Essential Top 20 Films: Difference between revisions

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{{Lists}}
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These films were voted by our community as the essential films of the genre. More info on our voting procedure and where to find those that didn't make the top 50, you'll find at the bottom of the page. For an introduction to the genre, please visit our '''[[Introduction]]'''.
These films were voted by our community as the essential films of the genre. More info on our voting procedure and where to find those that didn't make the top 50, you'll find at the bottom of the page. For an introduction to the genre, please visit our '''[[Introduction]]'''. For an "annotated" article, check out Scherpschutter's [[The Top 20 Essential Spaghetti Westerns, Part 1]] and [[The Top 20 Essential Spaghetti Westerns, Part 2|Part 2]].


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[[Ennio Morricone]]'s theme is world-known, even to people unaware of its origins. This lengthy, but beautifully balanced western is held by most to be THE spaghetti western. The three-way show down between [[Clint Eastwood]], [[Lee Van Cleef]] and [[Eli Wallach]] is legendary.
[[Ennio Morricone]]'s theme is world-known, even to people unaware of its origins. This lengthy, but beautifully balanced western is held by most to be THE spaghetti western. The three-way show down between [[Clint Eastwood]], [[Lee Van Cleef]] and [[Eli Wallach]] is legendary.


''Community vote score: (3.116 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (3.328 points)''</div>
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Made to be the spaghetti western to end all spaghetti westerns, Leone's opus is both a hommage to the American western and as through and through Italian as can be. He turned [[Henry Fonda]] into a badboy and let [[Ennio Morricone]] give themes to all the characters, played also by [[Charles Bronson]], the unforgettable [[Claudia Cardinale]] and [[Jason Robards]]. The harmonica is just as famous as the coyote howl of our No.1.
Made to be the spaghetti western to end all spaghetti westerns, Leone's opus is both a hommage to the American western and as through and through Italian as can be. He turned [[Henry Fonda]] into a badboy and let [[Ennio Morricone]] give themes to all the characters, played also by [[Charles Bronson]], the unforgettable [[Claudia Cardinale]] and [[Jason Robards]]. The harmonica is just as famous as the coyote howl of our No.1.


''Community vote score: (2.663 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (2.919 points)''</div>
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[[Clint Eastwood]] returns as the man with no name, in one of the most exciting representatives of the genre and the map that cemented [[Sergio Leone]] as the king of spaghetti western. [[Ennio Morricone]]'s score is amazing, as are stars [[Klaus Kinski]] and [[Lee Van Cleef]].
[[Clint Eastwood]] returns as the man with no name, in one of the most exciting representatives of the genre and the map that cemented [[Sergio Leone]] as the king of spaghetti western. [[Ennio Morricone]]'s score is amazing, as are stars [[Klaus Kinski]] and [[Lee Van Cleef]].


''Community vote score: (2.551 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (2.788 points)''</div>
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Its wintery setting, gloomy score (by [[Ennio Morricone]]), and the grim violence add to the atmosphere of this famous western by the "other" Sergio, starring [[Klaus Kinski]] as the villain and [[Jean-Louis Trintignant]] as the mute anti-hero.
Its wintery setting, gloomy score (by [[Ennio Morricone]]), and the grim violence add to the atmosphere of this famous western by the "other" Sergio, starring [[Klaus Kinski]] as the villain and [[Jean-Louis Trintignant]] as the mute anti-hero.


''Community vote score: (2.001 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (2.163 points)''</div>
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This is where it all started, the movie that got the ball rolling. Leone's remake of Akira Kurosawa's '''Yojimbo''' put the then unknown TV actor [[Clint Eastwood]] on the map and established his style and the use of extraordinary music by [[Ennio Morricone]].
This is where it all started, the movie that got the ball rolling. Leone's remake of Akira Kurosawa's '''Yojimbo''' put the then unknown TV actor [[Clint Eastwood]] on the map and established his style and the use of extraordinary music by [[Ennio Morricone]].


''Community vote score: (1.727 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.798 points)''</div>
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Violence is a trademark of the genre. Corbucci upped the anti with ears bitten off priests and citizens slaughtered with a machine gun, but the skilled pistolero with the army coat and the coffin are what makes this a cult favorite.
Violence is a trademark of the genre. Corbucci upped the anti with ears bitten off priests and citizens slaughtered with a machine gun, but the skilled pistolero with the army coat and the coffin are what makes this a cult favorite.


''Community vote score: (1.650 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.793 points)''</div>
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This is one of three spaghetti westerns of the third Sergio, pitting [[Lee Van Cleef]] against genre stalwart [[Tomas Milian]] in a cat and mouse hunt that ends as epic as could be, with one of the most remarkable opening credit theme songs ever recorded.
This is one of three spaghetti westerns of the third Sergio, pitting [[Lee Van Cleef]] against genre stalwart [[Tomas Milian]] in a cat and mouse hunt that ends as epic as could be, with one of the most remarkable opening credit theme songs ever recorded.


''Community vote score: (1.542 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.785 points)''</div>
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   <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-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">8</span></div>
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Mercenario, Il|THE MERCENARY]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1968)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Mercenario, Il|THE MERCENARY]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1968)
Some films are not only famous, they are also cult favorites and draw a crowd of followers (even though it has yet to reach a wider audience on proper home video releases in the US and the UK). This is one, with [[Franco Nero]] in one of his greatest roles, an unforgettable soundtrack by [[Ennio Morricone]] and the late [[Jack Palance]] at a particular best.  
Some films are not only famous, they are also cult favorites and draw a crowd of followers. This is one, with [[Franco Nero]] in one of his greatest roles, an unforgettable soundtrack by [[Ennio Morricone]] and the late [[Jack Palance]] at a particular best.  


''Community vote score: (1.156 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.286 points)''</div>
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   <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-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">9</span></div>
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Death Rides a Horse|DEATH RIDES A HORSE]]''', [[Giulio Petroni]] (1967)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Companeros|COMPANEROS]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1970)
Gunslinger mentor and trainee, a very popular theme in the genre, here depicted by [[Lee Van Cleef]] and John Phillip Law, with a beautifully haunting score by [[Ennio Morricone]].
This is Corbucci's second revolutionary tale next to The Mercenary, and it is somewhat of a modification of it, again starring [[Franco Nero]] but this time with [[Tomas Milian]] in the role of the peasant.


''Community vote score: (1.022 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.108 points)''</div>
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           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Vamos a matar, compañeros/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Da uomo a uomo/OST]]</div>
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This is actually the second of his three westerns, and it is as much a metaphor of violence as it is a showcase for actors [[Tomas Milian]] and [[Gian Maria Volonte]] trying to top each other.
This is actually the second of his three westerns, and it is as much a metaphor of violence as it is a showcase for actors [[Tomas Milian]] and [[Gian Maria Volonte]] trying to top each other.


''Community vote score: (1.011 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.060 points)''</div>
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   <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">'''[[Companeros|COMPANEROS]]''', [[Sergio Corbucci]] (1970)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Death Rides a Horse|DEATH RIDES A HORSE]]''', [[Giulio Petroni]] (1967)
This is Corbucci's second revolutionary tale next to The Mercenary, and it is somewhat of a modification of it, again starring [[Franco Nero]] but this time with [[Tomas Milian]] in the role of the peasant.
Gunslinger mentor and trainee, a very popular theme in the genre, here depicted by [[Lee Van Cleef]] and John Phillip Law, with a beautifully haunting score by [[Ennio Morricone]].


''Community vote score: (978 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.064 points)''</div>
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Leone's own revolutionary western pits Rod Steiger and [[James Coburn]] against armored tanks and the Mexican army, in a very explosive film.
Leone's own revolutionary western pits Rod Steiger and [[James Coburn]] against armored tanks and the Mexican army, in a very explosive film.


''Community vote score: (935 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.057 points)''</div>
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In another revolution-themed entry from the early years, [[Gian Maria Volonte]] as El Chuncho is played by a young American agent in order to kill a revolutionary leader. A great story of comraderie and betrayal, with brilliant acting and beautiful music.
In another revolution-themed entry from the early years, [[Gian Maria Volonte]] as El Chuncho is played by a young American agent in order to kill a revolutionary leader. A great story of comraderie and betrayal, with brilliant acting and beautiful music.


''Community vote score: (882 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (989 points)''</div>
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In this revered classic, [[Lee Van Cleef]] takes on a young protege played by [[Giuliano Gemma]] but must face him in the end...
In this revered classic, [[Lee Van Cleef]] takes on a young protege played by [[Giuliano Gemma]] but must face him in the end...


''Community vote score: (678 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (793 points)''</div>
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In its late phase, only few directors have managed to churn out quality films on decent budgets. Veteran director Castellari teamed up with icon [[Franco Nero]] in what is a very gloomy but gripping western tale.
In its late phase, only few directors have managed to churn out quality films on decent budgets. Veteran director Castellari teamed up with icon [[Franco Nero]] in what is a very gloomy but gripping western tale.


''Community vote score: (608 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (778 points)''</div>
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The French director's singular endeavor into the genre is also one of the most revered. This sinister tale of revenge and death boasts with incredibly atmospheric scenes, great music and exceptional acting and directing. A small gem if you so will.
The French director's singular endeavor into the genre is also one of the most revered. This sinister tale of revenge and death boasts with incredibly atmospheric scenes, great music and exceptional acting and directing. A small gem if you so will.


''Community vote score: (599 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (719 points)''</div>
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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-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">17</span></div>
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Mio nome è Nessuno, Il|MY NAME IS NOBODY]]''', [[Sergio Leone]]/[[Tonino Valerii]] (1973)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Ritorno di Ringo, Il|RETURN OF RINGO]]''', [[Duccio Tessari]] (1965)
As the genre turned into its self-parody phase, Leone conceived a self reflective western pitting the established [[Terence Hill]] against acting titan [[Henry Fonda]]. Controversial in it's mixture of comedy and deeper meaning about the decline of the west it was not the last SW, but nonetheless a fitting end for an already dying genre.
Elegantly directed by Ducio Tessari this is one of the early classics and one of the early successes of the genre. Following the storyline of Homer's Odyssey, Gemma (in his best role) returns home after the civil war to win back his wife and house.


''Community vote score: (538 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (614 points)''</div>
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           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Mio nome è Nessuno, Il/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Ritorno di Ringo, Il/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Mio nome è Nessuno, Il/OST]]</div>
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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>
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   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Ritorno di Ringo, Il|RETURN OF RINGO]]''', [[Duccio Tessari]] (1965)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Mio nome è Nessuno, Il|MY NAME IS NOBODY]]''', [[Sergio Leone]]/[[Tonino Valerii]] (1973)
Elegantly directed by Ducio Tessari this is one of the early classics and one of the early successes of the genre. Following the storyline of Homer's Odyssey, Gemma (in his best role) returns home after the civil war to win back his wife and house.
As the genre turned into its self-parody phase, Leone conceived a self reflective western pitting the established [[Terence Hill]] against acting titan [[Henry Fonda]]. Controversial in it's mixture of comedy and deeper meaning about the decline of the west it was not the last SW, but nonetheless a fitting end for an already dying genre.


''Community vote score: (480 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (604 points)''</div>
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           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Mio nome è Nessuno, Il/BluRay]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Ritorno di Ringo, Il/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Mio nome è Nessuno, Il/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Ritorno di Ringo, Il/OST]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Mio nome è Nessuno, Il/OST]]</div>
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Questi's very bizarre and only entry in the genre might not find too many friends but is a well-directed film with many memorable moments, as well as a great deal of elements found in exploitation cinema.
Questi's very bizarre and only entry in the genre might not find too many friends but is a well-directed film with many memorable moments, as well as a great deal of elements found in exploitation cinema.


''Community vote score: (463 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (526 points)''</div>
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   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:SeSeiVivoSpara DatabasePage New.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
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[[Tomas Milian]] runs for his life, this time not from a bounty hunter but for his honor, lots of gold and a promise. An adorable film but maybe the weakest of the three films Sollima made. But it has a scene in the snow!
[[Tomas Milian]] runs for his life, this time not from a bounty hunter but for his honor, lots of gold and a promise. An adorable film but maybe the weakest of the three films Sollima made. But it has a scene in the snow!


''Community vote score: (398 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (385 points)''</div>
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   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Corriuomocorri.jpg|140px]]</div>
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21. [[Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte|If You Meet Sartana, Pray for Your Death]] G. Parolini, 1968 ''(355 points)'';
21. [[Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte|If You Meet Sartana, Pray for Your Death]] G. Parolini, 1968 ''(381 points)'';
 
22. [[Blindman|Blindman]] F. Baldi, 1971 ''(325 points)'';
 
23. [[Sabata]] G. Parolini, 1969 ''(275 points)'';
 
24. [[10.000 dollari per un massacro|$10,000 Blood Money]] R. Guerrieri, 1967 ''(252 points)'';
 
25. [[Navajo Joe]] S. Corbucci, 1966 ''(247 points)'';


26. [[Mannaja]] S. Martino, 1977 ''(244 points)'';
22. [[Blindman|Blindman]] F. Baldi, 1971 ''(354 points)'';


27. [[E Dio disse a Caino|And God Said to Cain]] A. Margheriti, 1969 ''(234 points)'';
23. [[10.000 dollari per un massacro|$10,000 Blood Money]] R. Guerrieri, 1967 ''(303 points)'';


28. [[Tepepa]] G. Petroni, 1968 ''(215 points)'';
24. [[Sabata]] G. Parolini, 1969 ''(300 points)'';  


29. [[Nuvola di polvere... un grido di morte... arriva Sartana, Una|Light the Fuse ... Sartana is Coming]] G. Carnimeo, 1970 ''(205 points)'';
25. [[Navajo Joe]] S. Corbucci, 1966 ''(273 points)'';


30. [[Pistola per Ringo, Una|A Pistol for Ringo]] D.Tessari, 1965 ''(197 points)'';
26. [[E Dio disse a Caino|And God Said to Cain]] A. Margheriti, 1969 ''(271 points)'';


27. [[Tepepa]] G. Petroni, 1968 ''(265 points)'';


28. [[Mannaja]] S. Martino, 1977 ''(256 points)'';


31. [[Tempo di massacro|Massacre Time]] L. Fulci, 1966 ''(173 points)'';
29. [[Pistola per Ringo, Una|A Pistol for Ringo]] D.Tessari, 1965 ''(250 points)'';


32. [[Dio perdona... Io no!|God Forgives, I Don't]] G. Colizzi, 1967 ''(161 points)'';
30. [[Nuvola di polvere... un grido di morte... arriva Sartana, Una|Light the Fuse ... Sartana is Coming]] G. Carnimeo, 1970 ''(201 points)'';


33. [[Bandidos]] M. Dallamano, 1967 ''(154 points)'';


34. [[Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La|El Puro]] E. Mulargia, 1969 ''(146 points)''


35. [[Requiescant|Kill and Pray]] C. Lizzani, 1967 ''(140 points)'';
31. [[Tempo di massacro|Massacre Time]] L. Fulci, 1966 ''(195 points)'';


36. [[Grande duello, Il|The Grand Duel]] G. Santi, 1972 ''(138 points)'';
32. [[California]] M. Lupo, 1977 ''(190 points)'';


37. [[California]] M. Lupo, 1977 ''(136 points)'';
33. [[Dio perdona... Io no!|God Forgives, I Don't]] G. Colizzi, 1967 ''(185 points)'';


38. [[Four of the Apocalypse]] L. Fulci, 1975 ''(130 points)'';
34. [[Requiescant|Kill and Pray]] C. Lizzani, 1967 ''(176 points)'';


39. [[Mátalo|Matalo!]] C. Canevari, 1970 ''(130 points)'';
35. [[Bandidos]] M. Dallamano, 1967 ''(166 points)'';


40. [[Quattro dell'Ave Maria, I|Ace High]] G. Colizzi, 1968 ''128 points)'';
36. [[Johnny Hamlet]] E.G. Castellari, 1968 ''(164 points)'';


37. [[Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La|El Puro]] E. Mulargia, 1969 ''(162 points)''


38. [[Four of the Apocalypse]] L. Fulci, 1975 ''(157 points)'';


41. [[Johnny Hamlet]] E.G. Castellari, 1968 ''(126 points)'';
39. [[Joko invoca Dio... e muori|Vengeance]] A. Margheriti, 1968 ''(150 points)'';  


42. [[Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità |Trinity is Still my Name]] E. B. Clucher, 1971 ''(120 points)'';
40. [[Grande duello, Il|The Grand Duel]] G. Santi, 1972 ''(142 points)'';


43. [[Precio de un hombre, El|The Bounty Killer]] E. Martà­n 66 ''(113 points)'';


44. [[Pistolero dell'Ave Maria, Il|The Forgotten Pistolero]] F. Baldi, 1969 ''(112 points)'';


45. [[Sentenza di morte|Death Sentence]] M. Lanfranchi, 1968 ''(111 points)'';
41. [[Pistolero dell'Ave Maria, Il|The Forgotten Pistolero]] F. Baldi, 1969 ''(134 points)'';


46. [[Specialisti, Gli|The Specialists]] S. Corbucci, 1970 ''(101 points)'';
42. [[Mátalo|Matalo!]] C. Canevari, 1970 ''(131 points)'';


47. [[Django il bastardo|Django the Bastard]] S. Garrone, 1969 ''(99 points)'';
43. [[Crudeli, I|The Hellbenders]] S. Corbucci 66 ''(126 points);


48. [[Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo|Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead]] G. Vari, 1971 ''(94 points)'';
44. [[Django il bastardo|Django the Bastard]] S. Garrone, 1969 ''(124 points)'';


49. [[Gli fumavano le Colt... lo chiamavano Camposanto|They Call Him Cemetery]] G. Carnimeo 71 ''(93 points)'';
45. [[Sentenza di morte|Death Sentence]] M. Lanfranchi, 1968 ''(123 points)'';


50. [[Lo chiamavano Trinità|They Call Me Trinity]] E. Barboni 71 ''(91 points)'';
46. [[Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo|Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead]] G. Vari, 1971 ''(122 points)'';


50. [[Dollaro tra i denti, Un|A Stranger in Town]] L. Vanzi 67 ''(91 points)'';
47. [[Quattro dell'Ave Maria, I|Ace High]] G. Colizzi, 1968 ''122 points)'';


48. [[Precio de un hombre, El|The Bounty Killer]] E. Marti­n 66 ''(117 points)'';


49. [[Specialisti, Gli|The Specialists]] S. Corbucci, 1970 ''(115 points)'';


50. [[Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità |Trinity is Still my Name]] E. B. Clucher, 1971 ''(110 points)'';




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* About the points system: The top 20 films from each list were scored using the following formula: #1=25 points; #2=21 points; #3=19 points; #4= 17 points and then down to #20=1 point   
* About the points system: The top 20 films from each list were scored using the following formula: #1=25 points; #2=21 points; #3=19 points; #4= 17 points and then down to #20=1 point   
* The complete list (last update January 2015): http://forum.spaghetti-western.net/index.php/topic,190.msg172383.html#msg172383
* The complete list (last update March 2019): https://forum.spaghetti-western.net/t/vote-for-our-official-top-20/190/2765
* Compiled from meanwhile [http://www.spaghetti-western.net/forum/index.php/topic,190.0.html 153 Top-20-lists] (post yours!), this is a dynamically changing list of the most important Spaghetti Westerns as rated by our community.
* Compiled from meanwhile [https://forum.spaghetti-western.net/t/vote-for-our-official-top-20/190 174 Top-20-lists] (post yours!), this is a dynamically changing list of the most important Spaghetti Westerns as rated by our community.
* Related: [http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Frichpub%2Flistmania%2Ffullview%2FRKQGTY21BOZOU%3Fie%3DUTF8%26lm%5Fbb%3D&tag=spaghetti-western-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 This list on Amazon.com]
* Related: [http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Frichpub%2Flistmania%2Ffullview%2FRKQGTY21BOZOU%3Fie%3DUTF8%26lm%5Fbb%3D&tag=spaghetti-western-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 This list on Amazon.com]
* Related: [http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C5A481ADA375621C This list on YouTube]
* Related: [http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C5A481ADA375621C This list on YouTube]
* Related: This list is also [http://www.icheckmovies.com/list/spaghetti+westerns on iCheckmovies.com]
* Related: This list is also on [https://www.themoviedb.org/list/122898 TheMovieDB]




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

Revision as of 14:23, 29 September 2019

These films were voted by our community as the essential films of the genre. More info on our voting procedure and where to find those that didn't make the top 50, you'll find at the bottom of the page. For an introduction to the genre, please visit our Introduction. For an "annotated" article, check out Scherpschutter's The Top 20 Essential Spaghetti Westerns, Part 1 and Part 2.

1
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, Sergio Leone (1966)

Ennio Morricone's theme is world-known, even to people unaware of its origins. This lengthy, but beautifully balanced western is held by most to be THE spaghetti western. The three-way show down between Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach is legendary.

Community vote score: (3.328 points)
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2
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, Sergio Leone (1968)

Made to be the spaghetti western to end all spaghetti westerns, Leone's opus is both a hommage to the American western and as through and through Italian as can be. He turned Henry Fonda into a badboy and let Ennio Morricone give themes to all the characters, played also by Charles Bronson, the unforgettable Claudia Cardinale and Jason Robards. The harmonica is just as famous as the coyote howl of our No.1.

Community vote score: (2.919 points)
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3
FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, Sergio Leone (1965)

Clint Eastwood returns as the man with no name, in one of the most exciting representatives of the genre and the map that cemented Sergio Leone as the king of spaghetti western. Ennio Morricone's score is amazing, as are stars Klaus Kinski and Lee Van Cleef.

Community vote score: (2.788 points)
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4
THE GREAT SILENCE, Sergio Corbucci (1968)

Its wintery setting, gloomy score (by Ennio Morricone), and the grim violence add to the atmosphere of this famous western by the "other" Sergio, starring Klaus Kinski as the villain and Jean-Louis Trintignant as the mute anti-hero.

Community vote score: (2.163 points)
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5
A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, Sergio Leone (1964)

This is where it all started, the movie that got the ball rolling. Leone's remake of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo put the then unknown TV actor Clint Eastwood on the map and established his style and the use of extraordinary music by Ennio Morricone.

Community vote score: (1.798 points)
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6
DJANGO, Sergio Corbucci (1966)

Violence is a trademark of the genre. Corbucci upped the anti with ears bitten off priests and citizens slaughtered with a machine gun, but the skilled pistolero with the army coat and the coffin are what makes this a cult favorite.

Community vote score: (1.793 points)
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7
THE BIG GUNDOWN, Sergio Sollima (1966)

This is one of three spaghetti westerns of the third Sergio, pitting Lee Van Cleef against genre stalwart Tomas Milian in a cat and mouse hunt that ends as epic as could be, with one of the most remarkable opening credit theme songs ever recorded.

Community vote score: (1.785 points)
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8
THE MERCENARY, Sergio Corbucci (1968)

Some films are not only famous, they are also cult favorites and draw a crowd of followers. This is one, with Franco Nero in one of his greatest roles, an unforgettable soundtrack by Ennio Morricone and the late Jack Palance at a particular best.

Community vote score: (1.286 points)
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9
COMPANEROS, Sergio Corbucci (1970)

This is Corbucci's second revolutionary tale next to The Mercenary, and it is somewhat of a modification of it, again starring Franco Nero but this time with Tomas Milian in the role of the peasant.

Community vote score: (1.108 points)
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10
FACE TO FACE, Sergio Sollima (1967)

This is actually the second of his three westerns, and it is as much a metaphor of violence as it is a showcase for actors Tomas Milian and Gian Maria Volonte trying to top each other.

Community vote score: (1.060 points)
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11
DEATH RIDES A HORSE, Giulio Petroni (1967)

Gunslinger mentor and trainee, a very popular theme in the genre, here depicted by Lee Van Cleef and John Phillip Law, with a beautifully haunting score by Ennio Morricone.

Community vote score: (1.064 points)
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12
DUCK, YOU SUCKER!, Sergio Leone (1971)

Leone's own revolutionary western pits Rod Steiger and James Coburn against armored tanks and the Mexican army, in a very explosive film.

Community vote score: (1.057 points)
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13
A BULLET FOR THE GENERAL, Damiano Damiani (1966)

In another revolution-themed entry from the early years, Gian Maria Volonte as El Chuncho is played by a young American agent in order to kill a revolutionary leader. A great story of comraderie and betrayal, with brilliant acting and beautiful music.

Community vote score: (989 points)
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14
DAY OF ANGER, Tonino Valerii (1967)

In this revered classic, Lee Van Cleef takes on a young protege played by Giuliano Gemma but must face him in the end...

Community vote score: (793 points)
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15
KEOMA, Enzo G. Castellari (1976)

In its late phase, only few directors have managed to churn out quality films on decent budgets. Veteran director Castellari teamed up with icon Franco Nero in what is a very gloomy but gripping western tale.

Community vote score: (778 points)
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16
CEMETERY WITHOUT CROSSES, Robert Hossein (1968)

The French director's singular endeavor into the genre is also one of the most revered. This sinister tale of revenge and death boasts with incredibly atmospheric scenes, great music and exceptional acting and directing. A small gem if you so will.

Community vote score: (719 points)
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17
RETURN OF RINGO, Duccio Tessari (1965)

Elegantly directed by Ducio Tessari this is one of the early classics and one of the early successes of the genre. Following the storyline of Homer's Odyssey, Gemma (in his best role) returns home after the civil war to win back his wife and house.

Community vote score: (614 points)
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18
MY NAME IS NOBODY, Sergio Leone/Tonino Valerii (1973)

As the genre turned into its self-parody phase, Leone conceived a self reflective western pitting the established Terence Hill against acting titan Henry Fonda. Controversial in it's mixture of comedy and deeper meaning about the decline of the west it was not the last SW, but nonetheless a fitting end for an already dying genre.

Community vote score: (604 points)
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19
DJANGO KILL, IF YOU LIVE, SHOOT!, Giulio Questi (1967)

Questi's very bizarre and only entry in the genre might not find too many friends but is a well-directed film with many memorable moments, as well as a great deal of elements found in exploitation cinema.

Community vote score: (526 points)
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20
RUN MAN RUN, Sergio Sollima (1968)

Tomas Milian runs for his life, this time not from a bounty hunter but for his honor, lots of gold and a promise. An adorable film but maybe the weakest of the three films Sollima made. But it has a scene in the snow!

Community vote score: (385 points)
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  • Followed by these:


21. If You Meet Sartana, Pray for Your Death G. Parolini, 1968 (381 points);

22. Blindman F. Baldi, 1971 (354 points);

23. $10,000 Blood Money R. Guerrieri, 1967 (303 points);

24. Sabata G. Parolini, 1969 (300 points);

25. Navajo Joe S. Corbucci, 1966 (273 points);

26. And God Said to Cain A. Margheriti, 1969 (271 points);

27. Tepepa G. Petroni, 1968 (265 points);

28. Mannaja S. Martino, 1977 (256 points);

29. A Pistol for Ringo D.Tessari, 1965 (250 points);

30. Light the Fuse ... Sartana is Coming G. Carnimeo, 1970 (201 points);


31. Massacre Time L. Fulci, 1966 (195 points);

32. California M. Lupo, 1977 (190 points);

33. God Forgives, I Don't G. Colizzi, 1967 (185 points);

34. Kill and Pray C. Lizzani, 1967 (176 points);

35. Bandidos M. Dallamano, 1967 (166 points);

36. Johnny Hamlet E.G. Castellari, 1968 (164 points);

37. El Puro E. Mulargia, 1969 (162 points)

38. Four of the Apocalypse L. Fulci, 1975 (157 points);

39. Vengeance A. Margheriti, 1968 (150 points);

40. The Grand Duel G. Santi, 1972 (142 points);


41. The Forgotten Pistolero F. Baldi, 1969 (134 points);

42. Matalo! C. Canevari, 1970 (131 points);

43. The Hellbenders S. Corbucci 66 (126 points);

44. Django the Bastard S. Garrone, 1969 (124 points);

45. Death Sentence M. Lanfranchi, 1968 (123 points);

46. Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead G. Vari, 1971 (122 points);

47. Ace High G. Colizzi, 1968 122 points);

48. The Bounty Killer E. Marti­n 66 (117 points);

49. The Specialists S. Corbucci, 1970 (115 points);

50. Trinity is Still my Name E. B. Clucher, 1971 (110 points);




Information on this list:

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