The directors working in the industry today are passionate and obsessed with the films of yesteryear. More than many, it is Quentin Tarantino who has spent decades absorbing the techniques, talents, and stories of cinema’s most influential eras. From the gritty appeal of ‘70s thrillers to the undeniable epics churned out by the ‘60s, his favorites span genres. But apaghetti Westerns of Italy’s golden age hold a special place in Quentin Tarantino’s heart.
With their phenomenal plot details, brutal depiction of violence, and a rousing score, these movies have given the American frontier a new life. As for Tarantino, he has devoured everything Sergio Leone, Sergio Corbucci, and other celebrated directors of the form have delivered with a subversive attitude. The imprint is all over films like Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. From the staging to the sensibilities, there are elements from these movies appearing loud and clear in Tarantino’s works. It is no surprise that when the Spaghetti Western Database came calling during the shooting of Inglourious Basterds, the director eagerly provided a list of his 20 all-time favorites.
As the veil on Quentin Tarantino’s personal canon gets lifted, you will find a pattern in his picks. There are movies that feature obscure cuts alongside close-up shots, recurring themes of revenge, corruption, retribution, and survival, as well as complex characters driven by personal motives. Even musical motifs, particularly those of Italian composer Ennio Morricone, find a place in the heart of the lawless tales of the Old West. While you can look at the source for some runner-ups that did not make it to the list, here are Quentin Tarantino’s top 20 spaghetti Westerns.
20 Machine Gun Killers (1968)
Also known as Gatling Gun or Damned Hot Day of Fire, Machine Gun Killers takes place during the rugged days of the Civil War. It centers around Richard Gatling, creator of the gatling gun, who finds himself and his invention kidnapped by a half-breed bandit named Tarpas and his mysterious partner. Before they ransom both the assets off, the government sends Captain Chris Tanner, a Union officer who is already accused of three murders, to retrieve the weapon and rescue Gatling. Tanner takes the job as an opportunity to clear his name.
A Stylish and Explosive Western
With its memorable scenes of the desert sands, Machine Gun Killers etches itself into our heads. An intelligent and visually striking project from the mind of Paolo Bianchini, who also co-wrote the screenplay with José Luis Merino, Claudio Failoni, and Franco Calderoni, the movie combines its complex narrative with occasional humor.
Apart from Robert Woods and John Ireland, the supporting characters include a doctor, a determined agent, and two lovely ladies played by Ida Galli and Claudia Lange. It is no surprise that the movie is Tarantino’s favorite because, beyond the stylish showdowns and explosive energy, it also reveals undercurrents of social change.
19 Viva Django! (1967)
Featuring somewhat of a commonplace hero that goes by the name of Django (one that even Tarantino used in his movie), Viva Django! tells a dusty tale of revenge and retribution. The titular hero is a conflicted man whose friend, David Barry, attacked his wife and killed her. After getting out alive, Django’s thirst for vengeance makes him stronger, and he formulates a plan to kill Barry and his gang.
Terence Hill Portrays a Worthy Anti-Hero
Co-written and directed by Ferdinando Baldi, Viva Django! follows typical Spaghetti western tropes, but its narrative is enhanced by the use of violence and comic relief. Terence Hill is seen in one of his defining early roles, and it’s interesting that he portrays Django as a married man this time around because a love story adds heart to the mayhem. Punchy, politically charged, and extremely vibrant, the movie is a cult favorite for many reasons. Rent on Apple TV.
18 The Ugly Ones (1966)
Adapted from the 1958 novel The Bounty Killer written by Marvin H. Albert, The Ugly Ones follows a hardened bounty hunter named Luke Chilson tries to capture Mexican fugitive Jose Gomez. His thirst for pursuing Gomez sends both men into a village, where the latter has somehow convinced the peasants to take his side. Now surrounded and outnumbered, Chilson feels trapped.
Two Men Out for Retribution
Directed by Eugenio Martín and starring Richard Wyler and Tomás Milián (in his debut in the western genre), the movie delivers brotherhood and brutality in equal measure. The delicious game of cat-and-mouse between the two leads depicts the primal pleasures of mankind, an aspect of cinema Tarantino is well versed with.
Halina Zelewska’s female lead is a refreshing turn as the movie does not portray her as a mere romantic interest but a strong individual. From the plotting to the characterizations, The Ugly Ones proves to be entertaining in the rawest sense. Stream on Tubi TV.
17 Tepepa (1968)
In this underrated movie, Tomás Milián plays the role of Jesus Maria “Tepepa” Moran, an unsatisfied peon who turns into a revolutionary bandit determined to protect himself and his rights. He often butts heads with Colonel Cascorro, a tenacious police chief, and an English doctor named Henry Price, who seeks revenge from Tepepa because he led her to take her own life. Tepepa is a movie infused with themes of betrayal and honor, all playing out against the backdrop of revolution.
Sends Off the Spaghetti Western Genre with Grit
An atypical western that stands as one of the genre’s last hurrahs, Tepepa is directed by Giulio Petroni. A swan-song of the Zapata western sub-genre, it blends violence and visceral action and brilliant cinematography to elevate the viewing experience.
Tomas Milián’s portrayal of Tepepa is riveting, and the cinematic shootout between Milian and Welles is so high-stakes and tense that it only adds weight to the film. The score for the movie was composed by Ennio Morricone, whose notes have echoed in several popular movies as well.
16 Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead (1971)
Starring Klaus Kinski, Paolo Casella and Dante Maggio, this classic rides into the sunset of Italian Spaghetti westerns. It follows Dan Hogan and his gang having successfully executed a bank robber and acquired $100,000 in gold bars. As they await Hogan’s girlfriend Eleanor to bring them the gold at the Jackal’s Ranch stagecoach way station, they encounter a mysterious stranger named John Wedd, who has a score to settle with Hogan.
Features an Iconic Chemistry Between the Leads
With Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead, director Giuseppe Vari graces die-hard fans with a minimalist movie that lacks the glory and spectacle of some great westerns but manages to compensate with strong characters. The unexpectedly brilliant chemistry between the leads paired with the hints of their distinct physicalities makes for a memorable watch. Tarantino likely savors the claustrophobic atmosphere of the film, which is high on tension and double crosses.
15 The Grand Duel (1972)
Directed by Giancarlo Santi, who once rode shotgun as Sergio Leone’s assistant director on The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West, this Spaghetti western centers around Philip Wermeer, a mysterious anti-hero who escapes prison after being accused of the murder of Ebenezer Saxon, the patriarch of Saxon city, a man rumored to have killed his father. After teaming up with a grizzled sheriff named Clayton, who is no stranger to the dance of death, Wermeer tries to look for the real killer.
Brings Together Bullets and Blood
Santi uses his experience and expertise to craft a taut thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns. Alberto Dentice oozes a menacing cool as Wermeer, a man whose deeper pain fuels his quest for justice. Lee Van Cleef’s unwavering, worn-out, and steely gaze keeps the thrills and gunplay alive.
While not quite reaching the stratospheric heights of other classics, The Grand Duel features enough bullets, blood, and vengeance, as well as a mean and lean storytelling approach that Tarantino has a knack for. Stream on The Roku Channel.
14 The Great Silence (1968)
One of the four favorite films of Tarantino directed by Sergio Corbucci, The Great Silence is set in the desolate snow-covered landscapes of Utah prior to the Great Blizzard of 1899. A mute gunslinger, dubbed only as Silence, roams a lawless land. After saving a young widow, he learns of the rural communities who are living under constant threat from vicious bounty killers led by Loco. Soon, Silence finds himself taking on the entire syndicate in a climactic duel.
Rare Anti-Western That Packs a Punch
Corbucci’s politically-charged allegory on society and man’s humanity was an inspiration to many filmmakers. The Great Silence is nothing short of a masterpiece. Although bleak and dark in tone, with the snowy landscapes creating a haunting backdrop, the thought-provoking deconstruction at the core of the movie is unique and powerful.
Worth praising are performances from Jean-Louis Trintignant, Klaus Kinski, and Luigi Pistilli. Tarantino likely sees the movie as a visual poetry, because he references it in Leonardo DiCaprio’s fictional career in the movie, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. Stream on Hoopla.
13 The Dirty Outlaws (1967)
In The Dirty Outlaws, Andrea Giordana plays the role of Steve, an outlaw who disguises himself as the son of a blind man to steal a cache of gold that belongs to the man. However, when a gang of bandits arrives at the nearly deserted town to rob it, they also get their hands on the gold. Now, a fight driven by desperation, greet, and survival erupts between the outlaw and the bandits.
A Raw Portrayal of the Frontier
Tarantino ranks The Dirty Outlaws at number 13 on his list of top 20 favorite Spaghetti Westerns. It is obvious that he admires director Franco Rossetti’s raw vision of a town drowning in the sins of others.
The cinematography captures the West quite accurately, with Giordana grounding the movie with his performance. Apart from the twists and turns and hidden agendas, the movie also boasts a brutal murder – that of the blind man. Overall, it stands as one of the grittier and forgotten entries in the genre.
12 A Pistol for Ringo (1965)
A Pistol for Ringo is written and directed by Duccio Tessari. Its iconic opening scene sees a gunfighter known as Angel Face, or Ringo, killing four men in a gunfight and being imprisoned for manslaughter right after. On the other hand, as a family celebrates Christmas on their ranch, they are interrupted by a gang of bandits who threaten them and their guests, holding them hostage. The town sheriff strikes a deal with Ringo – free the hostages and kill the bandits in exchange for freedom.
Cements Itself as a Standalone Epic
Montgomery Wood is the stuff of nightmares as the enigmatic Ringo, seeking vengeance even upon those who didn’t wrong him. The tension in the movie builds constantly as alliances shift as greed takes the wheel and stakes rise.
Perhaps the reason that A Pistol for Ringo is director Quentin Tarantino’s favorite is that it fabricates a complex dance of suspense and distrust using simple moves and precise care. A slick standalone that paved the way for an unofficial sequel in the same year, the movie is an entertaining ride. Stream on Tubi TV.
11 The Big Gundown (1966)
Set against the backdrop of an unforgiving frontier, The Big Gundown introduces us to Lawman John Corbett, a bounty hunter running towards retirement. His reputation for bringing criminals to justice precedes him, which is why a Texas-based business tycoon hires him to track down Cuchillo, a bandit accused of a heinous crime. However, as Corbett dives into the chase, he realizes that this isn’t a simple run-of-the-mill pursuit and that his employer may have hidden motives.
Sergio Sollima’s Thought-Provoking Masterclass
Director Sergio Sollima uses the genre’s canvas, crafting an atypical thriller that keeps the audiences invested through unpredictable twists and turns. It dives into deeper themes of capitalism, frontier greed, class inequality, and an unjust system. As usual, Lee Van Cleef exudes intimidation through his chiseled features and hawk-like gaze. His silence alone speaks volumes. Young Tomas Milian proves a worthy foil. Overall, The Big Gundown is a captivating and endlessly rewatchable Western. Stream on Fubo TV.
10 The Return of Ringo (1965)
Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, The Return of Ringo brings back director Duccio Tessari and star Giuliano Gemma, but instead of continuing on the same plot, it introduces a new character and storyline. This time, Wood plays Captain Montgomery Brown (also known as Ringo) who arrives home after the American Civil War to discover that his family has been murdered by a gang of criminals. Posing as a wandering peasant to infiltrate the gang from within, Ringo silently and meticulously plots his revenge.
An Underrated Gem
Considered to be a hidden gem among Spaghetti westerns, the movie uses violence as a means, not an end, to a story that is unafraid to explore the darkest depths of its hero’s psyche. Wood is brilliant as the lead; he radiates a quiet menace appropriate for the narrative. The supporting cast includes Fernando Sancho, Hally Hammond, and Antonio Casas. Drawing parallels with the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou, the movie combines simplicity with more gripping themes.
9 Navajo Joe (1966)
Starring Burt Reynolds as the titular Navajo Indian, Navajo Joe sees the tribesman embark on a quest for retaliation against the men who murdered his family, tortured his tribe, and burned his village years ago. He joins forces with others and butts heads with Duncan, the infamous scalp hunter who led the gang. When the deadly showdown finally occurs, Joe taps his skills and instincts to enact justice.
Corbucci’s Razor-Sharp Revenge Western
Despite being lesser-known, Navajo Joe stands out among Spaghetti Westerns for being extremely graphic in its depiction of violence and fast-paced plot driven by revenge. Moreover, no Western-adjacent actor could have played Joe better than Reynolds, who commanded the screen with charm and intensity. Nothing short of a visual banquet, Navajo Joe also provides the ultimate fulfillment with its mean conclusion. Stream on Fubo TV.
8 Death Rides a Horse (1967)
Death Rides a Horse tells the story of a young boy who watched his family being brutally murdered at the hands of four notorious gang members. Fifteen years later, Bill Meceita has transformed himself into a gun-wielding marksman. He arrives in town vowing revenge, but the only memory he has of the murderers is their distinct characteristics. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Ryan, an ex-convict with his own motive against the very same man.
Unique Take on the Revenge Trope
This Giulio Petroni-directed western has all the ingredients for a classic – a traumatized protagonist, vengeance, epic gunfights, and memorable supporting characters.
Its intricately layered narrative and thought-provoking conclusion shows why the spaghetti western is considered to be an artistic template for several others that came after. While John Phillip Law is magnetic by himself, Lee Van Cleef’s presence adds gravitas and transforms perspectives. Stream on Peacock.
7 Day of Anger (1967)
Director Tonino Valerii’s sophomore attempt (the first being Taste for Killing) at creating a deeply engaging Spaghetti western is a triumph. The movie Scott, a young street sweeper living his little life in the town of Clifton, Arizona. He is often ridiculed by the townspeople and has no friends. However, when Talby, a gunslinger, arrives and kills one of Scott’s bullies, Scott finally sees a way out of his unworthy life.
Lee Van Cleef Shines in the Lead Role
Considered by critics to be “a rare spaghetti-western hero with a character arc,” Day of Anger dabbles in themes of betrayal and empowerment. The explosive leading performance by the one and only Lee Van Cleef is both transformational and deep.
Quentin Tarantino particularly admires its subversive take on the genre and Scott’s conversion into a feared man. The movie delivers action, fury, and memorable gunplay, making it worth watching for fans of the genre. Stream on Tubi TV.
6 A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
One of the earliest Spaghetti westerns to ever exist, A Fistful of Dollars is the first movie in Sergio Leone’s trilogy. Set in a small Mexican border town torn apart by a ruthless battle for control between two rival gangs, the movie follows a stranger riding into the dust-cloaked land. His name? Unimportant. His purpose? To make a profit. Posing as a gunslinger for hire, the Man With No Name sees an opportunity in the psychotically violent and equally corrupt dynamic between the families and plays them against each other for his own benefit.
Leone’s Game-Changing Masterstroke
Pulsing with a rousing score composed by Ennio Morricone, which is both eerie and sharp when needed, the movie plays out at a fabulous pace. Leone’s camera is unpredictable and untamed as he sets up melodrama using close-ups and shoot-outs against the backdrop of sun-bleached Spain.
While Leone rewrites the book of pop-Westerns, it is Clint Eastwood who has established himself as a compelling and commanding anti-hero. The movie that catapulted him into stardom is also one that fascinated Tarantino. Stream on Max.
5 Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Once Upon a Time in the West is a true classic in the Spaghetti Western genre. Directed by Sergio Leone, its story unfolds in Utah during the Wild West’s final days. A mysterious man with a harmonica arrives in the small town of Flagstone. He crosses paths with Jill McBain, a newly widowed homesteader looking for the truth about her husband’s murder. Meanwhile, a ruthless mercenary named Frank, who works for railroad tycoon Morton, tries to gain control of McBain’s land.
Vibrant and Essential Spaghetti Western
A deadly dance of revenge and greed, this lush and operatic movie is built more on psychological reasoning than dialogue or spectacle. Henry Fonda, who is cast against type as a villain, proves to be Leone’s stroke of genius because his portrayal of the despicable Frank steals the spotlight. Charles Brosnan and Claudia Cardinale also showcase a brilliant chemistry.
Far beyond a typical genre standout, Once Upon a Time in the West’s name alone inspired directors like Robert Rodriguez, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, and Quentin Tarantino. Stream on Fubo TV.
4 The Mercenary (1966)
The Mercenary takes place at the Mexico-United States border. It follows a well-groomed mercenary named Sergie Kowalski, whose paths intersect with that of a spirited revolutionary named Paco Roman. They join hands and scramble for money and power against a backdrop of civil unrest. One keeps his cool, another unleashes chaos. As they feel themselves outnumbered against the Mexicans, Sergie and Paco must also battle Curly.
Explores Principles and Politics
The Mercenary is unlike Sergio Corbucci other Spaghetti westerns. While those are more atmospheric and intense, this one offers a glorious and enormous canvas and allows its nuanced and contemplative tale to flow free. The movie blends emotion and humor in a way that feels historic and relevant at the same time.
Tarantino likely sees its examination of personal relationships amidst political turmoil as a standout. It stars Franco Nero, Jack Palance, and Tony Musante. Stream on Tubi TV.
3 Django (1966)
A loose adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo, Django was Sergio Corbucci’s attempt to benefit off the success of Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars and leave an indelible mark on the genre. It managed to creatively do the latter by introducing us to the titular character, a Union soldier-turned-drifter, who arrives in a small town with his companion named Maria. After getting embroiled in a violent feud between a gang of Confederate Red Shirts and a band of Mexican revolutionaries, he tries to earn profits out of their rivalry.
An Influential Film That Acts as an Origin Story
Corbucci’s most famous work till date has been imitated several times. Long before Tarantino’s highly revisionist tribute, the director crafted an archetype with Franco Nero. The movie, which was his breakthrough role, cemented him as an iconic figure in the genre, whose impact endured far and wide, and he even made a cameo appearance in Tarantino’s 2012 Western, Django Unchained.
Moreover, Django’s lean storytelling, explosive violence, and an unforgettable soundtrack made it an influential Spaghetti western. Stream on Fubo TV.
2 For a Few Dollars More (1965)
The Spaghetti Western is a genre that’s marinated in sweat, blood, and gun smoke. A far superior entry in Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy, For a Few Dollars More unfurls at a calculated speed. Clint Eastwood stars as Monco and Lee Van Cleef plays Col. Douglas Mortimer. They are both looking to capture a wanted criminal for a huge bounty. Despite having personal reasons for revenge, they build a partnership. But in the sun-scorched West, can anyone be trusted?
An Overlooked Sequel that Expands the Lore
With For A Few Dollars More, Leone delivers an even cleaner and character-driven epic. Both Eastwood and Van Cleef are at their intimidating best. From subtle humor to hypnotic showdowns, every moment is drawn out for the very purpose of savoring it.
Ennio Morricone’s haunting score weaves the narrative together. Tarantino surely cherishes the movie for ceasing every tool at its disposal to perfection. Critics laud the landmark piece as “a genre classic.” Stream on Max.
1 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
A pulse-pounding perfection and the third and final installment in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy, the movie revolves around three notorious and ambitious gunslingers – Blondie, Tuco Ramirez and Angel Eyes. In the thick of the American Civil War, they are in search of $200,000 in Confederate gold. Along their trail, they face harsh terrain, deadly enemies, and each other in a relentless hunt. The movie unfolds as a dramatic race-against-time, with one man seizing the ultimate prize.
A Monumental Masterwork in Every Way
The movie features Clint Eastwood in full Man With No Name cool, flanked by exceptional and vividly driven turns from Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is known for its visual grandeur beyond many other things, with Leone’s use of gorgeous wide shots to capture the gritty spectacle making every scene unforgettable. Without a doubt, the movie is director Quentin Tarantino’s favorite Spaghetti western because it raises the bar for what epic storytelling can achieve. Stream on Max.
