John Milius

John Milius

1944-04-11 St. Louis, Missouri, USA 64 Credits

Biography

John Frederick Milius is an American screenwriter, director, and producer of motion pictures. He was one of the writers for the first two Dirty Harry films, received an Academy Award nomination as screenwriter of Apocalypse Now, and wrote and directed The Wind and the Lion, Conan the Barbarian and Red Dawn. He wrote a number of iconic film lines such as "Charlie don't surf" and "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," from Apocalypse Now, and the famous Dirty Harry one-liners delivered by C...

Known For

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Complete Filmography

Megalopolis

Megalopolis

2024

Thanks

5.2

Genius artist Cesar Catilina seeks to leap the City of New Rome into a utopian, idealistic future, while his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, remain...

A Riddle of Steel: The Definitive History of Conan the Barbarian

A Riddle of Steel: The Definitive History of Conan the Barbarian

2019

as Self (archive footage)

8.5
Acting

The story of Conan the Cimmerian, from Robert E. Howard's pulp fiction anti-hero to pop culture icon.

Sword-and-Sandal: The Story of the Period Epic

Sword-and-Sandal: The Story of the Period Epic

2019

as Self - Filmmaker

7.0
Acting

The history of the peplum genre, known as sword-and-sandal cinema, set in Antiquity, from the silent film era to the present day.

Made in Hollywood: Die Welt des Raoul Walsh

Made in Hollywood: Die Welt des Raoul Walsh

2017

as Self

Acting

Documentary about Raoul Walsh

The Lotus Gun

The Lotus Gun

2015

Thanks

The year is 2077. Society has collapsed. There are no cities, no guns. Just wanderers trying to survive. Nora and Daphine live an idyllic life alone a...

Milius

Milius

2013

as Self

7.1
Acting

The life story of ‘Zen Anarchist’ filmmaker John Milius, one of the most influential storytellers of his generation.

Jaws: The Inside Story

Jaws: The Inside Story

2010

as Self

7.3
Acting

Steven Spielberg takes us behind the cameras for the making of a classic movie.

Hollywood Gangster

2008

as Self

Acting

Documentary about American gangster movies.

A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry

A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry

2008

as Self

4.5
Acting

Filmmakers, social scientists and authors take a provocative look at the moral, political and ethical themes of the Dirty Harry films.

The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry

The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry

2008

as Self

5.8
Acting

An in-depth look at Dirty Harry (1971), featuring interviews with such film artists as Michael Madsen, 'Hal Holbrook', John Milius, 'Shane Black' and ...

Between the Lines: The True Story of Surfers and the Vietnam War

Between the Lines: The True Story of Surfers and the Vietnam War

2008

as Narrator

Acting

BETWEEN THE LINES explores the Vietnam War through the prism of the surfing sub-culture. The film looks at the dramatic effect that the Vietnam War an...

The Business End: Violence in Cinema

The Business End: Violence in Cinema

2008

as Self

8.0
Acting

An unflinching look at the ongoing debate on violence in movies and its effect on the audience.

The Craft of Dirty Harry

The Craft of Dirty Harry

2008

as Self

6.0
Acting

A look at the cinematographers, editors, musicians, production designers and other talent of the Dirty Harry series.

The Evolution of Clint Eastwood

The Evolution of Clint Eastwood

2008

as Self

7.0
Acting

Follow Eastwood's career from television star to matinee idol to Oscar-winning director in this wide-ranging documentary.

The Searchers: An Appreciation

The Searchers: An Appreciation

2006

as Self

Acting

Three directors (Curtis Hanson, Martin Scorsese and John Milius) discuss the movie "The Searchers."

A Legacy of Filmmakers: The Early Years of American Zoetrope

A Legacy of Filmmakers: The Early Years of American Zoetrope

2004

as Self

7.5
Acting

A fascinating chronicle of the birth and rise of the radically different independent studio founded by director Francis Ford Coppola.

Riding Giants

Riding Giants

2004

as John Milius

7.6
Acting

Riding Giants is story about big wave surfers who have become heroes and legends in their sport. Directed by the skateboard guru Stacy Peralta.

An Opera of Violence

An Opera of Violence

2003

as Self - Filmmaker

6.0
Acting

First part of a three-part documentary series on the making of Once Upon a Time in the West, Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone's masterpiece, released in...

The Wages of Sin

The Wages of Sin

2003

as Self - Filmmaker

7.4
Acting

Second part of a three-part documentary series on the making of Once Upon a Time in the West, Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone's masterpiece, released i...

Something to Do with Death

Something to Do with Death

2003

as Self - Filmmaker

6.0
Acting

Third part of a three-part documentary series on the making of Once Upon a Time in the West, Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone's masterpiece, released in...

Discovering Treasure: The Story of 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'

Discovering Treasure: The Story of 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'

2003

as Narrator (voice)

6.5
Acting

An overview of the making of John Huston's 1948 classic "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre."

Frazetta: Painting with Fire

Frazetta: Painting with Fire

2003

as Self

6.4
Acting

A documentary on the life of painter Frank Frazetta, who revolutionized science fiction, fantasy and comic art with breathtaking realistic paintings o...

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood

2003

as Self

7.1
Acting

The chronicle of the mind-blowing journey that was Hollywood during the seventies; the true and gripping story of the last golden age of American cine...

Iron and Beyond

Iron and Beyond

2002

as Self - Director

5.3
Acting

This short documentary explores just how the film Pumping Iron revolutionized the fitness industry and created an international icon in Arnold Schwarz...

Dirty Harry: The Original

Dirty Harry: The Original

2001

as Self - Screenwriter

7.4
Acting

A retrospective look at the five Dirty Harry films (1971-88), starring Clint Eastwood.

Dino De Laurentiis: The Last Movie Mogul

2001

as Self

6.0
Acting

Documentary about legendary Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis who's credits range from Fellini's La Strada to today's Hannibal franchise. This profi...

The Bridge on the River Kwai: An Appreciation by Filmmaker John Milius

The Bridge on the River Kwai: An Appreciation by Filmmaker John Milius

2000

as Self

Acting

Filmmaker John Milius discusses David Lean's classic Academy Award winner "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

Conan Unchained: The Making of 'Conan'

Conan Unchained: The Making of 'Conan'

2000

as Self

6.7
Acting

Nearly all the cast and crew are on hand to give stories and memories about the making of the film. Plenty of detail on every aspect of the film from ...

Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales

Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales

1999

as Narrator

7.0
Acting

John Milius narrates this featurette on the Clint Eastwood classic.

A Turning of the Earth: John Ford, John Wayne and 'The Searchers'

A Turning of the Earth: John Ford, John Wayne and 'The Searchers'

1998

as Self (voice)

Acting

Documentary on the making of "The Searchers" (1956), starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford, with outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and inter...

In the Teeth of Jaws

In the Teeth of Jaws

1997

as Self

8.0
Acting

BBC documentary about the making of Steven Spielberg's Jaws.

The Making of '1941'

The Making of '1941'

1996

as Self

6.6
Acting

A non-narrated documentary, told mainly in interviews with the filmmakers, on the making of the cult comedy classic, featuring outtakes, rare behind-t...

Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A.

Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A.

1995

as self

Acting

Before "L.A. Confidential", there was "Shotgun Freeway" -- the groundbreaking 1995 documentary about Los Angeles coming to grips with it's own history...

Motorcycle Gang

Motorcycle Gang

1994

Director

3.7
Directing

Cal and his family are driving to their new home in California and are terrorized by a motorcycle gang along the highway.

Clear and Present Danger

Clear and Present Danger

1994

Screenplay

6.7
Writing

Agent Jack Ryan becomes acting Deputy Director of Intelligence for the CIA when Admiral Greer is diagnosed with cancer. When an American businessman, ...

Geronimo: An American Legend

Geronimo: An American Legend

1993

Story, Screenplay

6.3
Writing

The Apache Indians have reluctantly agreed to settle on a US Government approved reservation. Not all the Apaches are able to adapt to the life of cor...

Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse

Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse

1991

as Self

7.9
Acting

A chronicle of the production problems — including bad weather, actors' health, war near the filming locations, and more — which plagued the filming o...

Flight of the Intruder

Flight of the Intruder

1991

Director

5.7
Directing

U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Jake Grafton and his bombardier buddy, Lt. Cmdr. Virgil Cole, are two soldiers embedded in the Vietnam War growing frustrated by t...

First Works

First Works

1989

as Self

Acting

It's a mixed bag in the age of illuminating DVD supplements, but First Works effectively demonstrates the early promise of 13 successful filmmakers. C...

Farewell to the King

Farewell to the King

1989

Director, Screenplay

6.0
Directing Writing

An American soldier who escapes the execution of his comrades by Japanese soldiers in Borneo during WWII becomes the leader of a personal empire among...

Extreme Prejudice

Extreme Prejudice

1987

Story

6.2
Writing

A Texas Ranger and a ruthless narcotics kingpin - they were childhood friends, now they are adversaries...

Mackendrick: The Man Who Walked Away

Mackendrick: The Man Who Walked Away

1986

as Self

Acting

This 1986 documentary features interviews with director Alexander Mackendrick, actor Burt Lancaster, producer James Hill, and others.

Red Dawn

Red Dawn

1984

Director, Screenplay

6.3
Directing Writing

It is the dawn of World War III. In mid-western America, a group of teenagers band together to defend their town—and their country—from invading Sovie...

Uncommon Valor

Uncommon Valor

1983

Producer

6.2
Producing

A group of Vietnam War veterans re-unite to rescue one of their own left behind and taken prisoner by the Vietnamese.

Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian

1982

as Foodseller in Old City (uncredited)

6.8
Acting

A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of ...

Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian

1982

Director, Screenplay

6.8
Directing Writing

A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of ...

Used Cars

Used Cars

1980

Executive Producer

6.4
Producing

When the owner of a struggling used car lot is killed, it's up to the lot's hot-shot salesman to save the property from falling into the hands of the ...

1941

1941

1979

Executive Producer, Story

5.8
Producing Writing

In the days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, panic grips California, where a military officer leads a mob chasing a Japanese sub.

Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now

1979

Writer

8.3
Writing

At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." ...

Hardcore

Hardcore

1979

Executive Producer

6.7
Producing

A conservative Midwest businessman ventures into the sordid underworld of pornography in search of his runaway teenage daughter who’s making hardcore ...

Big Wednesday

Big Wednesday

1978

Director, Writer

6.9
Directing Writing

Three 1960s California surfers fool around, drift apart and reunite years later to ride epic waves.

Crazy Mama

Crazy Mama

1975

as Cop (uncredited)

5.6
Acting

Melba Stokes, her mother Sheba and daughter Cheryl embark on a crime spree after their California beauty parlor is repossessed. Their destination is A...

The Wind and the Lion

The Wind and the Lion

1975

Writer, Director

6.5
Writing Directing

At the beginning of the 20th century an American woman is abducted in Morocco by Berbers, and the attempts to free her range from diplomatic pressure ...

Melvin Purvis G-Man

Melvin Purvis G-Man

1975

Teleplay, Story

6.7
Writing

Agent Melvin Purvis is placed in charge of running down notorious killer Machine Gun Kelly, and sets out to do just that.

The Lion Roars Again

1975

as Self

Acting

A chronicle of the 1975 International Press Conclave hosted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer over two days in May 1975.

Magnum Force

Magnum Force

1973

Screenplay

7.1
Writing

"Dirty" Harry Callahan is a San Francisco Police Inspector on the trail of a group of rogue cops who have taken justice into their own hands. When sha...

Dillinger

Dillinger

1973

Director, Writer

6.6
Directing Writing

After a shoot-out kills five FBI agents in Kansas City the Bureau target John Dillinger as one of the men to hunt down. Waiting for him to break Feder...

Marcello, I'm Bored

Marcello, I'm Bored

1973

Director

Directing

Marcello, I'm So Bored is a 1966 short animated film co-directed by John Milius and John Strawbridge. An intentionally crude cartoon with a live actio...

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

1972

Writer

6.4
Writing

Outlaw and self-appointed lawmaker Judge Roy Bean rules over an empty stretch of the West that gradually grows, under his iron fist, into a thriving t...

Jeremiah Johnson

Jeremiah Johnson

1972

Screenplay

7.3
Writing

A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by Indians when he proves to be the match of th...

Deadhead Miles

Deadhead Miles

1972

as State Trooper

5.5
Acting

A long-distance trucker, dressed like a sea captain, aimlessly sails the American highways in his 18 wheeler mumbling manic, southern accented non seq...

Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel

1971

Screenplay

4.9
Writing

Biography of the famed motorcycle daredevil, much of which was filmed in his home town of Butte, Montana. The film depicts Knievel reflecting on major...

The Devil's Eight

The Devil's Eight

1969

Screenplay

5.1
Writing

The Devil's 8 is a 1969 film from American International Pictures. It is about a Federal agent (Christopher George) who recruits six convicts to bust ...

The Emperor

The Emperor

1967

Writer

6.6
Writing

Comments on the background and popularity of disc jockey "Emperor" Bob Hudson, who bases his shows on the idea that radio is a fantasy.