Eastwood Reveals His Favorite Westerns—The Movies That Inspired Hollywood’s Toughest Outlaw

Clint Eastwood’s name is inseparable from the western genre. From his iconic role as ‘The Man With No Name’ in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy to his enduring influence as a director, Eastwood has shaped the landscape of western cinema. He’s not just a major figure in the genre, he’s a legend whose legacy has become synonymous with the rugged, gritty spirit of the American frontier. Over the years, Eastwood has expressed his admiration for many of the films that helped define the western genre. Here’s a closer look at some of his favorites, which offer insight into the films that shaped the man behind the iconic roles.

The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, The Outlaw Josey Wales remains one of his most cherished films. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Eastwood plays the title character, a Missouri farmer who seeks revenge after his family is killed by Union soldiers. The film blends the themes of vengeance and redemption with Eastwood’s directorial style, showcasing his ability to create a nuanced, morally complex character. Eastwood has often highlighted this film as one of his most beloved works, acknowledging its importance both as an actor and director.

Unforgiven (1992)

Another film that Eastwood directed and starred in, Unforgiven is often cited as a groundbreaking work in the western genre. The film, in which Eastwood plays William Munny, a retired outlaw taking on one final job, is a poignant exploration of violence, aging, and redemption. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and earned Eastwood his second Oscar for Best Director. Eastwood has mentioned how much Unforgiven resonates with him, as it represents a more realistic and complex view of the Old West, steering away from the romanticized violence of earlier films. He has repeatedly spoken about his admiration for John Ford’s influence on the film, a debt that was acknowledged when Eastwood received the John Ford Award in 2012.

John Ford’s Influence: My Darling Clementine and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

When Eastwood received the John Ford Award, he made no secret of his admiration for the legendary director. Ford, a pioneering force in American filmmaking, is known for his ability to break down the clichés of the western genre, creating films that were as much about character as they were about landscape and story. Eastwood has consistently praised Ford’s work, particularly his 1946 film My Darling Clementine, a poetic retelling of the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He also admires Ford’s The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), a tense drama about greed and survival, which further demonstrates Ford’s ability to subvert the typical western narrative.

Sergio Corbucci’s The Great Silence (1968)

Eastwood, known for his work in spaghetti westerns, has often expressed his admiration for the genre’s key directors, particularly Sergio Leone. However, Eastwood also has great respect for the second most-significant Italian western director, Sergio Corbucci. The Great Silence, released in 1968, is often regarded as one of the most nihilistic and gritty westerns to come out of Italy’s “spaghetti” era. The film, which features a mute gunslinger defending a band of outlaws, was inspired by the political climate of the 1960s and serves as an exploration of moral ambiguity. Eastwood has often pointed to this film as one of the darker, more thought-provoking westerns, and it remains a standout in Corbucci’s filmography.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

More recently, Eastwood has expressed admiration for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007), a film directed by Andrew Dominik. The film, which stars Brad Pitt as the infamous outlaw Jesse James and Casey Affleck as the man who betrays him, is an introspective, slow-burn western that focuses on the psychological toll of fame and violence. Eastwood has praised the film for its haunting atmosphere and its deep dive into the personalities of two men bound by history and betrayal. It’s clear that Eastwood sees much of the same complexity in this modern western as he does in the classics of the genre.

The Full List of Clint Eastwood’s Favourite Westerns

Eastwood’s favorite films are a diverse collection that spans the breadth of the western genre. While his own contributions to the genre are monumental, he’s also shown a great appreciation for the works that came before him and helped shape the western film landscape. His list includes films from a wide variety of directors, from the legends of Hollywood to the innovative filmmakers of the spaghetti western movement.

1. The Outlaw Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood, 1976)

2. Unforgiven (Clint Eastwood, 1992)

3. The Ox-Bow Incident (William A. Wellman, 1943)

4. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (John Ford, 1948)

5. My Darling Clementine (John Ford, 1946)

6. The Great Silence (Sergio Corbucci, 1968)

7. Red River (Howard Hawks, 1948)

8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Andrew Dominik, 2007)

Conclusion: A Legacy of Western Cinema

Clint Eastwood’s contributions to the western genre are immeasurable, but his list of favorite films reveals the depth of his respect for the genre’s history. From the influence of John Ford to the gritty realism of Sergio Corbucci, Eastwood has spent decades not only creating some of the most iconic westerns but also honoring the works that shaped him as a filmmaker. His love for the genre is evident in both his own films and his admiration for the classics, making him one of the most important figures in western cinema history. As Eastwood himself once said, “Anyone would be flattered to be spoken of in the same breath as [John Ford].” And with his own legacy cemented, it’s clear that Eastwood’s impact on the western genre will continue to resonate for generations to come.