Clint Eastwood, the legendary filmmaker and actor, is known for his discretion when it comes to discussing the work of other directors, but in rare moments, he has openly criticized several classic movies, voicing opinions that have surprised both fans and critics. The subject of Eastwood’s aversion highlights his deep standards for film and offers insight into his perspective on cinematic success, making this a noteworthy episode in the realm of Clint Eastwood movie criticism.
Usually recognized for his diplomatic approach and deep respect for the industry, Eastwood seldom condemns other filmmakers’ efforts, mindful of the challenges faced on set and behind the scenes. However, there are some instances where he simply could not restrain his disapproval. This is remarkable given his distinguished status in Hollywood and his own admission of producing films that missed the mark, yet only a handful have agitated him enough as a moviegoer to provoke public condemnation. Strikingly, his criticism is directed at films widely considered as significant works of cinema.
Revealing the Films Clint Eastwood Dislikes Most
Although Eastwood has directed and starred in many acclaimed works, there are a select few classics he openly admits to disliking. One is revered as a masterpiece by some of the greatest minds in film and is continually ranked among the best in its genre—yet Eastwood could not be convinced of its merit. Below, we break down the four classic films that made it to his blacklist and the reasons behind his harsh judgments.
Eastwood’s Personal Grudge Against The Karate Kid
The first title on Eastwood’s list is John G. Avildsen’s 1984 beloved coming-of-age story, The Karate Kid. Unlike other films on this list, his dissatisfaction was deeply personal. According to Sandra Locke, Eastwood considered taking on the directorial role for the film but imposed a single condition—that his own son, Kyle, be cast as the main protagonist, Daniel LaRusso. Columbia Pictures declined this request, leading Eastwood to abandon the project entirely. His frustration ran so deep that he reportedly refused any association with Coca-Cola, the company that controlled the studio at the time.
The Missouri Breaks: Eastwood Dismisses a Western Collaboration
Few actors possess greater authority than Eastwood when it comes to westerns, a genre central to his stardom and directorial triumphs. Despite this, he disapproved strongly of Arthur Penn’s 1976 western, The Missouri Breaks, notable for pairing Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson on screen for the first and only time. While originally a critical and box office flop, the film has since been reassessed as an overlooked classic of its genre and of its leading stars’ filmographies. Yet, Eastwood remained unimpressed, stating:
“wasn’t a good script and they obviously felt so, too.”
—Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director
“go off and screw off somewhere.”
—Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director
Eastwood blamed Brando, speculating that the actor’s lack of respect for the screenplay led him to treat the production like a vacation rather than a serious project.
Akira Kurosawa’s Dersu Uzala Fails to Impress Eastwood
Though Eastwood owes much to Akira Kurosawa—whose film Yojimbo inspired A Fistful of Dollars and ultimately launched Eastwood’s international career—he was far from enamored with the director’s 1975 film, Dersu Uzala. Despite the film winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and being included among Kurosawa’s masterpieces by admirers like Francis Ford Coppola, Eastwood straightforwardly described his reaction:
“did have a nice wind sequence in it.”
—Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director
Even with admiration for Kurosawa’s broader body of work, Dersu Uzala stood out as a rare disappointment for Eastwood, who felt it lacked the excellence present in the director’s other classics.
The Shining: Eastwood Dismisses Stanley Kubrick’s Horror Landmark
Horror has never been a genre that interests Eastwood, a point consistent with his career choices and directorial output. Yet his critique of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1980 film The Shining is especially scathing. Sharing an unlikely common ground with Stephen King, who also famously disapproved of Kubrick’s adaptation, Eastwood criticized the film’s reputation before he had even seen it and continued with his blunt opinion after viewing:
“they would have bombed it right out of the building”
—Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director
“there just wasn’t anything at all terrifying about it,”
—Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director
“It was just a giant failure.”
—Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director
He went as far as to ridicule a key character’s fate, showing his profound lack of belief in the film’s tension and effectiveness, in sharp contrast to its critical legacy.
Legacy of Eastwood’s Outspoken Film Criticism
Eastwood’s comments, especially regarding such highly regarded films and directors—including Stanley Kubrick, Arthur Penn, John G. Avildsen, and Akira Kurosawa—emphasize how even the industry’s most respected figures possess strong, personal tastes when it comes to cinema. These rare admissions from Eastwood underscore the subjective nature of movie criticism and remind audiences that even classics have their detractors, including seasoned Hollywood icons. As discussion continues among fans and filmmakers about what makes a film enduring, Eastwood’s critiques contribute to the broader debate about standards, innovation, and personal connection to the art of film.
