All of John Wayne's movies are great. There is no single best, in my opinion.

True Grit for sure. John Wayne is drunk and mean and takes on 4 guys with the reins in his teeth, a pistol in one hand and a rifle in the other!

That is a tough question to answer...The Duke is The Duke... but I will say that his later works are some of my favorites especially True Grit and his final film The Shootist.

My favorite is McClintock! Although I love to sit and watch ANY John Wayne western. Some of my other favorites are El Dorado, North To Alaska, Rio Bravo, True Grit, Rooster Cogburn... And although not westerns, I love The Quiet Man and Hellfighters. I guess I have to say his best western would be True Grit.

I recently saw STAGECOACH in my Cinematography class at school for the first time i think it is one , if not the best ,westerns, Undoubtedly one of Waynes best performances!!

The Searchers is John Wayne's best. John Wayne plays the lone hero who knows what he has to do regardless of the cost to a T. The closing scenemakes me wish there was a sequel.

True Grit is definitely his best movie. Love it.

Love John Wayne but now I'm also thinking -- once the generation that grew up while he was still making movies or grew up not too long after he stopped....once those of us are gone, will John Wayne - or his popularity - go too? Will he fade from being an icon? Is he already fading?

My vote goes for True Grit. I loved The Duke as Rooster Cogburn. That young actress who played "baby sister" was perfect in her role, too.

I haven't seen many John Wayne movies since childhood. Maybe I'll win and can catch up.

True Grit has always been my favorite.

I can't believe only one person here has mentioned The Searchers! I love that movie--John Wayne as an utterly despicable racist and yet totally redeemable cowboy out to save (and/or kill) his niece? Classic.

@ Lee Kane: I think you bring up an interesting point. To be quite honest, John Wayne has almost no pull with my generation (I'm 24). Most of my friends find his movies to be slow and totally uninteresting. That's probably why studios are remaking classic westerns like 3:10 to Yuma--to modernize the western and make it more palatable to younger audiences. The question is, with all this modernization of classic western motifs, will John Wayne eventually be replaced by a younger actor?

His best movie? two come to mind. The Searchers for his portrayal of a complete bigot and racist and The Sands of Iwo Jima. He played a hard as nails Marine named Stryker who did all he could to make Marines of the men under him.

I'm over 50 years old and have seen almost, if not every one, of John Wayne's films. The BEST would be no question, not even close, hands down; "The Searchers"! That movie embodied every aspect of his acting career and style, i.e. his hardness, his softness, his determined "True Grit" (pardon the pun) attitude,His LOOK, His TALK and the (no one can duplicate) classic ending STAND and WALK with his turning, stepping off the porch and WALKING off into the sunset still brings a tear to my eyes every single time I see it. And I've seen it more times than I can remember.

Ahhh, John Wayne - they just don't make'm like that anymore!!! All his movies are favorites especially the westerns. If I had to chose just one western it would have to be The Searchers. Non-western would definitely be The Quiet Man.

I'd have to go with Rooster Cogburn.

I truly miss John Wayne! A great actor.

I wonder what kinds of movies Wayne would be making if he were alive, and young, today. We don't really make classic westerns any more. Would he have been able to find a niche in today's modern cinema?

Fort Apache

The Searchers is my favorite. Something about those beautiful scenes at Monument Valley always gets to me.

Clayton, I really think that John Wayne would find a niche today if he were a young actor. He had so much presence on screen that somehow he would find a place. It might not be the classic western but it would be something special for sure.

It isw difficult to judge his work because he is actually a far better actor than the stereo type people do impressions of. I loved his pragmatic determination in The Searchers and some of his really early work is that of a romantic lead. But for pure entertainment, I have to go with True Grit. He was iconic, versatile, and oh so very human!

Rio Bravo and El Dorado, split between the two.

@judygr64: I'd like to think so too. But I struggle to come up with a role in a modern movie that he would be suited for. Is he like a Russell Crowe? I can see that in terms of, like you said, the screen presence and the overall manliness. Maybe if John Wayne were alive today, the western would be as well.

Without a Doubt, "Big Jake" is his best Western and
Probably his best movie...

Jim Olin
January 31st 2:00 AM

I love The Sons of Katie Elder and Big Jake.

This is a difficult question because John Wayne is the ultimate actor, but I think The Searchers is my favorite movie. Good luck to all.

The Quiet Man is my favorite. Emotional, humorous and that
breathtaking scenery. And, of course, there is his co-star Maureen O'Hara - any Irishman's dream.

The Duke should have gotten an Oscar for this one.

Big Jake

i thinkk john wayne's best movie is the quiet man iwth maureen o'hara

Love them all! The Searchers is my top pick though.

What do you all think is the best John Wayne movie to start with, supposing some one hasn't seen a single one?

I love John Wayne, but my favorite movie would have to be True Grit.

I would have to say that Angel and the Badman or Red River would have to be two of the best of course you can't forget The Man who Shot Liberty Valance.

I love John wayne movies my favorite John wayne movies are Big jake and shootist his final film and also El Dorado, I think He the greatest movie actor all times Favorite.

True Grit is my favorite but The Searchers is his best.

I love them all, but my all time favorite is The Shootist, his last movie. And my most favorite is Stagecoach.

his greatest movie would be the searchers

The Alamo

For sure it's "McLintock!"

Hands down - True Grit!!

'nuf said...

Like many others it is so very hard to choose but one of my favorites is "Sons of Katie Elder".He had to be rough and tough yet a very loving and caring father and husband. Yea!!! thats it.....

mommaice: You're the first person to mention Sons of Katie and Elder. Why do you suppose that is--do you think for that role he especially stepped out of his usual comfort zone?

No one compares to the Duke. John Wayne's presence made a movie. I treasure every one of his films. To pick a favorite western is particularly difficult, but i would submit "The Searchers" as my favorite.

I think that Rio Grande is John Wayne's best movie. Putting him with Maureen O'Hara was great, I really like all the moves that they are in together get on screen chemistry.

He may have only won an Oscar for True Grit but many say The Searchers and Sands of Iwo Jima were also both contenders and he should have won awards for both those movies as well. All those are great but as a Navy vet I have to pick In Harm's Way as my all-time favorite John Wayne movie. God Bless John Wayne 1907 - 1979.

It's a tough one for me.
It's between Rio Bravo, The Searchers, North to Alaska, and True Grit.
I probably would have to nail it down to...
The Searchers but I definately have not seen enough of his movies.

John Wayne was a great actor & cowboy. All his movies were great, but, the movie he actually stood out in was the "Shootist". It not only showed how much he had matured, it showed how the west had matured with gunslingers and death.

I am a young admirer of John Wayne films at the age of 17 I have not seen all of his films but own over 40 of them. My favorite Western movie would have to be "The Searchers" because I believe that this film showed how bold John Wayne was as an actor. My favorite non-western film would consist of "Hellfighters" because this was a great film that also portrayed John Wayne as a great actor, not acting as a cowboy which many people of my generation relate John Wayne to, "Hellfighters" was also the film that introduced me to John Wayne films and successfully retained my interest.

The Duke made alot of great westerns. His best performance is easily in The Searchers. The way John Ford let Duke be himself, with the breathtaking scenery, is awe inspiring. Look at his expression when he gets to his brothers home.

Im in my later 50's and grew up with the Duke, Roy
Rogers,Tex Ritter,Hopalong Casidy,The Cisco Kid,
The Lone Ranger and a few others I cant even remember.I loved them all,still have the Lone Ranger Creed hanging on my wall,alot of other people should.I didnt like the Serchers at first but later came to realize It was Truly one of the Dukes Best. It had every single quality Plus extra, Required to be an Actor,Mentor,and Roll Model for the millions of fans that admired this man and wanted to be like him.He gave his best at being a mentor and roll model ( nothing like you see today ).

My favourite John Wayne movie is True Grit.
Fine performances all round from Kim Darby,
Glen Campbell, and of course John Wayne
who finally receives a much deserved and
long overdue Oscar.
Since I am a big fan of John Wayne and his
westerns in particular,I found it difficult to
pick just one when you can choose from
Stagecoach,The Searchers,Big Jake, Chism
and The Shootist to name a few.

rooster cogburn is best in my opinion but they are all great

I've seen over sixty of his movies, over a hundred to go... but I believe that Big Jake is one of my favorites.

The Duke if you are a true fan you might have a favorate movie but you could never singel one out above the rest John Wayne is and will always be a true american hero and those of us that are true fans will keep his movies and memeory alive

I haven't seen them all (yet, I want to), but Rooster Cogburn and The Shootist stand out in my memory. Rooster Cogburn had some funny moments (him getting frustrated with a woman), but The Shootist spoke about a real life issue, cancer, one that hit very close to home later in his life. Because I was only a child when I saw it, I had to search on IMDB for a movie that had both Wayne and Jimmy Stewart in it (another favorite of mine). I can dimly remember hearing Jimmy Stewart's character say a beautiful speech containing the words: "...cancer...", and "...testicles...", and "...pain....". They just don't make actors like those two anymore. So, The Shootist would have to be my favorite.

I think Red River is one of my favorites, cannot just name one...too many favorites.

I think John Wayne's best movie was The Quiet Man. All his movies were great but that one was the best.

The Searchers, I think.

Have to say Red River, with the Searchers a close second.
Favorite character Sgt John M Stryker or Capt Nathan Britles

I really like the Quiet Man. The scenery was beautiful and the acting was great. I don't think the fighting Irish part was much of a stretch for Mr. Wayne.

I think it's fair to say that I've watched/rewatched John Wayne's movies a thousand times. It would be hard for me to say whether True Grit, Stagecoach, Big Jake, The Quiet Man, Rio Grande or The Shootist was his best movie. Even his lesser movies are great

True Grit, a great movie. The Shootist was outstanding also.

My favorite JW movie?....Toss up between El Dorado and True Grit. It's so hard to choose! Haven't seen a bad one!

With all due respect to all of his great movies, although not my favorite Wayne flick, I believe The Shootest to truly be his best work. To be an elderly actor dealing with the challenges of dying from cancer playing an elderly gunslinger dealing with the challenges of dying from cancer, how could you help but see the deep contemplation in the worried looks on his face! Fine supporting cast from Ron Howard, Jimmy Stewart, Harry Morgan, etc.

Come on people! "The Green Beret"
Fighting soldiers from the sky Fearless men who jump and die Men who mean just what they say The brave men of the Green Berets!
That was John Wayne! and the runner up......
"The Shootist" May God rest his soul
There will not be anyone that can replace him!

@don dorman: "There will not be anyone that can replace him!" I hear that sentiment all the time, and I just can't help but not be convinced. I think as the years have progressed, the quality of our actors has just gotten better. True, I don't think we'll ever find a replacement, per se. But I refuse to believe there will never be another actor who can do what John Wayne did as well, or better. Am I totally off?

"The Searchers" is easily the most historic and revolutionary film that John Wayne was in. Not only that, but it's one of the best Westerns ever made.

John Wayne said that his favorite movie was "The Searchers". He even named son Ethan after his character Ethan Edwards from the movie. It was major part of his career as well as John Ford's.This filmis one of the 100 Greatest American Movies it was nominated for best director in 1956 and in 1988 The Library of Congress added it to the U.S. National Film Registry. Other films have have won more awards but i am convinced that John Wayne is America he will never be replaced and his legacy lives on in all of his movies.

I would have to go with True Grit. It showed the many aspects of the things he stood for. Truth,Justice and doing whats right no matter the cost. Besides it showed you really can't judge a book by its cover. But I would vote for anyone of his westerns.

John Wayne's performance in the film The Searchers (1956) is by far his best 'western.' His complex role of Ethan Edwards, a man who chooses to live apart from society, is made more challenging, when he does 'mix' with the populace. Let us not forget, that one person does not make, a film great. The long standing partnership of film director John Ford, Mr. Wayne's mentor, shows the successful pairing of two great talents, combined to make one great film. A very powerful example of the complexity of the efforts of both John Wayne and John Ford can be seen in the post-massacre scene of the Edward's house. "There is a blackened horror that exists within, signified by the charred framework of the shelter. There is a harsh realism now to this violated home. Ethan finds the bloodied remnants of Martha's dress outside the house. Ford's directing places Ethan in front of the burned and blackened doorway, and 'Uncle' Ethan falls to his knees stunned, hurt, and furious at what the audience can only imagine what he sees in the darkness of what was once Martha's home. The viewer can only assume that what Ethan sees is the dead and raped body of his sister-in-law, Martha. This conclusion can be drawn because of the image of Ethan seen and framed from within the blackened doorway frame. The ability of Ford to ignite an emotional response so that the audience can share in the grief upon the screen gives more credibility to the film before the viewer's eyes." The Searchers, John Wayne and John Fords gift, to the film viewing public.

No doubt about it. John Wayne was Something, and "The Searchers" was probably his best Western, because he had a great script, a great director, and real characters to work with (Natalie Wood's wholesome good looks and unfortunate Comanche accent aside).
But when it comes to having one heck of a good time watching a Western, my vote goes to "Hondo", where John Wayne got to play it straight and command focus, while working with a kid, a dog, and Geraldine Page, who deserved the Oscar nomination she got. And did I mention I still have my 3-D glasses?

My vote is for "True Grit"

With so many movies to chose from it is difficult. Most people think of him as a warrior (army or cowboy) or just as a cowboy, and in doing so they try to limit his acting ability. But the movie The Quiet Man proved he could build sexual tension (while not being known as a romantic lead) that was believable and tender. He showed many sides to his ability as an actor and was not only a great tribute to his skills, but the movie, while being a box office failure, is still a classic to this day.

ICON. That word describes John Wayne. His portrayal of what an "American" is or should be is what molded the generation that I grew up in. I love the bumper sticker I saw, "WWJWD" (what would John Wayne do) shows the impact he had on my generation. I don't know how anyone who calls themselves a John Wayne "Fan" or in my case a "Fanatic" can say that one movie was better than others. I enjoy watching them all and have viewed some well over a hundred times. Certain scenes are so classic John Wayne. He made movies that you could take the entire family to and not be ashamed by the language or gore. My most watched (but not favorite) video of the "Duke" has to be Chisum. May the Duke's Legacy Live on Forever.

I think all of Waynes westerns were great but I like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

The Shootest, it may have been his last,but I think it was his best.

I loved the Quiet Man and think it is John Wayne's best! He had so many good movies, it is very hard to choose just one...

I am only 35 and I have almost all of his movies on VHS and DVD,, i guess im kinda a Duke nut! I cant remember the last time i didnt watch a duke movie at least once during a week,, most times its what i fall asleep too. My wifes is not such a fan anymore due to my always watching a duke movie. I have to wait till she falls asleep before i can put one on now. One of My sons is named Jacob, after the Big Jake character, my other son is named McAndle, we call him Mac after the In harms way character, not john wayne, the name is after the big jake last name (Jacob McAndles), Jake my two year old is beginning to be a fan, when ever he sees a western he says "Duke" Duke,, its funny. And of course my german shepards dogs name is Duke, The dog before this was named "Dog", My wife is currently pregnant and we are thinkin Ethan or John if a boy, maybe mareen after mareen ohara if a girl,, not sure yet. So lets get to it,,, My favorites like others seems to be the searchers, Big Jake and In Harms Way. all though it changes from day to day,,, today my favorite is In Harms Way.

WOW... lots and lots of John Wayne fans are commenting here. Rest assured the John Wayne legacy will live on forever once the new museum is built. The John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center will be built in the next couple years. The centennial celebration lat year was great. Being able to see Duke's movies on the big screen again was absolutely fantastic. Do yourself a favor and watch a John Wayne movie today and every day that you have time to sit down and watch one. You'll love his movies for the rest of your life. They just don't make them like Duke used to make them. "Lest We Forget"

For me his best role was playing Shaun Thornton in the Quiet Man.

who can disagree with John Wayne taking a bullet on the side of the hill in Iwo Jima... his finest moment!

I have two all time favorites. The Searchers and The Green Berets. The man was great in all his movies but these two were just exceptional to me.

True Grit

I would have to say The Quiet Man was his best movie ! Personally I like alot of the older black and white cowboy movies like Blue Steel , Haunted Gold ect. But just like everyone else I would have to agree he did GREAT in all his movies ! I'm a John Wayne fan 4life !

OMG so many good ones to choose from ..... however if your going by criteria of his BEST acting, I would have to say that The Shootist, The Searchers and Red River are his best. Course there's also The Quiet Man, Sands of Iwo Jima, Wings of Eagles, Island in the Sky, True Grit (also great acting). Then there's my favorites like McClintock, Big Jake, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Rio Grande, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, Hondo, and on and on and on! His all time best I guess would be between The Shootist and The Searchers.

All of John Waynes movies are great. I have a personal collection of 58. Yes I have watched them all at least twice. I actually have 4 favorites. 2 for sentimental reasons. "She wore a yellow ribbon" that was one of moms favorite and we would gather around the TV and watch it when ever it came on. "The Cowboys". I was a little guy (from NY) at a drive in movie in Montana. My brothers dad and I crying like big babies when he was killed. Even though a movie, I believe to this day that I really don't like Bruce Dern that much. I shared this movie with my boys, Grandpa and I. It brought back great memories and yes, we all got teary eyed all over again.
"The Searchers" my all time favorite. A side of John Wayne acting we don't see much. He made his character come alive. His all time best! "The Quiet Man". This my wife and I watch together often and fall in love all over again each time.
Two things I have stressed to my boys. "A big mouth don't make a big man" and " I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them."

To: aDukefan,

I too had a dog I named "dog". He was a border collie. Went with me everywhere. When ever I wanted him to do something. All I said was, dog!
He had a great 15 yrs. He is missed by all in the family.

I love To watch Donovan's Reef at Christmas time!

We can watch "The Duke's movies over and over again. They are timeless. Some surpurb performances come to mind. True Grit( oscar award winning) Rooster Cogburn, McClintock, Eldorado and The Quiet Man. I feel that one of his best is "The Godfathers" and though it is at times almost painful to watch "The Searchers". It is said that was his lest liked movie to do. You can see the sheer pain on his face for what he was determined to dothat took years to find his niece. There are refferences to other actors ability to come close to a Duke performance, however there is a big difference between Silver and Gold.

I'd have to say his best western, The Searchers, his best non western, The Quiet Man, his best War flick, The Sands of Iowa Jima, my favorites, this goes way back, the three Godfathers, and Wake of the Red Witch.

John Wayne is all you need to say about Movies.
He was a Man, A great American,
He set the standards of manhood.
All his movies were great ! He gave you
principals to live by for life.

The Dukes Greatest movie has to be his last, The Shootist. Not because I had a bit part in it while I was going to high school, but because if you think about him while you are watching the movie, you'll see his entire career rolled into the part. He knew that this would be his last movie and he said so as he played the part. He was a true American who believed in America.

In my opinion his best film work has to be "The Searchers". From the opening scene, to the film score and the story line all the way to the last scene has to be not only his best western but one of the best movies; western or not. "The Duke" will always live forever.

True Grit was the best,Rooster Cogburn was the toughest sonofabitch to ever get into a saddle

I don't think of any one movie as the greatest. But I think of the Dukes career as a life time of acheivement. A culmination of time that created a one of a kind actor. Cowboy, soldier, father, comedian. Duke is a one of a kind professional. I love all of his movies, although some I do like better. All in all, it is the best series of movies from cradle to grave ever produced. Thanks Duke.

There are a few that I really enjoy watching over and over but three stand out in my mind: The Searchers, The Shootist, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance are my favorites.

God Bless the Duke! I miss him.

there are so many; starting from the early, the best are ; ANGEL AND THE BADMAN, RED RIVER, SEARCHERS, HORSE SOILDERS, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, BIG JAKE, THE SHOOTIST. THESE ARE ALL CLASSIC WESTERNS THAT ARE SHOWN AND RESHOWN WITH OLD AND NEW AUDIENCES...

True Grit, The Searchers, Stagecoach are some of my favorites, But I am very lucky to have in my collection...Island in the Sky and The High and The Mighty. Now being released on AMC. The Shootist is another favorite.
On a poll they compared Iwo Jima and Braveheart, two good movies but it is hard for me to imagine John Wayne mooning anybody before attacking.

John Wayne made a lot of great movies but my all-time favorites are "In Harms Way" and "Donovan`s Reef"