Henry Fonda is known as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, and his roles in Western films have significantly contributed to his legendary status. With a career spanning over five decades, Fonda brought sensitivity and strength to his on-screen personas, embodying the spirit of the American frontier. Here, we honor his legacy by ranking his 10 best Westerns:

1. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – Directed by Sergio Leone, this epic Western features Fonda in an against-type role as the villainous Frank, delivering one of his most unforgettable performances.

2. The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) – A powerful film about mob justice in which Fonda’s portrayal of a fair-minded cowboy showcases his ability to convey integrity and moral fortitude amidst chaos and injustice.

3. My Darling Clementine (1946) – John Ford’s classic rendition of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral sees Fonda as Wyatt Earp, exuding quiet strength and stoicism in this atmospheric masterpiece.

4. Warlock (1959) – In this complex tale of power and corruption, Fonda plays Clay Blaisedell, a freelance lawman whose methods are questioned as order comes at the cost of justice.

5. Fort Apache (1948) – Another collaboration with John Ford casts Fonda as Lt. Col. Owen Thursday, a character whose rigid adherence to duty leads to tragic consequences.

6. The Tin Star (1957) – Fonda stars as an experienced bounty hunter who becomes an unlikely mentor to a young and inexperienced sheriff, played by Anthony Perkins.

7. Firecreek (1968) – A lesser-known gem featuring Fonda as a menacing outlaw who faces off against James Stewart’s part-time sheriff in an intense battle of wills.

8. The Return of Frank James (1940) – This sequel to “Jesse James” has Fonda reprising his role as Frank James, out for vengeance against those who killed his notorious outlaw brother.

9. Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) – In one of his earliest Western outings, Fonda plays a Revolutionary War-era settler facing the challenges of frontier life and Native American conflicts.

10. How the West Was Won (1962) – Although part of an ensemble cast in this epic saga, Fonda’s turn as a stoic buffalo hunter helps anchor one chapter of this panoramic view of American expansion.

Fonda’s authenticity and depth made each character he portrayed memorable and distinct, solidifying him as one of the true greats within the Western genre.