John Wayne’s 161 films grossed over $350 million in the early ’60s.
The American western film has begun in the late 19th century. John Wayne was a central figure in western movies during the Golden Age, the 1940s and 1950s.
Other western giant figures include Robert Mitchum, Rock Hudson, and Randolph Scott. Any Hollywood film buff has dozens of Wayne movies in their filmography.
This guide will tackle the Best John Wayne Movies for beginners. The Best John Wayne Movies give context to his larger body of work.
True Grit (1969): Considered as One of the Best John Wayne Movies
The movie follows U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn as he teams up with a young woman named Mattie Ross to track down her father’s killer. True Grit is one of the top John Wayne films for beginners because it’s one of the popular Westerns with plenty of action and humor. It is also the movie where John Wayne would win his only Best Actor award at the Oscars.
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Hellfighters (1968): Loved by Loyal Fans
It’s a thrilling action movie with plenty of heart, and Wayne delivers an outstanding performance as a Texas oil well firefighter. The film also features some impressive stunt work, a good showcase for Wayne’s physicality. It is a famous movie that has won over many of Wayne’s loyal fans.
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949): Perfect War Movie
This war film is considered one of Wayne’s best, and it’s a great choice for beginners. The story follows the battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Marines, and Wayne gives an incredible performance.
In this film, Wayne portrays a Marine sergeant leading his troops in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. While it may not be the lightest of films, Sands of Iwo Jima is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into John Wayne movies.
The Searchers (1956): Epic and Dark Western
If you’re looking for a starting point in your John Wayne film education, there’s no better place to start than with The Searchers. This 1956 movie is one of the best Westerns ever made and is certainly one of the most influential. It stars Wayne as a Civil War veteran who sets out on a years-long search for his missing niece (Natalie Wood), and it features some of the most stunning landscapes and action sequences you’ll ever see.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962): Most Revered Westerns
This classic western tells the story of a senator who returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of an old friend. While there, he recalls the events that led to the friend’s death and the truth about who shot Liberty Valance.
This film is considered one of Wayne’s best, and it’s easy to see why. The acting, direction, and writing are top-notch, and the story is exciting and thought-provoking.
John Wayne is a Movie Legend
If you’re looking for a starting point in your John Wayne film exploration, these are the best John Wayne movies and are a great place to begin. You’ll get a sense of the different genres Wayne was comfortable in and get a feel for his persona on screen. After watching these, you’ll be ready to tackle some of his more challenging films.
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