10 Best Westerns In The Criterion Collection, Ranked

The Criterion Collection offers a vast library of films from all over the world, including a strong selection of classic Westerns. Beginning in the mid-1980s with the goal of making foreign and hard-to-find films easier to access, the collection has grown into a well-respected and recognizable name in home video.

The Criterion Collection has always showcased a wide variety of films, spanning all genres like horror, action, and westerns. While it doesn’t have as many westerns as some other types of movies, the collection features key films that represent important periods in film history.

The westerns available from Criterion vary in quality. While every film in the collection is worth watching, some are well-known classics and others are hidden treasures. There’s a noticeable difference between the truly great movies and those that are simply interesting historical pieces, but you won’t find any outright bad films in the collection.

10. Dead Man (1995)

During the western film boom of the 1990s, director Jim Jarmusch created his own unique take on the genre. Dead Man is a prime example of an ‘acid western’ – a style known for its surreal and unconventional elements – and tells the story of an accountant confronting his mortality after committing a crime. Filmed in black and white, Jarmusch’s critically acclaimed film breaks away from traditional American western tropes.

Jim Jarmusch’s Dead Man stands out as the most original western in the Criterion Collection, thanks to its surreal visuals and powerful acting. However, this uniqueness also makes it less straightforward to enjoy than many other westerns. It’s a great choice for viewers already familiar with classic westerns and eager to experience something different.

9. Buck And The Preacher (1972)

Black westerns have a rich history, and Buck and the Preacher is one of the most famous. Starring Sidney Poitier as a Civil War veteran, the film follows his efforts to help formerly enslaved people build new lives in the Old West while protecting them from those seeking rewards for their capture. Poitier and Harry Belafonte share incredible on-screen chemistry, making them a memorable duo in the western genre.

While Buck and the Preacher is an American film, it has a distinctive visual style that feels similar to classic Italian westerns. It’s a significant achievement for Black representation in the genre, and the performances are particularly strong. However, when compared to other films in the Criterion Collection, it doesn’t quite reach the level of a true masterpiece.

8. The Gunfighter (1950)

The Gunfighter is a tough, realistic western with elements of film noir. It follows a man trying to escape a violent past, but his reputation keeps drawing him back into trouble. Gregory Peck gives an outstanding performance, and the film cleverly examines and breaks down traditional western themes.

Unlike many films from the Criterion Collection, The Gunfighter feels raw and realistic, steering clear of the typical glamour of old Hollywood. This starkness is what makes the movie so interesting, but it also contributes to its somewhat gloomy tone, which might not appeal to everyone. Ultimately, it’s a fascinating, though often somber, study of a complex character.

7. Forty Guns (1957)

Sam Fuller was a director known for working within specific genres, and his westerns were where his storytelling skills really shone. In Forty Guns, a powerful baroness controls a small town until a U.S. marshal arrives and challenges her power. The film perfectly blends the styles of film noir and the western genre, showcasing Fuller’s signature approach.

Barbara Stanwyck is captivating in this film, and the complex relationship between her character, Jessica, and Griff creates more excitement than any action sequence. What truly makes Forty Guns stand out is its insightful look into the characters’ minds, and it feels surprisingly contemporary even though it’s a classic western. It’s a wonderful movie, but other films in the Criterion Collection capture the essence of the western genre more fully.

6. One-Eyed Jacks (1961)

Marlon Brando directed only one film throughout his acting career: the often-overlooked western, One-Eyed Jacks. He also stars as a bandit determined to get revenge on a former partner who wronged him. While the story itself isn’t groundbreaking, the film is a hidden treasure with a distinctive style that makes it truly special.

Marlon Brando’s One-Eyed Jacks isn’t just another typical tough-guy hero, and while the film uses familiar Western themes, it explores them with greater complexity. Though it wasn’t initially successful, the Criterion Collection has brought it renewed attention. While it’s a strong film and would be a highlight in most collections, it doesn’t quite reach the same level as some other titles available from Criterion.

5. 3:10 To Yuma (1957)

3:10 to Yuma is more than just a great western; it’s one of the best psychological thrillers ever made. The story follows a farmer tasked with transporting a dangerous criminal to the train station, and explores the allure of a darker path. With outstanding performances from Glenn Ford and Dan Heflin, this classic 1950s western expertly builds suspense.

Unlike many westerns of its time that focused on clear-cut good versus evil, 3:10 to Yuma explores the complicated nature of people. The film relies less on action and more on developing its characters, making it surprisingly captivating. While other westerns in the Criterion Collection might be considered overall better films, none tell a story with quite the same depth and nuance.

4. Destry Rides Again (1939)

Even though westerns were just becoming popular in 1939, the film Destry Rides Again cleverly poked fun at the common elements of the genre. James Stewart stars as Destry, a charming but mischievous gunslinger who comes to town to defeat the corrupt leaders. The movie is both funny and shows a real love for the westerns that inspired it.

Destry Rides Again is a significant film in the history of westerns, making it a worthy addition to the Criterion Collection. James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich both give fantastic performances, and the movie cleverly plays with and subverts classic western tropes, making it especially enjoyable for those familiar with the genre. However, if you’re simply looking for a traditional western, there are stronger options available within the Criterion Collection.

3. My Darling Clementine (1946)

While many films depict the life of Wyatt Earp, few are as good as the often-overlooked classic, My Darling Clementine. Henry Fonda portrays Earp’s journey to becoming sheriff of Tombstone and seeking revenge on the Clanton family. Remarkably, despite being made in the 1940s, My Darling Clementine feels surprisingly fresh and creative.

Though it doesn’t rely on big action sequences, the film makes up for it with well-developed characters and a quietly tough atmosphere reminiscent of classic film noir. While John Ford’s westerns are well-known, this 1946 film was nearly forgotten until Criterion restored it. It’s an excellent movie, and some of the westerns in the Criterion Collection are truly flawless.

2. Red River (1948)

Although John Wayne was already an experienced actor when he made Red River, it was the film that really allowed him to showcase his versatility. The story follows a determined cattle rancher leading his herd to Missouri, but his harsh personality creates conflict with those closest to him. Directed by Howard Hawks, this movie is considered the definitive cowboy film due to its authentic portrayal of ranch life.

Wayne takes on a rare villainous role in Red River, a film that captures the grand scope of the American West while focusing on a personal story. It’s a visually stunning movie, and the Criterion Collection is enhanced by its inclusion of this classic.

1. Stagecoach (1939)

With its release, Stagecoach dramatically changed Western films and launched a new, more modern style for the genre. The film, directed by John Ford, tells the story of a stagecoach carrying a diverse group of travelers across the rugged landscape of the Old West. Each character is vividly drawn, making Stagecoach appealing to a wide range of viewers.

What makes this classic western film so remarkable is that it still feels fresh and modern today – it truly stands the test of time, unlike many movies from its era. The film helped launch John Wayne to stardom, solidifying the image we all have of him. Many consider Stagecoach to be the greatest western ever made, and it’s certainly the highlight of the westerns in the Criterion Collection.

2025-10-30 20:22