Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Action Comedy Drama Horror Thriller Sci-Fi Romance Mystery Animation Crime
The Magnificent Seven (2016) movie poster

Timeline

The Magnificent Seven (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 133 min · English
JustWatch #1,931 13
Directed by
Antoine Fuqua
Starring
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Chris Pratt, Peter Sarsgaard, Denzel Washington, Vincent D'Onofrio, Martin Sensmeier
Budget
$90M

In the small town of Rose Creek, industrialist Bartholomew Bogue threatens the livelihood of the residents with his plans to claim the land. Facing insurmountable odds, the townspeople desperately seek help and hire seven gunslingers: Sam Chisolm, Josh Farraday, Goodnight Robicheaux, Jack Horne, Billy Rocks, Vasquez, and Red Harvest. These skilled mercenaries, each with their own troubled pasts, agree to protect the town in exchange for financial compensation. As they prepare for a confrontation with Bogue's formidable forces, they find themselves fighting for something greater than just money—a chance at redemption and a defense of the innocent.

Action Adventure Western Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Magnificent Seven
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Where can you watch The Magnificent Seven? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, Philo and Hoopla: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Magnificent Seven Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Magnificent Seven (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Bogue's Arrival

    The peaceful town of Rose Creek is thrown into turmoil as land baron Bartholomew Bogue arrives with his henchmen. He brazenly declares his intentions to profit from the town, leaving the residents in fear for their livelihoods.

    Where
    Rose Creek

  2. Chaos at the Church

    During a desperate meeting in the town church, Bogue and his armed men burst in, instigating chaos. They fire weapons indiscriminately and set the church ablaze, showcasing their ruthless dominance.

    Where
    Church in Rose Creek

  3. Matthew's Stand

    Brave townsman Matthew Cullen confronts Bogue about his cruelty. Tragically, he is gunned down in front of his wife Emma and fellow citizens, demonstrating the brutal reality of their plight.

    Where
    Rose Creek

  4. Chisolm Enters

    Sam Chisolm, a rugged warrant officer, arrives in Rose Creek. His reputation draws skeptical glances, but he quickly proves his skill by taking out a group of armed men in a bar with remarkable speed.

    Where
    Bar in Rose Creek

  5. Recruiting Allies

    Moved by the stories of Matthew's family and the dire situation, Chisolm agrees to help the townsfolk against Bogue. He begins recruiting allies, starting with the expert gunslinger Josh Faraday.

    Where
    Rose Creek

  6. The Search for Goodnight

    Chisolm instructs Faraday to find Goodnight Robicheaux. Their journey leads them to Volcano Springs, where they witness Goodnight’s exceptional marksmanship during a gunfight.

    Where
    Volcano Springs

  7. Introducing Billy Rocks

    After recruiting Goodnight, Chisolm and Faraday encounter Billy Rocks in the midst of a violent altercation. They successfully recruit him, drawn by his impressive skills and quick reflexes.

    Where
    Volcano Springs

  8. The Mexican Outlaw

    The team discovers Vasquez, a Mexican outlaw hiding in a nearby house. Chisolm offers him freedom in exchange for joining their efforts against Bogue, expanding their ranks.

    Where
    House near Rose Creek

  9. Gathering the Team

    The newly-formed group learns about a skilled tracker named Jack Horne. They encounter him during a tense situation with two outlaw brothers, convincing him to join their fight.

    Where
    Rose Creek outskirts

  10. Welcoming Red Harvest

    The team meets Red Harvest, a Comanche warrior, who brings valuable skills to their diverse group. His acceptance further strengthens Chisolm's resolve against Bogue's tyranny.

    Where
    Rose Creek

  11. Preparation for Battle

    Returning to Rose Creek, Chisolm and his allies prepare the townsfolk for the imminent confrontation with Bogue's men. Together, they train and strengthen their resolve amid feelings of doubt.

    Where
    Rose Creek

  12. Robicheaux's Departure

    As the group bonds over shared meals and laughter, Robicheaux grapples with his turbulent past as a sharpshooter. Haunted by memories, he decides to leave the team before the battle.

    Where
    Camp near Rose Creek

  13. Battle Commences

    Bogue's men descend upon Rose Creek, initiating a fierce and chaotic battle. With courage, Faraday launches a heroic charge towards Bogue’s Gatling gun, risking his life for the townsfolk.

    Where
    Rose Creek

  14. Final Confrontation

    In the climax, Chisolm faces Bogue at the ruined church, delivering justice for the atrocities committed against the town. The emotional toll of the fight weighs heavy on all involved.

    Where
    Ruined church in Rose Creek

  15. Legacy of the Fallen

    After the dust settles, the townsfolk express their gratitude to Chisolm and his team for their bravery. Emma reflects on the sacrifice of the fallen, celebrating the enduring legacy of their noble actions.

    Where
    Rose Creek

Last updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:43

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

The Magnificent Seven Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Magnificent Seven (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Sam Chisolm agree to help the towns?

Sam Chisolm agrees to help Rose Creek after Emmapeople of Rose Creek Cullen and Teddy Q approach him about the town's plight. Though initially skeptical of the townspeople's capabilities, Chisolm is moved by their desperation and decides to take on Bogue, viewing it as a chance to use his skills for a righteous cause rather than just for personal gain.

  • sam chisolm
  • emma cullen
  • bogue
  • help town
Q2

Why does Goodnight Robicheaux leave the team before the final battle?

Goodnight Robicheaux leaves because he is haunted by his past as a sharpshooter who killed many men during the war. The approaching battle triggers traumatic memories, and he fears his skills have become tied to violence and death rather than protection. He decides to leave rather than risk being consumed by his past again.

  • goodnight robicheaux
  • leaves
  • battle
  • ptsd
  • war
Q3

How does Josh Faraday destroy the Gatling gun during the battle?

Josh Faraday sacrifices himself by loading dynamite onto a wagon and charging directly toward Bogue's Gatling gun position. Despite being gravely injured, he steers the wagon into the Gatling gun, causing a massive explosion that destroys the weapon and eliminates most of Bogue's forces.

  • josh faraday
  • gatling gun
  • dynamite
  • explosion
  • sacrifice
Q4

Why does Emma Cullen kill Bartholomew Bogue at the end?

Emma Cullen kills Bogue to avenge her husband Matthew, who was gunned down in cold blood when he confronted Bogue at the church. She witnesses Bogue's defeat by Chisolm and finishes him off personally, ensuring he faces justice for the murder of her husband and the terror he inflicted on Rose Creek.

  • emma cullen
  • bogue
  • avenge
  • husband
  • death
Q5

What happens to the Magnificent Seven at the end of the movie?

At the end, several of the seven heroes sacrifice themselves during the battle against Bogue's forces. Josh Faraday dies destroying the Gatling gun. Goodnight Robicheaux, who had left, returns and is fatally wounded. Jack Horne and Billy Rocks also fall in battle. Sam Chisolm, Vasquez, and Red Harvest survive and are thanked by the townspeople.

  • magnificent seven
  • dies
  • death
  • sacrifice
  • survivors
Q6

Why does Bartholomew Bogue want to take over Rose Creek?

Bartholomew Bogue wants Rose Creek purely for profit. He is a wealthy industrialist and land baron who sees the town as an opportunity to make money. He gives the residents three weeks to make the town profitable, or he will return to take it by force.

  • bartholomew bogue
  • rose creek
  • land
  • money
  • profit
Q7

Why does Red Harvest join the fight against Bogue?

Red Harvest, a Comanche warrior, joins the team when Chisolm and his men find him. Though his exact backstory is not detailed, he is recruited as a skilled tracker and archer. His involvement reflects the film's theme of diverse people uniting against a common evil.

  • red harvest
  • comanche
  • joins
  • fight
  • tracker
Q8

What is the significance of the three-week deadline Bogue gives Rose Creek?

The three-week deadline creates the film's urgency and pacing. Bogue tells the town they have three weeks to become profitable before he returns to take the land by force. This tight timeframe drives Chisolm to quickly assemble his team and prepares the town for the inevitable showdown.

  • three weeks
  • deadline
  • bogue
  • rose creek
  • time limit
Q9

Why does Vasquez agree to join Chisolm's team?

Vasquez agrees to join because Chisolm offers him something he desperately wants: freedom. Vasquez is a Mexican outlaw hiding from authorities, and Chisolm proposes that in exchange for helping fight Bogue, Vasquez will gain his liberty and escape the law.

  • vasquez
  • outlaw
  • freedom
  • joins
  • chisolm
Q10

How do the townspeople prepare for the battle against Bogue's men?

The townspeople prepare by training with weapons under the guidance of the seven mercenaries. Despite being inexperienced and clumsy at first, they rally together thanks to Emma's encouragement. They gather weapons, set up traps orchestrated by Jack Horne, and strengthen their resolve to defend their homes.

  • townspeople
  • prepare
  • battle
  • training
  • weapons
Q11

Why does Bogue leave the bodies on display after killing Matthew Cullen?

Bogue leaves Matthew Cullen's body on display as a brutal warning to the townspeople. This act of intimidation is meant to demonstrate his absolute power and crush any remaining hope of resistance, showing the residents what happens to those who oppose him.

  • bogue
  • bodies
  • intimidation
  • display
  • church

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Magnificent Seven, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Magnificent Seven tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Redemptive Gunslinger Movies like The Magnificent Seven

Haunted heroes find purpose by defending the innocent against overwhelming odds. If you enjoyed The Magnificent Seven, you'll find similar movies here featuring a team of outsiders finding redemption. These action-packed Westerns and thrillers focus on heroic last stands and defending the innocent against cruel oppressors, often leading to bittersweet victories.

  • heroic
  • redemptive
  • tense
  • gritty
  • determined
  • action-packed
  • Tone: hopeful, gritty
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a classic structure: a threat emerges, a team of specialists is assembled, bonds are forged under pressure, and a climactic battle tests their resolve. The character journeys are central, evolving from self-interest to self-sacrifice, culminating in a victory that feels earned but is shadowed by loss.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core theme of redemption through heroic action, a fast-paced build-up to a high-stakes confrontation, and a tone that balances gritty violence with a hopeful belief in standing up for what's right. They deliver a specific mix of intense action and emotional catharsis.

Guns of the Magnificent Seven movie poster

Guns of the Magnificent Seven

1969
The Magnificent Seven movie poster

The Magnificent Seven

2016
The Fighting 69th movie poster

The Fighting 69th

1940
The Mask of Zorro movie poster

The Mask of Zorro

1998
Solo movie poster

Solo

1996
Space Cowboy movie poster

Space Cowboy

2023
Gentleman movie poster

Gentleman

1993
Kamen Rider: Beyond Generations movie poster

Kamen Rider: Beyond Generations

2021

Movies about Assembling a Team like The Magnificent Seven

Rapidly gathering a squad of specialists to take on a formidable threat. Fans of The Magnificent Seven who loved the team-building aspect will enjoy these films. Discover similar movies where a leader recruits a group of specialists for a dangerous mission, featuring fast-paced plots, charismatic ensembles, and high-stakes action in various genres.

  • teamwork
  • strategic
  • charismatic
  • urgent
  • tense
  • competent
  • Tone: hopeful, determined
  • Pacing: fast, focused
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is driven by the urgent need to confront a major threat. A significant portion of the runtime is dedicated to seeking out and convincing a colorful cast of characters to join the cause. The story thrives on the dynamics and friction within the newly formed group as they prepare for and execute their mission.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared narrative engine: the recruitment and unification of a team. They offer a satisfying structure with a clear goal, a series of entertaining introductions, and the payoff of seeing disparate talents coalesce into a effective unit against a common enemy.

Expend4bles movie poster

Expend4bles

2023
Fantasy Mission Force movie poster

Fantasy Mission Force

1983
Extreme Ops movie poster

Extreme Ops

2002
Ten Tall Men movie poster

Ten Tall Men

1951
The New Adventures of the Elusive Avengers movie poster

The New Adventures of the Elusive Avengers

1968
Renegades movie poster

Renegades

2017
The Good, the Bad, the Weird movie poster

The Good, the Bad, the Weird

2010
Direct Contact movie poster

Direct Contact

2009

If you liked this

Movies Like The Magnificent Seven

Similar movies to The Magnificent Seven: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries
The Wild Bunch movie poster

The Wild Bunch

1969
The Magnificent Seven movie poster

The Magnificent Seven

1960
The Glorious Seven movie poster

The Glorious Seven

2019
Wild Seven movie poster

Wild Seven

2006
Seven Black Heroines movie poster

Seven Black Heroines

1983
Seven Warriors movie poster

Seven Warriors

1989
The Magnificent Seven Ride! movie poster

The Magnificent Seven Ride!

1972
Seven Guns for Timothy movie poster

Seven Guns for Timothy

1966
Seven movie poster

Seven

1979
Seven Guns for the MacGregors movie poster

Seven Guns for the MacGregors

1966
Return of the Seven movie poster

Return of the Seven

1966
El Siete Machos movie poster

El Siete Machos

1951

Every angle

The Magnificent Seven (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Magnificent Seven in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app