Quentin Tarantino Top 20 Spaghetti Westerns
Quentin Tarantino is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, with a unique style and vision that has captivated audiences for decades. One of the genres that has inspired him the most is the spaghetti western, a term used to describe a subgenre of western films produced in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s. In this article, we will take a closer look at Quentin Tarantino's top 20 spaghetti westerns, and why they are worth watching.
1. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
This epic western film directed by Sergio Leone is considered by many to be the best spaghetti western of all time. Starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach, the film tells the story of three gunslingers who are in search of a buried treasure. The film's iconic score by Ennio Morricone is still remembered today as one of the greatest film soundtracks of all time.
2. For a Few Dollars More (1965)
This classic western film directed by Sergio Leone stars Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as bounty hunters who are after the same target. The film's memorable theme by Ennio Morricone is still remembered today as one of the greatest film scores of all time.
3. Django (1966)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Franco Nero as the titular character, a drifter who is seeking revenge against a group of outlaws who killed his wife. The film's violent and gritty style has influenced many filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino himself.
4. A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
This classic western film directed by Sergio Leone stars Clint Eastwood as a mysterious drifter who becomes involved in a feud between two rival families. The film's style and tone were heavily influenced by Akira Kurosawa's samurai films, and it has become a cult classic.
5. The Great Silence (1968)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Jean-Louis Trintignant as a mute gunslinger who is hired to take down a group of outlaws. The film's bleak and tragic ending has made it one of the most memorable spaghetti westerns of all time.
6. Keoma (1976)
This spaghetti western directed by Enzo G. Castellari stars Franco Nero as the titular character, a half-breed gunslinger who returns to his hometown to find it under the control of a corrupt landowner. The film's unique style, which combines elements of horror and westerns, has made it a cult classic.
7. The Mercenary (1968)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Franco Nero as a Polish mercenary who is hired by a group of Mexican revolutionaries to help them fight against a corrupt government. The film's political themes, as well as its action-packed set-pieces, have made it a fan favorite.
8. Django Unchained (2012)
This western film directed by Quentin Tarantino stars Jamie Foxx as the titular character, a slave who is freed by a German bounty hunter played by Christoph Waltz. The two team up to rescue Django's wife from a cruel plantation owner played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film's blend of spaghetti western and blaxploitation genres has made it a modern classic.
9. Navajo Joe (1966)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Burt Reynolds as a Navajo Indian who seeks revenge against a group of outlaws who massacred his tribe. The film's use of Native American culture and themes has made it a unique entry in the spaghetti western genre.
10. Death Rides a Horse (1967)
This spaghetti western directed by Giulio Petroni stars Lee Van Cleef as a gunslinger who teams up with a young man (played by John Phillip Law) to track down the bandits who killed his family years earlier. The film's revenge plot and stylish direction have made it a cult classic.
11. The Big Gundown (1966)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Sollima stars Lee Van Cleef as a bounty hunter who is after a Mexican bandit (played by Tomas Milian) who has been falsely accused of rape and murder. The film's political themes and exciting action scenes have made it a fan favorite.
12. Companeros (1970)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Franco Nero as a Swedish arms dealer who teams up with a Mexican revolutionary (played by Tomas Milian) to rescue a political prisoner. The film's use of humor and its commentary on politics and revolution have made it a unique entry in the spaghetti western genre.
13. Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot! (1967)
This spaghetti western directed by Giulio Questi stars Tomas Milian as a half-breed who is betrayed by his gang and left for dead. He returns to seek revenge against them, using brutal methods that have made the film controversial to this day.
14. The Return of Ringo (1965)
This spaghetti western directed by Duccio Tessari stars Giuliano Gemma as a former Union soldier who returns home to find his town under the control of a gang of Mexican bandits. The film's mix of action, romance, and drama has made it a fan favorite.
15. God Forgives... I Don't! (1967)
This spaghetti western directed by Giuseppe Colizzi stars Terence Hill and Bud Spencer as two outlaws who team up to steal a shipment of gold from a corrupt sheriff. The film's mix of action and comedy has made it one of the most entertaining spaghetti westerns of all time.
16. The Hellbenders (1967)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Joseph Cotten as a Confederate colonel who tries to smuggle a shipment of gold through enemy territory. The film's bleak tone and violent action scenes have made it a cult classic.
17. The Dirty Outlaws (1967)
This spaghetti western directed by Franco Rossetti stars Andrea Giordana as a gunslinger who teams up with a group of outlaws to rob a bank. The film's stylish direction and memorable characters have made it a fan favorite.
18. Face to Face (1967)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Sollima stars Gian Maria Volonte as a history professor who becomes a bandit after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. The film's exploration of morality and its complex characters have made it a standout in the spaghetti western genre.
19. The Grand Duel (1972)
This spaghetti western directed by Giancarlo Santi stars Lee Van Cleef as a retired lawman who is falsely accused of murder. The film's stylish direction and exciting action scenes have made it a fan favorite.
20. Minnesota Clay (1964)
This spaghetti western directed by Sergio Corbucci stars Cameron Mitchell as a gunslinger who is betrayed by his gang and left for dead. He returns to seek revenge against them, using his skills as a marksman. The film's themes of betrayal and revenge have made it a standout in the spaghetti western genre.