Three classic Western films starring Hollywood icon John Wayne have earned spots on Rotten Tomatoes' list of the greatest Western movies ever made, according to reports published by Men's Journal through June 28, 2026.
The 1965 film The Sons of Katie Elder, directed by Henry Hathaway, secured a place on the list alongside a perfect 100% critics score.
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The story follows four brothers, played by Wayne, Dean Martin, Earl Holliman, and Michael Anderson Jr., who reunite to seek justice after their family ranch is lost and their father is murdered.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, a 1962 release directed by John Ford, also made the rankings with a 95% critics score and a 92% audience score.
The movie details the conflict between rugged rancher Tom Doniphon, played by Wayne, and idealistic lawyer Ransom Stoddard, portrayed by James Stewart, as they confront an outlaw played by Lee Marvin.
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The cinematic piece explored broader themes of American frontier mythology rather than focusing solely on traditional action sequences.
"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend," noted the film line cited by Men's Journal.
The final film included in the rankings is the 1962 epic How the West Was Won, which features a massive ensemble cast including Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, and Gregory Peck.
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The three-hour production used a groundbreaking Cinerama presentation and was directed by three filmmakers: Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall, to depict multiple generations of pioneer expansion.
