15 Best Clint Eastwood Western Movies, Ranked

I’ve always been hooked on Clint Eastwood’s Westerns for their rugged charm and unflinching take on the Wild West. His steely glare and minimalist style redefined the genre, turning him into a legend of dusty trails and showdowns.

This list ranks 15 of Eastwood’s best Western movies, showcasing his work as both actor and director. From iconic spaghetti Westerns to introspective later gems, these films capture his unique blend of grit, heart, and moral ambiguity. Let’s ride through his standout contributions to the genre.

15. ‘Two Mules for Sister Sara’ (1970)

Eastwood plays Hogan, a drifter who rescues a nun, played by Shirley MacLaine, from bandits in Mexico, only to get tangled in a revolution. Their chemistry crackles in this lighthearted adventure.

The film’s mix of humor and action shows Eastwood’s softer side. It’s a fun, underseen gem with a surprising twist that keeps you hooked.

14. ‘The Beguiled’ (1971)

A wounded Union soldier, played by Eastwood, takes refuge in a Southern girls’ school during the Civil War, sparking tension and betrayal. This gothic Western is dark and moody.

Directed by Don Siegel, it flips Eastwood’s tough-guy image for a vulnerable role. Its psychological edge makes it a unique entry in his catalog.

13. ‘Ambush at Cimarron Pass’ (1958)

Eastwood has a small role as a Confederate soldier in this low-budget tale of a cavalry unit escorting prisoners through Apache territory. It’s a gritty, early glimpse of his screen presence.

The film’s tight pacing and desert shootouts deliver despite its scale. A forgotten piece of his career, it’s worth a look for fans.

12. ‘Hang ‘Em High’ (1968)

Eastwood stars as Jed Cooper, a man lynched and left for dead, who returns as a deputy seeking justice. This post-spaghetti Western blends vengeance with law.

Its intense opening and Eastwood’s brooding performance anchor the story. It’s a solid, often overlooked film that bridges his early and iconic roles.

11. ‘Joe Kidd’ (1972)

Eastwood plays a bounty hunter hired to track rebels in a land dispute, only to question his mission. Robert Duvall’s villain adds weight to this lean Western.

Directed by John Sturges, it’s a straightforward tale with sharp shootouts. Though not his flashiest, it’s a gritty gem for action fans.

10. ‘High Plains Drifter’ (1973)

Eastwood’s mysterious Stranger rides into a corrupt town to deliver justice with a supernatural edge. His first Western as director, it’s eerie and bold.

The film’s dark tone and haunting visuals set it apart. It’s a chilling, underappreciated masterpiece of vengeance and redemption.

9. ‘Pale Rider’ (1985)

Eastwood directs and stars as a preacher who protects a mining camp from greedy landowners. This spiritual Western echoes his earlier ghostly roles with deeper resonance.

Its snowy vistas and moral core shine through. A reflective take on the genre, it’s a standout that deserves more love.

8. ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ (1964)

Eastwood’s Man with No Name arrives in a border town, playing rival gangs against each other. Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Western launched his stardom with style.

Its iconic score and minimalist dialogue redefined Westerns. This lean, mean classic still packs a punch for fans of raw grit.

7. ‘For a Few Dollars More’ (1965)

Eastwood’s bounty hunter teams with Lee Van Cleef to hunt a ruthless outlaw in this Leone sequel. Their uneasy alliance drives this tense, stylish Western.

The film’s sweeping landscapes and Ennio Morricone’s score elevate it. It’s a thrilling middle chapter that sharpens the trilogy’s edge.

6. ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ (1976)

Eastwood directs and stars as a farmer turned outlaw seeking peace after the Civil War. This epic tale of survival and found family is heartfelt and fierce.

Its rich characters, like Sondra Locke’s Laura Lee, add depth. A personal favorite, it’s a sprawling Western with soul.

5. ‘Unforgiven’ (1992)

Eastwood plays Will Munny, a retired gunslinger pulled back for one last job. His Oscar-winning masterpiece, which he directed, deconstructs the Western myth with raw honesty.

Gene Hackman’s brutal sheriff steals scenes. This meditative, violent classic is a cornerstone of the genre’s evolution.

4. ‘Honkytonk Man’ (1982)

Eastwood directs and stars as a Depression-era singer chasing fame despite failing health. This quiet Western blends music and road-trip drama with tender melancholy.

His son Kyle Eastwood co-stars, adding family warmth. An overlooked gem, it’s a heartfelt detour from his gun-slinging roles.

3. ‘Bronco Billy’ (1980)

Eastwood plays a modern cowboy running a struggling Wild West show, finding love with a runaway heiress, played by Sondra Locke. This comedic Western is warm and quirky.

Its celebration of dreamers and misfits feels personal for Eastwood. A charming, underseen film, it’s a lighthearted gem in his career.

2. ‘Cry Macho’ (2021)

At 91, Eastwood directs and stars as a retired rodeo star sent to retrieve a boy from Mexico. This gentle neo-Western explores redemption with quiet grace.

Its introspective tone and Mexican backdrop offer a fresh take. A late-career treasure, it’s a touching, underrated farewell to the genre.

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

Eastwood’s Blondie, the Man with No Name, hunts for Confederate gold alongside a bandit and a mercenary in Sergio Leone’s epic. This spaghetti Western redefined the genre with its scale and swagger.

Ennio Morricone’s legendary score and the iconic standoff cement its greatness. A towering classic, it’s Eastwood’s ultimate Western triumph.

Which Clint Eastwood Western are you itching to watch, or is there another of his classics you’d rank higher? Share your thoughts in the comments!