Essential Top 20 Films: Difference between revisions

From The Spaghetti Western Database
Jump to: navigation, search
No edit summary
mNo edit summary
(17 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Lists}}
{{Lists}}
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]].


<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:40px;padding-bottom:8px;">
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:40px;padding-bottom:8px;">
Line 7: Line 7:
[[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: (3.328 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (3.767 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Buono.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Buono.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 21: Line 21:
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: (2.919 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (3.322 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:West8.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:West8.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 35: Line 35:
[[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: (2.788 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (3.164 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:DollarsMore1.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:DollarsMore1.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 49: Line 49:
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: (2.163 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (2.507 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Il_Grande_silenzio17885.gif|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Il_Grande_silenzio17885.gif|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 60: Line 60:
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
<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-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">5</span></div>
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[A Fistful of Dollars|A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS]]''', [[Sergio Leone]] (1964)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[The Big Gundown|THE BIG GUNDOWN]]''', [[Sergio Sollima]] (1966)
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 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: (1.798 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (2.005 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Fistful7.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Bign itp2.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Per un pugno di dollari/BluRay]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Resa dei conti, La/BR]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Per un pugno di dollari/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Resa dei conti, La/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Per un pugno di dollari/OST]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Resa dei conti, La/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Line 77: Line 77:
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: (1.793 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.997 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Django4.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Django4.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 88: Line 88:
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
<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-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;"><span style="font-size:300%;border-bottom:1px dashed gray;">7</span></div>
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[The Big Gundown|THE BIG GUNDOWN]]''', [[Sergio Sollima]] (1966)
   <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[A Fistful of Dollars|A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS]]''', [[Sergio Leone]] (1964)
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 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: (1.785 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.997 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Bign itp2.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Fistful7.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Resa dei Conti, La/BR]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Per un pugno di dollari/BluRay]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Resa dei conti, La/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Per un pugno di dollari/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Resa dei conti, La/OST]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Per un pugno di dollari/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Line 105: Line 105:
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.  
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)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.436 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Il mercenew.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Il mercenew.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 119: Line 119:
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.
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)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.247 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Companeros4 New.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Companeros4 New.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 133: Line 133:
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]].
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)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.217 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:DaUomoAUomo Poster3.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:DaUomoAUomo Poster3.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 147: Line 147:
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: (1.060 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.165 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Facciaafacciabq5X.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Facciaafacciabq5X.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 161: Line 161:
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: (1.033 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.130 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:GiuLaTesta Poster2x HQ.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:GiuLaTesta Poster2x HQ.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 175: Line 175:
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: (975 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (1.107 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:QuienSabe_Poster.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:QuienSabe_Poster.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 189: Line 189:
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: (766 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (902 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:DayOfAnger USPoster1.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:DayOfAnger USPoster1.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 203: Line 203:
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: (738 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (829 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Keoma GermanPoster1.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Keoma GermanPoster1.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 217: Line 217:
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: (689 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (791 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Cimitero03_New.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Cimitero03_New.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 231: Line 231:
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.
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: (607 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (694 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:ReturnOfRingo DatabsePage New.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:ReturnOfRingo DatabsePage New.jpg|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 245: Line 245:
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.
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: (600 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (678 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Il Mio nome è Nessuno18106.gif|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Il Mio nome è Nessuno18106.gif|140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
Line 259: Line 259:
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: (509 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (552 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:SeSeiVivoSpara DatabasePage New.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <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;">
Line 270: Line 270:
<div class="row" style="border-bottom:1px dotted gray;margin-top:20px;padding-bottom:8px;">
<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;">20</span></div>
   <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">'''[[Corri, uomo, corri|RUN MAN RUN]]''', [[Sergio Sollima]] (1968)
  <div class="small-7 columns">'''[[Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte|IF YOU MEET SARTANA PRAY FOR YOUR DEATH]]''', [[Gianfranco Parolini]] (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!
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?


''Community vote score: (384 points)''</div>
''Community vote score: (405 points)''</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:Corriuomocorri.jpg|140px]]</div>
   <div class="small-3 columns">[[File:SART 5.JPG |140px]]</div>
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
     <div class="small-1 columns" style="padding-top:30px;">
           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Corri, uomo, corri/BluRay]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Bluraylogo2.gif|40px|link=Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte/BluRay]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Corri, uomo, corri/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Dvdlogo2.png|40px|link=Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte/DVD]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Corri, uomo, corri/OST]]</div>
           <div class="row">[[File:Cdmusic.png|40px|link=Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte/OST]]</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Line 287: Line 287:




21. [[Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte|If You Meet Sartana, Pray for Your Death]] G. Parolini, 1968 ''(384 points)'';
20. [[Corri, uomo, corri|Run Man Run]] Sergio Sollima, 1968 ''(404 points)'';
 
22. [[Blindman|Blindman]] F. Baldi, 1971 ''(334 points)'';
 
23. [[10.000 dollari per un massacro|$10,000 Blood Money]] R. Guerrieri, 1967 ''(306 points)'';
 
24. [[Sabata]] G. Parolini, 1969 ''(290 points)'';
 
25. [[E Dio disse a Caino|And God Said to Cain]] A. Margheriti, 1969 ''(270 points)'';
 
26. [[Navajo Joe]] S. Corbucci, 1966 ''(259 points)'';
 
27. [[Pistola per Ringo, Una|A Pistol for Ringo]] D.Tessari, 1965 ''(246 points)'';
 
28. [[Tepepa]] G. Petroni, 1968 ''(245 points)'';
 
29. [[Mannaja]] S. Martino, 1977 ''(243 points)'';
 
30. [[Nuvola di polvere... un grido di morte... arriva Sartana, Una|Light the Fuse ... Sartana is Coming]] G. Carnimeo, 1970 ''(205 points)'';
 


22. [[Blindman|Blindman]] F. Baldi, 1971 ''(366 points)'';


31. [[Tempo di massacro|Massacre Time]] L. Fulci, 1966 ''(195 points)'';
23. [[10.000 dollari per un massacro|$10,000 Blood Money]] R. Guerrieri, 1967 ''(335 points)'';


32. [[Dio perdona... Io no!|God Forgives, I Don't]] G. Colizzi, 1967 ''(184 points)'';
24. [[Sabata]] G. Parolini, 1969 ''(309 points)'';  


33. [[California]] M. Lupo, 1977 ''(182 points)'';
25. [[Tepepa]] G. Petroni, 1968 ''(306 points)'';


34. [[Requiescant|Kill and Pray]] C. Lizzani, 1967 ''(160 points)'';
26. [[Navajo Joe]] S. Corbucci, 1966 ''(292 points)'';


35. [[Johnny Hamlet]] E.G. Castellari, 1968 ''(159 points)'';
27. [[E Dio disse a Caino|And God Said to Cain]] A. Margheriti, 1969 ''(291 points)'';


36. [[Four of the Apocalypse]] L. Fulci, 1975 ''(154 points)'';
28. [[Mannaja]] S. Martino, 1977 ''(283 points)'';


37. [[Bandidos]] M. Dallamano, 1967 ''(154 points)'';
29. [[Pistola per Ringo, Una|A Pistol for Ringo]] D.Tessari, 1965 ''(279 points)'';


38. [[Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La|El Puro]] E. Mulargia, 1969 ''(149 points)''
30. [[Dio perdona... Io no!|God Forgives, I Don't]] G. Colizzi, 1967 ''(212 points)'';


39. [[Joko invoca Dio... e muori|Vengeance]] A. Margheriti, 1968 ''(149 points)'';


40. [[Grande duello, Il|The Grand Duel]] G. Santi, 1972 ''(142 points)'';
31. [[Tempo di massacro|Massacre Time]] L. Fulci, 1966 ''(206 points)'';


32. [[Bandidos]] M. Dallamano, 1967 ''(205 points)'';


33. [[Nuvola di polvere... un grido di morte... arriva Sartana, Una|Light the Fuse ... Sartana is Coming]] G. Carnimeo, 1970 ''(205 points)'';


41. [[Pistolero dell'Ave Maria, Il|The Forgotten Pistolero]] F. Baldi, 1969 ''(137 points)'';
34. [[California]] M. Lupo, 1977 ''(196 points)'';


42. [[Mátalo|Matalo!]] C. Canevari, 1970 ''(131 points)'';
35. [[Requiescant|Kill and Pray]] C. Lizzani, 1967 ''(188 points)'';


43. [[Sentenza di morte|Death Sentence]] M. Lanfranchi, 1968 ''(129 points)'';
36. [[Taglia è tua... l'uomo l'ammazzo io, La|El Puro]] E. Mulargia, 1969 ''(187 points)''


44. [[Crudeli, I|The Hellbenders]] S. Corbucci 66 ''(123 points);
37. [[Four of the Apocalypse]] L. Fulci, 1975 ''(175 points)'';


45. [[Django il bastardo|Django the Bastard]] S. Garrone, 1969 ''(122 points)'';
38. [[Grande duello, Il|The Grand Duel]] G. Santi, 1972 ''(167 points)'';


46. [[Quattro dell'Ave Maria, I|Ace High]] G. Colizzi, 1968 ''122 points)'';
39. [[Johnny Hamlet]] E.G. Castellari, 1968 ''(164 points)'';


47. [[Precio de un hombre, El|The Bounty Killer]] E. Marti­n 66 ''(120 points)'';
40. [[Joko invoca Dio... e muori|Vengeance]] A. Margheriti, 1968 ''(161 points)'';  


48. [[Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo|Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead]] G. Vari, 1971 ''(115 points)'';


49. [[Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità |Trinity is Still my Name]] E. B. Clucher, 1971 ''(110 points)'';
41. [[Crudeli, I|The Hellbenders]] S. Corbucci 66 ''(157 points);


50. [[Specialisti, Gli|The Specialists]] S. Corbucci, 1970 ''(108 points)'';
42. [[Precio de un hombre, El|The Bounty Killer]] E. Marti­n 66 ''(146 points)'';


43. [[Mátalo|Matalo!]] C. Canevari, 1970 ''(141 points)'';


44. [[Django il bastardo|Django the Bastard]] S. Garrone, 1969 ''(131 points)'';


* '''This one has left the top 50 for now:'''
45. [[Quattro dell'Ave Maria, I|Ace High]] G. Colizzi, 1968 ''130 points)'';


[[Dollaro tra i denti, Un|A Stranger in Town]] L. Vanzi 67 ''(106 points)'';
46. [[Specialisti, Gli|The Specialists]] S. Corbucci, 1970 ''(129 points)'';


;
47. [[Pistolero dell'Ave Maria, Il|The Forgotten Pistolero]] F. Baldi, 1969 ''(128 points)'';


48. [[Arizona Colt]] M. Lupo 66 ''(128 points)'';


49. [[Prega il morto e ammazza il vivo|Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead]] G. Vari, 1971 ''(122 points)'';


50. [[Anda muchacho, spara!|Dead Men Ride]] A. Florio 71 ''(118 points)'';




Line 366: Line 353:


* 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 Jan 2018): https://forum.spaghetti-western.net/t/vote-for-our-official-top-20/190/2686
* The complete list (last update February 2021): https://forum.spaghetti-western.net/t/vote-for-our-official-top-20/190/3052
* Compiled from meanwhile [https://forum.spaghetti-western.net/t/vote-for-our-official-top-20/190 170 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-20/190 191 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.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 08:56, 23 October 2021

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: (3.767 points)
Buono.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (3.322 points)
West8.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (3.164 points)
DollarsMore1.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (2.507 points)
Il Grande silenzio17885.gif
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
5
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: (2.005 points)
Bign itp2.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (1.997 points)
Django4.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
7
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: (1.997 points)
Fistful7.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (1.436 points)
Il mercenew.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (1.247 points)
Companeros4 New.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
10
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: (1.217 points)
DaUomoAUomo Poster3.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
11
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: (1.165 points)
Facciaafacciabq5X.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (1.130 points)
GiuLaTesta Poster2x HQ.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (1.107 points)
QuienSabe Poster.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (902 points)
DayOfAnger USPoster1.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (829 points)
Keoma GermanPoster1.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (791 points)
Cimitero03 New.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (694 points)
ReturnOfRingo DatabsePage New.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (678 points)
Il Mio nome è Nessuno18106.gif
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
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: (552 points)
SeSeiVivoSpara DatabasePage New.jpg
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png
20
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?

Community vote score: (405 points)
SART 5.JPG
Bluraylogo2.gif
Dvdlogo2.png
Cdmusic.png


  • Followed by these:


20. Run Man Run Sergio Sollima, 1968 (404 points);

22. Blindman F. Baldi, 1971 (366 points);

23. $10,000 Blood Money R. Guerrieri, 1967 (335 points);

24. Sabata G. Parolini, 1969 (309 points);

25. Tepepa G. Petroni, 1968 (306 points);

26. Navajo Joe S. Corbucci, 1966 (292 points);

27. And God Said to Cain A. Margheriti, 1969 (291 points);

28. Mannaja S. Martino, 1977 (283 points);

29. A Pistol for Ringo D.Tessari, 1965 (279 points);

30. God Forgives, I Don't G. Colizzi, 1967 (212 points);


31. Massacre Time L. Fulci, 1966 (206 points);

32. Bandidos M. Dallamano, 1967 (205 points);

33. Light the Fuse ... Sartana is Coming G. Carnimeo, 1970 (205 points);

34. California M. Lupo, 1977 (196 points);

35. Kill and Pray C. Lizzani, 1967 (188 points);

36. El Puro E. Mulargia, 1969 (187 points)

37. Four of the Apocalypse L. Fulci, 1975 (175 points);

38. The Grand Duel G. Santi, 1972 (167 points);

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

40. Vengeance A. Margheriti, 1968 (161 points);


41. The Hellbenders S. Corbucci 66 (157 points);

42. The Bounty Killer E. Marti­n 66 (146 points);

43. Matalo! C. Canevari, 1970 (141 points);

44. Django the Bastard S. Garrone, 1969 (131 points);

45. Ace High G. Colizzi, 1968 130 points);

46. The Specialists S. Corbucci, 1970 (129 points);

47. The Forgotten Pistolero F. Baldi, 1969 (128 points);

48. Arizona Colt M. Lupo 66 (128 points);

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

50. Dead Men Ride A. Florio 71 (118 points);


Information on this list:

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.