AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 46

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Will Munny: That's right. I've killed women and children. I've killed just about everything that walks or crawled at one time or another. And I'm here to kill you, Little Bill, for what you did to Ned.

Unforgiven (1992)
Original List Position: 98
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Morgan Freeman
Director: Clint Eastwood
About: This film is a classic Western. Eastwood made his name in the genre, but as a director he largely took on other types of films. This might be the best of the Westerns he directed, a Best Picture winner that features some iconic performances. And yet, it barely made the original list. It clocked in at just 98. A decade later it moved to 68. I can't help but wonder where it would land if we were looking at films now. It feels like the appreciation for this film, the craft, and its production has grown over the years. I like it more than the AFI voters, at least when it comes to this group of films. It's a great Western to check out.