13 Best Clint Eastwood Movies, Ranked

Clint Eastwood is considered a movie industry icon, with his career dating back to 1955’s “Revenge of the Creature.” During the 1950s and ’60s, he worked in a variety of unacknowledged roles, but it was when he played Joe in 1964’s “A Fistful of Dollars” that people really started paying attention. In collaboration with renowned Italian director Sergio Leone, Eastwood played a significant role in the emergence of the Spaghetti Western genre, catapulting him to international stardom.

From 1971 to 1974, Clint Eastwood enjoyed a remarkable seven-film stretch of critically acclaimed movies. His exceptional talent for commanding every scene he appears in is a skill that only a few actors aspire to master. With the passage of time, Eastwood expanded his repertoire, venturing into production and direction. His initial foray into directing was with the 1971 film “Play Misty for Me,” and in 1993, he received an Academy Award for best director for “Unforgiven.

Clint Eastwood is a multifaceted figure in the world of cinema, still active even into his nineties. At the age of 92, he directed “Juror #2”, and continues to narrate stories, act in films, and maintain a strong presence in Hollywood long after many would have retired. Eastwood has graced some of the most iconic movies ever made, but the question of which are the finest is often debated. Here’s a list of Clint Eastwood’s 13 top movies, as ranked by an amalgamation of their IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic ratings.

Hang ‘Em High

The movie “Hang ‘Em High” starts in Oklahoma during the year 1889, where former law enforcement officer Jed Cooper (played by Clint Eastwood) encounters trouble as a group of vigilantes pursue cattle thieves. They suspect Cooper of their crimes and attempt to execute him, but he manages to live through it. This event sets the stage for an exciting revenge story, marking Eastwood’s debut as the main character – this being his first non-Spaghetti Western role. After Cooper is rescued by a traveler, a judge vindicates him and appoints him as a deputy marshal.

In this scenario, he aligns himself with justice and order, pursuing the most notorious bandits across the land. Initially, following a court ruling, Cooper refrains from seeking revenge against the nine men who had lynched him. However, when Captain Wilson (played by Ed Begley), the head of the posse, shoots Jed in an attempt to defend himself, Cooper finds his resolve tested once more and decides to take matters into his own hands.

In this version, Cooper becomes increasingly angry and embarks on a quest to locate Wilson and his allies. The movie, inspired by Sergio Leone’s Western style, was directed by Ted Post, who had previously collaborated with Eastwood on “Rawhide.” Notably, it marked Eastwood’s initial production credit, though he would go on to have many more. Over time, “Hang ‘Em High” has gained significant acclaim, earning three stars from Roger Ebert.

Pale Rider

1985’s “Pale Rider” was directed, produced, and starring Clint Eastwood. The title of the film is symbolic of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In this movie, Eastwood portrays Preacher, a character who rides a white horse – symbolizing Death. Set in LaHood, California, “Pale Rider” was actually filmed in both California and Idaho, offering stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains. The story revolves around the enigmatic Preacher, who comes to town after Coy LaHood (Richard Dysart) hires outlaws to intimidate gold miners into relinquishing their land.

In a turn of events, the Preacher skillfully wards off attempts at confrontation with LaHood, even engaging in dialogue, yet the miners remain adamant for a resolution through force. Instead, they deploy Marshall Stockburn (John Russell) to neutralize not only the Preacher and LaHood but also their respective men. The movie echoes the Spaghetti Western genre of the 1960s, albeit being an American production.

In this role, Preacher is remarkably brutal and merciless towards nearly everyone involved, reflecting the personification of Death brought to life on screen. Moreover, it’s one of the numerous films where Eastwood portrays an unnamed character, a common theme in his Western movies. This lends an air of mystery and peril to him, as he is a man who cannot be vanquished by ordinary means, which makes “Pale Rider” a truly remarkable film.

High Plains Drifter

In a different interpretation: Clint Eastwood was the director of “High Plains Drifter,” where he portrayed a mysterious figure known as the Stranger. Riding into the secluded town of Lago, he quickly found himself confronted by three hostile gunmen. With an air of nonchalance, he swiftly dispatched them all. It’s worth noting that the Stranger isn’t entirely an upstanding character – he resorts to a vile act of sexual assault against a woman who provokes him. However, his actions are driven by a motivation for revenge, which serves as a justification for his inhumane deeds.

In Lago, he’s enforcing frontier justice, targeting those responsible for the death of U.S. Marshal Jim Duncan (Buddy Van Horn). He doesn’t spare anyone, and after accepting a job to safeguard the town, he eliminates the three individuals who previously held that role. His actions lead the townsfolk towards their doom, resulting in a bloody massacre where almost everyone who crosses his path meets an untimely end.

The allure of “High Plains Drifter” lies not in its graphic portrayal of violence or immorality, but rather in the enigma surrounding the Stranger’s true identity. This movie, in essence, blends elements of a supernatural ghost tale, hinting that he might be the spirit of the killed marshal, although this remains unconfirmed within the film itself. Vincent Canby, a critic from The New York Times, described it as “part ghost story, part revenge Western, occasionally absurd, and frequently amusing.

The Outlaw Josey Wales

In 1976, Clint Eastwood both directed and starred in “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” a film that portrays the adventures of a resolute gunfighter. Some viewers might question if this story is based on real-life events, but it’s actually a reinterpretation of the traditional Western genre, set during and following the Civil War. The character of Josey Wales was initially a farmer who transforms into a soldier seeking vengeance for the death of his family during that conflict.

Swiftly, he metamorphoses into an infamous gun-wielder of the Western frontier, drawing the ire of soldiers and bounty hunters alike. In his adventures, Wales mercilessly slays those who oppose him or seek to harm him, yet shows compassion by rescuing numerous women and children, thereby demonstrating that he’s not just a cold-blooded assassin. As the story unfolds, these acts of kindness serve to humanize him, culminating in the classic trope as he departs towards the setting sun.

The movie ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ tells a tale of revenge, where a farmer, forced into war circumstances, embarks on a quest to track down and eliminate the individuals who brutally murdered his family and companions. It’s captivating to watch this journey unfold. Moreover, the film exhibits a distinct Confederate sympathizing tone, delving into the so-called ‘Lost Cause Mythology’, which often portrays the Union negatively and elevates the Rebels – a perspective that is seldom presented in many other films.

A Fistful of Dollars

A Fistful of Dollars” holds significant value for three key reasons: it marked Clint Eastwood’s debut as a leading actor, it is often cited as the inaugural Spaghetti Western, and it served as the initial installment of Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy.” Released in 1964 at an approximate cost of $200,000 to produce, this modest budget was relatively low even for the early ’60s. The film introduced Eastwood’s Stranger character (also known as the Man With No Name), a role he reprised in two subsequent films.

A Fistful of Greenbacks”

The story opens in the border town of San Miguel, USA-Mexico, where a mysterious lone figure, known as the Outsider, rolls into town. He skillfully manipulates two feuding factions for profit, swiftly dispatching four men who mock him. The Outsider disrupts the town’s balance by taking lives on both sides. The movie concludes with an unforgettable showdown and a duel, leaving no doubt about the victor.

The storyline of “A Fistful of Dollars” bears a strong resemblance to Akira Kurosawa’s 1961 movie “Yojimbo,” essentially making it a non-official adaptation. Kurosawa’s impact is evident throughout the film, leading him to file a lawsuit and eventually receive 15% of the profits. This may have resulted in Kurosawa earning more from Leone’s movie than he did from his own original work. However, “A Fistful of Dollars” remains an iconic Western and is widely regarded as one of Eastwood’s finest performances.

In the Line of Fire

Wolfgang Petersen’s movie ‘On the Line of Duty’ centers around Frank Horrigan, a Secret Service Agent portrayed by Clint Eastwood. For decades, his inability to prevent the Kennedy assassination has been a heavy burden on him. He is also persistently troubled by a character, played by John Malkovich, who uses various aliases, one of them being Booth – a name reminiscent of John Wilkes Booth, the man responsible for President Abraham Lincoln’s death.

In simpler terms, Booth mocks Horrigan for his inability to protect Kennedy and boldly claims he will fail again in stopping the current president from being killed. The movie centers around the pursuit of Booth, ensuring the president’s safety, and Horrigan’s determination to prevent another presidential assassination. However, what truly stands out about this film isn’t just Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of a tormented character; it’s the intriguing contrast between his and Malkovich’s characters.

In the film, the second character delivers an exceptional masterclass on playing ruthless movie antagonists. Watching these two actors side by side is truly a pleasure, and the movie earned three nominations for Academy Awards. It can be argued that Eastwood was outstanding in this film, but it was Malkovich who received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. As Roger Ebert put it, “The quality of a thriller depends on its villain, and ‘In The Line of Fire’ boasts an excellent one.

For a Few Dollars More

In the sequel to ‘For a Few Dollars More,’ also directed by Sergio Leone, we find Clint Eastwood reprising his role as the enigmatic Man With No Name, this time known as “Manco.” Partnered with Colonel Douglas Mortimer, played by Lee Van Cleef, they set out on a joint mission to capture the elusive outlaw El Indio, portrayed by Gian Maria Volonté.

Indio, a man known for his heinous crimes like rape and murder across northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S., struggles with remorse for some of his past atrocities, yet continues on his destructive path. Manco chooses to associate himself with Indio’s gang, secretly planning to undermine him. In a typical fashion of films in this genre, a bank robbery in El Paso, Texas is planned by the outlaws. The story unfolds with its usual mix of violence, deceit, and treachery.

Initially, “For A Few Dollars More” was met with criticism due to its excessive portrayal of violence. This harshness wasn’t softened in any way. However, over time, it has been praised for its exceptional presentation as a Spaghetti Western. Unfortunately, it is often overshadowed by two more famous films within the genre, making it less well-known to those new to this style of movie.

Escape From Alcatraz

1962 saw the daring escape of several prisoners from Alcatraz Island, an event chronicled in the movie “Escape From Alcatraz.” While the film takes some creative liberties, it essentially follows this true story. Notably, the film was the work of director Don Siegel and actor Clint Eastwood, who collaborated on numerous projects. The main character, Frank Morris (portrayed by Eastwood), is a seasoned criminal with a history of escaping from top-security prisons. Unwilling to serve out his sentence in Alcatraz for any longer than necessary, he attempts another daring escape.

As a cunning gamer, I found myself among a group of fellow captives in this grim setting. Weaving an intricate plan for our getaway, I enlisted their help in a daring endeavor: excavating the hardened concrete around a hidden grate within our cells.

With little more than spoons, we toiled tirelessly for months, chipping away at the seemingly indomitable wall. In between these laborious sessions, we crafted lifelike paper-mache decoy dummies using our own hair – a clever ruse to distract any potential pursuers during our escape.

Finally, after countless hours of hard work and stealthy preparation, our moment arrived. With hearts pounding in unison, we burst through the walls of our prison cells, escaping into the unknown. The fate that awaits us beyond these bars is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain – we have defied the odds and seized freedom for ourselves.

Few actors from the movie “Escape from Alcatraz” are alive today, yet it boasts a wealth of high-caliber performers. The film is adapted from a book bearing the same title, recounting a real-life event – the somewhat successful prison break attempt on the island. Though it implies the men managed to escape, their actual outcome post-escape remains uncertain over 60 years after the incident.

The Beguiled

The movie titled ‘The Beguiled’ marks the third joint effort between Clint Eastwood and director Don Siegel – a partnership that has left an indelible mark in Hollywood’s history. This film is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War in 1863. Here, Corporal John McBurney (portrayed by Eastwood), a wounded Union soldier, is discovered by Miss Martha Farnsworth (Geraldine Page). Initially, she intends to surrender him to the Confederates; however, she grants him temporary refuge at her school beforehand.

With time, McBurney forms connections with the school’s female students, who become competitive in their pursuit of his attention. Not too far down the line, Farnsworth becomes part of this group, yet she is turned down by him. Subsequently, some mischievous events result in an amputation of McBurney’s leg, and the situation escalates. McBurney then tries to escape with one of the women, but his plans are thwarted in a subtle and underhanded way.

In ‘The Beguiled,’ Clint Eastwood deviates from his usual roles, as he’s neither the protagonist nor a vengeful outsider. Instead, he portrays a morally ambiguous character who, depending on one’s perspective, receives retribution in this movie. The film delves into feminist themes. Sofia Coppola’s 2017 remake emphasizes this aspect more strongly, but some feel it fails to match the intensity of the original.

Dirty Harry

In the movie “Dirty Harry,” Clint Eastwood takes on the role of San Francisco Police Department Inspector Harry Callahan, a character that became iconic for him. Over time, Eastwood reprised his role as Dirty Harry in four sequels, demonstrating a strong connection with this character. The story revolves around a serial killer and sniper named Scorpio, who chooses his victims at random from afar, making it an action-packed thriller.

1) The murderer continues his rampage unless a sum of $100,000 is given to him. Inspector Callahan is investigating, but prior to that, he thwarts a bank robbery by aiming his iconic Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver at one of the robbers and inquiring, “Are you feeling fortunate today?” – a question he famously posed to criminals.

In an uncommon fashion, reminiscent of cop movies, Callahan apprehended Scorpio after pointing a gun at him. The movie “Dirty Harry” stands out from most others due to its protagonist, Callahan, who is not your typical law enforcement officer. He’s prepared to eliminate a criminal rather than prosecuting him. This earns him the nickname “Dirty,” reflecting his unorthodox and sometimes brutal tactics. Such an approach makes Callahan one of cinema’s toughest — and thus most compelling — cops.

Million Dollar Baby

Maggie starts to emerge victorious in fights, often securing swift knockouts on her journey through the amateur boxing scene. However, Dunn chooses not to throw her into larger tournaments. Eventually, he arranges a championship fight for the WBA welterweight title against a relentless opponent. Unscrupulous tactics occur during the match, leading to an unfortunate incident where Maggie loses her leg and ends up in the hospital. In the end, Dunn tenderly unveils the significance of her name: “My dear one” and “my blood.

Clint Eastwood’s ‘Million Dollar Baby’ was a significant triumph, with both Eastwood and Hilary Swank earning Academy Awards for their performances. The movie itself won the top three awards: Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Director. Moreover, Morgan Freeman received an award for Best Supporting Actor. Critics, including Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun-Times, lauded the film, bestowing it with four stars and declaring it a masterpiece.

Unforgiven

1992 saw Clint Eastwood assume both directorial and acting roles in the creation of one of the most remarkable Western flicks – “Unforgiven”. This film is set against the backdrop of Wyoming in 1881, where a former gunman, William Munny (Eastwood), is coaxed out of retirement. He teams up with the “Schofield Kid” (Jaimz Woolvett) and his old companion, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman), for a bounty-hunting assignment. Their target: an outlaw who disfigured a prostitute. Intriguingly, she’s offering $1,000 for the outlaw’s demise, and the trio sets off on their mission.

In their journey, they come across the town where they encounter the corrupt Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett (played by Gene Hackman), who brutally attacks Munny. Logan and the Kid flee, leaving Munny to recuperate at a brothel. Later, they track down the outlaws, slay the bounty, but Logan is fatally beaten and displayed in the saloon. Upon witnessing this, an enraged Munny wreaks havoc on the town in a brutal act of retribution that is seldom depicted in cinema.

The story of vengeance in “Unforgiven” is raw and violent, resulting in one of the most gripping endings ever in cinema. Not surprisingly, Eastwood won the Academy Awards for best picture and director, Hackman received the award for best supporting actor, and Joel Cox took home the prize for best film editing. Jack Mathews from the Los Angeles Times stated that “Unforgiven” is comparable to John Ford’s 1956 classic western, “The Searchers,” which is a particularly noteworthy compliment.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

In the last installment of Sergio Leone’s iconic “Dollars Trilogy,” and often considered the best, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” features Clint Eastwood reprising his role as the enigmatic Man With No Name. Set during the American Civil War in 1862 across the American Southwest, this film sees The Stranger team up with Tuco Ramirez (Eli Wallach), a cunning Mexican outlaw skilled in handling multiple gunfighters simultaneously.

When Ramirez encounters a stranger, he affectionately calls him “Blondie,” and both join forces to locate $200,000 worth of hidden gold buried within Sad Hill Cemetery. While only Ramirez knows its specific grave’s name, Blondie learns this crucial information as well. Each man now possesses a vital piece of the puzzle required to uncover the buried treasure. As fate would have it, they later face off against a formidable adversary named Angel Eyes (played by Lee Van Cleef), who is hot on the trail of Confederate gold that had been stolen. Their paths eventually cross at the very cemetery where their shared quest leads them.

As a gamer putting down my controller for a moment, I’ve got to say, the movie ends with an epic Mexican standoff that sets the bar high for any other film in history. Leone masterfully blends breathtaking cinematography, seamlessly transitioning between wide-angle shots and intense close-ups in a nearly 10-minute sequence that leaves you on the edge of your seat. “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” is undoubtedly the best Spaghetti Western ever made, and hands down the most iconic Clint Eastwood movie to grace the silver screen.

2025-01-15 15:31