He’s one of the most famous actors in the business which is a remarkable achievement, especially because he was told early on in his career that his acting skills were horrible.
He managed to become one of the most respected actors and movie directors in history, and in this post, we’ll check out the top 10 Clint Eastwood movies (as an actor).
10. Escape From Alcatraz
- Released: 1979
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Escape From Alcatraz tells the story of the daring escape of 3 inmates from the infamous Alcatraz prison which is located on an island just outside of San Francisco. Clint Eastwood takes on the role of bank robber Frank Morris, the mastermind behind the event. After their seemingly successful escape, the 3 were never seen or heard from again.
9. Dirty Harry
- Released: 1971
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
In Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood takes on one of his most iconic roles as San Francisco Police Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan. The city is being terrorized by a psychopath going by the name of “the Scorpio Killer” and there’s only one man who will be able to stop him.
8. Gran Torino
- Released: 2008
- Genre: Drama
In Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood takes on the role of Walt Kowalski, a moody and disgruntled Korean War veteran. He only has a few things he cares about in life, and one is his car, a 1972 Gran Torino. When he discovers one day that his neighbor, a Hmong teenager named Thao Lor tries to steal it, he starts a mission trying to reform the kid who is about the go in the wrong direction.
7. Million Dollar Baby
- Released: 2004
- Genre: Drama, Sport
Million Dollar Baby tells the story of a determined woman named Maggie Fitzgerald, played by Hillary Swank, who attempts to become a boxing champion with the help of hardened boxing trainer Frankie Dunn, played by Clint Eastwood, and Eddie ‘Scrap-Iron’ Dupris, played by Morgan Freeman. The result is a heartfelt tale that transcends the general clichés of many other boxing movies.
6. The Bridges Of Madison County
- Released: 1995
- Genre: Drama, Romance
The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of a woman who briefly had an affair with a freelance photographer. In this sentimental movie, Clint Eastwood delivers a performance that is in sheer contrast with his other movies, showing he is capable of playing romantic roles as well.
5. A Fistful Of Dollars
- Released: 1964
- Genre: Western, Action, Drama
A Fistful of Dollars is the first in the Spaghetti Western trilogy starring Clint Eastwood as “The Man With No Name.” In this one, he rides into a town that is torn apart by greed and corruption. It’s the first breakthrough in Clint Eastwood’s movie career and the anonymous and deadly gunslinger eventually ended up making him a superstar.
4. The Mule
- Released: 2018
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
In The Mule, the 90-year-old Korean War Veteran named Earl Stone finds himself entangled in the dangerous world of Mexican drug cartels. He ends up unknowingly becomes a drug courier who is slowly getting on the radar of the police as his illegal cargo gets heavier and heavier.
Clint Eastwood directing and taking the lead role at age 90 makes this movie an absolute gem.
3. For A Few Dollars More
- Released: 1965
- Genre: Western, Action
For a Few Dollars More is the second in the Spaghetti Western Trilogy and this one, the “Man With No Name” teams up with Colonel Douglas Mortimer, played by iconic actor Lee Van Cleef. The two bounty killers set out on a journey through the Wild West to chase a gang of outlaws whose leader is named “El Indio.”
2. Unforgiven
- Released: 1992
- Genre: Drama, Western
Unforgiven tells the story of retired gunslinger William Munny who reluctantly takes on a final job together with his old partner Ned Logan and a young man, The “Schofield Kid.” He aims to find the criminal who severely mutilated a prostitute in the town of Big Whiskey. Unforgiven ended up becoming the movie that won Clint Eastwood his first Academy Award.
1. The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
- Released: 1966
- Genre: Western, Action, Comedy
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly is the final movie in the Spaghetti Western Trilogy and is in our opinion the best Clint Eastwood movie ever. It combines endless funny situations with an incredibly clever plot which culminates in a fantastic stand-off. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and eventually makes you realize that you have just watched an absolute masterpiece of a movie!
