Audie Murphy Movies List, Ranked

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Updated April 9, 2024 49.1K views 30 items
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Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American soldiers in World War II, became an acclaimed actor following his time in the service. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he starred in numerous films that showcased his talent and versatility as an actor. Delving into the best Audie Murphy movies invites film enthusiasts to appreciate his dedication to the art of cinema.

Featuring exceptional performances and riveting storylines, the best Audie Murphy films represent the pinnacle of his acting career. These movies not only highlight his remarkable abilities as an actor but also emphasize the significance of his contribution to the world of cinema. Whether portraying heroes or villains, Murphy's role in each film showcases his ability to captivate audiences with his compelling portrayals. 

Among the many outstanding Audie Murphy movies are classics such as No Name on the Bullet, where he plays the stoic yet enigmatic assassin John Gant. In To Hell and Back, Murphy re-enacts his war experiences, displaying an authentic perception of his personal journey as a soldier. Destry, a captivating Western, showcases Murphy as Tom Destry Jr. - a skilled gunfighter who prefers diplomacy to violence. Each of these films exemplifies the essence of Audie Murphy's talents, capturing just a fraction of the remarkable body of work throughout his career. 

A testament to his powerful impact on the silver screen, the best Audie Murphy movies continue to resonate with audiences and inspire admiration for his incredible abilities. From war epics to Western dramas, these films encompass the versatility and depth of Murphy's acting prowess. Exploring these exceptional cinematic achievements not only offers a glimpse into the brilliance of Audie Murphy's career but also allows viewers to appreciate the lasting impact he left on the silver screen.

Most divisive: Trunk to Cairo
Over 800 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Audie Murphy Movies List, Ranked
  • To Hell and Back
    1
    Marshall Thompson, Charles Drake, Jack Kelly
    280 votes

    A powerful tale of triumph in the face of adversity, this war drama showcases Audie Murphy's natural acting prowess on screen. Based on his own wartime experiences, our hero dives headfirst into the dangers of World War II and emerges a legendary hero. With vivid battle scenes and raw emotions, it's no wonder this film remains an all-time classic in the war genre.

  • No Name on the Bullet
    2
    Audie Murphy, Charles Drake, Joan Evans
    197 votes

    A stark western thriller that grips audiences from start to finish, this film exemplifies the moral ambiguity of life in the wild frontier. Showcasing Murphy's talent for playing complex characters, we watch as a deadly gunslinger navigates a treacherous web of suspicion and fear amongst a small town's populace. Tension runs high in this gritty tale, making it an unforgettable addition to any Western lover's collection.

  • Destry
    3
    Audie Murphy, Mari Blanchard, Lyle Bettger
    194 votes

    This rousing rendition of a classic Western tale features Murphy at his finest as he portrays an unassuming deputy who becomes a force to be reckoned with when necessary. Filled with action, romance, and intrigue - not to mention some truly witty banter - this film is a must-see for anyone seeking entertainment with heart and soul.

  • Night Passage
    4
    James Stewart, Audie Murphy, Dan Duryea
    153 votes

    Combining elements of action, adventure, and suspense, this thrilling Western showcases Murphy's range as an actor capable of delivering intense emotion while navigating perilous situations. Set against stunning backdrops and featuring well-drawn characters who are more than meets the eye, fans of the genre are sure to enjoy this cinematic gem.

  • Ride a Crooked Trail
    5
    Walter Matthau, Audie Murphy, Henry Silva
    129 votes

    In this captivating Western, our flawed hero finds himself thrust into a world of deception and danger as he attempts to escape his past and forge a new future. Featuring standout performances from Murphy and his supporting cast, this character-driven story provides equal parts excitement and introspection. It's sure to leave you pondering the nature of redemption long after the credits roll.

  • Gunsmoke
    6
    Audie Murphy, Susan Cabot, Paul Kelly
    127 votes

    Drama and suspense reign supreme in this gripping tale of a gunslinger seeking refuge from his dark past. Murphy delivers an unforgettable performance as a man haunted by his demons but determined to chart a new course amidst a world of greed, corruption, and violence. With its powerful story and captivating visuals, this film is truly a standout in the pantheon of classic Westerns.

  • Ride Clear of Diablo
    7
    Audie Murphy, Russell Johnson, Dan Duryea
    125 votes

    In a masterful blend of vengeance, action, and danger, our hero sets out on a thrilling quest for justice amidst the lawless landscape of the Wild West. Along the way, he'll face unexpected twists and turns that require every ounce of his cunning and skill. This rousing tale truly embodies the spirit of the Western genre.

  • The Duel at Silver Creek
    8
    Audie Murphy, Faith Domergue, Stephen McNally
    117 votes

    A thrilling showdown awaits in this high-stakes Western drama that pits our hero against a vicious gang of claim jumpers. With heart-pounding action sequences, nuanced characters, and unexpected twists at every turn, this film will leave audiences breathless as Murphy masterfully navigates his way through an intricate web of deceit and danger.

  • Drums Across the River
    9
    Audie Murphy, Walter Brennan, Lyle Bettger
    108 votes

    As tensions between Native Americans and white settlers reach a boiling point in this gripping tale of conflict and loyalty, our hero finds himself caught in the crossfire. Drawing upon all his inner strength and resourcefulness, Murphy delivers a powerful performance that showcases his skill as an actor capable of navigating complex moral dilemmas with admirable conviction.

  • Posse from Hell
    10
    Lee Van Cleef, Audie Murphy, Vic Morrow
    117 votes

    Set against the backdrop of a brutal and unforgiving frontier, this gritty Western tells the harrowing story of a reluctant lawman forced into action when his town is terrorized by ruthless outlaws. Filled with suspense, vengeance, and redemption, audiences will be captivated as they witness Murphy's powerful portrayal of a man pushed to the brink both physically and emotionally.

  • The Guns of Fort Petticoat
    11
    Audie Murphy, Kathryn Grant, Hope Emerson
    127 votes

    Audie Murphy brings passion, grit, and determination to his role as an Army deserter who takes it upon himself to train a group of women in defense against marauding Apache warriors. Combining action, romance, and intrigue with a powerful feminist message, this groundbreaking movie shines a light on the resilience and courage of the women who helped shape the American frontier.

  • The Red Badge of Courage
    12
    Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin, John Dierkes
    123 votes

    Adapting Stephen Crane's legendary novel to the big screen is no small feat, but Audie Murphy manages to do so with aplomb. Portraying the fearful young soldier Henry Fleming on his journey towards self-discovery during the Civil War, Murphy gives one of his most powerful performances in this iconic tale of bravery, growth, and redemption.

  • Seven Ways from Sundown
    13
    Audie Murphy, Barry Sullivan, Venetia Stevenson
    113 votes

    A heart-pounding cat-and-mouse game unfolds in this riveting Western drama that showcases Audie Murphy's versatility as an actor. Paired with the wily outlaw played by Barry Sullivan, our hero embarks on a perilous journey across treacherous terrain as they test each other's mettle at every turn. This character-driven narrative is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until its thrilling conclusion.

  • The Unforgiven
    14

    The Unforgiven

    Burt Lancaster, Audrey Hepburn, Lillian Gish
    115 votes

    In this emotionally charged drama set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, we witness Audie Murphy's poignant portrayal of a young man struggling to come to terms with his tragic past while forging a future for himself amidst racial tension, betrayal, and loss. A haunting tale filled with raw emotion and powerful themes, this deeply affecting film leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

  • Tumbleweed
    15
    Audie Murphy, Lori Nelson, Chill Wills
    88 votes

    This thrilling adventure sees our hero falsely accused of murder and forced to go on the run to clear his name. Along the way, he'll reckon with betrayals both old and new while navigating a harsh and unforgiving landscape. With its breathtaking cinematography and pulse-pounding action, this film is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

  • Gunfight at Comanche Creek
    16
    Audie Murphy, Ben Cooper, Colleen Miller
    70 votes

    A gritty crime western that sees Audie Murphy taking on dual roles as both outlaw leader and undercover lawman, keeping viewers on their toes with unexpected twists throughout. When vengeance and deception become entwined, it's up to Murphy to bring those responsible for his wrongful imprisonment to justice - even if it means facing off against his own gang.

  • Bullet for a Badman
    17
    Audie Murphy, Alan Hale, Jr.
    74 votes

    With an engaging mix of drama, action, and suspense, this film showcases Murphy as a well-respected sheriff grappling with intense moral dilemmas when his former best friend turns outlaw. This emotionally charged narrative delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and personal growth while maintaining all the excitement audiences have come to expect from classic Westerns.

  • Walk the Proud Land
    18
    Audie Murphy, Anne Bancroft, Pat Crowley
    79 votes

    In this compelling tale of diplomacy and culture clash, Murphy shines as an Indian agent tasked with maintaining peace between the Apache people and encroaching settlers. With nuance, compassion, and sensitivity, our hero navigates the shifting sands of loyalty and political intrigue in this truly thought-provoking film.

  • 40 Guns to Apache Pass
    19
    Audie Murphy, Kenneth MacDonald, Michael Burns
    83 votes

    This action-packed Western boasts a gripping story of redemption, brotherhood, and sacrifice set against the thrilling backdrop of the untamed frontier. As the tension mounts between an Army cavalry unit and fierce Apaches vying for control of a valuable cache of arms, our resourceful hero steps forward to tip the scales in favor of justice.

  • The Wild and the Innocent
    20
    Audie Murphy, Joanne Dru, Sandra Dee
    82 votes

    A charming coming-of-age tale that features a young Audie Murphy searching for love amidst stunning Western vistas. This lighthearted romp through the frontier incorporates elements of adventure, romance, and humor while showcasing the youthful charisma that would make Murphy a legend of the silver screen.

  • Gunpoint
    21
    Audie Murphy, Joan Staley, Warren Stevens
    58 votes

    Set in a lawless territory, this action-packed Western sees Murphy as a reluctant deputy faced with the difficult task of protecting a small town from a vicious outlaw gang. With perseverance and cunning, our hero must outwit and outgun his enemies to save the day in this thrilling cinematic showdown.

  • The Texican
    22

    The Texican

    Audie Murphy, Broderick Crawford, Diana Lorys
    76 votes

    A brooding revenge story set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Texas, this film showcases Murphy as an exiled gunslinger seeking to right old wrongs. Brimming with action, tension, and moral ambiguity, this unforgettable Western exemplifies the genre at its finest and is sure to become an enduring favorite among fans.

  • The Quiet American
    23
    Audie Murphy, Michael Redgrave, Claude Dauphin
    63 votes

    Showcasing Murphy's versatility as an actor, this gripping political thriller based on Graham Greene's novel places our hero at the center of Cold War-era intrigue in Vietnam. A haunting portrayal of divided loyalties and dangerous liaisons, this film is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until its startling conclusion.

  • The Kid from Texas
    24
    Audie Murphy, Gale Storm, Albert Dekker
    66 votes

    A tale of redemption that sees Audie Murphy as Billy the Kid turning his life around after encountering Pat Garrett in 1880s New Mexico. This entertaining combination of action, romance, and humor displays Murphy's precocious talent for portraying complex characters faced with difficult choices while maintaining all the excitement audiences have come to expect from classic Westerns.

  • Showdown
    25
    Audie Murphy, Strother Martin, Harold J. Stone
    51 votes

    This compelling Western drama features an intense rivalry between two former friends turned bitter enemies - one a corrupt landowner, the other a principled gunslinger - played by Audie Murphy. As tensions reach a boiling point, viewers will be captivated by the gripping battle of wits and wills that ensues in this dramatic tale of betrayal and redemption.

  • The Gun Runners
    26
    Audie Murphy, Eddie Albert, Patricia Owens
    56 votes

    Based on Ernest Hemingway's To Have and Have Not, this thrilling crime drama sees Murphy as a desperate boat captain pulled into the dangerous world of gun smuggling. Navigating treacherous waters both literal and figurative, our hero struggles to maintain his integrity and survive in this tense and captivating tale of intrigue.

  • Battle at Bloody Beach
    27
    Audie Murphy, Gary Crosby, Dolores Michaels
    55 votes

    Set during World War II, this engrossing war film places Murphy in the heart of deadly guerrilla warfare in the Philippines. As he leads a band of ragtag resistance fighters against Japanese occupiers, our hero showcases his legendary bravery and resourcefulness on screen, making for a gripping cinematic experience.

  • Joe Butterfly
    28
    Burgess Meredith, Audie Murphy, Keenan Wynn
    44 votes

    A departure from his usual roles, Murphy takes on a lighthearted comedy in this post-World War II romp set in occupied Japan. Playing an enterprising magazine editor looking to establish an outpost in Tokyo, he enlists the help of a local con man known as "Joe Butterfly." The ensuing hijinks provide plenty of laughs while shedding light on the unique challenges faced by American servicemen during this tumultuous period.

  • World in My Corner
    29
    Audie Murphy, John McIntire, Art Aragon
    33 votes

    In this inspiring rags-to-riches tale, Audie Murphy steps into the ring as a talented but struggling boxer searching for his shot at greatness. Combining elements of drama, romance, and heart-pounding action, this captivating sports film not only showcases Murphy's talents outside of the Western genre but also highlights important themes of perseverance, hope, and self-discovery.

  • Trunk to Cairo
    30
    George Sanders, Audie Murphy, Gila Almagor
    46 votes

    In this thrilling espionage adventure, Murphy eschews his traditional Western image for that of a suave secret agent tasked with infiltrating enemy territory. As tensions rise and danger mounts, our hero must use all his wits to outsmart powerful adversaries and complete his mission in this exhilarating high-stakes game of cat and mouse. With its globe-trotting action and intriguing plot twists, this exciting film is a testament to Audie Murphy's range and enduring appeal as an actor.