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High Plains Drifter

High Plains Drifter

They'd never forget the day he drifted into town.

1973105 minRMidcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films
Director
Clint Eastwood
Starring
Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan

A gunfighting stranger comes to the small settlement of Lago. After gunning down three gunmen who tried to kill him, the townsfolk decide to hire the Stranger to hold off three outlaws who are on their way.

Where to watch

Where can I watch High Plains Drifter?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists High Plains Drifter to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about High Plains Drifter?

High Plains Drifter earns 9 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is High Plains Drifter worth watching?

High Plains Drifter's Midcredits score is the 92nd percentile of all films, from 161K ratings across 6 sources. 82% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

92nd percentile

Better received than 92% of films

93rd percentile among Drama92nd percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)88th
Approval (how many liked it)92nd

73 /100

88th percentile of all films

90th percentile among Drama89th percentile among 1970s

Critics 69 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.5 — people broadly agree on this one.

Approval

How many liked it

82% liked it

92nd percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Drama94th percentile among 1970s
82% rated it 7–1018% rated it 1–6

Critics 91% · Audience 85%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

95th percentile

161K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$5.5M
Domestic gross$16M
Worldwide gross$16M

Returned 2.9× its budget — 88th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a dark, revisionist Western with a supernatural edge where a mysterious stranger exacts brutal vengeance on a corrupt town.

Fans praised

  • supernatural/horror-western blend with ghost-story undertones
  • Eastwood's confident direction synthesizing Leone and Siegel
  • morally complex antihero dispensing harsh but earned vengeance

Detractors panned

  • protagonist's rape scenes are gratuitous and misogynistic
  • unlikable lead makes it hard to root for anyone
  • derivative of Leone's style without his flair or morality

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive85

relentlessly bleak, hellish, Gothic horror-western mood

CinematographyDivisive80

striking desert landscapes, heat-haze imagery, night fire finale

Sound and musicDivisive80

eerie, haunting score by Dee Barton, effective sound design

ActingDivisive75

Eastwood's stoic presence, strong ensemble including Geoffrey Lewis, Billy Curtis

EndingDivisive75

fiery, apocalyptic showdown with ambiguous ghostly resolution

Plot and storyDivisive70

revenge narrative with supernatural mystery and dark secret

CharactersDivisive65

morally corrupt townsfolk, ambiguous Stranger, sympathetic dwarf Mordecai

OriginalityDivisive65

unusual supernatural-western hybrid, but derivative of Leone

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 16 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 13 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is High Plains Drifter like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Harrowing: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for a hard story that does not look away.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Harrowing.

Moods
TenseColdThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Dark humor
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film presents its violent moral reckoning with a cool, unsentimental detachment, refusing to soften the stranger's cruelty or the town's cowardice.
The rideThe film never lets up its pressure—early shootouts, constant threat of the convicts, and the stranger's manipulations create a near-constant tension and a cold, brutal atmosphere that endures from start to finish.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically with flashbacks revealing the marshal's murder and the town's complicity.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's cold moral calculus lingers, forcing reflection on complicity and the cost of justice.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe Stranger returns to Lago as an avenger for the murdered marshal, systematically dismantling the town's corrupt power structure and its hired outlaws.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsCorruption · 3% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how a town's collective guilt and cowardice demand a reckoning that blurs the line between justice and vengeance.
StanceThe film puts vigilante retribution on trial—depicting the stranger as an avenging force yet refusing to fully endorse or condemn his methods, leaving the question of whether true justice exists in a town that let a man die for its sins.

The world

19th centuryRuralInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · Dee Barton
SettingThe dusty, isolated mining town of Lago in the American West.
MusicBarton's score mixes broad, ironic orchestral fanfares with sparse, lonely guitar—underscoring the film's uneasy blend of grand Western myth and grim reality.

Content guide

Is High Plains Drifter okay for kids?

R

High Plains Drifter is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (84/100), sexual content at moderate (55/100), language at moderate (48/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (47/100) and frightening material at intense (74/100). Overall it is heavier than 60% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaR 18+
  • Germany18
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Netherlands18
  • Poland18
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 76% of all filmsHeavier than 60% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 71%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 65%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 21%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 62%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 71%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does High Plains Drifter have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in High Plains Drifter?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Clint Eastwood
as The Stranger
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Verna Bloom
as Sarah Belding
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Marianna Hill
as Callie Travers
Mitchell Ryan
as Dave Drake
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jack Ging
as Morgan Allen
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Stefan Gierasch
as Mayor Jason Hobart
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Ted Hartley
as Lewis Belding
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Billy Curtis
as Mordecai
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Geoffrey Lewis
as Stacey Bridges
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Scott Walker
as Bill Borders
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

Directed by

Clint Eastwood

Written by

Ernest Tidyman

Cinematography

Bruce Surtees

Edited by

Ferris Webster

Music by

Dee Barton

Produced by

Robert DaleyJennings Lang

More like this

What are movies like High Plains Drifter?

Movies like High Plains Drifter include Pale Rider (1985), Joe Kidd (1972) and The Great Silence (1968). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Clint Eastwood, and half are stories about gunslingers.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: western. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with High Plains Drifter?

563 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: gunslinger. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.