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John Wayne’s Iconic Films and Where to Watch Them
John Wayne is one of the most iconic actors in the Western genre, known for his portrayals of cowboys and soldiers. Over the course of his career, he starred in numerous films, many of which are considered classics. While streaming services can make it difficult to track where these movies are available each month, there are still several options for fans to enjoy his work.
One of the most influential films in Wayne’s career is Rio Bravo, released in 1959 and directed by Howard Hawks. This movie was a direct response to High Noon, a film that Wayne felt disrespected the American West. In Rio Bravo, Wayne plays Sheriff John T. Chance, who must protect a prisoner from his jail until the marshals arrive. When the prisoner’s friends try to break him out, Chance must rely on the help of townspeople to defend the jail. The film was highly influential and even inspired John Carpenter’s Escape from Precinct 13. It is currently available to stream on the Criterion Channel.
Another standout film is The Quiet Man, a romantic drama that deviates from the typical Western or war movie. Directed by John Ford, this film features Wayne as a retired boxer who returns to Ireland to reconnect with his roots. It also marks one of his best romance stories with Maureen O’Hara. The film won Ford the Best Director Oscar and was added to the National Film Registry in 2013. Fans can watch it for free on Kanopy with a valid library card.
For those looking for a sequel, Rooster Cogburn is a follow-up to Wayne’s Oscar-winning performance in True Grit. This film features Katharine Hepburn as a spinster seeking revenge for her father’s murder. While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, it remains a notable later-era film for Wayne. It is available to stream on Hoopla, which is free for anyone with a library card.
Classic Westerns and War Films
Red River, another collaboration between John Wayne and Howard Hawks, is a significant film in Wayne’s career. In this movie, he plays Thomas Dunson, a man leading a wagon train who faces challenges from his adopted son. The film received critical acclaim, earning two Oscar nominations and being added to the National Film Registry in 1990. It is currently available for free on Hoopla with a library card.
The Alamo, directed by John Wayne himself in 1960, tells the story of the 1836 Siege and Battle of the Alamo. Wayne stars as Davy Crockett, alongside Richard Widmark and Laurence Harvey. The film earned seven Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture. It is available for free on Fubo.
Later Works and Collaborations
El Dorado, released in 1966, is a Western directed by Howard Hawks and featuring John Wayne as Cole Thornton, a gun-for-hire. The film also stars Robert Mitchum and is widely praised for its combination of action and character development. It is available to stream on Kanopy with a library card.
Rio Grande, part of John Ford’s Cavalry Trilogy, is another important film in Wayne’s career. It follows Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke as he deals with personal and professional challenges while protecting settlers from Apache raids. Despite being considered the weakest of the trilogy, it is still a quality Western. Fans can stream it on Kanopy.
Other Notable Films
Big Jake, a 1971 Western, reunites Wayne with director George Sherman. In this film, Wayne plays a gunslinger who returns to rescue his kidnapped grandson. It also features Maureen O’Hara in her final performance before her 20-year retirement. The film is available for free on Fubo.
Stagecoach, the first Western directed by John Ford and starring Wayne, marked the beginning of his legendary career. It showcases Wayne as the Ringo Kid, helping protect a stagecoach. The film is considered a classic and is available on Prime Video and HBO Max.
True Grit, the only film in which Wayne won an Oscar for acting, is a masterpiece. It features Wayne as Rooster Cogburn, a U.S. Marshal hired by a young girl to find the killer of her father. The film is available for free on Fubo.
These films offer a glimpse into the legacy of John Wayne and provide opportunities for fans to enjoy his work on various streaming platforms. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his films, there’s something for everyone to appreciate.