The master of the Spaghetti Western, Sergio Leone, created an enduring legacy with his distinct style of filmmaking. Known for his sweeping landscapes, extreme close-ups, prolonged tension, and unforgettable scores by Ennio Morricone, Leone’s cinema redefined the Western genre. Here are some of his best movies, ranked.

1.The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Arguably Leone’s magnum opus, this epic Western completes the ‘Dollars Trilogy.’ Starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach in the titular roles, it presents a gripping tale set against the brutal backdrop of the Civil War as the three men search for buried gold.

2.Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

This film is a monumental contribution to cinema with its operatic approach to storytelling. Henry Fonda’s against-type casting as a villainous killer still sends chills down the spine. The opening sequence alone is heralded as one of the greatest in film history.

3.For a Few Dollars More (1965)

The sequel to “A Fistful of Dollars,” this film stars Eastwood and Van Cleef as two bounty hunters with a shared goal but different motives. The intense rivalry and eventual camaraderie between them create a dynamic narrative.

4.A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

The one that started it all for Leone’s Westerns, this film introduced Clint Eastwood’s ‘Man with No Name’. Inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo,” it displays a raw edge which laid down the template for future Westerns.

5.Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Leone’s final film took on a new genre—the crime drama—and spanned several decades while tracing the lives of New York gangsters. Its non-linear storytelling and themes about friendship, betrayal, and lost time make it an epic tale beyond typical mobster movies.

6.Duck You Sucker (1971)

Also known as “A Fistful of Dynamite,” this movie took Leone’s work into more politicized territory during the Mexican Revolution. While not as celebrated as his other films, its explosive action sequences and complex characters earned it cult status among die-hard fans.

7.The Colossus of Rhodes (1961)

Leone’s first credited work as a director is an adventure movie set in ancient Greece. A departure from his later works, it established his taste for ambitious storytelling and grand scale.

While every Sergio Leone film carries his indelible signature and extraordinary craftmanship deserving recognition, these rank as some of his most influential and spectacular pieces that shaped not only Western films but also global cinematic language.