7 Essential John Wayne Films to Celebrate The Duke's Birthday

On May 26, 1907 a future film legend was born when Marion Morrison was welcomed into the world. Morrison would change his name to John Wayne and go on to become, without question, the biggest western cinematic icon of all time. Celebrate The Duke's birthday by watching any of these essential greats...
The Searchers
1956
Director: John Ford
My personal favorite. Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, an obviously anti-Indian Civil War veteran that dedicates years of his life to hunt down the pack of Indians that killed his family and abducted his young niece. But are his priorities in order?
Stagecoach
1939
Director: John Ford
Wayne stars as The Ringo Kid, protecting a group of travelers on a stagecoach from the threat of Geronimo.
Rio Bravo
1959
Director: Howard Hawks
Wayne stars as a small town sheriff who needs to hold the fort and keep some outlaws from breaking one of their own out of jail until the US Marshalls arrive. He enlists the help of a drunk, a kid and a cripple as his deputies.
The …
The Searchers
1956
Director: John Ford
My personal favorite. Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, an obviously anti-Indian Civil War veteran that dedicates years of his life to hunt down the pack of Indians that killed his family and abducted his young niece. But are his priorities in order?
Stagecoach
1939
Director: John Ford
Wayne stars as The Ringo Kid, protecting a group of travelers on a stagecoach from the threat of Geronimo.
Rio Bravo
1959
Director: Howard Hawks
Wayne stars as a small town sheriff who needs to hold the fort and keep some outlaws from breaking one of their own out of jail until the US Marshalls arrive. He enlists the help of a drunk, a kid and a cripple as his deputies.
The …