10 Best Crime Western Movies Like No Country For Old Men

In an outstanding fashion, the movie “No Country for Old Men” skillfully merges crime and Western themes. This unique blend has left numerous viewers eager to discover other films that successfully achieve this fusion. Adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s novel, “No Country for Old Men” is a grim modern-day Western set in the 1970s, chronicling the tale of a rancher named Moss (Josh Brolin) who stumbles upon a bag of money from a botched drug deal. However, his life takes a dangerous turn as he’s pursued by a remorseless assassin (Javier Bardem), while a weary sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) doggedly tracks their violent path.

The movie “No Country for Old Men,” characterized by intense violence, a somber atmosphere, and an indelible villain portrayed by Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh, has become one of the most celebrated films of the 21st century. It even garnered the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars. Though not strictly a Western in the conventional sense, “No Country for Old Men” skillfully incorporates several elements of the genre into its narrative, much like other Western crime movies that have successfully combined genres to impressive results.

10. Appaloosa (2008)

Directed By Ed Harris

Appaloosa is an underrated yet exceptional crime-themed Western boasting a talented ensemble including Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Renée Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, and more. Despite being primarily a Western, it explores psychological depths that set it apart from its peers. The story centers around two friends, played by Harris and Mortensen, who are recruited as the Marshal and Deputy for a troubled town due to rampant violence from a rancher. Their journey unfolds when they become entangled in a love triangle with a recently widowed woman new to the town.

This Western, much like “No Country for Old Men,” delves into human nature in a thought-provoking manner. Unlike typical Westerns, it features characters and relationships with depth, creating a complex narrative that veers off course to surprising destinations by the conclusion. The story is rooted in the pulpy essence of the Western genre but is compact.

9. The Sisters Brothers (2018)

Directed By Jacques Audiard

In “The Sisters Brothers,” we have four remarkable actors steering the narrative – John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riz Ahmed, and Joaquin Phoenix. This crime-western masterfully twists traditional themes, offering a fresh take on familiar genre elements. The story revolves around Eli (Reilly) and Charlie Sisters, the notorious assassin brothers, as they pursue a gold prospector, portrayed by Riz Ahmed, and a private detective, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who may or may not be collaborating with the Sisters brothers.

The scenario introduces a chase movie reminiscent of “No Country for Old Men,” featuring the perilous brothers traversing the Wild West, meeting various intriguing individuals. Similar to “No Country for Old Men,” the conventional elements of the genre gradually diminish as it evolves into a contemplation on the repercussions of violence and the tranquility of atonement.

8. Silverado (1985)

Directed By Lawrence Kasdan

Up for an Academy Award for Best Original Score, the film Silverado was both critically acclaimed and financially prosperous. It’s worth noting that this Western crime drama was jointly penned, produced, and helmed by Lawrence Kasdan, a writer famous for his work on the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series. In the year 1880, four outlaws find themselves in the town of Silverado, where they engage in battles against the villains and strive to rectify the injustices inflicted upon the townsfolk.

While “No Country for Old Men” is filled with both humor and heavy themes like darkness and brutality, “Silverado” presents a much more light-hearted approach as a fun, humorous Western film. It challenges traditional Western tropes by portraying characters who may not fit the typical hero or villain roles. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Kevin Kline, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, and notably, marks Kevin Costner’s debut in a Western genre role.

7. The Proposition (2005)

Directed By John Hillcoat

The Proposition stands out among this collection as it’s an Australian Western. This film is praised for its authentic representation of indigenous Australian culture during the period of the narrative. In 19th-century rural Australia, two of the three infamous outlaw brothers are apprehended by Captain Stanley. The second brother receives a peculiar offer: he can spare his younger sibling from execution by tracking down and eliminating their eldest brother instead.

In contrast to the widely perceived bleakness of “No Country for Old Men,” the film “The Proposition” holds a strong contender’s position. The movie presents few characters who could be deemed good, and it delves into the theme of violence, suggesting that the lawless past mirrors contemporary society and perpetuates cycles of violence in our world today.

6. The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada (2005)

Directed By Tommy Lee Jones

The film titled “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,” a neo-Western production, was critically acclaimed, earning Best Actor and Best Screenplay awards at Cannes Film Festival. It also received a nomination for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Directed by Tommy Lee Jones (who also acted in the film), and co-produced by Luc Besson, this movie employs an intricate narrative structure that incorporates flashbacks and depicts certain events from multiple perspectives. The plot is loosely based on true events and centers around a ranch foreman who endeavors to honor his late friend’s wish, which involves burying him in his native Mexican town.

In this performance by Jones, which contributes to the impactful conclusion of “No Country for Old Men,” he once again delivers a strong yet understated portrayal. While the movie does revolve around themes of revenge, it also delves into the concept of discovering love within such an action. Both characters in this tale demonstrate intricate personalities, making errors and performing noble acts, mirroring the multifaceted nature of reality, even within a genre that frequently explores good versus evil dichotomies.

5. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Directed By Andrew Dominik

Featuring stellar performances by Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is a sweeping reimagining of the Western genre, earning high praise from critics and garnering nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the film delves into the complex relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford as they journey towards the fateful moment depicted in the title.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford serves to underscore the fact that the idyllic portrayal of the Old West concealed just as much malevolence within it. Unlike some movies that depict Jesse James as a folk hero, this film presents him as a paranoid and calculating murderer, thus suggesting that even legendary heroes may harbor complexities beyond their mythical status.

4. Hell Or High Water (2016)

Directed By David Mackenzie

As a passionate moviegoer, I can’t help but sing praises for the gripping crime neo-Western, “Hell or High Water.” This masterpiece, penned by Taylor Sheridan, showcased his unique perspective on the genre before he delved into the captivating world of “Yellowstone” on television. Interestingly enough, the film garnered widespread acclaim, even earning multiple Academy Award nominations, one of which was for Sheridan’s exceptional screenplay. The dynamic duo, Chris Pine and Ben Foster, breathed life into the characters of two brothers who embark on a series of bank robberies in an attempt to save their family ranch while evading Texas Rangers Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham hot on their heels.

Sheridan consistently demonstrates a knack for reinterpreting the themes of the Western genre within the contemporary setting of America, and “Hell or High Water” showcases this skill to its fullest extent. The film delves into the concept of committing wrongs for right reasons and the ambiguous moral landscape that defines our world. Characters like Bridges’ law enforcement figure echo Jones’ character in “No Country for Old Men,” both embodying old-west cowboys who appear out-of-sync with modern society.

3. 3:10 To Yuma (2007)

Directed By James Mangold

Showcasing exceptional acting from Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, “3:10 to Yuma,” directed by James Mangold, is a movie that seamlessly blends aspects of Western, action, crime, and drama genres to produce a remake that surpasses its predecessor. In this film, Crowe assumes the role of an infamous outlaw who is apprehended by law enforcement and needs to be transported to Yuma via a train for his trial. Bale portrays a modest rancher who becomes part of the group escorting the outlaw as they navigate a series of attempts to deceive one another throughout their journey.

In this film, the conventional notions of heroes and villains are turned on their heads. Christian Bale portrays a man who is committed and virtuous within his family life, yet Jody Foster’s character exhibits complex traits, serving as both an unyielding executioner devoid of regret and a source of unexpected compassion towards those he deems worthy. This results in a thrilling game of chase that unfolds in a unique manner compared to the tale presented in “No Country for Old Men.

2. The Hateful Eight (2015)

Directed By Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino’s movie, titled “The Hateful Eight“, is a suspenseful and mysterious Western film that showcases the director’s signature style. It’s filled with elements typical of Tarantino’s films, but what sets it apart is the intriguing plot that surrounds its crime aspects. Just like his other productions, this one was highly acclaimed, with a significant milestone being Ennio Morricone earning his first Academy Award for his composition in this film. The story revolves around eight individuals who were strangers before the American Civil War, now seeking refuge in a stagecoach stopover during a fierce blizzard outside.

The film exhibits instances reminiscent of an Agatha Christie-style mystery, as these strangers grapple to uncover the truth about one another’s identities and potential hidden agendas. It thrives on the thrilling concept of gathering a variety of villainous, deceitful, and perilous characters from diverse Western settings, placing them in a single high-stress scenario together.

1. Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)

Directed By George Roy Hill

Known as one of the most notable Westerns in history, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” achieved tremendous success across all aspects; however, it initially received mixed and negative feedback before eventually earning classic status over time. In the early 1900s, set against the backdrop of Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and his partner, the Sundance Kid, led a gang of outlaws. One of their train robberies went awry, forcing them to flee. With no other choice, the band decided to make their escape to Bolivia.

In this Western film, the charismatic duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, known for their undeniable on-screen camaraderie, portray likable yet criminal characters who even when committing train robberies, manage to keep audiences entertained. As the story progresses, however, it gradually takes on a more somber tone, culminating in an unforgettable ending that leaves viewers with a powerful emotional impact.

2025-04-29 22:09