Best Sergio Leone movies, according to IMDb ratings
One of the most influential directors ever, Sergio Leone began his career as an assistant director before his directorial debut with the 1961 pseudo-historical epic film The Colossus of Rhodes. Initially criticized, Leone's "Spaghetti Western" films stood the test of time and are now considered to be some of the best films ever made in Hollywood. Let's take a look at the best five.
'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' (1966) - 8.8/10
The iconic Spaghetti Western film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly transcends its genre. It is a triumph of visual storytelling, with Leone's signature style evident in its vast landscapes, intense close-ups, and Ennio Morricone's unforgettable score. Starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach, the film's intricate plot, moral ambiguity, and epic showdowns have solidified its place as a cinematic classic.
'Once Upon a Time in the West' (1968) - 8.5/10
Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West is a cinematic brilliance. This Spaghetti Western epic unfolds with deliberate pacing and poetic visuals. Starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, and Claudia Cardinale, the film explores the clash between progress and the Old West's fading frontier, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with its operatic grandeur and storytelling prowess.
'Once Upon a Time in America' (1984) - 8.3/10
The epic crime drama film Once Upon a Time in America is yet another cinematic masterpiece from Leone. It spans decades, chronicling the rise of Jewish gangsters in New York City. Starring Robert De Niro and James Woods, the film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the haunting echoes of the past. Leone's meticulous direction and Morricone's haunting score create a timeless narration.
'For a Few Dollars More' (1965) - 8.2/10
For a Few Dollars More is yet another classic Spaghetti Western film that stars Eastwood and Van Cleef. The film intertwines revenge and bounty hunting as two gunmen form an uneasy alliance to apprehend a notorious outlaw. Leone's signature style, with its intense close-ups and Morricone's score, elevates this tale of greed, loyalty, and showdowns into a genre-defining masterpiece.
'A Fistful of Dollars' (1964) - 7.9/10
The 1964 film A Fistful of Dollars marked the birth of the Spaghetti Western genre. Starring Eastwood as the mysterious Man with No Name, the film follows a lone drifter's involvement in a deadly feud between rival factions. Leone's innovative direction, combined with Eastwood's iconic performance, transforms this tale of deception and revenge into a groundbreaking cinematic triumph.
