All 40 Films Directed by Clint Eastwood, Ranked

Typically referred to as The Man with No Identify, Clint Eastwood can be the Director Who Received’t Gradual Down, even into his 90s. His profession is fascinating, and plainly extends past simply directing, after all. He rose to prominence again within the late Nineteen Fifties, because of the TV present Rawhide, after which turned a movie star by the point the Sixties got here round. Certainly, that decade noticed the discharge of what’s most likely one of the best movie he starred in with out directing: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Beginning within the early Seventies, Clint Eastwood additionally started directing, typically starring within the motion pictures he directed whereas additionally showing in motion pictures he didn’t direct (like Escape from Alcatraz and Within the Line of Hearth). To concentrate on his directorial credit, although, what stands out to begin with is how persistently Eastwood’s labored as a director. Between 1971 and 2024, he made 40 characteristic movies, which might be staggering if he simply centered on directing… however as talked about earlier than, he’s additionally acted a complete bunch throughout this time, too. Whereas not each movie of his is a masterpiece, he’s actually been behind some nice ones, and surprisingly few whole duds, too. What follows is a rating of each movie Eastwood has directed, beginning with the not-so-great and ending with some real classics.

‘The 15:17 to Paris’ (2018)

Starring: Ray Corasani, Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler

There was an try at one thing daring with The 15:17 to Paris, however the execution let it down. It dramatized a real-life story about three American males who thwarted a terrorist assault on board a practice whereas vacationing in Europe. The boldness got here from the truth that it received the three precise males to primarily play themselves, recreating the central occasion whereas additionally performing out moments from their lives main as much as it.

It is a noble thought, however the three leads don’t seem significantly snug – and even pure – enjoying themselves. You’ll be able to admire what they did, however it’s more durable to be wowed by their performances right here, as harsh as that could be to say. Elsewhere, The 15:17 to Paris is sort of sloppily put collectively from a writing and enhancing perspective, and what ought to’ve been a stirring thriller instead becomes a very clunky melodrama.

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‘The Rookie’ (1990)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Charlie Sheen, Raúl Juliá

As will turn out to be clear in a bit, Clint Eastwood had a pretty good decade in the 1990s, all issues thought-about, particularly as a result of it noticed him discover appreciable awards success (wins for Greatest Image and Greatest Director the identical 12 months). However issues didn’t kick off amazingly nicely on this decade, seeing as 1990 noticed the discharge of The Rookie, a film that feels as if it was directed by one.

It’d sound engaging on paper, as a result of the thought of a cop film starring Eastwood and Charlie Sheen is, in idea, probably too bizarre to be boring, however no… The Rookie is boring. It feels a lot longer than the 2 hours it runs for, and seeing flat motion sequences and continuous scenes of Sheen and Eastwood clashing actually will get previous surprisingly quick.

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‘Firefox’ (1982)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Freddie Jones, David Huffman

Describing Firefox will make it sound extra attention-grabbing than it’s, maybe much more so than was the case with The Rookie. This can be a Chilly Warfare film that flirts with the sci-fi style whereas (purportedly) being an motion/thriller movie, following Eastwood’s character, a talented pilot, going to the USSR to steal a top-secret jet fighter that the Soviets are growing.

You’ve received paranoia, a transparent goal, and Eastwood doing his standard stoic factor… it ought to all make for a enjoyable film, however exterior a couple of temporary moments of life right here and there, Firefox is a quite plodding flick to truly watch. There’s a standard sentiment that mediocre motion pictures needs to be remade greater than already good motion pictures, and that may very well be stated about Firefox, maybe, if the Chilly Warfare was nonetheless going. It’s sadly relegated to being a relic of its time, and a reasonably underwhelming/disappointing one at that.

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‘Hereafter’ (2010)

Starring: Matt Damon, Cécile de France, Bryce Dallas Howard

Firefox was uncommon for being an (virtually) science fiction film directed by Eastwood, whose movies are typically grounded extra in actuality, and Hereafter is equally novel for being kind of a fantasy movie; emphasis, possibly, on “form of.” It’s principally a drama, and it additionally performs out like a catastrophe film, particularly in its first act, thanks to at least one quite spectacular sequence early on that depicts the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The movie follows a girl who miraculously survives stated occasion, and the way in which she’s probably mysteriously related to 2 different individuals who have some form of hyperlink to the afterlife. There are large concepts which are prodded at in Hereafter, however it by no means dives as deep into things like it may or ought to. It comes near being transferring at occasions, however it’s the form of movie that simply doesn’t stick the touchdown, and it in the end turns into regrettably tedious to observe, at a sure level.

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‘J. Edgar’ (2011)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer

J. Edgar feels just a little torn between being one thing subversive and surprising, and one thing just a little more by-the-numbers, as far as biopics go. Unsurprisingly, the central determine right here is J. Edgar Hoover, and the movie does what it will possibly to seize a large chunk of his life, with Leonardo DiCaprio enjoying Hoover over quite a few a long time, full with some fairly unconvincing old-age make-up.

It’s a film that’s at its most attention-grabbing when exploring sexual repression, provided that’s the form of stunning a part of what in any other case looks like an ordinary biopic a few noteworthy American particular person from the twentieth century. The partaking/hanging stuff will get just a little misplaced within the general movie, although, which may typically be overwrought and a bit uninteresting. There are each issues to admire and dislike in J. Edgar, in starkly equal measure, actually.

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‘Blood Work’ (2002)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Daniels, Anjelica Huston

Not fairly a legendary thriller by any means, however a roughly competent one, Blood Work incorporates considered one of Eastwood’s remaining lead performances; certainly, he solely had outstanding roles in 5 motion pictures since 2002. He’s been extra centered on directing as he’s gotten older, it appears, and that’s resulted in some nice motion pictures. Not Blood Work, although. Not likely. This one’s simply okay.

It’s anticipated stuff so far as cop motion pictures go, with Eastwood enjoying an FBI profiler who comes out of retirement to work on a case that includes monitoring down a serial killer. It’s not very profitable as a thriller film, however offers some enjoyable bursts of motion right here and there, and seeing an older Eastwood be gruff and sarcastic is at all times, on the very least, just a little bit entertaining.

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‘The Gauntlet’ (1977)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle

Lengthy stretches of The Gauntlet are sadly a bit uninteresting, however the film comes alive at sure factors not less than, primarily when it focuses on delivering action. It’s received the kind of easy premise that matches nicely with that style, being a few cop who’s tasked with escorting a high-profile witness out of Las Vegas, contending with the varied individuals who need her useless.

It’s considered one of a number of motion pictures Eastwood starred in with Sondra Locke, however not one of many pair’s higher ones. The Gauntlet does admittedly keep away from overstaying its welcome an excessive amount of, clocking in, mercifully, at underneath two hours, and it’s usually put collectively in a reliable sufficient approach. Issues drag at sure factors, although, and the general movie can really feel surprisingly lifeless at occasions, even with the excessive stakes that appear inherent to its central story.

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‘Bronco Billy’ (1980)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis

It’d sound like sacrilege, however Eastwood’s work as a director was way more inconsistent in the 1970s and 1980s than it was within the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s, the latter 20 years being when the filmmaker was usually at his greatest. Hell, you would even argue that the 2010s noticed the discharge of usually higher Eastwood movies in comparison with his first 20 years spent behind the digicam. That sense of Eastwood bettering his craft could be appreciated for those who’re prepared to do a deep dive into his filmography.

However you’ll come throughout movies like Bronco Billy, which simply don’t actually stand out or excel. To Bronco Billy and the credit score of comparable movies, although, not less than they don’t stand out in dangerous methods, both. That is only a very customary and maybe overly loose-feeling romantic dramedy with a little bit of a contemporary Western vibe. It comes after which it goes, all in just below two hours, and that’s that.

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‘Heartbreak Ridge’ (1986)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, Everett McGill

Clint Eastwood has directed a handful of great war movies in his time, although Heartbreak Ridge is not fairly considered one of them. It’s tonally odd, to not point out a bit plodding, like many different less-than-great or usually mediocre Eastwood-directed flicks. The main target right here is extra on coaching than fight, which is not the downside; in spite of everything, contemplate how fascinating one thing like Full Metallic Jacket is whereas exploring that space of navy life.

The issue is greater than Heartbreak Ridge is not massively partaking on an emotional entrance, nor significantly insightful in what it has to say about conflict. One may reward it for being impartial or seeming well-balanced, certain, however there’s nonetheless the issue of it not being fully partaking. That may sound overly damaging for a movie that’s nonetheless admittedly competent, however Heartbreak Ridge simply falls a bit quick, and it’s form of a disappointment, quite than a real hidden gem inside Eastwood’s sizable filmography.

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‘The Eiger Sanction’ (1975)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, George Kennedy, Vonetta McGee

As soon as once more, the phrase “competence” rears its not fairly ugly head. Its underwhelming head? Disappointing head? That got here out fallacious. Um, yeah, The Eiger Sanction is kind of competent for an action/adventure movie. Nothing extra, nothing much less. The story is about an murderer out for revenge, and there may be additionally a number of snow, which means it’s considered one of Eastwood’s chilliest motion pictures.

Nothing extra of any actual observe could be stated right here. The Eiger Sanction exists. Eastwood broods, comes out of retirement, and will get tousled in some pretty ho-hum motion set items. It could be simpler to suggest if it was just a little extra brisk, however the movie feels regrettably flabby because of its runtime, which exceeds two hours. Large Eastwood followers would possibly discover some satisfying components right here, however in any other case, it’s laborious to get too smitten by this one.

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‘Honkytonk Man’ (1982)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood, John McIntire

There are followers of Honkytonk Man, and a few would possibly contemplate it considered one of Clint Eastwood’s extra private and underrated motion pictures, in order that needs to be acknowledged. It’s almost a musical, too, being centered on a younger boy and his uncle as they journey round in the course of the Nice Melancholy, the latter being a musician who’s struggling greater than ever as a consequence of a nationwide lack of cash.

Clint Eastwood stars alongside his son right here, Kyle Eastwood, and Honkytonk Man can be considered one of a number of movies directed by the previous that showcases his ardour for music. It’s a very languidly-paced movie, and that lack of tightness could make it drag at occasions, however it captures the period through which it’s set pretty nicely, and one will get the sense Eastwood actually wasn’t on autopilot right here. It simply would’ve been nice if the fervour right here was just a little extra infectious.

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‘Absolute Energy’ (1997)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris

It’s straightforward to combine up Absolute Power with varied different motion/crime/drama motion pictures from the Nineteen Nineties, which was a decade when folks appeared prepared to call such movies as generically as potential. Or, possibly the star energy was what counted right here, over any form of catchy title, as a result of there are some large names in Absolute Power, including Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, and Judy Davis (alongside Eastwood himself, after all).

The plot right here is a few thief witnessing a homicide that includes the President of the USA, after which happening the run after being within the fallacious place on the fallacious time places his life in peril. It’s a paranoia-heavy movie that needs to be a bit extra gripping than it’s, however it’s nonetheless strong and solely just a little disappointing. With appropriately tempered expectations (laborious to do when that solid is so good, admittedly), it’s a reasonably respectable watch.

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‘Sully’ (2016)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

To not be blended up with a certain Robert Zemeckis movie in regards to the aftermath of a dangerous airplane maneuver that saved lives, Sully is differentiated from that one (Flight) as a result of it’s immediately primarily based on a real story. It stars Tom Hanks as a pilot who landed a malfunctioning aircraft on the Hudson River, which ended up saving the lives of the 150+ folks on board.

Sully form of peaks with the inciting incident, and the majority of the film (you already know, the aftermath) fails to be fairly as dramatically attention-grabbing. However it does reach a retelling of a nonetheless pretty current precise occasion, all of the whereas being solidly acted and assembled from a filmmaking perspective. Insert joke about Eastwood being on autopilot right here (however autopilot Eastwood, it must be stated, can nonetheless crank out a good movie).

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‘The Mule’ (2018)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne

There’s extra simplicity to be discovered within the very simple The Mule, which is, as of writing, the penultimate Clint Eastwood movie he each starred in and directed. It’s a film that sees him going back to the ever-familiar crime genre, with the story right here specializing in an aged man who, as a consequence of determined monetary stress, finally ends up turning into a drug courier.

Owing to Eastwood’s age, and the age of his character, The Mule is, by design, hardly an exhilarating form of crime movie, however it’s an empathetic and typically emotionally profitable one. It depicts a form of hardship confronted by those that are ageing in a blunt and customarily sincere approach, and in its lighter moments, The Mule can be surprisingly life-affirming and even just a little humorous.

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‘Changeling’ (2008)

Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan

Changeling is a reasonably grueling watch; if not Eastwood’s absolute bleakest, then it might be a contender. The premise right here includes a girl’s baby going lacking for a number of months, after which additional problems ensuing when she’s “reconnected” with him, however is firmly of the idea that the child is – to paraphrase the King of Pop – not her son.

It’s one other considered one of these Eastwood-directed movies that’s fairly good, albeit not precisely nice. Angelina Jolie is excellent right here within the lead function not less than, and there are different strong performances to be discovered right here (Clint Eastwood motion pictures that aren’t The 15:17 to Paris could be relied on to usually include good performing). You may not be wowed general, then, by Changeling, however it’s nonetheless fairly satisfying as a drama with a period setting.

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‘True Crime’ (1999)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Isaiah Washington, LisaGay Hamilton

Sorry, however Blood Work, Absolute Energy, and True Crime do form of blur collectively, so forgive any commentary for the final of these sounding a contact acquainted. These three Eastwood motion pictures all have crime/drama/thriller components, got here out across the identical time, and share an analogous really feel… to not point out the truth that all are, sadly, just a little sluggish from a pacing perspective.

Fortunately, the acting here’s dependably good, and True Crime has one thing of a pulse at occasions because of a narrative a few journalist who believes a person on Dying Row is definitely harmless. It may’ve benefited from being just a little extra breathless and/or thrilling, however True Crime – as soon as extra – will get the job executed. And, to its credit score, it’s maybe a contact extra compelling than both Blood Work or Absolute Energy.

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‘Jersey Boys’ (2014)

Starring: John Lloyd Younger, Vincent Piazza, Michael Lomenda

Clint Eastwood’s ardour for music emerges as soon as extra in Jersey Boys, which is form of the closest he’s come to directing a Martin Scorsese crime movie. You would even argue that Scorsese would’ve executed this materials just a little higher (there’s profanity, some mob components, a story spanning years, voiceover, and Joe Pesci… not as an actor, however as a personality!), however there’s nonetheless one thing enjoyable about seeing Eastwood sort out it.

Jersey Boys is generally about Frankie Valli and the forming of the 4 Seasons, exploring the ups and downs that got here with forming the group and touching upon how they had been considerably related to the mob. It’s an uneven movie for certain, and never at all times an enthralling one, however it comes alive at sure factors and finally ends up being a strong – and typically distinctive – tackle the music biopic style.

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‘Area Cowboys’ (2000)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland

It doesn’t matter if the title sounds silly and the film itself could be flawed; one doesn’t merely flip down a film that stars Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland, and Tommy Lee Jones, amongst others. There are many cool previous folks in right here being cool previous dudes, and that makes Area Cowboys a quintessential “dad movie,” for individuals who are both older males or just have that dad mind set.

And, certain, dad motion pictures don’t at all times get important acclaim or really feel significantly intelligent, however typically, their blunt appeal is simply what the physician ordered. Area Cowboys follows a bunch of previous guys happening a usually entertaining journey into area, reliving their youths whereas engaged in a quite high-stakes mission. It’s form of a hangout film, it’s form of dumb, however it’s additionally kind of laborious to withstand, and would possibly nicely qualify as underrated, all issues thought-about.

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‘Sudden Influence’ (1983)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle

It’s hopefully not controversial to say that the Dirty Harry collection commenced with what was simply its greatest movie, and ultimately ended with its worst (the fifth). Close to to the tip (however not a nadir) was Sudden Influence, the fourth featuring Harry Callahan, and the one Soiled Harry film to be directed by Clint Eastwood himself. Apparently, every of the 5 motion pictures had a distinct director, too.

Anyway, with Sudden Influence, the narrative includes Callahan having to take care of a feminine vigilante who’s out getting very justifiable, and violent, revenge on quite a few horrible folks. There are questions raised by the movie surrounding what she does versus what Callahan does, and although it’s by no means as in-depth as could be supreme, Sudden Influence is admirable for giving viewers one thing to chew on not less than, alongside being one other pretty entertaining Soiled Harry sequel, on extra of a intestine/primary degree.

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‘Invictus’ (2009)

Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge

A historic movie that doesn’t happen all that way back within the general scheme of issues, whereas additionally functioning as something of a sports movie, Invictus is about rugby getting used as a method to attempt to deliver folks collectively in South Africa proper after the apartheid period. It’s precisely what you’d anticipate it to be, however there’s nothing too fallacious with that when beats are sufficiently hit and acceptable feelings are mined.

Like too many Clint Eastwood movies to say, Invictus is just a little longer than it must be, however there’s extra right here that works than doesn’t work. It’s additionally higher than the opposite Eastwood-directed film starring Matt Damon (Hereafter), however it’s not so good as the opposite movies Eastwood directed Morgan Freeman in (extra on these Greatest Image winners in a bit).

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‘Cry Macho’ (2021)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Natalia Traven

This placement would possibly elevate some eyebrows, however these sentimental about Clint Eastwood and his legacy will doubtless discover elements of Cry Macho to be genuinely transferring (whereas different elements are, certain, a bit clunky). That is, as of 2025, the ultimate film Eastwood has starred in, and can most likely be his final, given the person’s now in his mid-90s and Cry Macho feels so successfully like a swansong, too.

It’s one of many actor/director’s lesser Westerns, certain, however it virtually shouldn’t be in comparison with them. It’s a gentler, slower, and – appropriately – older-feeling Western than the rest Eastwood’s made throughout the style, however it looks like a becoming cinematic equal of a victory lap for somebody whose profession took off because of the Western style; as talked about earlier than, on each the TV display within the late Nineteen Fifties and in the course of the Sixties on the massive display.

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‘Flags of Our Fathers’ (2006)

Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Seaside

The lesser part of a war duology, although nonetheless fairly good in its personal proper, Flags of Our Fathers is partly in regards to the Battle of Iwo Jima, seen from the U.S. perspective, and partly about its aftermath. On each fronts, there’s a selected concentrate on a famed {photograph} displaying six males elevating an American flag on Mt. Suribachi, uncovering the reality behind it and the way these captured within the picture handled life after the battle was over.

Successfully anti-war in its strategy to considered one of many battles fought throughout World Warfare II, Flags of Our Fathers is somber, gritty, and typically fairly transferring. It was launched the same year as Eastwood’s superior companion film in regards to the Battle of Iwo Jima (to be elaborated on just a little down the road), however each halves of this general story – nicely, two halves of the identical story, arguably – are nonetheless value experiencing.

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‘Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil’ (1997)

Starring: John Cusack, Kevin Spacey, Jude Regulation

With a fairly long title and a comparatively lengthy runtime of 155 minutes, Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil feels wider in scope than many different Clint Eastwood motion pictures coping with crime and justice. Eastwood’s returned to exploring such themes repeatedly, doing so in ways in which had been inferior to this movie, however on the identical time, Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil is exceeded in high quality by varied different thematically comparable Eastwood motion pictures.

Nonetheless, there’s a certain eeriness to this one that’s simpler to admire, with its plot regarding a reporter wanting right into a high-stakes homicide trial that includes one very rich particular person. Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil doesn’t should be greater than 2.5 hours lengthy, however most of it’s fairly good, and it finally ends up feeling as if it’s considered one of Eastwood’s extra underappreciated efforts general, even with a couple of flaws holding it again from true greatness.

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‘Play Misty for Me’ (1971)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walter, Donna Mills

It’s comprehensible why Jessica Walter is best known for Arrested Development, however so far as movie performances go, Play Misty for Me might be her most well-known/memorable. Basically, she performs an obsessive fan of a disc jockey (performed by Eastwood), with the movie being a slow-burn thriller about her obsession rising more and more harmful and, ultimately, violent.

Play Misty for Me can be noteworthy for being the first feature film Clint Eastwood directed, and got here out the identical 12 months he starred within the first Soiled Harry movie. So it’s just a little overshadowed by that one, however it works as a reasonably good – and unabashedly direct – thriller, and it’s of undeniably robust high quality for a directorial debut. Following this one, Eastwood did certainly transfer on to each greener and, uh, browner(?) pastures.

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‘Excessive Plains Drifter’ (1973)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill

Funnily sufficient, right here’s Clint Eastwood’s second characteristic movie as director, Excessive Plains Drifter, which was a minor improvement upon his debut, Play Misty for Me. As a movie, it’s form of a giant deal, as a result of after starring in a fair few iconic Westerns, Eastwood tried his hand for the primary time at directing one right here, and he did a removed from dangerous job.

Additionally starring within the movie, Excessive Plains Drifter sees Eastwood as a gunfighter who stumbles right into a city, proves his alarming ability with a gun, after which will get employed by the townspeople there to kill a couple of extra males. It’s a sluggish and atmospheric Western that will get fairly darkish and unsettling at occasions in a approach that feels novel, mitigating the truth that the pacing does make it really feel just a little uneventful at occasions, not less than on a story entrance. However for evoking the distinctive temper it does, this one’s value looking for out.

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‘Richard Jewell’ (2019)

Starring: Paul Walter Hauser, Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates

The 2010s wasn’t as fruitful a decade because the 2000s had been, concerning Clint Eastwood and the movies he directed, however Richard Jewell did sneak into the previous decade, and worked as a more than solid drama impressed by actual occasions. That places it consistent with Sully, having one other story about somebody’s act of heroism resulting in intense scrutiny, however it handles such a premise – and the related themes – in a extra compelling vogue.

It is competently written and edited, although in the end elevated by its performances, with Paul Walter Hauser (within the titular function) and Kathy Bates being particularly nice. It’s one other Eastwood movie that form of begins, performs out, after which ends the way in which you’d anticipate it to, however hey, it’s environment friendly, well-acted, and covers an attention-grabbing real-life story, so that each one makes Richard Jewell really feel like greater than sufficient.

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‘Hen’ (1988)

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker

Okay, that is the final time a Clint Eastwood film might be described as too lengthy, however it’s the greatest factor that holds Hen again from being a top-tier work by the director. It’s an enticing biopic about Charlie ‘Hen’ Parker that sprawls out throughout 161 minutes, in a approach that some would possibly discover uninteresting, whereas others would possibly see it because the cinematic equal of improvising in a fittingly jazzy approach.

It wanders round and rambles, however that may very well be a part of the purpose; it feels intentional, so viewing it that approach makes the size arguably just a little extra comprehensible. And Hen is hanging as a portrait of a skilled and iconic – yet also troubled – artist, with its strategy, type, and size working to set it aside from most different music-focused biopics on the market.

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‘Breezy’ (1973)

Starring: William Holden, Kay Lenz, Roger C. Carmel

Launched the identical 12 months as Excessive Plains Drifter, Breezy is definitely probably the most neglected Clint Eastwood movies, and considered one of his most distinctive. It’s a fairly straightforward romantic drama, and although not the one movie of the director’s that may very well be described as such, it’s nonetheless not the form of film Eastwood’s usually related to, as both an actor or director.

With Breezy, it was the primary film he directed that he didn’t additionally star in (although he has an uncredited cameo, Alfred Hitchcock-style). As an alternative, William Holden and Kay Lenz star on this, enjoying two very totally different folks – of very totally different ages, too – who kind a wierd form of connection after crossing paths by probability. That age hole is certainly what Breezy explores, and it does so tastefully for one thing of its age, however it could be comprehensible if some modern-day viewers turned on the film due to the premise flat-out.

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‘Juror #2’ (2024)

Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Chris Messina

Name it recency bias if you’d like, however Juror #2 is genuinely a very good courtroom drama that was remarkably launched the 12 months Clint Eastwood turned 94, and even when the movie hadn’t been good, that achievement in itself would nonetheless be spectacular. If it’s to be his directorial swansong, then it actually wouldn’t be a horrible one to exit on, as a result of Juror #2 is a really Eastwood-esque exploration of justice and morality.

Juror #2 considerations a person who’s sitting on the jury for a homicide trial, and finds himself torn between saving himself and doing what he’s speculated to when he realizes he might have inadvertently performed a task within the crime itself. It’s a well-paced and admirably lean film, full of robust performances and, although not flashy, it’s straightforward to observe and surprisingly entertaining.

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‘The Bridges of Madison County’ (1995)

Starring: Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, Annie Corley

Alongside Breezy, The Bridges of Madison County is one other uncommon romantic drama directed by Clint Eastwood, although he stars on this one, not like that different 1973 movie. However then once more, one of the best efficiency on this one’s ultimately given by Meryl Streep, enjoying a housewife who strikes up a quick however passionate romance with Eastwood’s character, a photographer.

There’s a sure unhappiness that hangs over a lot of The Bridges of Madison County, by design, making it bittersweet; not fully missing in sentimentality or tenderness, in different phrases. It’s a movie that seeks to seize how love could be tumultuous and outlined by heavy ups and downs, even when it’s between two individuals who met when they were (more than) almost young. It’s mature, affected person, and profitable in displaying a distinct aspect to Eastwood as a director.

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‘American Sniper’ (2014)

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner

One of the best Clint Eastwood movie made since 2010 is American Sniper, which serves as each an attention-grabbing conflict film and an undoubtedly strong biopic. It’s about U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, taking one thing of a Flags of Our Fathers-like strategy by exploring scenes of fight alongside the expertise of returning residence after combating and struggling to readjust to civilian life.

It was additionally a bit divisive, not less than amongst some circles, however American Sniper does really feel prefer it’s attempting to make you concentrate on whether or not conflict and the notion of heroism can exist aspect by aspect. Some would possibly really feel it celebrates what it shouldn’t, some would possibly really feel it’s appropriately important or not less than impartial, whereas some would possibly really feel it celebrates one thing it ought to. American Sniper doesn’t actually choose, however it does ask questions. Few folks really feel impartial about it, and that’s spectacular for a movie directed by somebody who, throughout manufacturing, was nicely into their 80s.

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‘White Hunter, Black Coronary heart’ (1990)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Fahey, Charlotte Cornwell

Is White Hunter, Black Coronary heart the most underrated Clint Eastwood movie? Possibly! It’s the sort that you simply’re unlikely to actually find out about until you do a deep dive into his filmography, or attempt to watch every part he starred in and/or directed. It’s a genuinely fascinating and unfairly neglected movie, following an American director who splits his time in Africa between filming and searching, more and more pursuing the latter over the previous, inflicting inevitable drama.

Eastwood offers an extremely dedicated efficiency right here as a really flawed man, and directs the complete movie with an analogous quantity of ability. White Hunter, Black Coronary heart has frequently attention-grabbing insights into violence, creativity, and obsession, taking a easy premise and doing complicated issues with it thematically. It additionally makes nice use of its setting, being amongst Eastwood’s best-looking motion pictures within the course of.

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‘Pale Rider’ (1985)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress

Certain, the premise of Pale Rider is much like Excessive Plains Drifter, however the strategy and general really feel differ, making each Clint Eastwood Westerns inevitably value looking for out. Eastwood’s a mysterious stranger as soon as once more (shock, horror) who’s gruff and expert with a gun, and finds himself employed by some determined townspeople to guard them towards the aggressive forces of a close-by mining firm.

He is not quite the Man with No Name here, however Eastwood does play a person who says he’s a preacher, and he’s solely credited as “Preacher,” so maybe you’ll be able to hyperlink Pale Rider thematically to these older Sergio Leone Westerns starring Eastwood. It’s a visually hanging watch and one other worthy exploration of acquainted themes, characters, and iconography. Eastwood simply does this sort of Western so nicely that it’s form of laborious to withstand, even with the sense of déjà vu.

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‘A Excellent World’ (1993)

Starring: Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern

A Perfect World is not an ideal film, however it’s additionally not far off. It got here out one 12 months on from Clint Eastwood’s first (of two) Greatest Image wins, and whereas not fairly hitting the identical highs, proved to be removed from a disappointing follow-up. It takes a wierd premise and makes it work shockingly nicely, following the odd friendship that types between a convict on the run and a younger boy he form of kidnaps.

There would’ve been some ways for A Excellent World to go fallacious, however it usually sidesteps such potential points and emerges as a very robust crime-flavored highway film. Eastwood’s good in a supporting function, and Kevin Costner turns in one of his very best performances within the lead function right here, because the oddly likable escaped prisoner. It’s just a little underrated, maybe, and a number of good.

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‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ (1976)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke

If it weren’t for one different film launched in 1992, The Outlaw Josey Wales would in the end stand as one of the best Western Clint Eastwood ever directed. It’s nonetheless most likely his most shocking and confronting, exploring violence in a approach that felt unflinching, even again within the quite uncompromising decade for filmmaking that was the Seventies.

It’s unsurprisingly a film that sheds mild on the outlaw side of life, back in the Old West, however does so in a approach that makes its titular character (performed by Eastwood) an antihero; somebody initially hellbent on revenge, however then has a higher function thrust upon him. There’s an vitality and anger felt in The Outlaw Josey Wales that ensures it nonetheless packs a punch, and a powerful argument to be made that it was the primary actually nice movie Eastwood directed.

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‘Gran Torino’ (2008)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang

As earlier movies have doubtless proven by now, Clint Eastwood is not against having his movies get just a little sentimental, although it’d nicely be Gran Torino that’s his biggest tearjerker… in a good way, it needs to be burdened. That is considered one of 4 nice motion pictures Eastwood directed between 2003 and 2008, all being chargeable for the 2000s standing because the director’s single greatest decade (and, once more, all these had been made whereas Eastwood was in his 70s).

Of those 4 motion pictures, Gran Torino has the largest half for Eastwood to play in entrance of the digicam, portraying a Korean Warfare veteran who learns to beat prejudice and in the end finds redemption for the issues he believed and did prior to now. There may be little or no about Gran Torino that’s refined, when it involves exploring issues like racism and generational gaps, however it will get away with it as a result of it’s an intensely honest film. It’s blunt, and typically messy, however it means nicely, and proves supremely stirring when it must be.

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‘Mystic River’ (2003)

Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon

Gran Torino was bittersweet, in some ways, however Mystic River was principally simply bitter, standing as a truly harrowing crime/drama film about grief and the lingering penalties it will possibly have at its most intense. Three males are all impacted in several methods when considered one of them suffers an unthinkably terrible tragedy, resulting in the unraveling of sure – and frequently distressing – truths.

That’s all to say that Mystic River shouldn’t be a enjoyable or entertaining film within the conventional sense, however it’s extraordinarily engrossing, even for those who would possibly discover that one watch is sufficient (it’s a troublesome one to attempt to revisit, as soon as you already know what’s coming). It’s a film that digs deep and hits laborious, showcasing Eastwood at his greatest as a director whereas additionally having some nice performing, with Sean Penn and Tim Robbins, specifically, each handing over career-best performances.

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‘Million Greenback Child’ (2004)

Starring: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman

The darkness retains coming and it don’t cease coming, as a result of one 12 months after Mystic River, Clint Eastwood directed one other devastating film: Million Dollar Baby. This looks like a deconstruction of a typical sports activities film; the sort that’s not afraid to say: “You may want one thing actually badly, however that doesn’t, by any means, make sure you’ll get what you are after.”

That’s life, however that’s not often what sports activities motion pictures go for, so which means Million Dollar Baby really stings. It’s outstanding, although; once more, not a enjoyable film, however one which’s engrossing for nearly each minute of its runtime. It understandably turned the second film directed by Eastwood to win Greatest Image, and he offers an incredible efficiency right here, too, as do Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman.

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‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ (2006)

Starring: Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara

The second a part of a duology, with the primary half being the aforementioned Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima is the even stronger half. It’s an unbelievably highly effective anti-war movie, exploring the Battle of Iwo Jima as soon as extra, however this time centering on the Japanese perspective. Hopelessness and loss of life grasp heavy all through. Sympathetic and really human characters are launched, fleshed out, after which killed with out warning. On it goes. It by no means stops being upsetting.

It really works to make Flags of Our Fathers hit more durable, too, when one assesses the entire image and sees what a horrible battle this was for all concerned. However when judged individually, Letters from Iwo Jima is the one which hits more durable. It’s an extremely delicate film, hitting all of the emotional notes it must with out counting on melodrama or compelled sentimentalism. It’s nonetheless too early to say for certain, however a long time from now, it might well emerge as Eastwood’s most timeless film; the one that might nicely endure the longest.

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‘Unforgiven’ (1992)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman

But for pretty much as good as these 2000s releases are, Clint Eastwood’s single biggest achievement as a director was a film he made just a little earlier: Unforgiven. Properly, “earlier” comparatively talking. Unforgiven remains to be a movie that feels late-era, within the sense that it looks like an older, wiser, extra mature, and extra brutally sincere Western than something Eastwood had been concerned with earlier than. Legacy and the previous are explored, each narratively and thematically.

In entrance of the digicam, it’s probably Gene Hackman who shines the brightest, however Eastwood’s efficiency right here may debatably be his biggest, Morgan Freeman is unbelievable, and Richard Harris – although not within the film a lot – does quickly steal the film. Behind the digicam, Clint Eastwood’s by no means executed higher work, although. Unforgiven is tense, thrilling, emotional, stunning, tragic, uncompromising, and startlingly entertaining/approachable. It simply does every part proper, by no means actually hitting a false observe. On high of being the best-directed Clint Eastwood film, Unforgiven can be simply flat-out one of many biggest Westerns ever made, too. Some Greatest Image wins are divisive, however this one was greater than well-deserved.

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