John Wayne

10 Best John Wayne Movies, Ranked by Viewers

Marion Robert Morrison, more commonly known as John Wayne or ‘The Duke,’ left a lasting imprint on American cinema. His career spanned five decades, during which time he starred in 179 films and delivered countless illustrious performances.

He rose to fame with his starring role as Ringo Kid in the 1939 classic ‘Stagecoach,’ and would go on to play characters like Ethan Edwards in Ford’s 1956 ‘The Searchers’ – cementing his place in American film history.

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best John Wayne movies, which capture the actor’s undeniable talent and unforgotten legacy. From westerns like ‘True Grit’ (1969) to war films like ‘The Longest Day’ (1962), Wayne left an indelible mark on our collective culture.

The Highest-Rated John Wayne Films on IMDb

  1. ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’ (1962) – 8.1/10
  2. ‘Rio Bravo’ (1959) – 8/10
  3. ‘The Searchers’ (1956) – 7.9/10
  4. ‘Stagecoach’ (1939) – 7.8/10
  5. ‘Red River’ (1948) – 7.8/10
  6. ‘The Longest Day’ (1962) – 7.7/10
  7. ‘The Quiet Man’ (1952) – 7.7/10
  8. ‘The Shootist’ (1976) – 7.6/10
  9. ‘El Dorado’ (1966) – 7.5/10
  10. ‘Baby Face’ (1933) – 7.5/10

    The Most Popular John Wayne Movies According to IMDb

    1. ‘The Longest Day’ (1962) – 344
    2. ‘The Quiet Man’ (1952) – 367
    3. ‘Chisum’ (1970) – 1,999
    4. ‘Rio Bravo’ (1959) – 2,355
    5. ‘The Searchers’ (1956) – 2,872
    6. ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’ (1962) – 2,963
    7. ‘El Dorado’ (1966) – 3,372
    8. ‘McLintock!’ (1963) – 3,664
    9. ‘Stagecoach’ (1939) – 3,905
    10. ‘True Grit’ (1969) – 4,016

    1‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’ (1962)

    The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

    Director: John Ford
    Stars: James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin

    IMDb: 8.1/10 | Metascore: 94 | Popularity: 2,963

    John Ford’s 1962 classic western ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’ is a timeless masterpiece. Featuring performances from James Stewart and John Wayne, the film follows Ransom Stoddard (Stewart) as he arrives in the town of Shinbone, Arizona in pursuit of justice.

     

    He quickly meets Tom Doniphon (Wayne), the local lawman, and together they take on notorious outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). In a climactic showdown against all odds, the two succeed in defeating Liberty but at what cost?

    The movie thoughtfully explores themes of justice and friendship that are still relevant today. Stewart’s and Wayne’s performances are legendary while the movie’s cinematography and score create an unforgettable viewing experience – one that will stay with audiences for generations to come.

    2‘Rio Bravo’ (1959)

    Rio Bravo (1959)

    Director: Howard Hawks
    Stars: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson

    IMDb: 8.0/10 | Metascore: 94 | Popularity: 2,355

    ‘Rio Bravo’ is an iconic Western classic by director Howard Hawks, starring John WayneDean MartinRicky Nelson, and more. This beloved film follows the epic tale of Sheriff John T. Chance as he arrests a powerful rancher’s brother for murder and defends against his gang until a U.S. Marshal arrives with help from unlikely allies; a cripple, drunkard, and young gunfighter.

    Rio Bravo (1959) Official Trailer – Johh Wayne, Dean Martin Western Movie HD

    Watch this video on YouTube

     

    Despite its small budget of $1 million, ‘Rio Bravo’ went on to make over five times that at the box office. Its popularity has only grown throughout the years due to its talented cast (John Wayne delivering a powerful performance), memorable characters, and suspenseful plot arc. It remains one of the most unforgettable classics in Western cinema history.

    3‘The Searchers’ (1956)

    The Searchers (1956)

    Director: John Ford
    Stars: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond

    IMDb: 7.9/10 | Metascore: 94 | Popularity: 2,872

    John Wayne‘s timeless performance in John Ford’s 1956 classic “The Searchers” is widely regarded as one of the best westerns ever made. Based on Alan Le May‘s 1954 novel, the film follows Ethan Edwards, a middle-aged Civil War veteran consumed by his desire to find his abducted niece (Natalie Wood). Along with his adopted nephew Martin (Jeffrey Hunter), Ethan embarks on a quest fraught with danger and emotion.

     

    With its complex characters and examination of darker themes, “The Searchers” was both a critical and commercial success upon release and has only grown in popularity over time.

    4‘Stagecoach’ (1939)

    Stagecoach (1939)

    Director: John Ford
    Stars: John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Thomas Mitchell

    IMDb: 7.8/10 | Metascore: 93 | Popularity: 3,905

    This classic Western film directed by John Ford follows a group of travelers as they make their way from Tonto, Arizona to Lordsburg, New Mexico in a stagecoach. Along the way, they encounter Native Americans and outlaws that challenge them to band together for survival.

     

    Starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor, ‘Stagecoach’ is an enduring cinematic masterpiece with its gripping action sequences and rich characters. The themes of courage in the face of adversity have made this movie timeless while it continues to capture viewers’ hearts after over 80 years since its release.

    5‘Red River’ (1948)

    Red River (1948)

    Directors: Howard Hawks, Arthur Rosson
    Stars: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru, Walter Brennan

    IMDb: 7.8/10 | Metascore: 96

    A classic Western film from 1948, ‘Red River’ has stood the test of time and still captivates audiences today. Directed by Howard Hawks and starring John WayneMontgomery CliftWalter BrennanJoanne Dru, and Coleen Gray in supporting roles, the movie follows the story of a Texas rancher and his adopted adult son as they embark on their first cattle drive from Texas to Kansas along the Chisholm Trail.

    As tensions rise between them over managing the cattle drive, viewers are treated to thrilling action sequences amidst stunning cinematography and an emotional score. Along with its memorable characters and gripping drama throughout, ‘Red River’ remains one of cinema’s greatest Westerns ever made.

    6‘The Longest Day’ (1962)

    The Longest Day (1962)

    Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, Darryl F. Zanuck
    Stars: John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda

    IMDb: 7.7/10 | Metascore: 75 | Popularity: 344

    An epic war movie, ‘The Longest Day’ is about the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day during World War II. Directed by Ken AnnakinAndrew Marton, and Bernhard Wicki, this film features a star-studded cast of John WayneRobert Ryan, and Henry Fonda. The story follows several characters from different countries as they fight for the liberation of France in one of the most important battles in history. Through precision camera work and clear storytelling, it conveys a powerful message about courage and sacrifice while still staying true to its historical accuracy.

    The Longest Day (1962) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailer

     

    ‘The Longest Day’ showcases a variety of technical skills that are essential for any successful war movie. It uses dramatic music to emphasize key moments while also relying on voiceover narration to explain complex events or describe emotional scenes with clarity.

    7‘The Quiet Man’ (1952)

    The Quiet Man (1952)

    Director: John Ford
    Stars: John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond

    IMDb: 7.7/10 | Metascore: 85 | Popularity: 367

    Returning to his hometown in Ireland, Sean Thornton is a former American boxer looking to reclaim the family farm. He meets Mary Kate Danaher and falls in love with her fiery spirit despite the disapproval of their community. Directed by John Ford, ‘The Quiet Man’ follows their journey as they strive for happiness together.

    The Quiet Man (1952) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

     

    This classic romantic drama stars Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne, both delivering powerful performances that have stood the test of time.

    8‘The Shootist’ (1976)

    The Shootist (1976)

    Director: Don Siegel
    Stars: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart

    IMDb: 7.6/10 | Metascore: 77

    Directed by the legendary Don Siegel, ‘The Shootist’ is a critically acclaimed 1976 Western film based on Glendon Swarthout‘s novel. The movie stars John Wayne in his final acting role before he passed away three years later; it also features Lauren BacallRon Howard, and James Stewart with a screenplay written by Miles Hood Swarthout and Scott Hale.

     

    J.B Books (John Wayne) is a renowned gunfighter struggling to accept his looming death as he is diagnosed with cancer and chooses to spend his remaining time in seclusion at a boarding house managed by Lauren Bacall‘s character–a widow who rents him one room. Despite Book’s wishes for peace during these last days, conflict arises when young gunslingers challenge the greatness of Books’ reputation as the best shooter.

    9‘El Dorado’ (1966)

    El Dorado (1966)

    Director: Howard Hawks
    Stars: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt

    IMDb: 7.5/10 | Metascore: 85 | Popularity: 3,372

    Sheriff J.P. Harrah (Robert Mitchum) embarks on a journey to bring justice to a small town in California and meets up with an old acquaintance, Cole Thornton, who helps him take on a powerful rancher and his gang of criminals. This classic Western movie features action-packed fights, thrilling horse chases, and gun-slinging showdowns – all held together by John Wayne‘s authoritative presence and Robert Mitchum‘s charming charisma.

     

    With its tightly written plot and well-paced tension throughout, ‘El Dorado’ is an unforgettable movie experience that stands the test of time as one of the greats of the Western genre.

    10‘Baby Face’ (1933)

    Baby Face (1933)

    Director: Alfred E. Green
    Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent, Donald Cook, Alphonse Ethier

    IMDb: 7.5/10

    Barbara Stanwyck stars in this classic pre-Code Hollywood drama as Lily Powers, a young woman determined to succeed despite her difficult circumstances. She uses her beauty and wit to seek revenge on the men who have wronged her, learning valuable lessons about power and manipulation along the way.

    Baby Face (1933) Traile

     

    Despite its age and John Wayne‘s minor role, ‘Baby Face’ remains an iconic piece of cinema today due to its strong female lead, bold themes, and powerful performance from Stanwyck. It is also an important reminder of how far we have come since 1933 when it comes to gender inequality in America – but also how far we still have left to go.

    Popular John Wayne Movies Not Ranked Top 10

    Though not ranked the highest amongst the best by viewers, the following films are still very popular.

    ‘Chisum’ (1970)

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