The Films Clint Eastwood Calls His All-Time Favorites—Find Out What Shaped His Hollywood Legacy

Clint Eastwood, an actor and director synonymous with the portrayal of tough, rugged characters, is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. From his roles in iconic westerns to his gritty performance as Harry Callahan in the Dirty Harry series, Eastwood has come to define a brand of masculinity that is both commanding and introspective. But beyond his own films, Eastwood has shared what some of his favourite movies are—a list that reflects his deep appreciation for classic cinema and the influence of iconic filmmakers from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

When asked about his favourite films by the American Film Institute on the red carpet, Eastwood provided a succinct answer that offers insight into his cinematic tastes. He mentioned several classics, including John Ford’s How Green Was My Valley, William A. Wellman’s The Ox-Bow Incident, and John Huston’s The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. These films not only shaped the film industry but also profoundly impacted Eastwood’s own approach to storytelling, particularly in the genres of westerns and drama.

How Green Was My Valley (1941) – A Masterpiece of Family and Change

One of Eastwood’s first selections, How Green Was My Valley, is a timeless drama directed by the legendary John Ford. Based on Richard Llewellyn’s 1939 novel, the film centers around the Morgan family, a working-class Welsh family living in the South Welsh Valleys during the Victorian era. The story, told through the eyes of the youngest son, Huw, explores the economic and personal struggles of the family as they navigate the changing coal mining industry.

The film, which beat Citizen Kane for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1941, is a powerful exploration of family, loss, and the passing of time. The performance of Walter Pidgeon, the presence of Maureen O’Hara, and the emotional depth of Ford’s direction are just a few of the reasons why Eastwood counts it as one of his favourites. Ford’s ability to tell stories about real people, the everyday struggles of working families, is a sentiment that echoes in Eastwood’s own filmography, which often features deeply human stories set against a rugged backdrop.

The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) – A Classic Western of Morality and Justice

As a director of several acclaimed westerns, it’s no surprise that Eastwood is a fan of The Ox-Bow Incident, a 1943 film directed by William A. Wellman. The film is a stark exploration of justice, mob mentality, and morality in the Old West. Starring Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, and Mary Beth Hughes, it tells the story of two cowboys who, upon hearing that a local rancher has been killed and his cattle stolen, join a lynch mob to capture the supposed killers. However, as the story unfolds, the film presents a moral dilemma about justice and the consequences of acting without due process.

The Ox-Bow Incident is lauded for its hard-hitting examination of human nature and the complexities of right and wrong. For Eastwood, a filmmaker who has often explored themes of justice and individual conscience in his own work, this film serves as a significant influence in the way it tackles these universal questions. The film’s somber tone and questioning of justice in a lawless society clearly resonate with Eastwood’s own philosophy as both an actor and director.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) – A Tale of Greed and Survival

The final film on Eastwood’s list, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, is one of John Huston’s finest works. Released in 1948, this western drama, based on B. Traven’s 1927 novel, follows two down-on-their-luck men played by Humphrey Bogart and Tim Holt, who team up with an experienced prospector (played by Huston’s father, Walter Huston) to strike gold in the remote mountains of Mexico. As the men become consumed by greed, the film delves into the psychological toll of wealth and survival.

Considered one of the greatest films ever made, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a tense and gripping tale that focuses on the destructive nature of greed. It was also one of the first Hollywood productions to shoot on location outside the United States, lending the film an authenticity that heightens its impact. The rugged themes of survival and human frailty are central to Eastwood’s own body of work, particularly in films like Unforgiven (1992) and The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), where characters are often forced to confront the darker side of human nature.

A Shared Cinematic Legacy

Eastwood’s love for these classic films speaks to the deep influence they’ve had on his own work as both an actor and director. From the emotional depth of How Green Was My Valley to the morally complex storytelling of The Ox-Bow Incident and the stark examination of greed in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, these films have clearly shaped Eastwood’s artistic vision. His career, especially his later works, reflects the rugged masculinity and introspective morality seen in these classics.

What also ties these films together is their exploration of human nature—something that Eastwood has masterfully tackled throughout his career. Whether dealing with issues of justice, survival, or personal integrity, Eastwood’s films often feature complex characters grappling with difficult choices, much like the characters in the films he admires.

Conclusion: Clint Eastwood’s Enduring Connection to Classic Cinema

As one of Hollywood’s enduring figures, Clint Eastwood’s personal favorites reflect a deep connection to the roots of cinema. These films, each telling a unique story about human nature, morality, and survival, not only shaped his career but also remain timeless examples of the power of storytelling. For Eastwood, these films were not just entertainment—they were formative experiences that influenced the way he approached his own work as an actor and director, and they continue to inspire filmmakers today. Whether it’s the heartfelt drama of How Green Was My Valley, the moral quandaries of The Ox-Bow Incident, or the gritty realism of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, these films offer a glimpse into the cinematic legacy that shaped one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.