The Best Movies Of John Wayne
- 1John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Natalie Wood
Considered a masterpiece of American cinema, The Searchers (1956) stands as one of John Wayne's finest performances. Directed by the legendary John Ford, this epic Western film showcases Wayne in the role of Ethan Edwards, an obsessive and deeply flawed antihero on a relentless quest to find his abducted niece. With its stunning cinematography capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Monument Valley and its complex exploration of moral ambiguity, The Searchers has influenced generations of filmmakers and remains an essential entry in both John Wayne's filmography and the Western genre.
More The Searchers
- #7 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #79 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #99 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 2John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson
Directed by Howard Hawks, Rio Bravo (1959) presents John Wayne at his charismatic best as Sheriff John T. Chance, tasked with holding a dangerous outlaw in jail while fending off his gang's attempts to free him. Assembling a ragtag team consisting of Dean Martin's alcoholic gunslinger and Walter Brennan's wily old deputy, Rio Bravo blends tense action sequences with memorable character dynamics that elevate it beyond standard fare. An influential classic within the Western genre, this film showcases Wayne's ability to command the screen with confidence and charisma.
More Rio Bravo- #9 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #101 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- #68 of 91 onThe 90 Best Black And White Movies
- 3John Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar
Another collaboration between John Ford and John Wayne, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) features the iconic actor as Captain Nathan Brittles – an aging cavalry officer tasked with one last mission before retirement. Richly filmed in Technicolor and imbued with authentic atmosphere, this classic western beautifully illustrates Wayne's versatility as he tackles both complex emotional scenes and thrilling action sequences.
More She Wore a Yellow Ribbon- #34 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #4 of 20 onUnderrated Westerns That Deserve To Be Dusted Off For Another Shot
- #2 of 49 onThe Best 1940s Western Movies
- 4John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Walter Brennan
Red River (1948), directed by Howard Hawks, showcases John Wayne in yet another challenging role as Thomas Dunson – a hard-edged cattle rancher leading a massive cattle drive across treacherous terrain. Featuring stunning black-and-white cinematography and intense battle sequences between cowboys and Native Americans alike, this epic adventure film has secured its place among Hollywood's most highly regarded Westerns.
More Red River- #35 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #1 of 49 onThe Best 1940s Western Movies
- #45 of 56 onThe Best Romance Movies Of The 1940s
- 5John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Kim Darby
In True Grit (1969), directed by Henry Hathaway, audiences witness one of John Wayne's most iconic roles as Rooster Cogburn – a grizzled U.S. Marshal who helps a young girl track down her father’s murderer. This gritty western drama garnered Wayne his only Academy Award for Best Actor and allowed him to display remarkable depth through his portrayal of the tough but ultimately compassionate Cogburn. Featuring unforgettable characters combined with beautifully filmed settings, True Grit remains an enduring testament to John Wayne’s undeniable talent.
More True Grit- #5 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #11 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
- #59 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 6James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles
In John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), John Wayne stars as Tom Doniphon, an aging cowboy who must confront the changing West alongside newcomer Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart). This landmark film explores themes of honor, justice, and sacrifice as it questions the myth-making processes surrounding American history. With its deep character development and powerful performances from both Wayne and Stewart, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance offers a thought-provoking examination of the Western genre.
- #2 of 49 onThe Top 45+ Films Released In 1962
- #12 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #92 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
- 7John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald
The Quiet Man (1952), directed by frequent collaborator John Ford, showcases another side of John Wayne as he steps out from under his cowboy hat to embody Sean Thornton - an Irish-American returning to his roots in Ireland. Set against the picturesque background of the Emerald Isle, this romantic drama features Wayne alongside one of his most memorable leading ladies, Maureen O'Hara. Filled with warmth and charm, The Quiet Man is a delightful departure from Wayne's typical Western roles while still highlighting his magnetic screen presence.
More The Quiet Man- #106 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- #23 of 51 onThe Best Movies Based on Short Stories
- #9 of 50 onThe Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the 1950s
- 8John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Ben Johnson
The third installment of John Ford’s Cavalry Trilogy, Rio Grande (1950) sees John Wayne reprising his role as Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke – now leading troops along the Texas border against marauding Native Americans while managing personal issues involving his estranged wife (Maureen O'Hara) and son. Filled with stunning visuals and captivating performances, Rio Grande is another example of why Ford and Wayne remain synonymous with classic western films.
More Rio Grande- #29 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #9 of 63 onThe Best Western Movies of the 1950s
- #2 of 36 onThe 35+ Best Movies of 1950
- 9John Wayne, James Caan, Robert Mitchum
In El Dorado (1966), John Wayne reunites with director Howard Hawks for a film that highlights the actor's unparalleled ability to command the screen in a Western setting. Playing Cole Thornton, a gunslinger-for-hire, Wayne partners with Robert Mitchum's drunken sheriff to thwart an unscrupulous land baron from seizing control of the town. Rife with memorable characters and hard-hitting action, El Dorado showcases everything fans love about John Wayne and his legendary contributions to cinema.
More El Dorado- Dig Deeper...The Real Story Of El Dorado
- #21 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #5 of 46 onThe Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
- 10John Wayne, Richard Boone, Maureen O'Hara
Playing gritty gunslinger Jacob McCandles, John Wayne takes center stage in Big Jake (1971), directed by George Sherman. Set during the early 20th century, this action-packed western follows Wayne on a bloody quest to save his kidnapped grandson from ruthless outlaws. With a strong supporting cast and thrilling action sequences, Big Jake serves as yet another impressive entry among John Wayne's storied list of film roles.
More Big Jake- #26 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #737 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #120 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- 11John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine
John Wayne's breakout role came in 1939 with Stagecoach - another entry directed by John Ford that would shape the course of their storied collaboration. In this revolutionary Western film, Wayne takes on the role of the outlaw Ringo Kid as he joins an eclectic cast of characters aboard a perilous stagecoach journey through Apache territory. A defining film for both Wayne and Ford, Stagecoach remains a classic piece within the annals of cinema that paved the way for countless films to follow.
More Stagecoach- #33 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #35 of 91 onThe 90 Best Black And White Movies
- #5 of 23 on23 Movie Sets That Have Killed Animals During Production
- 12John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple
As the first entry in John Ford's Cavalry Trilogy, Fort Apache (1948) pairs John Wayne with Henry Fonda in a story about honor, tradition, and conflict within a frontier military outpost. As Captain Kirby Yorke, Wayne masterfully navigates through the film's political tensions while embodying all the qualities which make him such an enduring figure in American cinema.
More Fort Apache- #117 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #52 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #3 of 49 onThe Best 1940s Western Movies
- 13John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, James Stewart
As John Wayne's final film, The Shootist (1976) captures the veteran actor in a fitting farewell performance as J.B. Books – an aging gunfighter facing his own mortality. Directed by Don Siegel, this poignant drama offers a heartfelt reflection on themes of aging, violence, and changing times. Featuring strong supporting performances from notable actors such as Lauren Bacall and James Stewart, The Shootist is an essential entry in John Wayne's celebrated career.
More The Shootist- #16 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #113 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- #117 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- 14John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Yvonne De Carlo
John Wayne showcases his comedic chops in McLintock! (1963), directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. As cattle baron George Washington McLintock, Wayne fearlessly tackles slapstick humor and fast-paced dialogue while navigating the film's various romantic subplots. A light-hearted departure from his more serious roles, McLintock! allows Wayne to display his versatility as an actor.
More McLintock!- #36 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #14 of 46 onThe Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
- #11 of 51 onThe 50+ Best Movies In Public Domain
- 15John Wayne, Geraldine Page, Ward Bond
Produced by and starring John Wayne himself, Hondo (1953) demonstrates the actor's powerful presence on-screen as he portrays a Civil War veteran who befriends a woman (Geraldine Page) living alone with her son on Apache land. Directed by John Farrow, this emotionally charged western is notable for its stunning cinematography and empathetic portrayal of Native American characters – two factors that contributed to its widespread critical acclaim upon release.
More Hondo- #42 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #5 of 63 onThe Best Western Movies of the 1950s
- #4 of 13 onThe Best Western Movies Streaming On Hulu
- 16John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Patricia Neal
Directed by Otto Preminger, In Harm's Way (1965) features John Wayne in a commanding performance as Captain Rockwell "Rock" Torrey – a naval officer grappling with personal and professional challenges during World War II. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast that includes Kirk Douglas, Patricia Neal, and Henry Fonda, this epic war drama highlights Wayne's ability to embody the stoicism and strength of military leadership.
More In Harm's Way- #91 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #96 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
- #4 of 8 onThe Best Movies About Pearl Harbor, Ranked By History Buffs
- 17John Wayne, Dean Martin, Martha Hyer
In The Sons of Katie Elder (1965), directed by Henry Hathaway, John Wayne stars alongside Dean Martin and Earl Holliman as one of four brothers seeking revenge for their murdered father while clearing their family name. Balancing tense shootouts with moments of levity and camaraderie between its leading men, this engaging Western showcases both Wayne's toughness and his undeniable screen chemistry with legendary co-stars.
More The Sons of Katie Elder- #22 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #12 of 46 onThe Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
- #7 of 13 onThe Best Western Movies Streaming On Hulu
- 18John Wayne, John Agar, Forrest Tucker
In Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), John Wayne delivers a powerful performance as Sergeant John M. Stryker – a tough but fair Marine tasked with training recruits for battle in World War II. Directed by Allan Dwan, this war film is notable for its gritty portrayal of combat and earned Wayne his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
More Sands of Iwo Jima- #47 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #12 of 66 onThe Most Patriotic Movies of All Time
- #150 of 305 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 19John Wayne, Roscoe Lee Browne, Bruce Dern
In The Cowboys (1972), directed by Mark Rydell, John Wayne stars as Wil Andersen – an aging rancher who hires a group of boys to drive his cattle across the country when no experienced cowboys are available. A coming-of-age tale brimming with adventure and emotional resonance, this film showcases Wayne's ability to serve as both mentor and father figure while remaining true to his tough-guy persona.
More The Cowboys- #20 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #7 of 44 onThe Best 1970s Westerns, Ranked
- #38 of 92 onThe Best '70s Action Movies
- 20John Wayne, William Holden, Constance Towers
The Horse Soldiers (1959), directed by John Ford, sees John Wayne leading Union soldiers on a daring raid behind Confederate lines during the American Civil War. As Colonel John Marlowe, Wayne epitomizes courage under fire while navigating complex relationships with co-stars William Holden and Constance Towers. This action-packed war film is yet another testament to the enduring talents of both Ford and Wayne within their respective cinematic realms.
More The Horse Soldiers- #12 of 27 onThe 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #51 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #17 of 63 onThe Best Western Movies of the 1950s
- 21John Wayne, Geoffrey Deuel, Forrest Tucker
Set against the backdrop of Lincoln County during New Mexico's tumultuous territorial days, Chisum (1970) chronicles the life of real-life cattle baron John S. Chisum – portrayed by none other than John Wayne himself. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, this western biopic offers audiences a more grounded version of historical events while still delivering thrilling action sequences befitting a classic John Wayne film.
More Chisum- #39 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #759 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #186 of 305 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 22Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed
This 1945 war film, directed by frequent collaborator John Ford, casts John Wayne as Lieutenant "Rusty" Ryan – a dedicated Navy officer serving in a PT boat squadron during World War II. Boasting impressive naval battle scenes and an emotionally engrossing story, They Were Expendable provides a compelling portrait of the sacrifices made by those who served on the frontlines.
More They Were Expendable- #98 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #1 of 19 onPretty Good World War II Movies
- #47 of 55 onThe Best Memorial Day Movies
- 23John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda
Based on Cornelius Ryan's best-selling book, The Longest Day (1962) is an ambitious, all-star depiction of D-Day from both Allied and Axis perspectives. Directed by Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Bernhard Wicki, and uncredited work from Darryl F. Zanuck, this epic war film features John Wayne as Lt. Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort – a heroic paratrooper whose actions played a crucial role in the success of Operation Overlord.
More The Longest Day- #3 of 49 onThe Top 45+ Films Released In 1962
- #9 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #67 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- 24John Wayne, Stuart Whitman, Lee Marvin
Directed by Michael Curtiz with uncredited help from star John Wayne himself, The Comancheros (1961) pairs Wayne with Stuart Whitman as Texas Rangers pursuing gunrunners supplying weapons to hostile Native Americans. Brimming with action and suspenseful shootouts, this adventure-filled western serves as another thrilling addition to Wayne's cinematic legacy.
More The Comancheros- #41 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #16 of 46 onThe Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
- #23 of 46 onThe Best '60s Action Movies
- 25John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Ernie Kovacs
North to Alaska (1960), directed by Henry Hathaway, sees John Wayne as prospector Sam McCord seeking his fortune in the Alaskan gold rush alongside co-star Stewart Granger. Blending elements of comedy, romance, and adventure into its rollicking narrative, this light-hearted film remains an enjoyable change of pace for fans of John Wayne's more traditional Western fare.
More North to Alaska- #67 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #34 of 46 onThe Best '60s Action Movies
- #3 of 5 onThe Best Movies Directed by John Wayne
- 26John Wayne, Jorge Rivero, Jennifer O'Neill
Reuniting with legendary director Howard Hawks for their final collaboration together, Rio Lobo (1970) stars John Wayne as Cord McNally – a former Union officer determined to uncover a conspiracy involving Confederate gold and treacherous soldiers-turned-outlaws. With its blend of mystery, action, and revenge-driven plot twists, Rio Lobo provides a fitting swan song for one of cinema's most iconic director-actor pairings.
More Rio Lobo- #45 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #19 of 44 onThe Best 1970s Westerns, Ranked
- #5 of 47 onThe 45+ Best Movies Of 1970
- 27John Wayne, Richard Widmark, Laurence Harvey
John Wayne takes on triple duty as star, director, and producer in this ambitious retelling of the legendary Battle of the Alamo. Released in 1960, The Alamo features Wayne as Davy Crockett alongside an ensemble cast that includes Richard Widmark and Laurence Harvey. Despite mixed reviews at the time of its release, this epic historical drama has since earned its place in the annals of classic American cinema.
More The Alamo- #87 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #44 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #63 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
- 28John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Howard Keel
Directed by Burt Kennedy, The War Wagon (1967) pairs John Wayne with Kirk Douglas as they join forces to rob a heavily armed stagecoach transporting valuable cargo. This western heist film offers thrilling action sequences and clever humor that highlight the undeniable chemistry between its two iconic leading men.
More The War Wagon- #47 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #20 of 46 onThe Best 1960s Western Movies, Ranked
- #20 of 49 onThe Best Movies With War in the Title
- 29John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Zerbe
In this sequel to True Grit (1975), directed by Stuart Millar, John Wayne reprises his Oscar-winning role as cantankerous U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn – this time teamed up with Katharine Hepburn's indomitable spinster Eula Goodnight to take down a group of outlaws along the river rapids. Their memorable on-screen pairing adds charm and wit to this adventurous western romp.
More Rooster Cogburn- #43 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #119 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- #59 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- 30John Wayne, David Janssen, Jim Hutton
Co-directed by Ray Kellogg and John Wayne himself, The Green Berets (1968) is a controversial Vietnam War film that casts Wayne as Colonel Mike Kirby – a tough Airborne officer training Special Forces soldiers for combat against the Viet Cong. Featuring gritty battle scenes and showcasing Wayne's prowess within military-themed films, The Green Berets remains an enduring piece within his extensive body of work.
