From “Stagecoach” to “True Grit”, John Wayne has graced the screen for many years and boasts many popular movies. Nicknamed The Duke, Wayne is one of the most popular actors of the 20th century and still remains a favorite today.
If you think you’ve seen all the best John Wayne movies, think again. Let’s take a look at little-known movies from The Duke that you’re going to love.
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1. In Harm’s Way (1965)
If you’re looking for the best John Wayne movies, you may not find this one at the very top. But it’s worth seeing if you love The Duke. Wayne plays Navy Captain Torrey who gets his ship through the Pearl Harbor bombing unharmed.
This film is about Torrey’s Naval duty, his romance with a Navy nurse, and his relationship with estranged son, Jeremiah. This was John Wayne’s last black and white film.
2. Words and Music (1929)
Not his typical gun slinging role, you may or may not consider this one of the top John Wayne movies.
“Words and Music” is a musical comedy film where Wayne plays a college student competing for the love and attention of a beautiful coed and the prize money for a songwriting contest on campus.
3. Hellfighters (1968)
“Hellfighters” is one of those rare John Wayne movies that you’ve probably not seen. Wayne plays a skilled firefighter who fights industrial blazes. Unable to deal with his dangerous job, his wife divorces him and takes their daughter with her.
Years later, Wayne’s character suffers a near-death accident. While in the hospital, he’s visited by his long-lost daughter. This movie follows his reconciliation with the family he once lost and the dangerous job he loves.
4. Chisum (1970)
In this film, John Wayne plays Chisum, a ranch owner in New Mexico. Chisum goes up against greedy Lawrence Murphy after he comes to town buying up all the stores. Chisum gets help from Billy the Kid to protect his ranch.
5. The Shepherd of the Hills (1941)
If you’re looking for more of the best John Wayne films, The Shepherd of the Hills should definitely be included on that list. This film is set in Ozarks and stars Wayne as a hillbilly moonshiner who’s mother was killed in a mysterious accident.
Wayne’s character is resentful of his father’s absence and blames him for his mother’s untimely death. he becomes suspicious of a stranger with healing powers that comes to the town.
If you want to see this film played out live, check out this website to find live showings of the outdoor film.
Fun fact, this film was Wayne’s first Technicolor film.
Check out These John Wayne Movies and More
John Wayne was in nearly 200 movies, so there’s a good chance, even as a huge fan, that you’ve missed several. Jot down this list of John Wayne Movies, grab a bite to eat, and make a Duke movie marathon weekend.
If you love movies as we do, be sure to check out our hall of fame for our favorites. It has our favorites from the likes of Van Damme, Segal, and more.