Clint Eastwood’s influence on the Western film genre is profound, both as a leading actor and a filmmaker. Our ranking of the Best Western movies directed by Clint Eastwood examines his five major Westerns, considering each film’s unique impact and how they contribute to the director’s legendary status within the genre.
Clint Eastwood—A Figure Deeply Connected to the Western
Few figures in cinema history are as tightly interwoven with Westerns as Clint Eastwood. While John Ford’s directorial prowess and John Wayne’s on-screen presence shaped the genre during their era, Eastwood’s combination of acting and directing roles made his contributions truly stand out. Starting with his early television role on “Rawhide,” Eastwood later collaborated with Sergio Leone in the mid-1960s for films like “A Fistful of Dollars,” “For a Few Dollars More,” and
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,”
cementing his spot as a Western icon.
After his success as an actor, Eastwood transitioned to directing in the 1970s. Among his 40 feature films as director, five remain celebrated Westerns where he always took the lead role. This commitment underscores how Eastwood values the genre and shapes narratives both behind and in front of the camera. The following list ranks these five films, from the more underrated entries to a universally acclaimed classic.
5. Cry Macho (2021) – A Slower, Reflective Final Bow
With “Cry Macho,” released when Clint Eastwood was approaching his mid-nineties, the director-actor hints at a possible farewell performance in the saddle. The story follows Eastwood’s character, a retired rodeo star, as he embarks on a cross-border journey to bring his old boss’s son home from Mexico. Their slow-paced odyssey is woven with themes of aging, masculinity, and self-discovery, drawing on both road movie and classic Western motifs.
Eastwood’s personal stage in life gives “Cry Macho” a self-reflective quality, balancing sentiment without self-indulgence. Natalia Traven, Eduardo Minett, Dwight Yoakam, and Clint Eastwood himself round out the cast. While the film may lack the innovation of his earlier works, its honest tone and humility resonate, serving as a gentle meditation on legacy, masculinity, and mortality.
4. High Plains Drifter (1973) – A Haunting Entry into Directing Westerns
“High Plains Drifter” stands out as Eastwood’s first directed Western—a bold debut that merges the Western template with elements of mystery and supernatural suspense. Clint Eastwood stars as an enigmatic stranger who rides into a troubled town, drawing suspense as his true intentions and identity remain shrouded throughout much of the story. The film toes the line between traditional Western and almost horror-tinged territory, delivering tension and a foreboding atmosphere.
Not limited to gunfights and dusty streets, “High Plains Drifter” is memorable for its ghostly undertones and willingness to defy typical genre codes. Alongside Eastwood, the cast features Verna Bloom and Marianna Hill, as the film introduces new narrative depth and darkness—a tendency Eastwood would revisit and refine in his later projects. The willingness to deconstruct the Western mythos becomes clear in this distinct, early offering from his directorial career.
3. Pale Rider (1985) – A Revisionist Western for the 1980s
Amidst a decade when Westerns were rare on the big screen, “Pale Rider” emerged as a thoughtful update for the genre. Eastwood embraces the role of a mysterious preacher who arrives to assist oppressed prospectors in a mining town torn apart by greed and violence. Echoing elements of “High Plains Drifter,” the film incorporates just enough mystique while paying homage to 1950s classics like “Shane.”
As both director and star, Eastwood presents “Pale Rider” as a revisionist take, re-examining the conventions and tropes that characterized earlier Westerns. The cast features Michael Moriarty and Carrie Snodgress, supporting a narrative that explores individual resolve, the thirst for justice, and moral ambiguity. “Pale Rider” stands as one of the most well-regarded Westerns of the 1980s, blending classic sensibilities and modern reflection with a style all its own.
2. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) – A Gritty Tale of Revenge and Redemption
Widely recognized as the first truly great Western directed by Eastwood, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” weaves together the chaos of the post-Civil War era with personal and societal violence. The story focuses on Josey Wales, portrayed by Eastwood, who becomes an antihero fueled by vengeance before evolving into an unlikely protector for a makeshift group of vulnerable outcasts. The movie’s depiction of brutality is unflinching, immersing viewers in the harshness of Western life in the 1860s.
Alongside Eastwood, Chief Dan George and Sondra Locke bring depth to the ensemble, as the film investigates complicated themes surrounding justice, loyalty, and morality. “The Outlaw Josey Wales” also introduces signature elements found throughout Eastwood’s later films, such as tough protagonists and moral quandaries, establishing itself as a cornerstone of his directorial legacy.
1. Unforgiven (1992) – The Definitive Western Classic
“Unforgiven” is the pinnacle of Eastwood’s Western work and one of the greatest American films regardless of genre. Eastwood directs and stars as Bill Munny, an aging outlaw drawn back into violence for the sake of his struggling family after his wife’s death. The story ventures into dark territory, populated by flawed individuals whose personal codes and struggles shape the narrative. The film’s iconic cast includes Gene Hackman as Little Bill Daggett and Morgan Freeman, in roles that underscore the complexity and humanity of each character.
“Unforgiven” stands apart for its layered storytelling, visual style, and willingness to question long-held Western ideals. Violence is depicted honestly and with consequence, reinforcing the genre’s transition toward more introspective, realistic portrayals. The presence of major actors such as Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman, and Eastwood himself, is felt strongly throughout, adding nuance to each interaction. “Unforgiven” rightfully claims its place at the very top—not just as the best among Clint Eastwood’s Westerns, but as a landmark in cinematic history.
From “Cry Macho” to “Unforgiven,” these films collectively demonstrate Clint Eastwood’s enduring significance in the Western genre. Each movie brings something distinct, whether through solemn self-reflection, bending genre norms, or setting new benchmarks in storytelling. The Best Western movies directed by Clint Eastwood—ranked here—continue to define what the Western can be, ensuring his impact will resonate with audiences and filmmakers for generations to come.
