Eli Wallach might not be a name modern movie fans are familiar with, but he is regarded as one of the greatest character actors of all time. Though he sadly passed away in 2014, Wallach left behind an incredible acting career that showed his amazing range in countless memorable roles.
Wallach could be as effective at playing the sinister and vile villain as he was at playing a sweet and funny character. He might not have been the leading man very often, but Wallach always added something special with his appearance. His top-rated movies are a mix of iconic projects fans will recognize and some overlooked gems worth seeking out.
How The West Was Won (1962) - 7.1
Wallach was a staple of Westerns in the 1960s so it makes sense that he was part of one of the most epic movies in the genre from this era. How the West Was Won spans several decades, telling the story of a family through such events as the Gold Rush and the American Civil War.
With Western master John Ford directing, the movie is an appropriately massive saga. It also brings together some incredible stars of the era such as Henry Ford, James Stewart, and John Wayne for a big-scale Western adventure.
The Misfits (1961) - 7.2
Wallach was a part of another star-studded cast in the romantic Western, The Misfits. Marilyn Munroe stars as a recently divorced woman who strikes up a relationship with an aging cowboy (Clark Cable) while struggling with the harsher cowboy life. Wallach plays the cowboy's friend who is smitten with Munroe.
Along with being directed by Hollywood legend John Huston, The Misfits was also written by celebrated playwright Arthur Miller. The result is a more complex and interesting Western with a compelling relationship at its center.
Girlfriends (1978) - 7.2
The comedy-drama Girlfriends follows Susan, a struggling photographer whose long-time friend and roommate announced that she is moving in with her boyfriend, causing Susan to evaluate her own life. Wallach plays a rabbi with whom Susan begins an affair.
It is a funny and clever comedy that could very well have served as an inspiration for a number of more modern movies. It makes for an interesting and overlooked relationship story for audiences to look back on.
The Ghost Writer (2010) - 7.2
The political thriller The Ghost Writer is another underrated movie in its genre that features a gripping narrative. Ewan McGregor stars as an unnamed ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan). However, his research soon causes him to uncover secrets that put him at risk. Wallach has a small role as a man the writer encounters in his investigation.
With the very talented cast and a mystery that keeps audiences on edge, the movie is a terrific modern thriller that feels like an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Baby Doll (1956) - 7.3
In his feature movie debut, Wallach joined some legendary talents in the controversial dark comedy Baby Doll. The story follows a young woman who becomes caught in the middle of a bitter feud between her husband and a Sicilian businessman.
Wallach stole the show as the businessman, earning rave reviews and award nominations for his debut. Given some of the suggestive content of the movie, it's not surprising it caused a stir and many aspects of the movie will not have aged well for some viewers.
The Lineup (1958) - 7.3
Wallach got one of his first starring roles in the crime movie The Lineup. He plays a violent and unhinged gangster who runs an operation hiding drugs in the suitcases of unsuspecting travelers.
The Lineup is a grim movie from the era that showed Hollywood's willingness to start embracing more characters like this. Wallach gives a dark and menacing performance that may have led to some of his more famous villain roles later on in his career.
How To Steal A Million (1966) - 7.6
The caper How to Steal a Million is yet another movie with big-name stars and a scene-stealing supporting role from Wallach. Audrey Hepburn plays the daughter of an art collector who is secretly a forger. When his secret is in danger of getting out, she hires a thief (Peter O'Toole) to help steal a valuable painting. Wallach plays another collector who attempts to woo Hepburn.
With a terrific cast and a fun energy, How to Steal a Million is the kind of light crime comedy that leaves a smile on the faces of the audience.
The Godfather: Part III (1990) - 7.6
Wallach joined one of the most acclaimed movie franchises of all time, albeit in its least acclaimed entry. The Godfather: Part III picks up the story of Michael Corleone now in his sixties and looking to step away from the crime world. Wallach plays a fellow crime boss with connections to the Corleone family.
The movie has had a bad reputation over the years, but that is likely due to being compared to the first two entries in the trilogy. While it does not stand up to those movies, The Godfather: Part III has some great moments and features a powerful performance from Al Pacino.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) - 7.7
A remake of the terrific The Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa, The Magnificent Seven tells the story of a gang of gunfighters who are hired by a group of defenseless townspeople to fight off ruthless bandits. Wallach has the honor of playing the main villain who goes up against the likes of Yul Brenner, Steve McQueen, and Charles Bronson.
The movie is a wild and thrilling Western adventure. The all-star cast makes for a wonderful ensemble of heroes with McQueen standing out in a star-making role.
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966) - 8.8
The Spaghetti Western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is not only one of the greatest movies in its genre, but it also ranks as one of the best movies of all time. It follows a trio of men in the midst of the American Civil War who each sets out to find buried treasure.
Wallach stars alongside Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as the three men referenced in the title. With Sergio Leone directing, the movie is a beautiful, epic, and engrossing adventure. There are so many iconic moments and Eastwood cemented himself as one of the most captivating leading men.