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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1998 โ€บ The Thin Red Line

The Thin Red Line poster

The Thin Red Line (1998)

โ€œEvery man fights his own war.โ€

7.4/10 ยท 3,425 votes 2h 51m r DramaHistoryWar

#18 of 123 films from 1998 #962 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Terrence Malick ยท Written by Terrence Malick, James Jones

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.

Cast

Jim Caviezelas Pvt. Robert Witt
Ben Chaplinas Pvt. Jack Bell
Dash Mihokas Pfc. Don Doll
Woody Harrelsonas Sgt. William Keck
Nick Nolteas Lt. Col. Gordon Tall
Sean Pennas 1st Sgt. Edward Welsh
John Cusackas Capt. John Gaff
Adrien Brodyas Cpl. Geoffrey Fife
John Travoltaas Brig. Gen. David Quintard
Jared Letoas 2nd Lt. William Whyte
George Clooneyas Capt. Charles Bosche
Elias Koteasas Capt. James Staros
John C. Reillyas Sgt. Maynard Storm
John Dee Smithas Pvt. Edward Train

Facts

Release dateDecember 23, 1998
Runtime171 min (2h 51m) โ€” longer as the 1998 average of 109 min
GenresDrama, History, War
LanguageEN
Budget$52,000,000
Box office$98,126,565 (1.9ร— budget)
IMDbtt0120863

More from Terrence Malick

BadlandsBadlands1973 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 34m Days of HeavenDays of Heaven1978 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 34m A Hidden LifeA Hidden Life2019 ยท โ˜… 7.2 ยท 2h 53m The Tree of LifeThe Tree of Life2011 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 2h 19m The New WorldThe New World2005 ยท โ˜… 6.5 ยท 2h 31m To the WonderTo the Wonder2013 ยท โ˜… 5.8 ยท 1h 52m Knight of CupsKnight of Cups2015 ยท โ˜… 5.7 ยท 1h 58m Song to SongSong to Song2017 ยท โ˜… 5.5 ยท 2h 9m

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Questions

How long is The Thin Red Line?
The Thin Red Line runs 171 minutes (2h 51m), which is long for a drama โ€” plan for it.
Is The Thin Red Line worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.4/10 across 3,425 votes, which places it #18 of 123 films released in 1998 in this index (top 86%) and #962 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed The Thin Red Line?
The Thin Red Line was directed by Terrence Malick. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Badlands (1973), Days of Heaven (1978), A Hidden Life (2019).
Who stars in The Thin Red Line?
Jim Caviezel as Pvt. Robert Witt; Ben Chaplin as Pvt. Jack Bell; Dash Mihok as Pfc. Don Doll; Woody Harrelson as Sgt. William Keck; Nick Nolte as Lt. Col. Gordon Tall; Sean Penn as 1st Sgt. Edward Welsh.
What is The Thin Red Line rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Thin Red Line?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/15878.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.