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{{Lists}}
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== The Insider's Top 20 (Tip 20) ==
So you've been a fan for a while, you've seen most of the well known and more famous Spaghetti Westerns and you're looking for some recommendations for films that maybe fall outside the obvious canon.  Well, this list is for you.  Selected by our forum members, this Alternative Top 20 is derived from individual lists of favourite films which do not already sit in our [[Essential Top 20 Films|Official Top 20]].  The idea is to highlight some of the titles which often get crowded out of lists of favourites by the films of the 3 Sergios but which are excellent and worthy of note for anyone interested in delving a little deeper into what this genre has to offer. (That said, Mr Corbucci gets a few mentions here too). Besides, in a genre that boasts literally hundreds of films, and on a site full of people who love making lists, limiting our recommendations to only 20 just didn't seem right.  
So you've been a fan for a while, you've seen most of the well known and more famous Spaghetti Westerns and you're looking for some recommendations for films that maybe fall outside the obvious canon.  Well, this list is for you.  Selected by our forum members, this Alternative Top 20 is derived from individual lists of favourite films which do not already sit in our [[Essential Top 20 Films|Official Top 20]].  The idea is to highlight some of the titles which often get crowded out of lists of favourites by the films of the 3 Sergios but which are excellent and worthy of note for anyone interested in delving a little deeper into what this genre has to offer. (That said, Mr Corbucci gets a few mentions here too). Besides, in a genre that boasts literally hundreds of films, and on a site full of people who love making lists, limiting our recommendations to only 20 just didn't seem right.  


The criteria for compiling the list was simply that it could not contain any film already included in the official Top 20 as of 23 March 2009 and the rating was based on a purely one point per vote system. Where films gained the same number of votes I have simply entered them alphabetically.
The criteria for compiling the list is simply that it must not contain any film already included in the '''top 18 places''' of the Official Top 20 and the rating is based on a purely one point per vote system. This is to try and future proof the Alternative list no matter what changes happen to our Official one. This list will be updated regularly to ensure that no film appears at any time of both lists but that a film which drops out of the Official list can be recognised here without a complete recount. Where films gain the same number of votes I will simply enter them alphabetically.


Finally, if you want to add your say to this list, just stroll over to our forum and add your own list.  We'll update this one as the votes build. (Here's the [http://www.spaghetti-western.net/forum/index.php/topic,1900.0.html link]).
So, you can include in your Alternative Top 20 any film not currently appearing in the Top 18 spots on the Official Top 20.


That means you can vote for '''any''' film '''except one of the following''':


{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
'''The Good, the Bad, the Ugly'''
|-
'''Once Upon a Time in the West'''
| <span style="font-size:400%;">1</span>
'''For a Few Dollars More'''
| '''[[10.000 dollari per un massacro|$10.000 BLOOD MONEY]]''', [[:Category:Romolo Guerrieri|Romolo Guerrieri]] (1967)
'''The Great Silence'''
'''The Big Gundown'''
'''Django'''
'''A Fistful of Dollars'''
'''The Mercenary'''
'''Companeros'''
'''Death Rides a Horse'''
'''Face to Face'''
'''Duck, You Sucker!'''
'''A Bullet for the General'''
'''Day of Anger'''
'''Keoma'''
'''Cemetery Without Crosses'''
'''The Return of Ringo'''
'''My Name is Nobody'''


Only the film sitting outside the Official Top 20 will appear in our published Alternative Top 20 list but votes will be collected and saved for the others in case one of them drops out at some time in the future.
I daresay this may be a little confusing for some but if you just work on the basis that '''you can vote for any film except those 18 listed above''' (even if you have previously included them in your own top 20) you should be fine.
So, go on, submit a list now. Just stroll over to our forum and add your own list.  We'll update this one as the votes build. (Here's the [https://forum.spaghetti-western.net/t/alternative-top-20/1671 link]).
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
<div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">1</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[10.000 dollari per un massacro|$10.000 BLOOD MONEY]]''', [[Romolo Guerrieri]] (1967)
Guerrieri's masterpiece and crammed full of more murder, sexual tension and eye make up than you can shake a stick at.
Guerrieri's masterpiece and crammed full of more murder, sexual tension and eye make up than you can shake a stick at.


Check out a full review of the film [[10.000 Dollars for a Massacre Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[10.000 Dollars for a Massacre Review|here]].
| [[File:G 10000 blutige Dollar01.jpg|120px|$10.000 Blood Money]]
|- /
|}
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
|-
| <span style="font-size:400%;">2</span>
| '''[[E Dio disse a Caino|AND GOD SAID TO CAIN]]''', [[:Category:Antonio Margheriti|Antonio Margheriti]] (1969)


</div>
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:G 10000 blutige Dollar01.jpg|140px]]</div>
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
<div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=10.000 dollari per un massacro/BluRay]]</div>
<div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=10.000 dollari per un massacro/DVD]]</div>
<div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=10.000 dollari per un massacro/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">2</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Blindman|BLINDMAN]]''', [[Ferdinando Baldi]] (1971)
A reworking of the Zatoichi character transplanted to the old west in which Tony Anthony goes in search of his 50 women.
Check out a full review of the film [[Blindman review|here]]
</div>
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: TA BlindmanReview Scherpschutter Poster.jpg |140px]]</div>
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Blindman /BluRay]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Blindman /DVD]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Blindman /OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
<div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">3</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[E Dio disse a Caino|AND GOD SAID TO CAIN]]''', [[Antonio Margheriti]] (1969)
Margheriti uses all his horror expertise to create possibly the Spaghetti Western's most gothic example and a lead role for Klaus Kinski to boot.
Margheriti uses all his horror expertise to create possibly the Spaghetti Western's most gothic example and a lead role for Klaus Kinski to boot.
Check out a full review of the film [[And God said to Cain Review|here]].
''</div>
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[ File:AndGodSaidToCain Poster6.jpg|140px]]</div>
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
<div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=E Dio disse a Caino/BluRay]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=E Dio disse a Caino/DVD]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=E Dio disse a Caino/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">4</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Sentenza di morte|DEATH SENTENCE]]''', [[Mario Lanfranchi]] (1968)
Unique as a portmanteau film made up of four short stories this was Lanfranchi's only western but its visual style and intriguing stories make it a winner.  Fine performances from Enrico Maria Salerno and Adolfo Celi and a bizarre over the top turn from Tomas Milian as an albino epileptic just add to the fun.


Check out a full review of the film [[And God said to Cain Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Death Sentence Review|here]].
| [[File:AndGodSaidToCain Poster6.jpg|120px|And God said to Cain]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:SentenzaDiMortePoster2.jpg|140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Sentenza di morte/BluRay]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Sentenza di morte/DVD]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">3</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Sentenza di morte/OST]]</div>
| '''[[Quella sporca storia nel west|JOHNNY HAMLET]]''', [[Enzo G. Castellari]] (1967)
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">5</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Quella sporca storia nel west|JOHNNY HAMLET]]''', [[Enzo G. Castellari]] (1967)
Less well known than [[Keoma]], this film is considered Castellari's best by many.  A retelling of Shakespeare's play which includes some genuinely beautiful images from a man better known for his bang crash kablooey approach to film making.
Less well known than [[Keoma]], this film is considered Castellari's best by many.  A retelling of Shakespeare's play which includes some genuinely beautiful images from a man better known for his bang crash kablooey approach to film making.


Check out a full review of the film [[Johnny Hamlet review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Johnny Hamlet review|here]].
| [[File:Hamlet2.jpg|120px|Johnny Hamlet]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Hamlet2.jpg |140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Quella sporca storia nel west /BluRay]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Quella sporca storia nel west /DVD]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">4</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Quella sporca storia nel west /OST]]</div>
| '''[[Navajo Joe|NAVAJO JOE]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1966)
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">6</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Specialisti, Gli|THE SPECIALISTS]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1969)
It's Corbucci.  And this time complete with hippies and an entire town's population stripped naked!
 
Check out a full review of the film [[The Specialists Review|here]].
</div>
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: TheSpecialist FrenchPoster.jpg |140px]]</div>
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Specialisti, Gli/BluRay]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Specialisti, Gli/DVD]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Specialisti, Gli/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">7</span></div>
<div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Tempo di massacro|MASSACRE TIME]]''', [[Lucio Fulci]] (1966)
Fulci wasn’t as active in the western genre as much as in some others but his contributions were significant and Massacre Time was his first, and many believe his best, effort in this area. With Franco Nero in the lead and with George Hilton and a whip wielding psychotic Nino Castelnuovo in support there is certainly plenty for any Spaghetti fan to enjoy.
 
Check out a full review of the film [[Massacre Time Review|here]].
</div>
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[ File: Massacre1.jpg |140px]]</div>
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
        <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Tempo di massacro/BluRay]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Tempo di massacro/DVD]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Tempo di massacro/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">8</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Navajo Joe|NAVAJO JOE]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1966)
Not even Burt Reynolds' hair piece can spoil this action packed bonanza.  And worth seeing if only for an all too rare major role for Aldo Sanbrell and the stunning beauty of Nicoletta Machiaveli.
Not even Burt Reynolds' hair piece can spoil this action packed bonanza.  And worth seeing if only for an all too rare major role for Aldo Sanbrell and the stunning beauty of Nicoletta Machiaveli.


Check out a full review of the film [[Navajo Joe Review (Scherpschutter)|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Navajo Joe Review (Scherpschutter)|here]].
| [[File:Navajo joe5.jpg|120px|Navajo Joe]]]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: Navajo joe5.jpg |140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Navajo Joe/BluRay]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Navajo Joe/DVD]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">5</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Navajo Joe/OST]]</div>
| '''[[Blindman|BLINDMAN]]''', [[Ferdinando Baldi]] (1971)
</div>
A reworking of the Zatoichi character transplanted to the old west in which Tony Anthony goes in search of his 50 women.
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">9</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[California|CALIFORNIA]]''', [[Michele Lupo]] (1977)
One of the latest entries into the Italian Western cycle but well worth waiting for.  This film is built on decay but affords Giuliano Gemma one of his very best performances.


Check out a full review of the film [[Blindman review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[California Film Review|here]].
| [[File:TA BlindmanReview Scherpschutter Poster.jpg|120px|Blindman]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: California05.jpg |140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=California /BR]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=California /DVD]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">6</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=California /OST]]</div>
| '''[[Precio de un hombre, El|THE BOUNTY KILLER]]''', [[:Category:Eugenio Martin|Eugenio Martin]] (1966)
</div>
Tomas Milian's first western and one in which he exhibits one of his most understated performances along with one of the all time great dust eating death scenes.  Eugenio Martin only made one great western and this is it.
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">10</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Dio perdona... Io no!|GOD FORGIVES, I DON'T!]]''', [[Giuseppe Colizzi]] (1968)
The first pairing of Hill and Spencer in a western but don't be fooled, this is no Trinity film.  A much grittier dish indeed and one which was the first in what became the 'Cat Stevens' trilogy from director Colizzi.


Check out a full review of the film [[Precio de un hombre, El/Film Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[God forgives... I don't! Review|here]]
| [[File:Jpbountykillerhh5.jpg|120px|The Bounty Killer]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: Gf 1.jpg |140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
<div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Dio perdona... Io no! /DVD]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Dio perdona... Io no! /DVD]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">7</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Dio perdona... Io no! /OST]]</div>
| '''[[California|CALIFORNIA]]''', [[:Category:Michele Lupo|Michele Lupo]] (1977)
</div>
One of the latest entries into the Italian Western cycle but well worth waiting for. This film is built on decay but affords Giuliano Gemma one of his very best performances.
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">11</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Tepepa|TEPEPA]]''', [[Giulio Petroni]] (1968)
Possibly one of the most thought provoking of the Zapata Westerns, with its unreliable narrators and its morally ambiguous characters, this film certainly splits opinion. What is not in doubt is that Milian is in great form and that this is by far Petroni’s most serious Spaghetti. It’s a must see.


Check out a full review of the film [[California Film Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Tepepa film review by Phil H|here]].  
| [[File:California05.jpg|120px|California]]
</div>
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: Tepepa Poster.jpg |140px]]</div>
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Tepepa/BluRay]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Tepepa/DVD]]</div>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Tepepa/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">12</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo|SHOOT THE LIVING AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD]]''', [[Giuseppe Vari]] (1971)
A slow paced, house bound story doesn’t sound so good on paper but Kinski’s tight wound performance and the slow release nature of the narrative make for a film high in tension and well worth the patience of the viewer.  Vari’s westerns are on the whole less celebrated than some others but they seldom disappoint.


|- /
Check out a full review of the film [[Shoot the Living, Pray for the Dead Review|here]].
|}
</div>
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: ShootTheLiving DatabasePage.jpg |140px]]</div>
|-
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
| <span style="font-size:400%;">8</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo /BR]]</div>
| '''[[Specialisti, Gli|THE SPECIALISTS]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1970)
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo /DVD]]</div>
Corbucci againAnd this time complete with hippies and an entire town's population stripped naked!
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo /OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">13</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Ehi amico... c'è Sabata, hai chiuso!|SABATA]]''', [[Gianfranco Parolini]] (1969)
A rifle in a banjo, a multi-barreled pistol, a comb over the size of a small family car and a theme tune as catchy as a bag full of velcro.  Throw in Lee Van Cleef, William Berger and Franco Ressel and you have all the ingredients you need for a session of pure Spaghetti funCarnimeo handles this light hearted stuff perfectly and Sabata remains one of the most enjoyable Italian westerns of all.


Check out a full review of the film [[The Specialists Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Sabata review by Phil H|here]].  
| [[File:TheSpecialist FrenchPoster.jpg|120px|The Specialists]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: Sab ItP.jpg |140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
          <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Ehi amico... c'è Sabata, hai chiuso!|/BluRay]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Ehi amico... c'è Sabata, hai chiuso!|/DVD]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">9</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Ehi amico... c'è Sabata, hai chiuso!|/OST]]</div>
| '''[[Oggi a me... domani a te!|TODAY IT'S ME, TOMORROW IT'S YOU!]]''', [[:Category:Tonino Cervi|Tonino Cervi]] (1968)
</div>
An excellent nuts and bolts revenge western mixed with a 'Five Man Army' element and shot in a distinctively 'unspaghetti' locationThe forest of Silver Birch trees and gloomy light conditions make this a stark, memorable and highly enjoyable cinematic ride.
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">14</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Bandidos|BANDIDOS]]''', [[Massimo Dallamano]] (1967)
Enrico Maria Salerno stars in this excellent tale of sharpshooting and revenge.  A great opening scene sets the tone for what was sadly to be Massimo Dallamano's only western.  A film definitely overdue for a U.S or European BluRay release.  


Check out a full review of the film [[Today It's Me... Tomorrow It's You Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Bandidos Review|here]].
| [[File:Today We Kill Tomorrow We Die22.JPG|120px|Today It's Me... Tomorrow It's You!]]
</div>
|- /
  <div class="small-3 columns">[[File: Bandidos DatabasePage.jpg|140px]]</div>
|}
    <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
{| style="width:600px;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding:4px;margin:2px;"
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Bandidos/DVD]]</div>
|-
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Bandidos/OST]]</div>
| <span style="font-size:400%;">10</span>
</div>
| '''[[Per 100,000 dollari ti ammazzo|VENGEANCE IS MINE]]''', [[:Category:Giovanni Fago|Giovanni Fago]] (1967)
</div>
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">15</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Per 100,000 dollari ti ammazzo|VENGEANCE IS MINE]]''', [[Giovanni Fago]] (1967)
Gianni Garko and Claudio Camaso are feuding brothers in this terrific tale of family drama and revenge.
Gianni Garko and Claudio Camaso are feuding brothers in this terrific tale of family drama and revenge.


Check out a full review of the film [[Vengeance is Mine Review|here]]
Check out a full review of the film [[Vengeance is Mine Review|here]]
| [[File:1000000perkilling1.jpg|120px|Vengeance is Mine]]
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">11</span>
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| '''[[Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La|EL PURO]]''', [[:Category:Edoardo Mulargia|Edoardo Mulargia]] (1969)
</div>
A film which the term 'hidden gem' could have been created for. A drunken hero, a gay snog and Mario Brega doing a kamikaze death scene.  What more could you want from an existential western?
</div>
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  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">16</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte|IF YOU MEET SARTANA PRAY FOR YOUR DEATH]]''', [[Gianfranco Parolini]] (1968)
The first, and some say best, of the Sartanas.  Parolini creates a franchise with a mix of detective mystery, gadgetry and almost impossible to follow plotline. Garko plays the eponymous lead which came to define him in Spaghettiland and you have Klaus Kinski, William Berger and Fernando Sancho along for good measure.  What more could you ask for?


Check out a full review of the film [[El Puro review|here]].
Check out a review of the film [[If you meet Sartana, pray for your Death Review|here]].  
| [[File:ElPuro FrenchPoster.jpg|120px|El Puro]]
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  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">17</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Anda muchacho, spara!|DEAD MEN RIDE]]''', Aldo Florio (1971)
One of the best of the seventies spaghettis this film often feels like a greatest hits compilation of the genre and benefits from a great Nicolai score.  It’s Testi not Eastwood but that’s alright by us.


|- /
Check out a full review of the film [[Dead Men Ride (Anda Muchacho, Spara!) Review|here]].
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">12</span>
          <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Sol bajo la tierra, El/DVD]]</div>
| '''[[Crudeli, I|THE HELLBENDERS]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1967)
          <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Sol bajo la tierra, El/OST]]</div>
Corbucci proves he can do character study when he wants to in this atmospheric tale of a doomed and dysfunctional family.
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  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">18</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Precio de un hombre, El|THE BOUNTY KILLER]]''', [[Eugenio Martin]] (1966)
Tomas Milian's first western and one in which he exhibits one of his most understated performances along with one of the all time great dust eating death scenes.  Eugenio Martin only made one great western and this is it.


Check out a full review of the film [[The Hellbenders Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[Precio de un hombre, El/Film Review|here]].
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">13</span>
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| '''[[Preparati la bara!|VIVA DJANGO!]]''', [[Ferdinando Baldi]] (1968)
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A Django prequel? Terence Hill looks uncannily like Franco Nero and here proves that he can play the dour anti hero when required.
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<div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">19</span></div>
Check out a full review of the film [[Get a Coffin Ready ! / Viva Django! Review|here]].
<div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Pistola per Ringo, Una|A PISTOL FOR RINGO]]''', [[Duccio Tessari]] (1965)
| [[File:PreparatiLaBara DatabasePage.jpg|120px|Viva Django!]]
The film that made a star of Giuliano Gemma and gave Italy their very own western heroThis is everyone’s favourite Christmas Spaghetti (or at least should be) and features a beautiful theme song from maestro Morricone just in case everything else wasn’t quite enough.
 
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">14</span>
| '''[[Black Jack|BLACK JACK]]''', [[:Category:Gianfranco Baldanello|Gianfranco Baldanello]] (1968)
Robert Woods in a tale of revenge and twisted descent which, even in a genre as cynical as this, is noteworthy for its bleak outlook and dark characters.
 
Check out a full review of the film [[Black Jack Review|here]].
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">15</span>
| '''[[Condenados a vivir|CUT THROATS NINE]]''', [[:Category:Joaquín Luis Romero Marchent|Joaquin Luis Romero Marchent]] (1972)
More Spanish than Italian?  Maybe, but this flick, notorious for its violence levels, is still a firm favourite with many fans of the Spaghetti genre.
 
Check out a short review of the film [[Cut Throats 9 review|here]].
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">16</span>
| '''[[Dio perdona... Io no!|GOD FORGIVES, I DON'T!]]''', [[:Category:Giuseppe Colizzi|Giuseppe Colizzi]] (1968)
The first pairing of Hill and Spencer in a western but don't be fooled, this is no Trinity film.  A much grittier dish indeed and one which was the first in what became the 'Cat Stevens' trilogy from director Colizzi.
 
Check out a full review of the film [[God forgives... I don't! Review|here]]
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">17</span>
| '''[[Quanto costa morire|TASTE OF DEATH]]''', [[:Category:Sergio Merolle|Sergio Merolle]] (1968)
An effective cast and great score make this atmospheric winner another entry into the 'hidden gem' club.
 
Check out a full review of the film [[Taste of Death (Quanto costa morire) Review|here]].
| [[File:QuantoCostaMorire Poster DatabasePage.jpg|120px|Taste of Death]]
 
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">18</span>
| '''[[Gli fumavano le Colt... lo chiamavano Camposanto|THEY CALL HIM CEMETERY]]''', [[:Category:Giuliano Carnimeo|Giuliano Carnimeo]] (1971)
Question: When is a Sartana picture not a Sartana picture?  Answer: When they call him Cemetery.  In truth there are many who prefer this film to any of the actual Sartana flicks and Garko's screen chemistry with William Berger in one of his best performances could be the reason why.
 
Check out a full review of the film [[They Call Him Cemetery Review|here]].
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">19</span>
| '''[[Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità|TRINITY IS STILL MY NAME]]''', [[Category:Enzo Barboni|Enzo Barboni]] (1971)
The second and even more successful of the Trinity filmsMore tongue in cheek fun from Trinity and Bambino so, if you liked the first one, you are bound to dig this one too.


Check out a full review of the film [[Trinity is still my Name Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[A Pistol for Ringo Review|here]].
| [[File:TrinityIsStillMyName Poster4.jpg|120px|Trinity is Still My Name]]
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<div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Pistola per Ringo, Una /BluRay]]</div>
  <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Pistola per Ringo, Una/DVD]]</div>
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  <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">20</span></div>
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La|EL PURO]]''', [[Edoardo Mulargia]] (1969)


|- /
The first (and probably only) full on gay kiss in a spaghetti western, a savage beating of poor Rosalba Neri and a banging whistled theme tune from Alessandro Alessandroni.  How this film was so obscure for so long is beyond me but thankfully it has refound its audience over the past decade and is now a firm fan favouriteNot easily found on an official release but this one is well worth seeking out.
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| <span style="font-size:400%;">20</span>
| '''[[Mannaja|MANNAJA]]''', Sergio Martino (1977)
Maurizio Merli's only western but he manages to be just as badass here as in his more well known polizioteschisWielding an axe with as much skill yet reckless abandon as you'd expect from old blue eyes. One of the last Spaghettis made yet still one of the most entertaining.


Check out a full review of the film [[Mannaja: A Man Called Blade Review|here]].
Check out a full review of the film [[El Puro review|here]].  
| [[File:Mannaja DatabasePage.jpg|120px|Mannaja]]
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    <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link= Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La/DVD]]</div>
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'''Information on this list:'''
'''Information on this list:'''
* Related: [http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FA251D17C99E6C99 This list on YouTube]
* Related: [http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FA251D17C99E6C99 An earlier version of this list on YouTube]


[[Category:Articles]]
[[Category:Articles]]

Revision as of 13:53, 8 March 2021

So you've been a fan for a while, you've seen most of the well known and more famous Spaghetti Westerns and you're looking for some recommendations for films that maybe fall outside the obvious canon. Well, this list is for you. Selected by our forum members, this Alternative Top 20 is derived from individual lists of favourite films which do not already sit in our Official Top 20. The idea is to highlight some of the titles which often get crowded out of lists of favourites by the films of the 3 Sergios but which are excellent and worthy of note for anyone interested in delving a little deeper into what this genre has to offer. (That said, Mr Corbucci gets a few mentions here too). Besides, in a genre that boasts literally hundreds of films, and on a site full of people who love making lists, limiting our recommendations to only 20 just didn't seem right.

The criteria for compiling the list is simply that it must not contain any film already included in the top 18 places of the Official Top 20 and the rating is based on a purely one point per vote system. This is to try and future proof the Alternative list no matter what changes happen to our Official one. This list will be updated regularly to ensure that no film appears at any time of both lists but that a film which drops out of the Official list can be recognised here without a complete recount. Where films gain the same number of votes I will simply enter them alphabetically.

So, you can include in your Alternative Top 20 any film not currently appearing in the Top 18 spots on the Official Top 20.

That means you can vote for any film except one of the following:

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
Once Upon a Time in the West
For a Few Dollars More
The Great Silence
The Big Gundown
Django
A Fistful of Dollars
The Mercenary
Companeros
Death Rides a Horse
Face to Face
Duck, You Sucker!
A Bullet for the General
Day of Anger
Keoma
Cemetery Without Crosses
The Return of Ringo
My Name is Nobody

Only the film sitting outside the Official Top 20 will appear in our published Alternative Top 20 list but votes will be collected and saved for the others in case one of them drops out at some time in the future.

I daresay this may be a little confusing for some but if you just work on the basis that you can vote for any film except those 18 listed above (even if you have previously included them in your own top 20) you should be fine.

So, go on, submit a list now. Just stroll over to our forum and add your own list. We'll update this one as the votes build. (Here's the link).


1
$10.000 BLOOD MONEY, Romolo Guerrieri (1967)

Guerrieri's masterpiece and crammed full of more murder, sexual tension and eye make up than you can shake a stick at.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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2
BLINDMAN, Ferdinando Baldi (1971)

A reworking of the Zatoichi character transplanted to the old west in which Tony Anthony goes in search of his 50 women.

Check out a full review of the film here

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3
AND GOD SAID TO CAIN, Antonio Margheriti (1969)

Margheriti uses all his horror expertise to create possibly the Spaghetti Western's most gothic example and a lead role for Klaus Kinski to boot. Check out a full review of the film here.

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4
DEATH SENTENCE, Mario Lanfranchi (1968)

Unique as a portmanteau film made up of four short stories this was Lanfranchi's only western but its visual style and intriguing stories make it a winner. Fine performances from Enrico Maria Salerno and Adolfo Celi and a bizarre over the top turn from Tomas Milian as an albino epileptic just add to the fun.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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5
JOHNNY HAMLET, Enzo G. Castellari (1967)

Less well known than Keoma, this film is considered Castellari's best by many. A retelling of Shakespeare's play which includes some genuinely beautiful images from a man better known for his bang crash kablooey approach to film making.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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6
THE SPECIALISTS, Sergio Corbucci (1969)

It's Corbucci. And this time complete with hippies and an entire town's population stripped naked!

Check out a full review of the film here.

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7
MASSACRE TIME, Lucio Fulci (1966)

Fulci wasn’t as active in the western genre as much as in some others but his contributions were significant and Massacre Time was his first, and many believe his best, effort in this area. With Franco Nero in the lead and with George Hilton and a whip wielding psychotic Nino Castelnuovo in support there is certainly plenty for any Spaghetti fan to enjoy.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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8
NAVAJO JOE, Sergio Corbucci (1966)

Not even Burt Reynolds' hair piece can spoil this action packed bonanza. And worth seeing if only for an all too rare major role for Aldo Sanbrell and the stunning beauty of Nicoletta Machiaveli.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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9
CALIFORNIA, Michele Lupo (1977)

One of the latest entries into the Italian Western cycle but well worth waiting for. This film is built on decay but affords Giuliano Gemma one of his very best performances.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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10
GOD FORGIVES, I DON'T!, Giuseppe Colizzi (1968)

The first pairing of Hill and Spencer in a western but don't be fooled, this is no Trinity film. A much grittier dish indeed and one which was the first in what became the 'Cat Stevens' trilogy from director Colizzi.

Check out a full review of the film here

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11
TEPEPA, Giulio Petroni (1968)

Possibly one of the most thought provoking of the Zapata Westerns, with its unreliable narrators and its morally ambiguous characters, this film certainly splits opinion. What is not in doubt is that Milian is in great form and that this is by far Petroni’s most serious Spaghetti. It’s a must see.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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12
SHOOT THE LIVING AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD, Giuseppe Vari (1971)

A slow paced, house bound story doesn’t sound so good on paper but Kinski’s tight wound performance and the slow release nature of the narrative make for a film high in tension and well worth the patience of the viewer. Vari’s westerns are on the whole less celebrated than some others but they seldom disappoint.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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13
SABATA, Gianfranco Parolini (1969)

A rifle in a banjo, a multi-barreled pistol, a comb over the size of a small family car and a theme tune as catchy as a bag full of velcro. Throw in Lee Van Cleef, William Berger and Franco Ressel and you have all the ingredients you need for a session of pure Spaghetti fun. Carnimeo handles this light hearted stuff perfectly and Sabata remains one of the most enjoyable Italian westerns of all.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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14
BANDIDOS, Massimo Dallamano (1967)

Enrico Maria Salerno stars in this excellent tale of sharpshooting and revenge. A great opening scene sets the tone for what was sadly to be Massimo Dallamano's only western. A film definitely overdue for a U.S or European BluRay release.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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15
VENGEANCE IS MINE, Giovanni Fago (1967)

Gianni Garko and Claudio Camaso are feuding brothers in this terrific tale of family drama and revenge.

Check out a full review of the film here

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16
IF YOU MEET SARTANA PRAY FOR YOUR DEATH, Gianfranco Parolini (1968)

The first, and some say best, of the Sartanas. Parolini creates a franchise with a mix of detective mystery, gadgetry and almost impossible to follow plotline. Garko plays the eponymous lead which came to define him in Spaghettiland and you have Klaus Kinski, William Berger and Fernando Sancho along for good measure. What more could you ask for?

Check out a review of the film here.

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17
DEAD MEN RIDE, Aldo Florio (1971)

One of the best of the seventies spaghettis this film often feels like a greatest hits compilation of the genre and benefits from a great Nicolai score. It’s Testi not Eastwood but that’s alright by us.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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18
THE BOUNTY KILLER, Eugenio Martin (1966)

Tomas Milian's first western and one in which he exhibits one of his most understated performances along with one of the all time great dust eating death scenes. Eugenio Martin only made one great western and this is it.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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19
A PISTOL FOR RINGO, Duccio Tessari (1965)

The film that made a star of Giuliano Gemma and gave Italy their very own western hero. This is everyone’s favourite Christmas Spaghetti (or at least should be) and features a beautiful theme song from maestro Morricone just in case everything else wasn’t quite enough.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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20
EL PURO, Edoardo Mulargia (1969)

The first (and probably only) full on gay kiss in a spaghetti western, a savage beating of poor Rosalba Neri and a banging whistled theme tune from Alessandro Alessandroni. How this film was so obscure for so long is beyond me but thankfully it has refound its audience over the past decade and is now a firm fan favourite. Not easily found on an official release but this one is well worth seeking out.

Check out a full review of the film here.

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Information on this list:

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