The Orphans' Home Cycle
CORRECT VIEWING ORDER: (1) Convicts (2) Lily Dale (3) Courtship (4) On Valentine's Day (5) 1918 // The Orphans' Home Cycle is a 3-part drama written by Horton Foote. Each of the three parts in the trilogy comprises three one-act plays: The Story of a Childhood (Part 1), The Story of a Marriage (Part 2), and The Story of a Family (Part 3). The focus is on Horace Robedaux (inspired by Foote's father) and Elizabeth Vaughn (inspired by Foote's mother) at the turn of the 20th Century to the beginning of the Depression, following Horace through three decades, as "seen through three generations of three families." Some of these plays were made into movies, released individually and not in order.
The Orphans' Home Cycle Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The The Orphans' Home Cycle franchise spans roughly 11 years, featuring 5 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.
From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as Courtship demonstrate the franchise's ability to maintain audience interest over time.
Franchise Quality Benchmark
Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 6.3. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.
Viewing Order Strategy
Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.
However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the The Orphans' Home Cycle universe.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the The Orphans' Home Cycle franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
1918
It's 1918, the height of United States involvement in World War I - Liberty Bonds are sold, German immigrants are suspected as traitors or saboteurs, young men ...
On Valentine's Day
In 1917, Elizabeth defies her wealthy parents by running off and marrying Horace Robedaux, a young man of humble prospects. Her parents have not spoken to her s...
Courtship
In 1915, Elizabeth has fallen in love with Horace Robedaux, a young man her father condemns as a "wild boy." No matter how strict and protective, her parents ca...
Convicts
In 1902, 13-year-old Horace toils on a run-down plantation in rural Texas to buy a tombstone for the father he lost a year earlier. Soll, the crusty old Confede...
Lily Dale
In 1910, 19-year-old Horace Robedaux, still bitter toward his stepfather, goes to Houston to be reunited with his mother, Corella, and his sister, Lily Dale, fo...
Common Questions about The Orphans' Home Cycle
How many movies are in the The Orphans' Home Cycle?
There are currently 5 movies in the The Orphans' Home Cycle, starting from Convicts to the latest release, 1918.
What is the best order to watch the The Orphans' Home Cycle?
The best way to watch the The Orphans' Home Cycle is usually in release order: starting with Convicts and ending with 1918. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Orphans' Home Cycle?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Courtship in this franchise.