For cinephiles, few films hold the legendary status of Once Upon a Time in the West. This 1968 spaghetti Western, directed by Sergio Leone, is not just a genre classic—it's a masterclass in visual storytelling that has influenced generations of filmmakers. Among its most devoted admirers is Quentin Tarantino, who has often cited it as a pivotal inspiration. Now, fans in the United States have a limited window to stream this iconic film for free on Tubi, as it's set to depart on November 1, 2026.
The movie was born from Leone's desire to push beyond the boundaries of his earlier Dollars Trilogy. Collaborating with horror maestro Dario Argento and acclaimed director Bernardo Bertolucci, Leone crafted a sweeping epic that redefined the Western genre. The film's impact on Tarantino is profound; he once wrote that it "affected my films in every way, shape and form." In a foreword to a book about the film's making, Tarantino described it as "the movie that made me consider filmmaking, the movie that showed me how a director does what he does, how a director can control a movie through his camera."
Starring Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, and Jason Robards, Once Upon a Time in the West is a sprawling tale of revenge, greed, and the dawn of the modern age. Fonda, typically cast as a hero, delivers a chilling performance as the villainous Frank—a casting choice that shocked audiences and remains one of cinema's boldest moves. The film also reunites Leone with composer Ennio Morricone, whose haunting score is as integral to the narrative as the dialogue.
While Tarantino ranks it fifth on his list of favorite spaghetti Westerns, the film's influence extends far beyond his work. Its iconic opening sequence, a nearly wordless 12-minute scene, has been referenced in everything from Breaking Bad to Star Wars. Even the title of Tarantino's own Once Upon a Time in Hollywood pays homage to Leone's epic.
Critics have long recognized its brilliance. Roger Ebert, who initially gave the film a lukewarm two-and-a-half stars, later added it to his "Great Movies" list, acknowledging its enduring power. Today, it holds a 96% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus calling it "A landmark Sergio Leone spaghetti Western masterpiece featuring a classic Morricone score."
If you haven't experienced this cinematic treasure, now is the time. Tubi is offering it for free, but only until November 1, 2026. After that, you'll need to seek it out elsewhere. For those who love Westerns, this is an unmissable opportunity. And if you're in the mood for more Western classics, check out our list of Western novels that are perfect from the first page to the last or explore Tarantino's Django Unchained arriving on Prime Video.
As the clock ticks down, cinephiles are reminded of the fleeting nature of streaming availability. Don't let this one ride off into the sunset without you. Set a reminder, gather your popcorn, and witness the film that taught Tarantino the power of a director's vision.
