As a Westerns fan, I’ve noticed a really interesting trend: the 21st century has been surprisingly kind to the genre… but almost entirely on TV. We’ve seen a lot of Western movies quietly come and go, which is a real shame because, honestly, many of them are quite good. It makes you wonder if Westerns can only really succeed in one medium at a time. Think back – shows like Gunsmoke and Lancer were huge hits when everyone flocked to theaters for Westerns. So what’s changed? I don’t have a definitive answer yet, but I suspect we’ll figure it out soon.
2025 saw a number of Western films released, ranging from classic styles to newer takes on the genre. While many of these movies captured the charm of the great Westerns, they haven’t found a wide audience and remain somewhat hidden gems. A couple, like Eddington and Americana, gained some attention initially, but their impact faded quickly. Despite this, all of these films are worth watching.
Here are the great 2025 Westerns you missed out on.
‘Train Dreams’
Netflix
It’s usually a smart move to adapt a book that’s been recognized with awards, like a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Director Clint Bentley did just that with his film, Train Dreams, closely following the source material. The movie, set in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s, tells the story of Robert Grainier (played by Joel Edgerton), a railway worker who withdraws from society after the disappearance of his wife and daughter.
Though it doesn’t rely on flashy visuals, Bentley’s influential film remains powerfully unsettling, telling a quietly sad story about a man struggling with his emotions. Train Dreams is surprisingly bold for its genre, directly addressing the widespread racism and sexism present in Idaho during the early 20th century. Tom Edgerton delivers an outstanding performance as the lead, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama.
‘Eastern Western’
CIFF
Hollywood has a history of successful sister directing teams, like the Soska Sisters and the Wachowskis. Now, Biliana and Marina Grozdanova are making their mark with their 2025 western, Eastern Western. The film tells the story of Igor (Igor Galijasevic), an Eastern European immigrant and widower, as he tries to raise his young son, Ivo (Leonardo Galijasevic), in the Montana wilderness.
The connection between the two main actors is undeniable – and it’s because they’re father and son in real life! The director, Grozdanov, skillfully guides them to give strong performances, with the subtle Leonardo balancing out the more forceful Igor. The other actors are also excellent, and the film’s visuals are stunning. If you enjoy Westerns that take their time to build, definitely check out Eastern Western.
‘Trail of Vengeance’
Prime Video
While many revenge films are made every year, Trail of Vengeance is different because its main character, Katherine Atherton (played by Rumer Willis), seems incredibly capable. Her husband was killed by people working for the dishonest Colonel Davis (Jeff Fahey), who is trying to silence former Civil War spies to protect his reputation.
This moving film is a fantastic tribute to action fans. It’s visually striking and vividly portrays the rough-and-tumble world of the late 1800s, while also thoughtfully exploring the theme of revenge. Rumer Willis deserves leading roles in major films after this performance – it would be a shame if she didn’t get them. She’s proven she has the talent to be a true action star. Plus, Trail of Vengeance offers interesting insights into history, especially the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency.
‘Day of Reckoning’
ESX Entertainment
Scott Adkins starring in a Western? Sounds great! In Day of Reckoning, he plays the husband of a famous outlaw who’s just been captured. He’s determined to rescue her, and he has a good chance of succeeding because the Marshall and Sheriff in charge of transporting her are constantly clashing. Plus, his wife is a skilled manipulator, which gives him an extra advantage.
By the time Adkins fights back, both men are already exhausted and mentally worn down from constant torment. After that, the movie is pure, thrilling chaos. Day of Reckoning is beautifully shot and expertly paced, keeping you on the edge of your seat. What starts as a fight for freedom quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of each character’s internal struggles. While Scott Adkins is often overlooked as an action star due to the simplicity of his films, this one stands out as genuinely intelligent and well-made.
‘Last Train to Fortune’
Future Artists Entertainment
Imagine you’re a new headmaster in the 1870s, heading to the town of Fortune. You’ve missed your train, and the only alternative is a horse ride. In the film Last Train to Fortune, Cecil Peachtree (Malcolm McDowell) finds himself in this situation and makes a risky bargain: he offers his first paycheck to a dangerous outlaw in exchange for safe passage through treacherous lands.
Veteran actor McDowell delivers a compelling performance as Peachtree, a man who finally catches a break after years of being overlooked and lectured during job interviews. Having been underestimated for so long, he’s determined to make the most of this chance, but the film explores the sacrifices he must make. Last Train to Fortune is a gripping, real-time story that builds tension and evokes a sense of sadness, creating a truly captivating and emotionally resonant experience.
‘Long Shadows’
Quiver Distribution
The Western thriller, Long Shadows, paints a bleak picture of a broken Arizona town. The setting and characters are both dull, and no one seems to care about anyone else’s troubles – the hardship just keeps getting worse. The story follows Marcus Dollar (Blaine Maye), a young man who grew up in a Catholic institution, as he seeks revenge on Vivian Villeré (Jacqueline Bisset), the cruel woman he blames for his parents’ murder.
As a real cinema fan, I’d say Long Shadows is a darkly funny film, though it doesn’t shy away from shocking violence. What really struck me was how realistically it portrays the bitterness of wanting revenge but never quite achieving it, and the way life can just feel…randomly unfair. It also paints a really vivid, and often harsh, picture of what life was like on the frontier. It reminded me a lot of the work of director William Shookley – he’s also known for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and he has a knack for finding humor even in the most grim situations, offering a cynical but clever commentary on how easily people can be fooled.
‘Cottonmouth’
Cineverse
In Cottonmouth, director Brock Harris reimagines Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo as a Western. This compelling story of revenge and misfortune is set in 1895 Oklahoma, where cowboy Ed Dantès (Martin Sensmeier) is falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned on the eve of his wedding, thanks to the betrayal of a close friend. While in jail, he hardens himself and plans his escape. Once free, he unleashes a storm of retribution.
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Wow, “Cottonmouth” really blew me away! Honestly, it’s better than a lot of those classic Westerns everyone raves about. What struck me most was how naturally the characters’ stories intertwined – it felt so seamless, a real sign of a director who knows how to tell a story. I did spot a couple of minor continuity errors, but they were so brief and infrequent that they barely registered. Overall, this is a brilliantly crafted Western, and I highly recommend it.
‘Broke’
Look, Thunderbolts got a lot of buzz, but don’t sleep on Wyatt Russell’s other big role this year! He’s fantastic in Broke as True Brandywine, a bronc rider whose world gets flipped upside down when a crazy blizzard hits Montana. He’s fighting not just the elements – hypothermia and a serious head injury – but also a really tough relationship with his father, played brilliantly by Dennis Quaid. It’s a gritty story, but True’s determination to keep riding, even when everything’s stacked against him, is genuinely inspiring.
Though not a well-known director, Carlyle Eubank delivers a strong film with Broke, truly showcasing his lead actor’s talent. The movie’s greatest strength lies in its thoughtful exploration of the classic theme of father-son respect. Broke is both captivating to watch and rewarding to think about, making its 103-minute runtime a worthwhile investment – you’ll come away feeling stimulated and enriched.
What was your favorite Western movie of 2025?
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2026-01-31 21:47