Spaghetti Westerns, a subgenre of Western films that emerged in the mid-1960s, were distinct for their gritty aesthetic, unique storytelling, and atmospheric music. While Clint Eastwood remains a towering figure for his role in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy, there are plenty of other fantastic entries that deserve recognition. Here are the 10 best Spaghetti Westerns that don’t star Clint Eastwood:

1.”Django” (1966) – Directed by Sergio Corbucci

Django set new standards with its unrelentingly bleak outlook and brutal violence. Franco Nero stars as the titular character, dragging a coffin with a mysterious content.

2.”The Great Silence” (1968) – Directed by Sergio Corbucci

Known for its snow-blanketed setting and somber tone, The Great Silence stands out for its subversion of genre tropes and an unforgettable ending.

3.”Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968) – Directed by Sergio Leone

Leone’s epic tale is a heroic opera magnified by powerful performances from Charles Bronson and Henry Fonda. It’s renowned for its elaborate set pieces and Ennio Morricone’s score.

4.”Day of Anger” (1967) – Directed by Tonino Valerii

This film, featuring Lee Van Cleef mentoring a young gunslinger, is noteworthy for exploring themes of morality within the Western setting.

5.”The Mercenary” (1968) – Directed by Sergio Corbucci

A revolutionary Western that combines action with political commentary, starred by Franco Nero in another iconic role alongside Tony Musante.

6.”Death Rides a Horse” (1967) – Directed by Giulio Petroni

This tale of revenge pairs John Phillip Law as the young avenger with Lee Van Cleef as an older gunman also seeking vengeance.

7.”The Big Gundown” (1966) – Directed by Sergio Sollima

Lee Van Cleef features again in this gripping story about a lawman hunting down a supposed murderer played by Tomas Milian.

8.”Companeros” (1970) – Directed by Sergio Corbucci

A lighter take on the genre, it still delivers on action and features an odd couple dynamic between Franco Nero’s mercenary and Tomas Milian’s rebel.

9.”Face to Face” (1967) – Directed by Sergio Sollima

An Italian professor becomes morally corrupted when he interacts with a notorious outlaw in this complex psychological drama.

10.”A Bullet for the General” (1967) – Directed by Damiano Damiani

As an examination of revolution and loyalty during the Mexican Revolution, this stands out for its strong performances and socio-political narrative.

These films expanded the horizons of the Spaghetti Western genre beyond the iconic presence of Clint Eastwood and continue to influence filmmakers across the world today.