Clint Eastwoodis a prominent actor turned filmmaker who began making waves in the 1950s, though the sixties are when he truly broke through. Eastwood became astaple in the Western genre, thanks in large part to his work in Sergio Leone’sDollarsfilms. Over the decades, he continued to star in Westerns but branched out into other genres as well.
Several of his projects, both as an actor and filmmaker, are considered Hollywood classics, but for such an iconic force, his films are surprisingly hard to find on major streaming platforms. Many of his movies are only available to buy or rent, rather than as part of a subscription service. Still, there are quite a few Eastwood gems that are at consumers' disposal on various sites. Saddle up for 10 of Clint Eastwood’s best films you can watch on streaming right now.
10’Unforgiven' (1992)
Unforgiven
Unforgivenis a 1992 Western directed, produced, and starring Eastwood himself. Set in Wyoming in 1881, it follows Will Munny, a former outlaw who now lives on a farm raising his two kids after his wife died. He’s approached by a man looking for help capturing cowboys wanted for a bounty. With his finances unstable, Will reluctantly takes the job.
Classic Clint
After decades in this space, Eastwood knew what made a good Western. It hits all the major genre conventions in terms of plot and character, but in a way that feels comforting rather than uninspired. This Academy Award-winning film, with its well-choreographed action and sweeping landscapes, is a must-watch for Western lovers.
9’A Fistful of Dollars' (1964)
A Fistful of Dollars
A Fistful of Dollarsis known as Eastwood’s first leading role and the movie that cemented him as a bona fied Western hero. Eastwood’s character is a Man with No Name who strolls into a town and learns about the tension between two criminal families. Thinking he can manipulate the strife for his own game, the Man inserts himself into the community.
Far Surpassed Expectations
No one anticipated the success this film would have nor that it would help skyrocket the leading man to stardom. The budget was small, and Eastwood’s salary was even smaller. Yet it worked. It’s not just one of thebest spaghetti Westerns, but one of the most impactful films of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
8’Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' (1974)
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
Stepping into a new genre,Thunderbolt and Lightfootis a crime comedy co-starring Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. “Thunderbolt” is a bank robber pretending to be a priest when he’s almost assassinated. A car thief called “Lightfoot” mistakenly saves Thunderbolt. Now, the two decide to partner together to commit more heists.
An Energetic Buddy Movie
Chemistry is key in a movie like this. Luckily, Eastwood and Bridges play fantastically off one another. It’s nice to see when Eastwood departs from his comfort zone of Westerns. Though, this fast-paced, action-packed movie has tons in common with some of his other work.
7’Million Dollar Baby' (2004)
Million Dollar Baby
Million Dollar Babyis one of Eastwood’s films that has him involved on both sides of the camera. This sports drama revolves around a waitress named Maggie (played by Hillary Swank). She enters a boxing gym and asks the owner, Frankie (Eastwood), to train her. Due to her age and gender, he initially refuses but eventually decides to give her a chance.
Why It’s Great
Many of Eastwood’s films in the 2000s have him stepping back to let another actor shine. Which Swank does. However,Eastwood is excellentin the reluctant mentor role. The relationship between Maggie and Frankie is heartwarming, complicated, and tender. Plus, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
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6’Play Misty for Me' (1971)
Prime Video
Play Misty for Me
is a psychological thriller centering on a radio disc jockey named Dave. One night, he drives a woman he met at the bar home. She admits she listens to his show and the two have a one-night stand. Well, he’ll soon wish she disappeared after their encounter when her like of his show and on-air persona turns obsessive.
First Time’s a Charm
This is an often overlooked film in Eastwood’s filmography, although it is his directorial debut. Many people yearned for Eastwood to veer away from the Western sphere and tackle something a bit different. Moreover, fans of music will enjoy the jazz references and music sprinkled throughout thisclassic obsession tale.
5’The Good, the Baby and the Ugly' (1966)
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Arguably one of Eastwood’s most iconic films isThe Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Three gun-touting men, known as Blondie, Tuco, and Angel Eyes come together during the tumultuous time of the American Civil War. They learn about $200,000 worth of gold buried in a cemetery and decide to work together to find the treasure.
A Genre-Defining Movie
Although this is the third film in theDollarstrilogy, it’s possible to enjoy this one without having seen the others. Eastwood is a throughline between all the movies, but true to his character’s Man with No Name moniker, he reinvents slightly in each one. Here, the addition of two other leads gives this film a fresher feel than the others in the franchise.
4’Dirty Harry' (1971)
Dirty Harry
The titular character inDirty Harryis an Inspector for the San Francisco Police Department. When a woman is shot and a note is left behind demanding $100,000, the entire force is on high alert. If Harry doesn’t find this Scorpio killer, more lives will surely be lost.
Why It Works
This ultra-suspenseful film takes inspiration from the real-life Zodiac serial killer case. Viewers' anxiety will spike alongside the characters as they race to put this psychopath behind bars. Once again, while critics thoroughly enjoyed the film, it’s not always remembered in Eastwood’s long backlist. However, now that it’s on streaming, more people are bound to find it.
3’Escape from Alcatraz' (1979)
Escape from Alcatraz
Escape from Alcatrazis another thriller, yet this one is set in the walls of the famous prison located in San Francisco, California. Eastwood portrays Frank, a criminal who has escaped from various prisons before. But sending him to Alcatraz Island, one of the highest security prisons in the country, was supposed to halt his ring of escapes. Wishful thinking.
Behind Bars & Breaking Out
This film is anadaptation of a nonfiction bookthat recounted an actual prison escape. Frank Morris and his accomplices were real people and Eastwood steps into this role perfectly, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the greats. Not only is the premise itself fascinating, but viewers may find themselves rooting for the “bad guys.”
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2’For a Few Dollars More' (1965)
For A Few Dollars More
The second movie in theDollarstrilogy isFor a Few Dollars More. Here, the Man with No Name is referred to as Manco. While he is a bounty hunter with questionable morals, nothing compares to the depravity bank robber Indio inflicts. Manco must infiltrate Indio’s circle if he wants to stop Indio’s reign of terror.
By this point, Leone and Eastwood found their stride together. No,For a Few Dollars Moredoesn’t attempt to reinvent or challenge genre conventions. It’s very comfortable sitting within what’s expected of spaghetti Westerns and doing them well. Lee Van Cleef joins the cast as well, and it’s a pure treat watching him and Eastwood on-screen.
1’Cry Macho' (2021)
Cry Machois a contemporary Western that was released in 2021. Set in 1979, it revolves around Mike, a retired rodeo star. His old boss hires Mike to bring his son from Mexico City to Texas. This leads to the boy’s disgruntled mother sending her henchmen after Mike.
A Modern Take
Eastwood may have eased away from acting in recent years, but he hasn’t completely thrown in the towel. While some people roll their eyes at another Eastwood Western, this one has a distinctive feel from the others. It’s modern, yes, but there’s also more of a focus on characterization and emphasis on the slower moments than some of his other projects.
