Year: 1969
Runtime: 110 min
Language: English
Director: Tom Gries
During the Mexican Revolution, half-breed outlaw Yaqui Joe and determined lawman Lyedecker are imprisoned together, facing harsh conditions and the brutality of war. They escape and team up with Sarita, a courageous Yaqui warrior, embarking on a perilous journey. As they fight for survival, Lyedecker questions his allegiances and seeks a path to redemption amidst the escalating conflict and revolutionary turmoil.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen 100 Rifles yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of 100 Rifles (1969), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the scorching landscape of 1912 Sonora, Mexico, we meet the tenacious lawman Lyedecker (Burt Reynolds), who is relentless in his pursuit of Yaqui Joe, a daring bank robber of mixed heritage who has executed a bold heist, making off with a whopping $6,000. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when both are captured by the cunning General Verdugo.
As tensions rise, Lyedecker uncovers a more intricate narrative behind Joe’s actions: the Yaqui people, oppressed by their government, are armed with stolen rifles funded by Joe’s illicit gains. With a single-minded focus on reclaiming the stolen money and enhancing his reputation, Lyedecker disregards the deeper implications of their plight.
When the three characters — Lyedecker, Yaqui Joe, and the striking revolutionary Sarita — find themselves escaping from a Mexican execution squad, they forge an unexpected alliance in the rugged hills. Together, they confront the brutal forces of Verdugo, who wreak havoc on a nearby village, taking innocent children hostage.
Sarita presents a compelling proposition to Lyedecker: if he pledges to assist the rebels in rescuing the children, she will allow him to take Yaqui Joe back to Phoenix after their mission is completed. As they journey through perilous terrain, Sarita’s tough exterior begins to crack, revealing a more vulnerable side as she shares a passionate moment with Lyedecker.
As the conflict intensifies, Lyedecker emerges as a leader, rallying the Yaqui against Verdugo’s formidable troops in a series of fierce confrontations that range from stealthy ambushes to full-blown firefights. In a moment of tragic sacrifice, Sarita gives everything for their cause, forcing Lyedecker to confront crucial choices. Ultimately, he must decide whether to return home alone or stand firmly with the rebels, allowing Yaqui Joe to step into a leadership role for their enduring struggle.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 20:57
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Rivals forced together by a greater cause amidst war and chaos.If you enjoyed the tense alliance and revolutionary backdrop of 100 Rifles, this list features movies with similar high-stakes action and moral complexity. Discover other Westerns where characters find unexpected camaraderie while fighting for a cause.
The narrative centers on characters from opposing sides—such as lawman and outlaw—thrown together by circumstance into a larger conflict, often a revolution. Their journey is one of begrudging respect, tested loyalties, and fighting for a cause larger than their personal grievances.
These films are grouped by their shared setting of political turmoil, the core trope of an unlikely team-up, and a tone that balances intense action with serious themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Hard-won personal change comes at a great and tragic cost.For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional weight and bittersweet ending of 100 Rifles, this collection highlights movies with similar arcs of sacrifice and redemption. Find other powerful stories where characters achieve purpose through costly personal journeys.
The narrative follows a morally ambiguous or disillusioned character who is thrust into a conflict that forces them to choose a side. Their path to becoming a better person is paved with violence and culminates in a poignant sacrifice, leaving them changed but also carrying the weight of loss.
These films share a core emotional pattern: a heavy, character-driven arc where redemption is achieved, but the ending is bittersweet due to a major sacrificial cost, creating a powerful and memorable emotional impact.
Don't stop at just watching — explore 100 Rifles in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 100 Rifles is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of 100 Rifles with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape 100 Rifles. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 100 Rifles that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 100 Rifles: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like 100 Rifles that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
100 Rifles (1969) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
100 Rifles (1969) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
100 Rifles (1969) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like 100 Rifles – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Ride with the Devil (1999) Complete Plot Breakdown
One Man's Hero (1999) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Texas Rangers (2001) Full Movie Breakdown
Old Gringo (1989) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Young Guns of Texas (1962) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Texas (1941) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Violent Men (1955) Detailed Story Recap
Apache Rifles (1964) Full Movie Breakdown
A Gunfight (1971) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Gunsight Ridge (1957) Film Overview & Timeline
Rio Conchos (1964) Complete Plot Breakdown
Hands Up, Dead Man! You’re Under Arrest (1971) Full Summary & Key Details
Gun Fever (1958) Movie Recap & Themes
Barquero (1970) Full Movie Breakdown
Gunman of One Hundred Crosses (1971) Story Summary & Characters