17. “The War Wagon” (1967)

“Mine was taller.” — Taw Jackson in “The War Wagon” (1967).

It’s no secret that Wayne’s characters get into conflict, shall we say, in his films. This film is no different, as he brags to Lomax (Kirk Douglas) after they each shot a villain. It serves as a way to inject humor, but Jackson is also reasserting himself as the top dog of the duo.

18. “The Alamo” (1960)

“I may sound like a Bible beater yelling up a revival at a river crossing camp meeting, but that don’t change the truth none. There’s right and there’s wrong. You gotta do one or the other. You do the one and you’re living, you do the other and you may be walking around, but you’re dead as a beaver hat.” — Col. Davy Crockett in “The Alamo” (1960).

Wayne makes an important statement about morality. The right choice is not always the most appealing — but ultimately, it leads to a better result than the other.

19. “The Big Trail” (1930)

“We can’t turn back! We’re blazing a trail that started in England. Not even the storms of the sea could turn back the first settlers. And they carried it on further. They blazed it on through the wilderness of Kentucky. Famine, hunger, not even massacres could stop them. And now we picked up the trail again. And nothing can stop us! Not even the snows of winter, nor the peaks of the highest mountain. We’re building a nation and we got to suffer! No great trail was ever built without hardship. And you got to fight! That’s right. And when you stop fighting, that’s death. What are you going to do, lay down and die? Not in a thousand years! You’re going on with me!” — Breck Coleman in “The Big Trail” (1930).

In this film about the exploration of the Oregon Trail, Wayne’s character praises American exceptionalism — and offers hope on a long and treacherous journey even when things aren’t looking so great.

20. “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962)

“I know those law books mean a lot to you, but not out here. Out here a man settles his own problems.” — Tom Doniphon in “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962).

No “best John Wayne lines” list would be complete without this one. Wayne’s characters are tough — and willing to settle problems man-to-man, even when others back down.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Have a quibble with our choices? Tell us about it in the comments section below!