Top 10 Clint Eastwood Movies

By Andrew Ceco

Clint Eastwood is an iconic actor, director, and writer. He has been a pioneer in film, not just in Westerns but in nearly all of his projects. He has contributed unforgettable characters to the movie industry and been in more movies than most.

In honor of the recently revealed Clint Eastwood Legacy Collection, let’s center in on the top 10 Clint Eastwood films.

Unforgiven

Directed by, produced by, and starring Clint Eastwood as aging outlaw William Munny, Unforgiven is a classic. He’s not what he’s used to be. Retired, out of practice, and out of luck, but he’s still got one more job to do. And while tracking down those cowboys might not be as criminal as all of his old jobs, it’ll be just as bloody.

The Outlaw Josey Wales

Set during and after the American Civil War, The Outlaw Josey Wales takes us across the country as Josey Wales himself flees from state to state. He tries to make a new life for himself in Texas, but being an outlaw sure doesn’t make it any easier.

Fistful of Dollars

Clint Eastwood’s first leading role was The Man With No Name. On the border of Mexico and the United States, in a little town called San Miguel, The Stranger finds himself in the middle of a feud between two powerful smuggler families. The Stranger spreads false information that spins things out of control, but right into the palm of his hand.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Once again, we return to the American Civil War, where The Man with No Name (AKA Blondie) and a Mexican bandit named Tuco have an easy scheme to make money. Blondie turns in Tuco for money, but rescues him before he has to pay the price. Their relationship is tenuous at best, dangerous at worst. But when $20,000 is on the line, the two will have to come together to face their greatest trial yet.

Mystic River

Clint Eastwood directed, produced, and even wrote the music for Mystic River. The story follows three childhood friends tangled in a terrible tragedy of trauma and vigilante justice. As murder makes its way through their town, an ex-con, a blue-collar worker, and a homicide detective will have to contend with their past to deal with the present.

High Plains Drifter

In this iconic Western, Clint Eastwood’s character once again never reveals his name. And yet, no matter where he goes, he seems to make a name for himself just by his gun-slinging skills alone. Perhaps he’s talented enough to deal with the band of criminals coming into town. Perhaps he’s got a plan all his own…

Play Misty For Me

Dave Garver (Clint Eastwood) is a popular radio show host, and he often takes requests for any number of songs. One of his biggest fans calls in frequently to request a song titled “Misty.” Garver is happy to oblige, and happy to meet Evelyn, the fan who requests the song. But when Evelyn gets obsessed, Garver has to cut ties — or die trying.

Dirty Harry

Harry Callahan is a cop on the hunt for a serial killer. The serial killer uses a sniper, scoping out victims from the rooftops. His methods are brutal, his madness contagious. Dirty Harry will do whatever it takes to take him down, even if it means he works outside of the law.

Pale Rider

Proving that Western films are not just a thing of the past, Pale Rider was the highest-grossing Western film of the 1980s. Clint Eastwood writes, directs, and stars in Pale Rider as the titular character. Especially out in the Old West, faith is a hard thing to come by in the face of everyday life. But Eastwood’s character, known as the Preacher, swoops in to deliver justice like only Eastwood can.

Million Dollar Baby

Clint Eastwood directs, produces, and creates music for Million Dollar Baby. Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) sets her mind on becoming a boxer, but she needs a trainer like no other: Frankie Dunn. The veteran boxing trainer isn’t keen on taking on a new apprentice, but the bond they form will change their lives forever.

What’s your favorite Clint Eastwood film? Share your thoughts with other fans at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!