Best John Wayne Movies Ranked – and 1961 Western is No. 1 With Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

Few actors are more closely associated with the Western genre than John Wayne. Over the course of a career that spanned decades, Wayne starred in dozens of beloved films and became one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars. From True Grit and The Searchers to Rio Bravo, many of his movies remain staples of the genre.

But according to Rotten Tomatoes, one film stands above the rest. The site's ranking of John Wayne's highest-rated movies places 1961's The Comancheros at No. 1, thanks to its rare 100% Tomatometer score from critics.

Why 'The Comancheros' Stands Out

Directed by Michael Curtiz, The Comancheros stars Wayne as Texas Ranger Jake Cutter, who is tasked with tracking down a gambler named Paul Regret, played by Stuart Whitman.

As the story unfolds, the pair become entangled in a larger conspiracy involving a dangerous gang known as the Comancheros, who are supplying weapons and whiskey throughout the frontier.

The film blends action, adventure, humor, and classic Western storytelling, helping it stand apart from many of Wayne's other entries in the genre. In addition to Wayne and Whitman, the cast includes Lee Marvin, Ina Balin, Nehemiah Persoff, and Joan O'Brien.

A Perfect Score From Critics

What helped propel The Comancheros to the top of Rotten Tomatoes' ranking is its flawless critical score. The film currently holds a 100% Tomatometer rating, indicating unanimous positive reviews from critics whose reviews were included by the site.

Audience reactions have been somewhat more mixed, with the movie earning a 74% Popcornmeter score from viewers. Still, the critical reception was strong enough to place it above many of Wayne's most famous films.

One of John Wayne's Final Great Westerns

Released in 1961, The Comancheros arrived during a particularly strong stretch of Wayne's career.

The actor had already established himself as one of Hollywood's biggest stars and would go on to appear in classics such as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and True Grit later in the decade.

More than 60 years after its release, The Comancheros continues to earn praise from critics and Western fans alike.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 4:32 AM.