#8: Hang ‘Em High

Clint Eastwood’s transition back to more Americanized Westerns began with this 1968 film, a classic tale of justice and revenge. A fast-paced film that performed well in theaters, Hang ‘Em High showed that the appeal in Eastwood’s quiet, brooding persona was far from dying down.

An important bit of trivia, Hang ‘Em High was the first production of The Malpaso Company, Eastwood’s own production company. The company was formed with profits from the Dollars Trilogy and, all told, has produced more than 50 films since its establishment in 1967.