The 10 Best Clint Eastwood Movies of the 21st Century

1. Mystic River 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 489666, ID: 0327056
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Mystic River is a haunting exploration of trauma and its ripple effects, masterfully directed by Clint Eastwood. The film’s dark, brooding atmosphere and stellar performances by Sean Penn and Tim Robbins create a gripping narrative that delves deep into the human psyche. The emotional weight of the story, combined with Eastwood’s meticulous direction, makes it a standout in his filmography. It’s a poignant reminder of how past wounds can shape our present and future.
2. Million Dollar Baby 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 726755, ID: 0405159
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Million Dollar Baby is a heart-wrenching tale of determination and sacrifice, brought to life by Clint Eastwood’s deft direction and Hilary Swank’s powerful performance. The film’s raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of the boxing world make it a compelling watch. Eastwood’s ability to capture the essence of his characters’ struggles and triumphs is truly remarkable. It’s a film that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
3. Letters from Iwo Jima 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 170977, ID: 0498380
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Letters from Iwo Jima offers a unique perspective on war, showcasing Clint Eastwood’s versatility as a director. The film’s poignant storytelling and strong performances, particularly by Ken Watanabe, provide a deeply humanistic view of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Eastwood’s ability to convey the shared humanity of soldiers on both sides of the conflict is both moving and thought-provoking. It’s a powerful testament to the futility of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
4. Gran Torino 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 820284, ID: 1205489
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Gran Torino is a compelling drama that highlights Clint Eastwood’s prowess both in front of and behind the camera. The film’s exploration of redemption and cultural clashes is both timely and timeless. Eastwood’s portrayal of the grizzled, cantankerous Walt Kowalski is both nuanced and powerful. The film’s blend of humor, heart, and social commentary makes it a standout in Eastwood’s illustrious career.
5. Invictus 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 168602, ID: 1057500
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Invictus is an inspiring tale of unity and resilience, directed with precision by Clint Eastwood. The film’s portrayal of Nelson Mandela’s efforts to unite South Africa through rugby is both uplifting and poignant. Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Mandela is nothing short of brilliant, and Matt Damon’s performance as the rugby captain adds depth to the narrative. It’s a film that celebrates the power of sports to bring people together and heal a nation.
6. American Sniper 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 534660, ID: 2179136
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Clint Eastwood’s ‘American Sniper’ is a gripping portrayal of the life of Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. Bradley Cooper’s intense performance and Eastwood’s masterful direction create a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The film’s exploration of the psychological toll of war is both compelling and heartbreaking, making it one of Eastwood’s most powerful works of the 21st century.
7. Sully 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 300987, ID: 3263904
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In ‘Sully,’ Clint Eastwood brings to life the incredible true story of Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, who successfully landed a plane on the Hudson River. Tom Hanks delivers a stellar performance as Sully, capturing the quiet heroism and resilience of the man. Eastwood’s direction is both respectful and thrilling, making ‘Sully’ a standout film that celebrates human courage and ingenuity.
8. The Mule 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 154380, ID: 7959026
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Clint Eastwood’s ‘The Mule’ is a poignant and reflective film about an elderly man who becomes a drug courier. Eastwood’s performance as the lead character is both touching and nuanced, capturing the complexities of a man grappling with his past mistakes. The film’s exploration of themes such as regret, redemption, and the passage of time makes it a deeply moving and thought-provoking work.
9. Richard Jewell 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 99091, ID: 3513548
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In ‘Richard Jewell,’ Clint Eastwood tells the true story of a security guard who was wrongfully accused of bombing the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Paul Walter Hauser’s portrayal of Jewell is both empathetic and powerful, and Eastwood’s direction highlights the injustices faced by the protagonist. The film is a compelling examination of media and law enforcement, making it one of Eastwood’s most impactful films of the 21st century.
10. Cry Macho 2021，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 33744, ID: 1924245
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Clint Eastwood’s ‘Cry Macho’ is a heartfelt and introspective film about an aging rodeo star who embarks on a journey to reunite a boy with his father. Eastwood’s performance is both tender and dignified, capturing the essence of a man seeking redemption. The film’s beautiful cinematography and poignant storytelling make it a fitting addition to Eastwood’s illustrious career.