A cinematic landmark from the golden age of Spaghetti Westerns is about to vanish from a major streaming platform. The 1965 classic 'For a Few Dollars More', which holds an impressive 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is scheduled to leave Amazon Prime Video by the end of January 2026. This gives film fans in the UK just days to catch one of the genre's most influential works before its departure.
A Tale of Bounty Hunters and Betrayal
Directed by the legendary Sergio Leone, the film forms a crucial part of the 'Dollars Trilogy'. It stars Clint Eastwood as the enigmatic bounty hunter Manco, often called the Man with No Name. He is joined by Lee Van Cleef as Colonel Douglas Mortimer, a former military officer with his own reasons for pursuing outlaws. Their target is the vicious bank robber El Indio, portrayed with chilling intensity by Gian Maria Volonté.
The plot sees the two bounty hunters independently tracking El Indio after his prison escape. Their paths eventually converge, leading to a tense and opportunistic alliance. They aim to infiltrate Indio's gang and corner him, but the mission is complicated by a web of shifting loyalties and personal vendettas. Notably, the film broke new ground by giving Mortimer a deep personal backstory linked to Indio's crimes, adding emotional weight rarely seen in Westerns of that era.
An International Production with Lasting Legacy
'For a Few Dollars More' was a true European co-production, financed by companies in Italy, West Germany, and Spain. It was filmed primarily in the arid landscapes of Almería, Spain, where a full-scale fictional town, El Paso, was constructed in the Tabernas Desert. This set remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.
One of the film's most iconic elements is its score, composed by the maestro Ennio Morricone. Scenes were famously crafted around Morricone's compositions, with a haunting musical pocket watch melody becoming a central plot device that psychologically connects the antagonist and one of the heroes.
From Box Office Hit to Enduring Classic
Upon its release, the film was a major commercial success across multiple international markets. It performed so well that it became Italy's highest-grossing film by 1967. While some contemporary critics were initially dismissive, audience appreciation has never wavered, cementing its status as a genre-defining work.
The current critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes brands it a classic, with fans praising its tense showdowns, complex characters, and Leone's unmistakable directorial style. The film's impending exit from Prime Video serves as a timely reminder of its powerful place in cinema history.
Viewers are urged to stream this piece of cinematic heritage before the January deadline passes. Its blend of stark visuals, memorable performances, and Morricone's unforgettable soundtrack ensures 'For a Few Dollars More' remains a cornerstone of the Western genre.
