The only order these films are in is a suggested viewing order.
A Fistful Of Dollars
While it was not the first Spaghetti Western, it is widely regarded as the first so it gets the credit. And, come one, its Clint!
Django
One, its a CLASSIC character. Two, its Franco Nero! Three, it shows that Spaghetti Westerns could be about characters and stories. Starts showing off what a really good dark story teller Sergio Corbucci was; classic.
I may be the ONLY person on earth who would love for Sergio Leone films to just go away. Still, it is an important film and, it does mark the point where Leone wanders away from story telling and embraces art. Ack!
The Great Silence
Sergio Corbucci at is dark story telling apex. Just a master work western in the snow.
If You Meet Sartana, Pray for Your Death
I LOVE this insanely convoluted script. It is class Spaghetti Western low budget fun.
The Hellbenders
Another Sergio Corbucci and a character study. It is one of a few "the South will rises again" stories. Well done.
Requiescant
Another "the South will rises again" story, but this time, with a twist. One of the GREATEST bad guys ever and a GREAT story. Known for its leftist messaging.
Sabata
Higher budget piece with lots of fun gadgets. With a nod to James Bond and not wholly unlike Sartana. Oh yea, Lee Van Cleef, hello?
A Pistol For Ringo
Great shoot 'em up western hero movie Italian style.
Tequila Joe
Great redemption story and, again with that Italian style.
Four of the Apocalypse
An example of the late Spaghetti Westerns. It is dark, gory and rather oppressive. Not a happy piece.
Killer Adios
There were a few of these Spaghetti Western who dunnits. Its not especially sophisticated, but you wouldn't expect or want that at all in a Spaghetti Westerns. Its just enjoyable.
Arizona Colt
Another great shoot 'em up western hero movie Italian style. This one came after Ringo.
Django Kill...If You Live, Shoot!
Its just weird, but not as weird as Alan Cox and others blather on endlessly about. A sign of the times you might say. Clearly, its a western made in Europe in the 1960s. I cannot decide if you should read about this one before you see it or not. Me? I read volumes about this movie before I saw it; I assume its good either way.
A Bullet for the General
The Mexican Revolution was a consistent theme in the Spaghetti Westerns (it appears all over the place). This movie, with all the typical Spaghetti Western gusto, takes a very interesting and thoughtful approach to the issue of Mexican Revolution.
The Forgotten Pistolero
Do you like Greek Mythology. Then this is your movie. Seriously, one of my favorites (like Corbucci) because it emphasises story telling. Doesn't always feel like it stays on the rails, but it gets the job done. GREAT high melodrama. One of the best sound tracks of the genre.
Django the Bastard
Of the unofficial Django follow-ups, I just enjoy this one the best. "W Django" could just as easily have fit in this spot.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Again, I want to say that I wish Leone would just go away. Sigh. But, since you made it this far, you might as well see the epic that most feel represents the entity of the genre. Nevermind, set aside 3 hour and have at it. It really is a GREAT film. I just don't think of it as a western really.
Once Upon a Time in the West
Leone at his epic best. At his best, period. Its just good. And, its 3 hours long so knock yourself out. It is an amazing film and, if the location shots don't make you laugh, you are missing the joke.
Enjoy,
Louis Stone-Collonge
stonecollonge@gmail.com
The Silicon Valley Spaghetti Western Film Appreciation Society
http://www.facebook.com/SiliconValleySpaghetti
