Top 10 John Wayne Movies

From John Ford, starring James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin
Rated Approved

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a 1962 American Western film directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, James Stewart, and Lee Marvin. Set in the town of Shinbone, the film tells the story of a hardened rancher, Tom Doniphon (John Wayne), who reluctantly steps in to protect a naive lawyer, Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart), from the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). When Valance is killed by Stoddard in a shootout, Doniphon takes the blame, preferring to remain a hero in the eyes of the town rather than to reveal the truth. The movie follows the gradual transformation of Shinbone as the Wild West gives way to civilization, and Stoddard and Doniphon's friendship is tested. The film is celebrated for its classic dialogue, as well as its themes of heroism, justice, and love.

From Howard Hawks, starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson
Rated Passed

Rio Bravo is a 1959 American Western film directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan, and Angie Dickinson. The plot follows Sheriff John T. Chance (Wayne) and his deputies, including a recovering alcoholic (Martin), a crippled old man (Brennan), and a young gunslinger (Nelson), as they attempt to keep a powerful rancher's brother (Claude Akins) incarcerated and prevent a gang of criminals from freeing him. Along the way, they must grapple with the threat of violence from the rancher and his followers, and the potential danger of a mysterious woman (Dickinson) with a mysterious past.

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond
Rated Passed

The Searchers is a classic Western directed by iconic director John Ford and starring John Wayne. The film follows a Civil War veteran named Ethan Edwards, who spends five years searching for his niece who was kidnapped by Comanches. Along the way, he is joined by his deceased brother's adopted son, Martin Pawley. As they search, they must confront the harshness of the desert, battle many adversaries, and confront their own inner demons. In the end, Ethan and Martin are successful in rescuing the girl, but Ethan must confront his own identity and the consequences of his journey. The Searchers is a powerful and timeless tale of redemption and justice.

From Henry Hathaway, starring John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Jeremy Slate
Rated G

From Henry Hathaway, starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Martha Hyer, Michael Anderson Jr.
Rated Passed

From Andrew V. McLaglen, starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Patrick Wayne, Stefanie Powers
Rated Passed

From Allan Dwan, starring John Wayne, John Agar, Adele Mara, Forrest Tucker
Rated Approved