The 50 Greatest Western Movies Ever Made

by

This piece was initially released on September 4, 2019, but has since been expanded with more films.

It’s true that America possesses only a few unique art forms; Jazz, comic books, and arguably the Western are among them. Although these art forms have origins elsewhere and are now popular worldwide, they have distinct American roots that set them apart.

The evolution of Western movies essentially commenced following the demise of the Old West itself. Westerns flourished during the silent film era, and though their popularity has fluctuated since then – experiencing significant decline in the ’80s but experiencing revivals in subsequent decades – they’ve never been on the verge of disappearing. The Western genre is a pivotal one that frequently reinvents itself every few years, serving as a platform to discuss America’s past while contemplating its present. For example, the emergence of a violent and psychologically intricate strain of Westerns in the 1950s mirrored shifting attitudes towards the settlement of the West and Native American treatment, all while reflecting a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating World War. Despite certain recurring themes and elements that define the genre, it has also shown great adaptability, accommodating a wide array of narratives and an endless variety of characters. In Paul Greengrass’s film “News of the World“, Tom Hanks portrays a traveling newsreader whose mission to return a girl to her family also serves as a journey through a nation where some of our current national divisions seem like deeply ingrained roots.

This collection of the 50 top Western films underscores the extensive impact this genre has had since its inception, even reaching as far as involving a Hungarian director and a Tasmanian lead actor. The list has been compiled based on a conventional understanding of the Western: movies that take place along the American frontier during the 19th century and early 20th century. Therefore, you won’t find any contemporary Westerns, disguised Westerns featuring elderly X-Men characters, or space Westerns where blasters replace pistols in this list. However, we did make an exception for a specific comedy film that ends with its actors attending the premiere of their own movie.

It’s clear that even after compiling this list, there are still numerous outstanding Westerns that didn’t make the cut. Given the vastness of the genre, a top-50 list could only scratch the surface. Consequently, not every film by John Ford found its way onto the list. The collaborative efforts of Anthony Mann and James Stewart produced eight Westerns, any one of which could have been included, but all were not featured. This compilation aims to serve as a map, guiding readers through the genre’s diverse landscapes, encouraging exploration of uncharted territories and revisiting classics that may have slipped under their radar before.

So with all that said, let’s kick it off with a trip to an especially rowdy Old Western town.

50.
Dodge City

Year: 1939
Director: Michael Curtiz
Runtime: 1h 44m
Where to stream: Tubi

In contrast to many iconic Westerns that challenge and redefine the genre’s conventions, “Dodge City” embraces and amplifies them. Directed by Michael Curtiz and featuring the dynamic duo of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, who had previously triumphed in films like “Captain Blood” and “The Adventures of Robin Hood”, this film is a tribute to traditional Western storytelling on an epic scale.

In “Dodge City”, Errol Flynn plays a man determined to bring law and order to the chaotic frontier town. Olivia de Havilland portrays his love interest, while Bruce Cabot embodies the villainous outlaw. The narrative unfolds as one would expect from a classic Western, but “Dodge City” is so engaging that its familiarity becomes irrelevant. The pairing of Flynn and de Havilland brings their swashbuckling charm to the Old West, while Curtiz masterfully employs Technicolor and a generous budget.

For those new to the Western genre or seeking an authentic Hollywood Western experience at its finest, “Dodge City” is a must-see starting point.

49.
The Sisters Brothers

Year: 2018
Director: Jacques Audiard
Runtime: 2h 2m
Where to stream: Tubi and Plex

At one extreme, we find what was once termed “the revisionist Western” in the 60s, but today it’s so deeply ingrained in the genre that it’s challenging to distinguish between traditional and revised elements. Essentially, the revisionist Western deviates from or contradicts the conventional formula, shying away from glorifying the Old West as a romanticized land of clear-cut heroes and villains. Instead, it often highlights the harsh, unappealing realities of life in the American West. A good indicator: If you notice flies swarming around a dead body, you’re likely watching a revisionist Western.

In “The Sisters Brothers,” there’s an abundance of dirtiness along with surprising sweetness, as brothers John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix portray hitmen who are mismatched for their profession. They’re hired to eliminate an inventor named Warm (Riz Ahmed), but as they get acquainted with both their target and the man hot on his trail, a detective named Morris (Jake Gyllenhaal), they deviate from their mission. Based on the novel by Patrick deWitt and directed by Jacques Audiard, the movie didn’t resonate much with theater audiences at first. However, it has all the makings of a cult classic – an offbeat perspective of a time in America when rules were still flexible, and anything could potentially occur – for better or worse. Moreover, its finale, unlike any other Western film, is truly remarkable.

48.
Buck and the Preacher

Year: 1972
Directors: Sidney Poitier and Joseph Sargent
Runtime: 1h 42m
Where to stream: Tubi

In most traditional Western films, it seems that African-Americans were seldom significant characters or were relegated to peripheral roles – this doesn’t align with historical truth. However, Sidney Poitier’s directorial debut, “Buck and the Preacher,” presents an untold story of the Old West by focusing on a group of Black migrants seeking refuge from the harsh realities of Reconstruction. Poitier himself plays Buck, a former soldier who escorts wagon trains for compensation but discovers a personal stake in the safety of those he guards. Harry Belafonte, barely recognizable, appears as Preacher, a wandering preacher/swindler who eventually teams up with Buck. Ruby Dee also stars in this production, adding charm to their dynamic duo. Their camaraderie offers an enjoyable contrast to the film’s examination of the intricate racial tensions that characterized the Wild West, such as the uneasy truce between the migrants and the Native American tribes who remind them they are merely transients on their land.

47.
Day of Anger

Year: 1967
Director: Tonino Valerii
Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to stream: Prime Video, Plex, and Tubi

In the early ’60s, the Western genre received a fresh infusion of innovative concepts, largely due to the surge of European Westerns, many of which were directed by Italians and filmed in areas of Italy and Spain that resembled the Old West. These movies featured a blend of American and European stars. Sergio Leone, often referred to as the master of this new genre, which later became known as Spaghetti Westerns, played a significant role with his groundbreaking film, “A Fistful of Dollars” in 1964. This movie catapulted a TV actor named Clint Eastwood into stardom and ignited a wave that led to hundreds of similar films over the subsequent decades. (More on Leone, Eastwood, and “A Fistful of Dollars” below.) The Spaghetti Western subgenre, characterized by its unconventional interpretations of American mythology, morally ambiguous characters, creative soundtracks, striking visuals, and graphic violence, evolved into a rich and diverse category. It’s so extensive that it could easily fill a top 50 list on its own, appealing to those who delve beyond Leone. For instance, “Day of Anger,” directed by Tonino Valerii, a former assistant director of Leone, features Giuliano Gemma as Scott, a street sweeper whose life takes a turn when Frank Talby (Lee Van Cleef, an American actor reinvigorated by Spaghetti Westerns) mentors him. However, he soon realizes that there are consequences for those who rise in the world through violence. The film exhibits influences from Leone, as they collaborated again on “My Name Is Nobody” in 1973. Valerii skillfully combines dark humor with violent scenes, creating a sense of fascination and disgust as we witness the price of fame and fortune through bloodshed.

46.
The Great Train Robbery

Year: 1903
Director: Edwin S. Porter
Runtime: 12m
Where to stream: YouTube

Edwin S. Porter’s film, The Great Train Robbery, was produced using New Jersey as a substitute for the American frontier, but surprisingly, the Old West wasn’t truly old when this movie was made. Historians often mark 1912, the year Arizona and New Mexico gained statehood, as the end of the frontier. Yet, much like dime novels that created legends out of Western residents, the West had already started to become mythology by the time Porter produced this film. The movie, featuring bandits receiving their comeuppance after robbing a telegraph office (while still captivating audiences with their daring and ruthlessness, like many fictional heroes and villains), was part of this mythologizing process. The climactic shot, where the main bandit aims at the audience, is particularly intriguing because it suggests viewers are both potential targets and active participants in the danger and excitement of what they’ve just witnessed.

45.
Broken Arrow

Year: 1950
Director: Delmer Daves
Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to stream: Plex, The Roku Channel, and Tubi

If the genre of Western films is burdened by a significant flaw, it’s the way Native Americans are often depicted, either as caricatures or inhumane savages. These degrading portrayals have roots in some of America’s darkest historical periods. As a nation, we’re still dealing with the repercussions of our expansion into the West, and the Western genre will always need to confront its most careless and hateful representations. Some films aimed to rectify these issues, although they often had their own share of discomfort. Directed by Delmer Daves, “Broken Arrow” has its drawbacks, such as casting predominantly white actors in Native American roles – a practice that now seems puzzling. However, it earns praise for incorporating a message of understanding into an engaging, historically accurate adventure tale. In this film, James Stewart plays Tom Jeffords, a former Army scout who forms a friendship with the Apache chief Cochise (Jeff Chandler) and works to ease tensions in the region. By doing so, “Broken Arrow” moved the Western’s representation of Native Americans towards a more empathetic direction (though not every film followed suit), and – along with “Winchester ’73“, released the same year – helped establish James Stewart as a leading star of the new decade, thereby introducing a more complex, conflicted type of Western hero. (The movie is available for rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.)

44.
One-Eyed Jacks

Year: 1961
Director: Marlon Brando
Runtime: 2h 21m
Where to stream: Pluto TV, Tubi, and Plex

Marlon Brando directed only one movie, and it didn’t necessarily boost his career. The film, titled “One-Eyed Jacks,” was problematic as it went beyond the scheduled time and budget. Upon its release in 1961, it received mixed reviews and ignored at the box office. However, a restored version of the movie in 2016, overseen by admirers like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, confirmed what supporters had claimed for years – Brando knew his way around a camera. Scorsese described the film as a “bridge” between two eras of cinema, embodying the production values of old Hollywood and the emotional depth of new Hollywood. The movie is a classic Western starring Brando as Rio, an outlaw seeking revenge on his former partner (Karl Malden), now a lawman, who becomes even more complex when Rio falls for Malden’s stepdaughter (Pina Pellicer). Despite rumors of Brando waiting for perfect waves to film certain scenes, the movie showcases his intuition. Sometimes, one simply has to wait for the right moment to depict the tumultuous emotions of a villain debating whether to give in to his darker instincts.

43.
Little Big Man

Year: 1970
Director: Arthur Penn
Runtime: 2h 19m
Where to stream: Pluto TV

One method of rephrasing the given text in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner is: Arthur Penn’s Little Big Man stands out among revisionist Westerns by attempting to debunk the romanticized West. The story is narrated by Jack Crabb (played by Dustin Hoffman with remarkable aging makeup), a 121-year-old man who aims to correct historical accounts of the Old West by sharing his unique experiences with a historian. As a white boy brought up among the Cheyenne, Crabb navigates between the white and Native American communities throughout the film, finding absurdity on both sides but an excessive amount of hypocrisy and cruelty only in one. Penn skillfully blends humor with tragedy, portraying Crabb’s misadventures as a gunslinger and soldier, while unflinchingly depicting the massacres he witnesses, which resonate with echoes of the Vietnam War. Sometimes those who lived through the past may find themselves witnessing its repetition once more.

42.
The Left Handed Gun

Year: 1958
Director: Arthur Penn
Runtime: 1h 42m
Where to stream: Max

Discussing Arthur Penn, it’s worth mentioning that he portrayed Billy the Kid as a sympathetic outlaw in “The Left Handed Gun” long before he made Bonnie and Clyde famous. In this film, Paul Newman played William Bonney, a quick-tempered, impulsive character who was more misunderstood than wicked. He found employment under a cattle boss but turned violent when the rival cattlemen murdered his mentor. This anger eventually led to his demise, yet he managed to create a legend around himself before that. The portrayal of Bonney in this film was based on an idea by Gore Vidal, who saw him as a rebel with a strong sense of justice and weak impulse control. In this movie, both Penn and Newman showcased complex performances; Newman, who was emerging as a leading movie star, delivered a tense, layered performance, while Penn’s directorial debut displayed a director eager to challenge established American myths from the very beginning.

41.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Back in 2007, I had the pleasure of watching “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” directed by Andrew Dominik. This gripping tale clocks in at a meaty 2 hours and 40 minutes. If you’re keen on catching this cinematic masterpiece, it’s available for rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play. Enjoy the ride!

In a different style than what Sean Penn employed, Andrew Dominik’s movie “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” leans towards a more contemplative approach instead of filling it with frenetic energy. Brad Pitt portrays Jesse James while Casey Affleck takes on the role of his admirer and recruit, Robert Ford, who eventually betrays his hero. The film’s visual beauty, courtesy of Roger Deakins’ cinematography, and its captivating score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, help Dominik’s work resonate with the tempo of a bygone era, with sudden bursts of violence punctuating extended, leisurely scenes reminiscent of Terrence Malick’s films (one of Dominick’s obvious influences). Despite facing challenges during its release and attracting only modest yet devoted audiences, this film seems fated to be recognized as a timeless classic that was misunderstood in its initial reception.

40.
The Shootist

Year: 1976
Director: Don Siegel
Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to stream: Pluto TV

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but ponder what might have been going through John Wayne’s mind when he accepted to star in “The Shootist” under Don Siegel’s direction, though perhaps he harbored some inkling of the impending end. The man who took his final breath in 1979 had been waging a relentless battle against cancer since the early ’60s and found it progressively challenging to maintain his work due to his deteriorating health.

The narrative of a gunfighter confronting mortality, “The Shootist,” didn’t initially set out as a poignant farewell to the icon – several younger actors declined the role before him – but it serves as an exquisite epilogue for Wayne, providing him with a character who had earned legendary status in the West only to discover that such recognition came with more disadvantages than advantages.

Filled with familiar faces like James Stewart and John Carradine, and set in 1901, it also encapsulates the transition from one era to another. Wayne’s character, J.B. Books, becomes a hero in the eyes of a young boy named Gillom (Ron Howard), but the film ultimately explores how the life Books led no longer aligns with the world that is emerging. Similarly, Wayne was out of step with the times, yet Siegel’s film offers him an honorable departure.

39.
Blazing Saddles

Year: 1974
Director: Mel Brooks
Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to stream: The Roku Channel

With a rich understanding and fondness for traditional Westerns, coupled with a daring spirit to poke fun at them, Blazing Saddles showcases Mel Brooks (alongside a writing team that included Richard Pryor and Andrew Bergman) using every comedy trick in the book. From witty, out-of-place remarks (“I must’ve killed more men than Cecil B. DeMille”) to a symphony of flatulent humor, it could have just been a fun ride were it not for its social commentary. Central to the story is Bart (played by Cleavon Little), a black man sent by the corrupt Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman) to stir up trouble in the town of Rock Ridge, ultimately to be demolished for a railroad line. The humor and the incisive satire are skillfully interwoven. Brooks directs with an appreciation for classic Westerns, but this film is propelled by the desire to tell stories that those films could never touch.

38.
The Tall T

Year: 1957
Director: Budd Boetticher
Runtime: 1h 18m
Where to stream: Plex and Tubi

From 1956 to 1960, director Budd Boetticher, writers Burt Kennedy and Charles Lang, along with star Randolph Scott, collaborated on six films collectively referred to as the Ranown Cycle – a series of gritty, intricate, and morally challenging Western stories that explore the challenges of maintaining integrity in a harsh environment. Each film is meticulously crafted and thoughtfully constructed, making any of them worthy additions to this list (and there’s another slightly higher up). Adapted from an Elmore Leonard story, The Tall T features Scott as a hard-luck cowboy embroiled in a plot to kidnap a wealthy woman (Maureen O’Hara), who has recently married a coward. Boetticher maintains tension throughout the film, with its focus on what it takes to be a man of honor in difficult situations, a theme Scott portrays more through actions and unspoken emotions than dialogue.

37.
Django

Year: 1966
Director: Sergio Corbucci
Runtime: 1h 37m
Where to stream: Pluto TV

Without a doubt, “Django” stands out as one of the most impactful Spaghetti Westerns not helmed by Sergio Leone. This gritty masterpiece amplifies the harshness and brutality found in Leone’s films to new extremes. The protagonist, Django (Franco Nero), is an ex-Union soldier who faces off against the Klan and other adversaries in a gripping tale. Sergio Corbucci, known for movies like “Navajo Joe” and “The Great Silence“, takes on directing duties, emulating Leone’s style but with less lyricism, focusing instead on violence and the absurd. This raw approach, coupled with Nero’s powerful portrayal, enhances the lean, brutal, and bloody narrative. The film spawned an official sequel and numerous unofficial successors, such as “Django, Prepare a Coffin” and “A Few Dollars for Django“. Imitators followed suit, each finding varying levels of success by blending a mysterious hero with increasingly intense violence. Yet, the original “Django” remains an enduringly dark pleasure.

36.
The Magnificent Seven

Year: 1960
Director: John Sturges
Runtime: 2h 8m
Where to stream: Tubi, Pluto TV and Prime Video

In the ’50s and ’60s, I found myself captivated by a unique cross-cultural dialogue unfolding through cinema. Akira Kurosawa, a filmmaker whose work I admire deeply, drew inspiration for his 1954 masterpiece, “Seven Samurai,” from the genre of American Westerns, particularly those crafted by John Ford. This exchange of ideas didn’t stop there; the American Western returned the favor with a remake of Kurosawa’s film, directed by John Sturges.

While Sturges’s interpretation may not quite match the intrigue and depth found in Kurosawa’s original, it certainly delivers the thrilling ride that big Hollywood Westerns are known for. “Seven Samurai” was reimagined as a tale set in a Mexican village besieged by bandits, with Yul Brynner at the helm of an eclectic group of gunfighters – featuring stars like Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn. As they band together to protect their village from the command of a ruthless leader portrayed by Eli Wallach, this film offers a gripping display of courage and camaraderie that remains unforgettable to this day.

35.
Bend of the River

Year: 1952
Director: Anthony Mann
Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to stream: Unavailable

The West offered the opportunity for a new beginning, a place where individuals could leave their past behind. However, can a fresh start truly alter the essence of one’s character? This question lies at the heart of an Anthony Mann Western, featuring James Stewart and Arthur Kennedy as ex-border raiders seeking to rebuild their lives in the frontier post-Civil War. For Stewart, this means guiding a wagon train towards Oregon. As for Kennedy, it might involve the same, or perhaps not. The film delves into the struggle of atonement for past wrongs, while portraying the corruptive power of wealth. As gold is discovered, almost everyone transforms into monsters, and the idyllic Oregon Territory becomes a land dominated by greed. This thought-provoking and intense drama doesn’t shy away from leading some sympathetic characters into darker territories. The story unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Northwest (with a few less convincing soundstage sequences).

34.
A Bullet for the General

Year: 1966
Director: Damiano Damiani
Runtime: 1h 58m
Where to stream: Tubi

The Zapata Western, a spin-off from Spaghetti Westerns, features narratives set amidst the Mexican Revolution. This setting allowed filmmakers to express, sometimes overtly, their views on 1960s politics. One of the earliest examples is Damiano Damiani’s “A Bullet for the General,” which combines thrilling action with a tale of deception and political assassination concluding with a clear message urging the oppressed to rise up. Notably, its script was penned by Franco Solinas, a Marxist who collaborated on “The Battle of Algiers.” Damiani skillfully integrates the film’s political message within an engaging narrative full of captivating action sequences, showcasing how popular entertainment can effectively convey a message.

33.
Vera Cruz

Year: 1954
Director: Robert Aldrich
Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to stream: Prime video, Pluto TV, and Tubi

Western movies known as Spaghetti Westerns didn’t suddenly appear; they had predecessors like this Robert Aldrich film where a cash-strapped plantation owner named Ben (played by Gary Cooper) tries to escape his financial troubles by chasing wealth in Mexico. He joins forces with Joe (Burt Lancaster), the questionable leader of an outlaw gang (which includes Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson among others), to steal a fortune in gold coins. Aldrich infuses this gritty film with stylish visuals amidst the sweltering heat. Cooper’s stoic portrayal allows Lancaster to shine as the charismatic outlaw, capable of maintaining a winning demeanor until he shoots you in the back.

32.
Ride the High Country

Movie released in the year: 1962

The director responsible for this film is Sam Peckinpah.

It runs for approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes.

You can rent it to watch on streaming platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.

After 1960’s Comanche Station, Budd Boetticher shifted his focus from Western films to TV work and a documentary about matador Carlos Arruza. Unlike this, Randolph Scott starred in only one more Western, the 1962 film Ride the High Country, which served as a symbolic passing of the baton. In this movie, directed by Sam Peckinpah for the first time, Scott and Joel McCrea play aging cowboys tasked with safeguarding a gold shipment. They are men who have passed their prime in a world that’s leaving them behind, yet they remain resolute to make the best of their final journey. With this film, Peckinpah began to shape movies that would later disrupt the Western genre due to their depiction of balletic violence and a gritty portrayal of the West. Ride the High Country, however, showcases some of his recurring themes such as the demise of the West and what it means to be a man out of sync with time through a more conventional style, using established stars from an era on the brink of extinction. This film, too, became one of the last of its kind, embodying a gentle, melancholic feel.

31.
The Shooting

Year: 1966
Director: Monte Hellman
Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to stream: Peacock, Prime Video, Max and Tubi

This movie, The Shooting, seldom reveals all its secrets. Made by Monte Hellman on a shoestring budget in Utah for an unacknowledged Roger Corman, it’s one of those films that maintains its enigma. With a script penned by future Five Easy Pieces scribe Carole Eastman (writing under a pseudonym), Hellman crafts a tale about two gunslingers (Warren Oates and Will Hutchins) escorting an anonymous woman (Millie Perkins) across a harsh desert, pursued by a man in black (a chilling Jack Nicholson). Marked by artistic flair and at times bordering on the abstract, it reduces the Western genre to its core components, then peels away even more layers as it approaches an enigmatic ending, much like that of Don’t Look Now or Hellman’s own Two-Lane Blacktop. For a long time, The Shooting was more myth than movie. It never graced the big screen and only aired sparingly on TV. But those who watched it kept its legacy alive, and it has since been rightfully rediscovered thanks to home video. Its counterpart, the more traditionally structured Ride in the Whirlwind, also featuring Nicholson and Perkins, is equally worth viewing.

30.
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Movie Year: 1976

Movie Director: Clint Eastwood

Movie Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

Streaming Platforms: Available for rental on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

Clint Eastwood’s fifth directorial venture has an intriguing backstory. Initially, it was intended to be Philip Kaufman’s film, as he endeavored to adapt a book from a man who identified himself as Forrest Carter. This individual later wrote the memoir “The Education of Little Tree“, detailing his upbringing in Cherokee culture. However, Kaufman was dismissed during production, and it was later revealed that Carter was not truthful about his past; he had been a former member of the Ku Klux Klan and a speechwriter for George Wallace. Despite its controversial origins, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” ultimately became synonymous with a Clint Eastwood production, offering a more nuanced exploration of the genre than his previous work, particularly the dark, violent, and impactful “High Plains Drifter“. Rather than focusing on revenge, this film delves into themes of reconciliation. Eastwood plays Josey Wales, a Confederate militia member fleeing a bounty, who experiences a sense of familial connection throughout his journey with an elderly Cherokee man (Chief Dan George), a mute Navajo woman, and others. Despite the violence, the film emphasizes the aftermath of conflict and healing a divided nation, a topic that resonated with 1970s America.

29.
The Ox-Bow Incident

* Year: The movie was released in 1943.
* Director: William A. Wellman directed this film.
* Runtime: The running time of the movie is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
* Where to stream: You can rent the movie on Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.

This William Wellman film, titled “The Ox-Bow Incident“, serves as a gripping and ominous warning on the perils of mob mentality and hasty verdicts. Starring Henry Fonda and Harry Morgan as cowboys who unwittingly find themselves in a town embroiled in a vigilante pursuit for justice, following the murder of a rancher. The suspects, though seemingly guilty to an enraged mob, may not be as culpable as they appear.

Wellman’s film is succinct yet impactful, maintaining a steady pace that mirrors the relentless pursuit of the posse while also highlighting the agonizing suspense faced by the accused who may be on the brink of meeting their end. In an action-packed genre with numerous gunfights and senseless violence, “The Ox-Bow Incident” makes each death a poignant reminder of the gravity of justice.

28.
For a Few Dollars More

Year: 1965
Director: Sergio Leone
Runtime: 2h 12m
Where to stream: Pluto TV and Tubi

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but appreciate the often underrated gem nestled in Sergio Leone’s iconic Dollars trilogy – that being For a Few Dollars More. Often overshadowed by its groundbreaking predecessor, A Fistful of Dollars, and the epic masterpiece that followed, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, this film sometimes gets overlooked. However, it’s in the heart of this sandwich where the emotional depth unfolds most richly. Clint Eastwood reprises his role as a bounty hunter, this time partnering with a retired Army colonel harboring secrets about his thirst for vengeance until the film’s climax. These hidden motivations lend a profound undertone to a movie that amplifies the intensity and grittiness of its predecessor, laying the groundwork for an even more ambitious sequel.

27.
Winchester ’73

Year: 1950
Director: Anthony Mann
Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to stream: Starz

After World War II, James Stewart found it challenging to resume his acting career, particularly in his previous comedic roles which he found hard to connect with due to his military experience. His comeback film, It’s a Wonderful Life, failed despite showcasing his talent for portraying troubled characters. However, 1950 marked a turning point. He excelled in Harvey, but it was two Westerns that established him as a dominant figure in the genre: Broken Arrow and his initial collaboration with Anthony Mann. In this film, Stewart portrays Lin McAdam, whose possession of a unique gun serves as a means to explore various aspects of the Old West. The gun transitions through different hands, from Lin’s to an outlaw, a Native American (Rock Hudson), and others. This narrative device allows Mann to delve into diverse stories across the West, thereby setting the stage for both director and actor as significant figures in the genre. (This film is available to stream on Starz.)

26.
True Grit (2010)

Year: 2010
Directors: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Runtime: 1h 50m
Where to stream: Paramount+ and MGM+

In 1969, John Wayne significantly altered his persona through the movie “True Grit”, a screen adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel. Here, Wayne portrayed the grumpy, often intoxicated U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Cogburn. While the film stands well on its own merits, Joel and Ethan Coen’s reinterpretation is even more impressive. Jeff Bridges steps into the role of Cogburn, presenting him as a blend of crankiness and heroism, assisting the determined, young Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) in tracking down her father’s killer – with assistance from a boastful Texas Ranger (Matt Damon). This updated version showcases more of the novel’s quirky aspects, hinting that the story was destined to become a Coen brothers production. It effectively portrays the West as an odd, comically dark region, one that demands an almost superhuman level of devotion to mold it to one’s will. Additionally, it earns praise for preserving Portis’ bittersweet ending.

25.
The Power of the Dog

Year: 2021
Director: Jane Campion
Runtime: 2h 6m
Where to stream: Netflix

In an interview with Marc Maron, Sam Elliott compared the cowboys in “The Power of the Dog” to dancers in bowties from New York clubs like Chippendales, hinting at the characters’ performative nature. While Elliott may have been incorrect about the film being a direct adaptation of Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel, he was insightful in recognizing that the cowboys were playing roles. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the sadistic and macho Phil Burbank is remarkable due to its falsehood – Phil is not genuinely a cowboy but rather striving to embody the ideal of his idol, the late Bronco Henry, in a forced and exaggerated manner. In Peter Gordon (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee), the effeminate stepson of Phil’s brother George’s new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst), Phil finds someone to bully – someone who seems vulnerable against the backdrop of Montana, which is struggling to let go of its Old West traditions and embrace the modern era.

24.
The Gunfighter

Year: 1950
Director: Henry King
Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to stream: Pluto TV and Tubi

In one of my past experiences, I came across a movie featuring a man traversing the desert, and it was Gregory Peck who played the lead role in this captivating film. As Bob Dylan sings in his 1986 song “Brownsville Girl,” co-written with Sam Shepard, he then unexpectedly reveals the plot of this 1950 Henry King production. In this movie, Peck portrays a gunfighter whose exceptional skills have earned him legendary status, but also placed a bounty on his head for any ambitious young gunslinger seeking recognition. The title of the film escapes Dylan’s memory, but its impact remains vivid in his mind, undoubtedly due to Peck’s mesmerizing portrayal of a man trapped by fame and burdened by the dishonor associated with his past accomplishments, which he longs to leave behind as he strives for a peaceful, upstanding life. This movie, along with many other Westerns from 1950, served as a turning point in the genre, incorporating elements of noir and paving the way for a decade filled with stories of tormented men haunted by their pasts and yearning to break free.

23.
Dead Man

Year: 1995
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Runtime: 2h 1m
Where to stream: HBO Max

In every scene of Jim Jarmusch’s movie, there’s a pervasive feeling of destiny, as it takes us on a trip through an antiquated, peculiar American West. The narrative shifts between gritty reinterpretations and progressively bizarre episodes, leading a Cleveland-born accountant named William Blake (Johnny Depp) towards his demise. During this journey, he interacts with various characters such as a ruthless industrialist portrayed by Robert Mitchum, a cross-dressing merchant played by Iggy Pop, and significantly, a Native American named Nobody (Gary Farmer), who accompanies him because he believes Blake might be the reincarnation of the poet with the same name. A leisurely Neil Young soundtrack establishes the mood for a film that employs stunningly beautiful monochrome visuals, dry wit, and Johnny Depp’s subdued acting to craft an ethereal adventure that transcends traditional Old West legends.

22.
7 Men From Now

Movie Year: 1956

The Director was Budd Boetticher

The Runtime is approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes

You can Rent this movie on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

The initial collaboration between Budd Boetticher, Burt Kennedy, and Randolph Scott established a blueprint for future projects and set a challenging benchmark. According to Boetticher, the defining characteristic of these films was a consistent setup: “Here comes Randy. He’s alone. What’s his problem?” In this instance, Randy’s predicament is particularly severe. Previously the sheriff of Silver Springs, he embarks on a quest to find the seven culprits behind a robbery that claimed his wife’s life. This mission leads him into confrontation with a formidable character portrayed by Lee Marvin and a young couple traveling West whom he suspects may not make it without his assistance. The nature of Randy’s problem becomes crucial to the narrative, proving more intricate than initially perceived. As the story unfolds, Boetticher and his team delve into the intricate issue of what it signifies to lead a righteous life in a perilous world while managing to endure another day – a question they attempt to address with this film and the swift, action-packed, yet always introspective movies that followed, seldom providing straightforward answers.

21.
A Fistful of Dollars

Year: 1964
Director: Sergio Leone
Runtime: 1h 18m
Where to stream: Prime Video and Tubi

The iconic Spaghetti Western movie that catapulted Clint Eastwood to stardom, showcased Sergio Leone’s exceptional cinematic skills, and served as a source of inspiration for numerous imitators, this groundbreaking Western offers a gritty, captivating reinterpretation of the American Western from a distant perspective. The storyline is influenced by Akira Kurosawa’s samurai film hit Yojimbo, marking one of many cultural exchanges between Kurosawa and the Western genre (a collaboration that extended beyond The Magnificent Seven). In this film, Eastwood portrays the Man With No Name, a character he would later revisit in loosely connected sequels. This wandering gunslinger enters a town torn apart by two rival factions and manipulates them to his advantage, speaking sparingly and allowing others to make assumptions about his intentions. Though he eventually takes a stand for righteousness, the Man With No Name appears largely apathetic towards moral issues for much of the film, appearing more as a disillusioned anti-hero than a traditional white-hatted hero with no intention of upholding a corrupt system or its leaders. It’s no surprise that the ’60s found appeal in this character and Leone’s unconventional, exhilarating take on the genre, which was accompanied by Ennio Morricone’s groundbreaking music score.

20.
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

As a devoted cinephile, I’d like to share some details about a timeless classic from 1949. This masterpiece was directed by the legendary John Ford and clocks in at a brisk 1 hour and 44 minutes. If you’re interested, you can find it for rent on platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play. Enjoy the cinematic journey!

In the heart of John Ford’s Cavalry Trilogy, John Wayne portrays a character older than his years. This role is nestled between “Fort Apache” and “Rio Grande”. As a retiring captain, he spends his remaining service days contemplating the significance of it all, striving to halt a fresh wave of conflict following Custer’s defeat at Little Bighorn. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Utah’s Monument Valley in vibrant Technicolor – a favorite location for Ford – the movie abounds with poetic sequences, elevating a soldier who values peace over conflict. While light on narrative, it left an indelible mark and led critic Dave Kehr to describe it as “possibly the only avant-garde film ever made about the power of tradition.

19.
Shane

Year: 1953
Director: George Stevens
Runtime: 1h 58m
Where to stream: MGM+

The central struggle in traditional Western stories often revolves around the contrast between civilization and chaos, with power overruling law and order. However, not all those who strove to establish a safer, more law-abiding West were able to enjoy the world they helped create. Characters grappling with their irrelevance in an evolving West are prevalent themes in many iconic Western movies (including several higher up on this list).

In essence, if there’s a quintessential character portrayal, it’s Shane from George Stevens’ movie bearing the same title. Portrayed by Alan Ladd, Shane carries a past he prefers not to discuss yet sees potential for a brighter future in the Wyoming Territory, where settlers face troubles from a ruthless landowner disregarding their legal property rights. It’s here that Shane forms bonds with a local family (led by Van Heflin and Jean Arthur) and attempts to abandon his violent past; however, he is compelled to revert to his old tricks for the safety of his new companions and their burgeoning lives.

In Stevens’ film, he skillfully employs scenic cinematography to provoke thoughts on whether agriculture or weaponry will shape the West’s future. A veteran of World War II, Stevens vowed to avoid creating films that celebrated brutality. Despite making Shane’s actions appear inevitable, Ladd infuses his portrayal of the settlers’ defender with a profound melancholy and the feeling that any required violence contradicts human kindness. The movie concludes with one of the most iconic Western images – also one of its most poignant.

18.
3:10 to Yuma (1957)

In the realm of cinema history, finding myself transported back to 1957, I stumbled upon a captivating film titled “Jubal” directed by Delmer Daves. With a runtime of just over an hour and a half, this Western drama offers a concise yet impactful storyline. For those seeking a taste of this classic, it’s available for rental on platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Delmer Daves’ “3:10 to Yuma” (a 2007 remake of an Elmore Leonard story) showcases a captivating struggle between the yearning for tranquility and the necessity of survival. This theme is strikingly reminiscent of Daves’ earlier work, “Shane,” with both films featuring Van Heflin – here playing Dan, a rancher who unwillingly gets involved in a stagecoach robbery after witnessing it. Despite his wish to avoid entanglements, Dan is lured by the prospect of a reward into helping capture Ben Wade (Glenn Ford), a charismatic but ruthless outlaw. As they wait for Wade’s train, and the arrival of his ruthless henchmen intent on freeing him, the film delves deep into the themes of justice, morality, and redemption in an unforgiving frontier. The climax is a tense, explosive confrontation filled with unexpected twists that leaves the audience pondering the nature of good and evil.

17.
High Noon

Year: 1952
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to stream: MGM+

One of the more contentious Western classics, “High Noon” prompted director Howard Hawks to create “Rio Bravo” due to his belief that a competent town marshal wouldn’t behave chaotically by seeking aid from everyone. Although Hawks’ film appears slightly higher on this list, it doesn’t diminish the value of “High Noon”. Critics’ dislike for it was more intricate, linked to the political climate of the time, which led screenwriter Carl Foreman to depart for Britain prior to its release, anticipating he would soon be blacklisted for refusing to collaborate with HUAC. This political landscape likely influenced the film, where Marshal Will Kane (portrayed by Gary Cooper), on the verge of retirement, finds that no one will aid him against a vengeful gang of outlaws. Director Fred Zinnemann constructs the storyline in near real-time, gradually building tension through Kane’s escalating desperation instead of relying on gunfights and acts of heroism. By the end, it transforms into a drama about a courageous man (contrary to Hawks’ perspective) who learns that others can be surprisingly cowardly when they have something to protect, and how quickly a peaceful town can regress into barbarity despite efforts to civilize it.

16.
Forty Guns

Year: 1957
Director: Samuel Fuller
Runtime: 1h 20m
Where to stream: Tubi

The director, Samuel Fuller, was fond of intense emotions and striking visuals, which are perfectly encapsulated in the movie “Forty Guns“. The story revolves around a former outlaw named Griff (Barry Sullivan) confronting a dominant landowner, Jessica Drummond (Barbara Stanwyck), who governs through her 40 men. This sets up a typical Western conflict with an intriguing twist: the powerful figure is not only commanding but also attractive. The tension between them ignites their mutual passions. Fuller infuses the film with intense drama and bold elements, such as Jessica dining with all 40 of her enforcers at one table, Freudian discussions about guns with a lovely gunsmith, a camera shot that appears to traverse an entire town, and a climactic scene filled with very close-up shots. (It’s likely Sergio Leone took inspiration from these techniques.) Overall, the film is bold, engaging on all fronts, whether it’s the action sequences or the intricate, sensual central romance.

15.
Johnny Guitar

Year of Release: 1954

Directed by: Nicholas Ray

Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes

Streaming Options: Rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.

In contrast, the film “Forty Guns” appears rather conventional when compared to “Johnny Guitar”, directed by Nicholas Ray and released prior. The leading character Vienna, played by Joan Crawford, is a saloon owner known for her commanding presence. Her bartender remarks that he’s never encountered a woman more like a man. However, almost everyone, except Ward Bond’s John McIvers, seems to fall under Vienna’s influence. McIvers serves as a tool for Emma (Mercedes McCambridge), who harbors intense hatred and obsession towards Vienna. The introduction of the character Johnny Guitar (Sterling Hayden) further intensifies the emotions, with director Nicholas Ray amplifying the intensity even more – both emotionally and visually, culminating in a fiery finale. Initially, the film puzzled audiences, but it’s now recognized as one of Ray’s boldest endeavors to explore the depths of film drama through intense emotions and striking visuals. In a 2008 review, Roger Ebert described it as “one of the most explicit psychosexual melodramas to hide within the Western genre.” Ray found that the two genres complemented each other exceptionally well.

14.
My Darling Clementine

Title Year: 1946

Directed by: John Ford

Running Time: 1 hour and 37 minutes

Streaming Platforms: Available for rental on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

Western movies frequently retell familiar narratives, with few tales repeated as often as the Earps vs. the Clantons at Tombstone’s O.K. Corral. While John Ford claimed that he based the fight on Earp’s own account, which he heard directly from Wyatt Earp, the film My Darling Clementine takes many liberties with the facts in favor of a more compelling storyline. Henry Fonda portrays Wyatt Earp, Ward Bond plays his brother Morgan, and Victor Mature takes on the role of “Doc” Holliday. Essentially, it’s a dramatized, mythologized version of the Tombstone tale, much like the phrase “print the legend” from one of Ford’s later films suggests.

However remarkable: In the hands of director Ford, the tale of Earp becomes an illustration of the struggle between order and disorder in the Wild West, where the bravery of select individuals makes the region suitable for civilization. Ford molds it into a film that combines action-packed scenes with poetic interludes and tender moments to highlight why this battle is significant. The title holds significance as well. Unlike other adaptations such as “Tombstone” and “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral“, Ford’s version focuses on the character who embodies civility and the hope for a brighter future, even if that future may not accommodate figures like Earp.

13.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Year: 1969
Director: George Roy Hill
Runtime: 1h 50m

The movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” set at the end of a turbulent decade, delicately explores the tale of two outlaws facing an impending dead-end they hadn’t anticipated. Butch (Paul Newman) and Sundance (Robert Redford), who had long enjoyed their renegade lifestyle, discover that the closing frontier and the emergence of powerful businessmen with substantial resources to combat outlaws have significantly reduced their choices. This film, directed by George Roy Hill from a script by William Goldman, is so endearing – thanks to its star-studded cast – that its underlying sense of doom creeps up on you subtly.

12.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Year: 1966
Director: Sergio Leone
Runtime: 2h 58m
Available to stream: Prime Video, Pluto TV and Tubi

In the concluding chapter of his “Dollars” series, filmmaker Leone magnifies and intensifies all that preceded it, making it larger-than-life, more audacious, harsher, and even more heart-stoppingly thrilling. The narrative revolves around three characters – portrayed by Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach – who switch from alliance to betrayal in their relentless pursuit of wealth. This film showcases Leone pushing the boundaries of his distinctive style. At times, it resembles a vibrant pop-art Western, distilling the genre’s symbolism into its most eye-catching visuals. At other moments, it mirrors the Western as opera, constructing melodies of violence and tension that sync with Ennio Morricone’s score’s rhythmic beats. Throughout, it’s an utterly captivating ride from beginning to end, cramming in what seems like every ambition Leone ever had for the Western into a single film. Yet, Leone wasn’t entirely finished with the genre as this compilation will demonstrate.

11.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Year: 1962
Director: John Ford
Runtime: 2h 3m
Where to stream: Pluto TV

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but admire John Ford’s cinematic prowess, particularly his unwavering affinity for the Western genre. It seems as if he found an endless wellspring of stories to tell within this iconic setting, continually discovering new ways to express himself through it. Among all his films, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance stands out like a lone sagebrush in the prairie. Unlike his other Westerns, this film was shot in black-and-white on soundstages, lending an intimate, psychological depth to the narrative.

This unique approach is perfectly suited for the story it tells – a tale of contrasting characters trying to tame the unforgiving West: Ranse Stoddard (James Stewart), a young, idealistic lawyer, and Tom Doniphon (John Wayne), a rugged rancher. Their paths cross in an unnamed Western territory where they both face opposition from local cattle barons who employ the ruthless gunfighter Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) to thwart Stoddard’s efforts to secure statehood for their region.

In this film, Ford masterfully pairs two of the West’s most legendary screen icons, allowing them to play off each other while delving into questions about the narratives that shape our historical understanding and who gets left out in the retelling.

10.
Meek’s Cutoff

Year: 2010
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Runtime: 1h 44m
Where to stream: Peacock, Pluto TV, and Tubi

Kelly Reichardt’s movie, titled “Meek’s Cutoff“, portrays an unromantic journey across the Oregon Trail, emphasizing the grueling daily tasks required for traversing the harsh Oregon desert. The struggle of seeking a better life is evident, even in times of relative success. However, things take a turn for the worse in this story, as a group led by Stephen Meek (Bruce Greenwood) begins to question his abilities but takes no action until they’re already in deep trouble. Reichardt masterfully depicts their lives as exhausting and filled with high-stakes decisions, creating an atmosphere of panic when those choices seem misguided. Michelle Williams delivers a nuanced performance as Emily, a woman initially without control over her destiny. Reichardt’s film serves dual purposes: it tells the tale of a disastrous detour with catastrophic results and mirrors the unsettling sensation that arises when those in charge appear lost. (Reichardt revisited this genre recently, releasing the critically acclaimed “First Cow” this year, a story exploring friendship and hardship amidst two marginal characters as they witness civilization encroach upon the far frontier.)

9.
The Naked Spur

Year: 1953
Director: Anthony Mann
Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to stream: HBO Max

In Anthony Mann’s film “The Naked Spur,” Ralph Meeker portrays a character who was discharged dishonorably from the cavalry due to being deemed morally unstable – a trait that seems fitting for many of the characters in this movie, as well as for those in other Westerns directed by Mann. Meeker’s character is one among several individuals drawn into bounty hunter Howard Kemp’s (James Stewart) quest to capture Ben Vandergroat (Robert Ryan), a ruthless outlaw wanted for murder and rape of a marshal. Vandergroat is certainly despicable, but Kemp himself is no less disturbed, fueled by revenge, using others for his gain, and struggling with his feelings towards Vandergroat’s companion Lina (Janet Leigh), who also faces her own internal struggles. The characters in this movie are far from virtuous, and they inflict pain upon each other as Kemp’s obsession deepens, and his opportunities for a fresh start dwindle. Mann and Stewart collaborated on eight Western films, but none quite capture the intensity or genre-transforming quality of “The Naked Spur.

8.
Rio Bravo

Year of Release: 1959

The Director was Howard Hawks

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes

Streaming Platforms: Available for rental on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play

Howard Hawks frequently explored themes of camaraderie among diverse groups in various film genres. In the western movie “Rio Bravo,” he discovered a story that resonated with him, which he essentially adapted twice more as “El Dorado” and “Rio Lobo,” both starring John Wayne. In this film, Wayne portrays Sheriff John T. Chance, who stands up for his friend Dude (Dean Martin), leading to a confrontation with unscrupulous ranchers. The movie progresses steadily towards an exhilarating finale, but it takes its time to reach that point, allowing Chance and Dude to rebuild their relationship as Dude overcomes his alcoholism; introducing vibrant supporting characters played by Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, and others; and occasionally interrupting the action with a couple of songs. However, Hawks never squanders any moment. The time spent developing “Rio Bravo”‘s characters makes us care about their well-being, and it shows what they value most in the life they’re fighting to safeguard and the rules they’re committed to enforcing.

7.
The Wild Bunch (1969)

1969’s Film

Directed by: Sam Peckinpah

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

Streaming Availability: Rental options available on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

In the same year as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Sam Peckinpah’s Western, a tale of outlaws grappling with the end of an era, was released. This film, while less lighthearted than its contemporaries, was no less marked by destiny. It stirred up controversy for its vivid portrayal of violence, some scenes of which were painstakingly drawn out using slow motion. Was Peckinpah prompting viewers to ponder the grotesquery of taking a life or making carnage seem aesthetically appealing? Perhaps he was achieving both objectives simultaneously. Ugly, brutal, yet possessing an undeniable allure, this was Peckinpah’s vision of the West that had been in development since “Ride the High Country.” In this film, he peopled it with a gang of outlaws, headed by William Holden and Ernest Borgnine, who were charming enough to make their criminal activities easy to forget for extended periods. However, beneath the graphic violence and gritty atmosphere—elements that would inspire numerous imitators in the future— “The Wild Bunch” crafted a narrative about how honor holds significance even for those on the wrong side of the law, and how even the wicked can be tormented by the instances where they let greed and fear overshadow their sense of duty.

6.
Red River

In the year of 1948, the director was Howard Hawks. This movie runs for approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. You can find it streaming on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Tubi.

Similar to how only Howard Hawks could craft it, Red River stands as a film that mirrors the complexity and grit of the Old West, much like Rio Bravo. The narrative unfolds primarily over a lengthy, tumultuous cattle drive from Texas to Abilene, with John Wayne portraying Thomas Dunson, a rancher haunted by his past, who hardens and becomes unrelenting as the journey progresses. As he edges towards becoming an Old West’s Ahab, his adopted son Matt (Montgomery Clift) grows uneasy, defying his authority more and more until a showdown seems imminent, with tragedy looming. However, unlike what one might expect, Hawks has a different ending in store, and it is the film’s deep human emotion, combined with its grand action scenes, that sets Red River apart as exceptional.

Hawks skillfully explores Wayne’s character, revealing the depth beneath his heroic persona while also highlighting the tender side of Dunson through his relationship with Matt. This role is one of the most nuanced performances Wayne ever delivered, and it is set against a backdrop of intense peril that threatens to annihilate everything Dunson has created or drive him to destroy it himself.

5.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)

Movie Year: The film was released in the year 1971.
Director: Robert Altman was the mastermind behind this production.
Duration: The movie spans approximately 2 hours and 1 minute.
Streaming Options: You can rent this movie on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.

In Robert Altman’s early ’70s films, he often put a unique twist on established genres such as detective stories or war movies. For instance, in the film McCabe & Mrs. Miller, he explored the Western genre and created a movie unlike any other. This film is a poignant, humorous, and heartbreaking tale about one man’s futile quest for happiness in the isolated town of Presbyterian Church, Washington. Warren Beatty portrays McCabe, a wandering charmer who partners with and falls for Mrs. Miller (Julie Christie), a madam looking to boost business at his shabby brothel. Their success catches the eye of a mining company that initially attempts to buy him out but ultimately resorts to more aggressive tactics to seize their gains. Filmed in snowy Vancouver and set to Leonard Cohen’s most melancholic songs, the film casts a pessimistic atmosphere over even its brightest scenes. Beatty portrays McCabe as a man too captivating to disappear completely but doomed for a significant fall when it happens. During his brief stint atop Presbyterian Church, he encapsulates the freedom and potential of the American frontier and the allure of the American Dream. However, his eventual downfall implies that the promise of America might not be as grand as advertised.

4.
Stagecoach (1939)

Movie Year: 1939

Directed by: John Ford

Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes

Streaming Platforms: You can find this movie on HBO Max, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi.

Is there really a flawless movie? If not, Stagecoach comes exceptionally close. Director John Ford’s creation catapulted John Wayne into stardom as the Ringo Kid, a law-evading outlaw tasked with safeguarding a stagecoach traversing treacherous terrain. The diverse cast of characters, ranging from an intoxicated doctor to a pregnant Army wife, hints at Ford’s aspirations beyond simply telling an exciting tale. Not only does Stagecoach deliver on that excitement, but it masterfully intertwines the characters’ personal narratives with the escalating danger of their journey. This was Ford’s inaugural visit to Monument Valley, a location he would grow to love as his favorite Western setting, and his first significant collaboration with Wayne, whose screen persona he would mold and transform over time, giving him increasingly complex roles as he aged. In this movie, Wayne embodies the white-hat hero convincingly within one of the most impactful Westerns ever produced, a highly engaging, superbly crafted film that paved the way for Ford’s future work in the genre and served as an inspiration for others to reimagine the Western.

3.
Once Upon a Time in the West

Year: 1968
Director: Sergio Leone
Runtime: 2h 25m
Where to stream: MGM+ and Paramount+

Following the completion of the “Dollars” trilogy, Leone ventured back into the Western genre, albeit without his familiar leading actor, but with an invigorated determination. He skillfully interwove a grand tale of avarice and retribution, far surpassing any previous endeavors. The protagonist, portrayed by Charles Bronson as Harmonica – a gunslinger known for his harmonica – is embroiled in a mental standoff with Frank (Henry Fonda), a ruthless gunman with whom Harmonica shares a puzzling past. Retaining his signature dark wit, Leone merged the bold flair of the previous films with a profound sense of melancholy, focusing on the costs demanded by the West and the losses incurred as time marches forward. He also allowed room for co-stars Claudia Cardinale and Jason Robards to flesh out what could have been stereotypical characters. Notably bold, Leone cast Fonda not only as a villain but as a sadist and began with a silent, drawn-out confrontation that can hardly be called slow burn. This film stands as Leone’s magnum opus, where he expressed everything he wished to convey about the West and its mythologies.

2.
Unforgiven

Year: 1992
Director: Clint Eastwood
Runtime: 2h 11m
Where to stream: Rent on Amazon or Apple TV

In Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Academy Award-winning film “Unforgiven,” Eastwood portrays William Munny, a former gunfighter who had turned farmer after being influenced by his deceased wife. Struggling financially, he resumes bounty hunting to claim a reward offered by a group of prostitutes seeking vengeance for an atrocity committed against one of their own by two ranch hands. The film, written by Eastwood and developed over time, presents a thoughtful, morally complex Western with characters who carry out despicable acts for righteous purposes, commit heinous crimes without rhyme or reason, and merely survive as circumstances demand. Munny embodies each of these roles, grappling with the moral implications of his past actions. He wonders whether all the violence he has witnessed and perpetrated holds any meaning at all. Eastwood dedicated “Unforgiven” to Sergio Leone and Don Siegel, two directors who significantly impacted his career, but the film clearly bears Eastwood’s signature, marking the pinnacle of his lifelong exploration of the Western genre and its blend of heroic imagery, violence, and the questionable notion that a man with a gun can bring justice.

1.
The Searchers

Year of Release: 1956

Directed by: John Ford

Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes

Streaming Locations: Rentable on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play

John Wayne and John Ford created exceptional films following “The Searchers,” individually and collaboratively, yet this masterpiece remains a pinnacle. By the time they filmed this poignant western, both had been immersed in and contemplating the genre for many years. In this movie, John Wayne portrays Ethan Edwards, a man consumed by a hatred that intensifies when Comanches slaughter his brother and other family members, taking his two nieces captive. The group discovers one of the girls, Lucy, dead. Debbie (played by Natalie Wood) is nowhere to be found, causing Ethan to embark on a relentless search for her as his anger fuels his descent into madness.

In a chilling portrayal, Wayne plays a tormented spirit who seeks vengeance to mask the evil and bias lurking within him. Interestingly, John Ford uses this prejudice to critique the way Native Americans are depicted in Western films, not by making the Comanches less savage, but by having Ethan retaliate with even more barbaric actions. A particularly chilling scene shows him desecrating a dead body, which, according to Comanche beliefs, would make the deceased travel through the afterlife blind. However, as Martin Scorsese points out in his documentary A Personal Journey Through American Movies, Ethan is essentially placing a curse on the corpse because “he’s a wanderer, destined to roam between the winds.

Is it possible for such an unsavory character to truly be labeled as a hero? In time, John Ford would present a segment within the Cinerama anthology film titled How the West Was Won, yet The Searchers and Ford’s most significant works represent the title not as a definitive statement but rather as an open-ended inquiry. How was the West conquered? What did it symbolize? What lessons can we derive from it? Who benefited, who paid the price? The tales spun from it have shaped our perception of it all, yet they raise more questions than provide answers. This is one reason why the Western genre has persisted. It serves as a quest for understanding.

Read More

2025-07-22 17:03