Iconic Clint Eastwood Westerns: The 5 Best Films You Need to See

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By River Brady | Last updated Jun 26, 2024 3:23 PM ET

Clint Eastwood is synonymous with the western genre, having starred in and directed some of the most iconic films in cinema history. Here are five of his best westerns:

1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Directed by Sergio Leone, this film is the third in the "Dollars Trilogy" and arguably the most famous. Eastwood stars as "Blondie," the iconic "Man with No Name." The film follows three gunslingers in their pursuit of buried treasure during the Civil War. Known for its epic storytelling, memorable characters, and Ennio Morricone's legendary score, it cemented Eastwood’s status as a western legend. The film’s climax, a three-way duel in a cemetery, is considered one of the greatest scenes in cinematic history.

2. Unforgiven (1992)

Eastwood directed and starred in this revisionist western that won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. In Unforgiven, he plays William Munny, a retired gunslinger who takes on one last job to collect a bounty. The film deconstructs the myths of the Old West, presenting a gritty and realistic portrayal of violence and redemption. Unforgiven is celebrated for its deep character studies and moral complexity.

3. A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

This film marks the beginning of Eastwood's collaboration with Sergio Leone and the "Dollars Trilogy." In A Fistful of Dollars, Eastwood stars as a mysterious drifter who manipulates two warring families in a small town for his own gain. The film was groundbreaking for its time, introducing the "spaghetti western" style characterized by its stylized violence, morally ambiguous characters, and stage-setting music by Ennio Morricone. It launched Eastwood into stardom and redefined the western genre.

4. For a Few Dollars More (1965)

The second installment in the "Dollars Trilogy," this film pairs Eastwood with Lee Van Cleef as bounty hunters with conflicting motives. Their pursuit of a ruthless bandit leads to a series of tense confrontations and alliances. Known for its intricate plot and dynamic action sequences, For a Few Dollars More continued Eastwood's persona as a sharp-shooting anti-hero man of few words. The chemistry between Eastwood and Van Cleef adds a compelling layer to the film’s narrative.

5. High Plains Drifter (1973)

In this film, Eastwood steps behind the camera as director while also playing the lead role. High Plains Drifter tells the story of a mysterious stranger who arrives in the corrupt town of Lago and is hired to protect the townspeople from outlaws. The film stands out for its supernatural undertones and stark moral ambiguity, with themes of vengeance and justice. Eastwood's direction and performance create a haunting and memorable western.

These films not only showcase Eastwood’s versatility as an actor and director but also highlight his significant contributions to the western genre. From redefining the anti-hero archetype to exploring complex moral landscapes, Eastwood's westerns continue to influence and inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: