, Malick created a contemplative form of cinema that breaks away from conventional narratives. His films are sensory experiences — the camera floats, time stretches, and voiceovers become meditative reflections. From historical dramas to cosmic essays, his work invites us to slow down and reflect on life, death, and our place in the world. Here are essential films to discover (or revisit) the cinema of Terrence Malick.

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The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life

6.8/10
2h19min
PG-13
2011
Drama
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Named one of the 100 best films of the century by The New York Times. How can a film capture eternity and the communion of our souls with the universe? That’s precisely the aim of filmmaker Terrence Malick (The Thin Red Line), and the result is a true work of art, rightfully awarded the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Starring Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn, and Brad Pitt, the film seeks to evoke the wonder of existing within the vastness of the universe and finding meaning in our personal legacy. It’s more about feeling than telling a single story, and it demands patience for Malick’s signature meditative pace. The reward, however, lies in its absolute visual and sonic beauty — the cinematography by Mexican master Emmanuel “El Chivo” Lubezki will stay etched in your memory.

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The Thin Red Line

The Thin Red Line

7.6/10
2h50min
R
1999
Drama
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A heavyweight cast in a big Terrence Malick movie, based off the book of the same name written by James Jones. The result is a real punch in the face, showing us the horrors of the Pacific front of World War II and, from a small scenario, making the names of the soldiers fighting the conflict gain stories, fears, dreams and desires. Malick's philosophical approach gains even deeper scope with the great soundtrack signed by Hans Zimmer, considered until today one of the greatest in cinema history - and recycled or reused in various productions that came after.
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A Hidden Life

A Hidden Life

7.4/10
2h54min
PG-13
2020
Drama
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Over the last few years, filmmaker Terrence Malick has established himself as one of the most active voices in contemplative cinema. Films like 'The Tree of Life' and 'To the Wonder' have helped to solidify the director with philosophical, slow-paced plots and stunning cinematography--that kind of cinema that is not just to watch, but to feel. Now, in 'A Hidden Life', Malick returns to using more concrete plots and slightly more elaborate narratives. Here, in this case, of a man (August Diehl) who does not want to fight in World War II, contradicting his village. With powerful performances and photography that follows the poetry of his most contemplative films, 'A Hidden Life' surprises with its powerful message between the lines and connected to current debates about fascism. However, a warning is in order: despite having a more exposed narrative, the film continues with Malick's same style. It's slow, poetic and still contemplative. If you didn't like the director's other works previously mentioned, it's best to stay away.
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Voyage of Time

Voyage of Time

7/10
0h44min
NR
2016
Documentary

Voyage of Time is a documentary that showcases the marks of director Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) in his most ambitious, experimental, and existential form. It is a journey through the history of the universe – and time itself – presenting stunning images of the cosmos and life on Earth to evoke the past, present, and future. This version is narrated by Cate Blanchett (there is another version created for IMAX, narrated by Brad Pitt, but essentially they are the same film). If you enjoy cinema that captivates both your senses and your mind, with some existentialist touches, we recommend watching this documentary on the biggest screen you can find.

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Badlands

Badlands

7.7/10
1h34min
NR
1973
Action
An impressionable teenage girl from a dead-end town, and her older greaser boyfriend, embark on a killing spree in the South Dakota Badlands.
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