August is shaping up to be a fantastic month for fans of the Wild West, especially those who appreciate a good spaghetti Western. Pluto TV is rolling out a selection of free-to-stream Westerns, and one of them is none other than the film that Quentin Tarantino has repeatedly called "the greatest achievement in the history of cinema." That's high praise from a director known for his encyclopedic knowledge of film.
The movie in question is Sergio Leone's 1966 epic, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef, this iconic film is the third installment of Leone's Dollars Trilogy, following A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More. It's a gritty, sprawling tale set against the backdrop of the Civil War, featuring three gunslingers in a desperate hunt for buried gold.
Tarantino's admiration for Leone's work is well-documented, and he has often cited the Italian director as a major influence on his own filmmaking. From the standoffs in Reservoir Dogs to the stylized violence of Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino's films are peppered with homages to the spaghetti Western genre. For those who want to dive deeper into Tarantino's cinematic influences, you might also enjoy our list of the greatest thrillers since 1990.
But The Good, the Bad and the Ugly isn't the only Tarantino-approved Western hitting Pluto TV this month. Also available is Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven, a visually stunning, meditative film that Tarantino once described as a "moving painting." While it's a far cry from the gritty violence of Leone's work, it's a masterpiece in its own right, with breathtaking cinematography and a haunting score.
Another gem streaming for free is Robert Altman's revisionist Western McCabe & Mrs. Miller, starring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. Tarantino has been vocal about his initial dislike for the film's first act, but he later admitted to admiring it after multiple viewings. It's a deconstruction of the Western genre, offering a more realistic and cynical take on the frontier.
If you're in the mood for more modern takes on the genre, check out our ranking of the most flawless Westerns of the 21st century. And for those who appreciate films that were ahead of their time, our piece on cinematic masterpieces that were decades ahead is a must-read.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was a massive success upon release, grossing nearly $40 million worldwide against a modest budget of $1 million. It currently holds a 97% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its compelling story, memorable performances, and Ennio Morricone's iconic score.
So, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, August is the perfect time to catch these Western classics for free on Pluto TV. And for more streaming recommendations, be sure to stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
