When I say the name Clint Wood the word that comes to mind is “Iconic”. He started as a very popular TV star, went on to star in multiple hugely popular movies, several of which are still considered classics to this day.
With not only his acting but his direction skills, the man has never failed to entertain us. For someone who started out doing mostly Westerns, and who shot to stardom in that genre, Clint Eastwood as a director has made movies in almost every genre.
The journey of a man who has earned this much respect and name is uncertainly worth reminiscing and thus in his honor, we have ranked (in descending order) the top 10 times that Eastwood made our days on the big screen.
Where the Eagles dare (7.7/10)
Where The Eagles Dare, an adaptation of the novel by Alistair MacLean is the most realistic close-to-life action movie starring Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, and a great secondary cast.
This movie is set during World War 2 and it is an entertaining, action-packed adventurous war movie with a splendid story.
The Outlaw Josey Wales
The Outlaw Josey Wales is a 1976 American film set during and after the American Civil War about a man at war with himself, one who doubts his humanity, mourns his past, and kills the hated.
It was Eastwood’s 5th directorial effort and many consider it as one of his best roles ever.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Till now you guys might have understood Clint’s love for war movies. This movie is another masterwork from Clint Eastwood’s astonishing late period and is a spectacular but tragic war flick portraying the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers.
It is hard to think of another war movie that has gone so deeply into the mindset of the opposing side.
Mystic River
Mystic River is a 2003 American neo-noir mystery drama film yet again directed by Clint Eastwood and he does surely have poured everything he knows about directing into it. It is based on the novel by Dennis Lehane and adapted by screenwriter Brian Helgeland.
This movie is full of drama, mystery, and suspense and with the power of keeping you at the edge of your seats.
A Fist Full Of Dollars
This was Clint Eastwood’s very first leading role and he had undoubtedly done justice to his role as a mysterious man with no name. This is the first movie of the Dollars Trilogy and is full of action and drama.
It is a landmark western that established the Clint Eastwood persona and revitalized the genre.
Gran Torino
Gran Torino directed by Clint Eastwood revolves around him in the role of a disgruntled veteran Walt Kowalski who sets out to reform his neighbor, a young teenager, Thao Vang Lor, who is pressured by his cousin into stealing Walt’s prized 1972 Ford Gran Torino for his initiation into a gang. The movie is absolutely terrific and engaging with a fantastic and moving ending
Million Dollar Baby
Million-dollar baby is a 2004 American sports drama film starring Eastwood, Hillary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. It is a truly inspiring and motivational film. Clint Eastwood plays the role of a tired and hopeless old trainer who meets an untrained would-be boxer.
The movie then follows the journey of these two as the bond between them helps to ease both of their losses.
Unforgiven
This was Clint’s 16th movie as a director and his 34th as a lead actor. The film portrays William Munny, a retired old west gunslinger who reluctantly takes on one last job after he had turned to farm for good.
It is an amazing film, probably one of the best westerns out there.
For a Few Dollars More
For a few dollars more is the second part of the Dollars Trilogy, following A fistful of dollars. This action-packed and intense movie bring back Clint Eastwood as the serape-clad, cigar-chewing “Man with no name”.
It is an excellent film with Eastwood at its best and a must-watch for the thrill loving viewers out there.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
This movie was the third and final installment in the Dollars Trilogy starring Eastwood as “the Good”, Lee Van Cleef as “the Bad” and Eli Wallach as “the Ugly”. It is a curious amalgam of the visually striking, dramatically feeble, and powerful visuals.
The movie is based during the Civil War where two men, Blondie and Tuco, form an uncomfortable alliance while looking for some treasure. The story follows them as they find the treasure along with outwitting the Angel Eyes, an outlaw who wants to plunder the riches for himself.
The film ends the dollar trilogy on an epic note and the praiseworthy direction and storytelling make this one as one of the finest films of the century.
Conclusion
Clint Eastwood’s journey has been nothing less than epic. Whether it’s in the field of acting or as a filmmaker, he has always proved his worth. The man has a knack for getting great performances out of his actors whether he is acting with them or directing them and that is why so many people want to work with him.
He has won two Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture for Million Dollar Baby as well as Unforgiven. He might not make a perfect film all the time, but he has a great vision that can be seen and analyzed in all of his work. The actor is a gem and will always be remembered as one of the finest in Hollywood.
