John Wayne has starred in 80 Westerns, becoming a towering Western cinema figure synonymous with rugged cowboys, lawmen, and the wild frontier. While classics like True Grit, Red River, and River Bravo are films that helped John Wayne define his career, numerous other Western films showcase his skill and range but remain underappreciated. These films offer everything from intense action to complex characters, often delving deeper into justice, loyalty, and personal redemption themes. Yet, despite their quality, many of John Wayne’s Western movies have slipped under the radar.
Wayne’s lesser-celebrated Western films showcase various aspects that portray him as a Stoic hero and a flawed, conflicted individual facing difficult decisions. Whether it’s John Wayne’s memorable quotes, delivery, nuanced performance, talent, unique storyline, or simply a film that didn’t receive the recognition it deserved upon its release, these movies demonstrate the depth of Wayne’s legacy beyond his more well-known successes. For fans of the Western genre and those interested in exploring the breadth of his work, these pieces offer enriching and undervalued cinematic experiences.
10 The War Wagon (1967)
The Lighter Side Of Coach Robbery
The War Wagon sees Wayne as Taw Jackson, a wronged rancher who teams up with Kirk Douglas’s Lomax to rob an armored stagecoach transporting gold. The film is filled with action, clever heists, and memorable banter between the two leads, showcasing Wayne’s ability to balance intense action with humor. The dynamic between Jackson and Lomax adds a layer of unpredictability to the story.
Despite its engaging premise and strong performances, The War Wagon has not remained as iconic as other Wayne Westerns. The film’s lighter tone and buddy-comedy elements might have contributed to its being less celebrated than Wayne’s more serious Western roles. Still, it offers an enjoyable and unique spin on the traditional Western heist genre.
9 Cahill U.S. Marshal (1973)
A Loving Father Pushed Too Far
In Cahill U.S. Marshal, Wayne plays J.D. Cahill, a tough lawman who struggles to maintain order while raising his two rebellious sons. When his boys fall in with a gang of outlaws, Cahill must face the moral dilemma of upholding the law while protecting his family. The film offers a gripping story of loyalty, justice, and family dynamics set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West.
The film’s slower pacing and focus on father-son relationships, rather than pure action, may have contributed to its relative obscurity.
Despite its solid performances and engaging storyline, Cahill U.S. Marshal is rarely discussed among Wayne’s more celebrated works. The film’s slower pacing and focus on father-son relationships, rather than pure action, may have contributed to its relative obscurity. Wayne’s nuanced portrayal of a conflicted lawman showcases his range, making this a very underrated Western film in his extensive filmography.
8 The Comancheros (1961)
Based On Paul Wellman’s Novel
In The Comancheros, Wayne stars as Texas Ranger Jake Cutter, who teams up with a gambler to stop an arms-smuggling ring supplying Comanche warriors. The film blends fast-paced action with humor and camaraderie as Cutter and his unlikely ally work together to restore law and order. Wayne’s rugged, no-nonsense performance carries the film through its adventurous narrative, and while it won’t appear in the best Westerns ever made, it is a brilliant film.
The film,
The Comancheros, was directed by Michael Curtiz and was based on the 1952 novel
by Paul Wellman.
Though commercially successful, The Comancheros has largely faded from public memory. The straightforward plot and formulaic elements may have overshadowed Wayne’s engaging performance. However, the action sequences and Wayne’s chemistry with his co-stars make this Western a highly entertaining, yet often overlooked, entry in his career.
7 Tall in the Saddle (1944)
A Desert Romance
Wayne plays Rocklin, a tough-as-nails cowboy hired to manage a ranch embroiled in a land dispute. Tall in the Saddle blends romance, intrigue, and action as Rocklin navigates local corruption while falling for the strong-willed Arly. Wayne’s portrayal of the Stoic yet principled cowboy cemented his on-screen persona as a man of few words but decisive actions.
Despite its popularity in the 1940s, Tall in the Saddle doesn’t receive the same recognition today. Its formulaic plot and romantic subplot may not have aged as well as some of Wayne’s later Westerns. However, it’s a prime example of the actor’s early work, offering a glimpse of the legendary figure he would become.
6 Hondo (1953)
A Family Man
In Hondo, Wayne plays Hondo Lane, a cavalry scout who befriends a woman and her son living in Apache territory. Set against the backdrop of an impending conflict, Hondo must navigate both his duty as a soldier and his growing attachment to the family. Wayne delivers a layered performance, blending toughness with tenderness.
Its quieter, character-focused moments often get overlooked in favor of more action-packed Westerns.
Although Hondo received praise during its release, it remains underrated in Wayne’s work. Its quieter, character-focused moments often get overlooked in favor of more action-packed Westerns. Wayne’s subtle performance as a man torn between duty and personal loyalty makes this film deserve more recognition.
5 The Big Trail (1930)
The Oldest Of The Films
As one of Wayne’s earliest starring roles, The Big Trail sees him playing Breck Coleman, a scout leading a wagon train through treacherous landscapes to the Oregon Trail. The film is an epic in scope and ambition, featuring stunning cinematography and Wayne’s daring and early presence as a heroic figure.
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John Wayne’s 5 Most Prolific Years: |
Films John Starred In: |
|---|---|
|
1933 |
11 |
|
1934 |
9 |
|
1933 |
9 |
|
1936 |
8 |
|
1935 |
7 |
Despite its technical achievements, The Big Trail was a box-office disappointment upon release, partly because its widescreen format was unsuitable for many theaters then. The film’s groundbreaking visuals and Wayne’s promising early performance have since gained appreciation, though it remains under-discussed compared to his later works.
4 Big Jake (1971)
Big Performance From ‘The Duke’
In Big Jake, Wayne plays Jacob McCandles, a retired gunfighter called upon to rescue his kidnapped grandson from ruthless outlaws. The film combines familial drama with gritty action as McCandles leads a dangerous rescue mission across the Mexican border. Wayne’s portrayal of an aging but determined hero is intense and heartfelt.
While Big Jake was commercially successful, it hasn’t remained as iconic as Wayne’s earlier Westerns. The film’s slower pacing and focus on family relationships may have contributed to its lower profile. Still, its gripping storyline and Wayne’s powerful performance make it an underrated entry in his later career.
3 Rooster Cogburn (1975)
Alongside Katharine Hepburn
In Rooster Cogburn, Wayne reprises his role as the cantankerous marshal from True Grit, pairing up with Katharine Hepburn’s spinster, Eula Goodnight, to recover stolen federal property. The film delivers a mix of humor, adventure, and character development as the mismatched pair navigate dangerous outlaws. Wayne’s portrayal of the aging, grizzled marshal is laced with charm and wit.
The film’s lighter tone and comedic elements, combined with the focus on the dynamic between Wayne and Hepburn, may have contributed to its being overlooked.
Despite the success of True Grit, Rooster Cogburn received a different level of acclaim. The film’s lighter tone and comedic elements, combined with the focus on the dynamic between Wayne and Hepburn, may have contributed to its being overlooked. Still, it offers a delightful continuation of one of Wayne’s most iconic characters, with memorable performances from both leads.
2 Rio Lobo (1970)
Ending The Trilogy
In Rio Lobo, Wayne stars as Cord McNally, a Civil War veteran seeking revenge on the men who betrayed his unit. The film is a classic revenge tale set in the Reconstruction-era West, with Wayne portraying a character driven by justice and loyalty. The film’s action-packed sequences and strong supporting cast make for a compelling Western.
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John Wayne’s Highest Grossing Films |
Amount Grossed (Adjusting For Inflation): |
|---|---|
|
How The West Was Won (1962) |
$506,700,000 |
|
The Longest Day (1962) |
$439,300,000 |
|
Reap The Wild Wind (1942) |
$415,000,000 |
|
The High And The Mighty (1954) |
$399,000,000 |
|
The Sea Chase (1955) |
$347,100,000 |
Rio Lobo ends John Wayne’s Rio Bravo Trilogy and, despite its solid performances, Rio Lobo didn’t achieve the critical acclaim of Wayne’s earlier films. Its straightforward plot and familiar themes may have contributed to its being less celebrated, but Wayne’s portrayal of a principled yet vengeful veteran adds depth to this otherwise straightforward narrative.
1 The Shepherd of the Hills (1941)
The Most Under The Radar
The Shepherd of the Hills features Wayne as Young Matt, a mountain man estranged from his father who returns to his community to seek revenge. Set in the Ozark Mountains, the film deviates from traditional Western themes, delving into family conflicts, betrayal, and redemption. Wayne’s portrayal of a man torn between hatred and forgiveness adds emotional depth to the film.
The Shepherd In The Hills has been filmed four times. It was first filmed by author Wright in 1919, then starred Molly O’Day at First National Pictures in 1928. It was followed by a film in 1941 with John Wayne and later in 1964.
Though praised by critics at the time, The Shepherd of the Hills isn’t often remembered among Wayne’s top Westerns. Its unconventional setting and focus on character drama rather than action may explain why it has slipped through the cracks. Nevertheless, the emotional performance of John Wayne and the film’s themes of reconciliation make it an underrated classic deserving of more attention.
