The Western is a fascinating genre of film. Once the most popular movie at the box office, and now more of a niche project. They are heavily inspired by the American West but also heavily rely on stereotypes and historical inaccuracies and oftentimes embody the concept of Manifest Destiny, where the United States, the typically white protagonist, is meant to take over and expand over the North American continent over the ingenious people who already live there. The first Western movie to lay down the foundations of the genre was the silent film The Great Train Robbery (1903); however, it's arguable that even earlier, in 1878, the first Western cinema began to appear on the scene (with one of the first motion pictures, Horse in Motion, or Sallie Gardner at a Gallop).

When one imagines a Western movie, several images come to mind: Clint Eastwood or John Wayne, the lone cowboy on the frontier, outlaws, saloons in the outposts of a rural town, horses in dust, and so on. However, it is also important to note that Western films have done their part to recreate, mythologize, and romanticize a period of American history, coding it in language and imagery that may not be factually correct and may even be offensive in terms of representation and themes. Without the core group of films that made the genre what is known for today, history, as many perceive it, would’ve looked a little different. With that in mind, look at the greatest Westerns of all time and how they shaped the genre.

Many masterpieces didn't make the cut due to limited space. Jimmy Stewart's Westerns with Anthony Mann, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, Red River, Cat Ballou, Rancho Notorious, The Gunfighter, The Big Sky, The Proposition, Meek's Cutoff, The Nightingale, Rio Bravo, the Budd Boetticher Westerns, and more. That being said, these are the very best Western films that did make the cut. You can also watch a shortened video version of this article above.

Updated on November 15th, 2023, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

40 Day of Anger (1967)

Lee Van Cleef in Day of Anger (1967)
Arrow Video

In a poverty-stricken town controlled by powerful men and hating townsfolk, Scott Mary is nothing more than a street sweeper and is often looked down upon. On the other hand, when Frank Talby, a former gunslinger, arrives in town seeking revenge on Perkins for past wrongs, Scott feels inspired to prove his own worth as a gunfighter. So, he becomes Talby’s pupil.

What Makes It Great?

Co-written and directed by Tonino Valerii, Day of Anger is almost a Shakespearean Western that challenges the notions of good versus evil. Lee Van Cleef leads the cast as Frank Talby and brings an unparalleled intensity to the role. The cinematography consists of several tight close-ups that convey complex emotions, with the film eventually building towards an explosive final act. Overall, the movie proves that Westerns can be gritty and profound at the same time.

Available to stream on Tubi

39 The Great Train Robbery (1903)

A scene from the first Silent Film, The Great Train Robbery
TCM

The very first film in the Western genre, The Great Train Robbery follows a gang of outlaws planning to rob a train by sabotaging the rails and holding up passengers on board. They first attack the railroad office, then stop the train, and steal the valuables in question. Their escape isn’t smooth but it is successful.

What Makes It Great?

Directed by Edwin S. Porter, this silent 12-minute-long film revolutionized storytelling in cinema by shifting the filmmakers’ focus from novelty films to more pronounced, plot-based films. From the dynamic editing to the engaging plot, the movie had everything simply directed toward bringing the Wild West visually alive. More than just a simple robbery, the movie forged rules for the genre.

38 Little Big Man (1970)

Little Big Man
National General Pictures

121-year-old Jack Crabb recounts his incredible life story to a young oral historian in Little Big Man. Crabb’s life has been full of adventures like fighting at the battles of Washita and Little Bighorn and being the only white survivor in the latter, living among Native Americans after being rescued by Cheyenne, being a gunslinger, and even working as a snake-oil salesman once.

What Makes It Great?

Little Big Man is a movie that brings depth and humor to the very elaborate tale of its protagonist. Whether it is about survival or progress is a question director Arthur Penn lets you answer. Dustin Hoffman subverts expectations in the role of a charming man in his quest for identity in a world filled with folly and violence. But above all, it is the movie’s epic scope that allows you into the intimate story of how the West’s most enigmatic players became pioneers.

Available to stream on Prime Video

37 Blazing Saddles (1974)

blazing saddles
Blazing Saddles
R
Release Date
February 7, 1974
Director
Mel Brooks
Cast
Cleavon Little , Gene Wilder , Slim Pickens , Harvey Korman , Madeline Kahn , Mel Brooks
Main Genre
Comedy

When a railroad baron schemes meticulously to steal land by sending his gang of thugs to terrorize a frontier town and force them to leave their homes, the new governor appoints the town’s first black sheriff to stop him. While the townsfolk do not immediately take a liking to Bart, at one point, he’s their saving grace, and it is impossible not to band together for a raunchy and humorous story.

What Makes It Great?

With Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks turns the Western genre on its head and delivers a brilliant, albeit twisted, parody that definitely cannot be replicated today. Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder lead an iconic cast that spoofs racial prejudices and classic Western tropes with an infectious energy. While its antics were incredible, the social commentary was nothing but sharp.

Available to stream on Tubi

36 A Bullet for the General (1966)

A scene from Bullet for the General
MUBI

A Bullet for the General is a spaghetti Western that centers around El Chuncho, a bandit who deals guns to both sides of the Mexican Revolution. As a train plans to deliver new ammunition, Chuncho sends his freebooters to rob it and allows Bill Tate, one of the commuters, to help them.

What Makes It Great?

Adapted from a story by Salvatore Laurani, the movie brings some of the visual trademarks of the genre to the screen but also imbues every frame with emotional complexity. The tensions rise not only from the standoffs and revolutionary premise but also the moral dilemmas running through the minds of its multi-dimensional characters. With Damiano Damiani’s direction and Ennio Morricone’s iconic background score, the movie is a standout in the genre.

Available to stream on Tubi

35 The Hateful Eight (2015)

hateful eight
The Hateful Eight
R
Release Date
December 25, 2015
Cast
Demián Bichir , Michael Madsen , James Parks , Dana Michelle Gourrier , Lee Horsley , Gene Jones
Main Genre
Western

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight is a Western with a hard-edged story and one of Tarantino's most compelling scripts ever written. It features a dialogue-heavy plot that keeps the audience on edge, right until its brutal, nihilistic ending. Every character carefully chooses their words with their survival in the line, with tensions rising and secrets revealed.

What Makes It Great?

The ensemble cast features the talents of Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Channing Tatum. Each one offers a powerful performance, narrating events that led them to the destination of the unlikely reunion. The violent resolution happens fast, but it's more than fulfilling, considering the long-winded buildup of this incredible story. It's an exceedingly pessimistic look at American history across its Western development, but an excellent one.

Available to stream on Netflix

34 Home on the Range (2004)

Home On The Range
Home On The Range
PG
Release Date
April 2, 2004
Director
Will Finn , John Sanford
Cast
G.W. Bailey , Roseanne Barr , Bobby Block , Steve Buscemi , Carole Cook , Charlie Dell
Main Genre
Animation

Home on the Range was released in theaters nearly two decades ago. The motion picture showcases three cows, whose farm is about to be repossessed. To prevent that from happening, they, along with the help of a wannabe hero horse, end up going after a wanted cattle rustler. The reward for his capture is exactly the amount needed to save the cow's farm.

What Makes It Great?

The music and underrated family humor in the film are certainly positives. Casting for the film was spot-on as Judi Dench, Cuba Gooding Jr., Randy Quaid, Estelle Harris, and Steve Buscemi were just some of the headlining voices of the characters. This animated Disney comedy earned $76.5 million worldwide at the box office and earned a grade of "A-" by the folks at CinemaScore. The Disney movie may not be a memorable one, but it is one of the few animated Westerns that we'd surely like to visit from time to time.

Available to stream on Disney+

33 Tombstone (1993)

tombstone
Tombstone
R
Release Date
December 25, 1993
Director
George P. Cosmatos
Main Genre
Action

Tombstone is one of the most stylish Westerns ever put to screen. It's a chronicle loosely based on the real-life incidents of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride. In the film Wyatt Earp and his brothers move to Tombstone, hoping to find a peaceful life. Their plans are disrupted when they have to fight for their right to hold property. This film went toe to toe with Kevin Costner's Wyatt Earp film, which was written, produced, and directed by Lawrence Kasdan.

What Makes It Great?

The movie is directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by Kevin Jarre. The all-star cast includes Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, and Bill Paxton as the Earp brothers, with Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday. The critics and moviegoers praised Tombstone for being fast-paced and historically accurate, while the movie by Kasdan was panned as long and tedious. The leading trio of actors portraying the Earp brothers do a magnificent job, but Kilmer's Doc Holiday stole the show, especially with the ad-libbed line, "I'm Your Huckleberry."

Available to buy/rent on Apple TV

32 Westworld (1973)

westworld
Westworld
PG-13
Release Date
August 15, 1973
Director
Michael Crichton
Cast
Yul Brynner , Richard Benjamin , James Brolin , Norman Bartold , Alan Oppenheimer , Victoria Shaw
Main Genre
Action

The story follows the misadventures of Peter Martin and John Blane as they visit Westworld, a theme park offering three different worlds where guests can partake in their heart's desires. As human nature dictates, guests behave horribly with androids by constantly abusing them in any way they can. The androids begin to experience malfunctions, with technicians not knowing what is happening to them. All hell breaks loose as the androids dismantle their programming sequence and start killing everyone in the park.

What Makes It Great?

As far as Westerns go, Westworld broke the mold of everything made with the genre back in 1973, blending science-fiction with Western tropes. Each world shown in the movie is filled with androids indistinguishable from real humans, with the caveat that they never feel pain or disgust, which makes for an incredibly interesting premise. The movie was eventually adapted into the highly praised HBO sci-fi drama of the same name. This sci-fi story is written and directed by Michael Crichton, who also authored the novel. The movie stars Yul Brynner and Richard Benjamin.

Available to buy/rent on Apple TV

31 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a remarkable anthology film that features a cast of multiple familiar faces across six different stories. Each tale has its own tonality and offers something unique to the spectator. None of them miss the mark and are all great, making this one of the best Western anthologies of all time.

What Makes It Great?

The Coen brothers made a name for themselves for their takes on Westerns, from modern tales like No Country for Old Men to classical set ones like True Grit. In their journey, they experimented a lot as well. This endeavor is a classic Western set with a contemporary comedy sensibility. Stars like Liam Neeson, James Franco, Zeo Kasan, and Tim Blake Nelson lend their phenomenal talents and wits in making this a modern masterpiece.

Available to stream on Netflix

30 The Shooting (1966)

Jack Nicholson in The Shooting
Jack H. Harris Enterprises

Making spectacular use of the Utah desert (simultaneously with another great Hellman / Nicholson film, Ride in the Whirlwind), The Shooting features a delightful Warren Oates as a former bounty hunter who has settled down with his buddy for a more quiet life. When a woman in supposed distress offers them a large amount of money to escort her to a strange town, the pair reluctantly agree, only to realize that they're being stalked by a man in black (Nicholson). A tense, ambiguous, and philosophical Western, The Shooting has the best of both worlds — classic Western elements with an arthouse vibe.

What Makes It Great?

An extremely formalistic, dark, and existentialist Western film from the underrated director Monte Hellman, The Shooting features Jack Nicholson in one of his most interesting roles. Written by the great Nicholson collaborator Adrien Joyce (Five Easy Pieces, The Fortune) and co-starring Millie Perkins, Will Hutchins, and Warren Oates, The Shooting is a mysterious thriller, a Western that seems to have been written by Jean-Paul Sartre or Samuel Beckett.

Available to stream on Max

29 The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

The Apple Dumpling Gang
Buena Vista Distribution 

The Apple Dumpling Gang is one of the best overall family Western films of the last five decades. The film tells the story of a polished gambler (Bill Bixby) who gets tricked into taking care of three orphan children in 1879. Once the kids learn of their fortune that was left to them by their late father, a lot of people, who don't necessarily have the orphans' best interest at heart, try to get their money. It is up to the gambler and some of the townsfolk to both protect the kids and their fortune.

What Makes It Great?

The film nearly made $37 million at the box office in total and is one of famed actor Don Knotts' best films. But apart from the statistical accolades, The Apple Dumpling Gang also packs a ton of humor that will have you laughing for hours on end. Disney's classic, heartwarming style brings together elements of mischief, a cute romance, and a satisfying ending. The final arc between Bill Bixby and Susan Clark is also quite comforting, given the Western premise.

Available to stream on Disney+

28 Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Bone Tomahawk
Bone Tomahawk
NR
Release Date
October 23, 2015
Director
S. Craig Zahler
Main Genre
Western

Try to remember this: each time Kurt Russel is involved in a Western, the film is likely a good ride. Bone Tomahawk is a story about four men who embark on a search mission to rescue a group of captives from a pack of cannibalistic tribesmen. It sounds like a pretty straightforward venture the movie gives insight into the activities of the tribespeople as they mutilate and dismember their prisoners in front of their captives to instill fear in them.

What Makes It Great?

This incredible film was written and directed by S. Craig Zahler. The movie perfectly blends Western and slasher genres, which you don't get to see daily. The unflinching brutality is not held back, as the film is graphic. The most gripping experience is the pain and desperation displayed by the remaining characters as they stand helpless while trying to hold it together and devise an escape plan. This film is a wild ride, but not for the faint of heart.

Available to stream on Tubi

27 3:10 To Yuma (1957/2007)

3:10 to Yuma
3:10 to Yuma
R
Release Date
September 6, 2007
Director
James Mangold
Main Genre
Adventure

Lowly rancher, Dan agrees to hold wanted outlaw Ben as he awaits his fate at court in Yuma. His main motive is to restore his honor and redeem his barn. A film about willpower and a battle of wit as Ben attempts to psychologically prey on the vulnerable Dan, the film is a pure treat from start to finish.

What Makes It Great?

While there is undoubtedly some debate to be had, the 1957 and the 2007 remakes of 3:10 to Yuma are arguably equally gripping. Glenn Ford and Russell Crowe play Ben Wade in their respective editions, and Van Heflin and Christian Bale present Dan Evans. Both pairs of actors have great chemistry, and they bring equal parts charm and intelligence to the screen. Because the premise gets more convoluted as you go, you cannot help but feel emotionally invested in the story.

Available to buy/rent on Apple TV

26 The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

The Outlaw Josey Wales
The Outlaw Josey Wales
PG
Release Date
July 14, 1976
Director
Clint Eastwood
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Chief Dan George , Sondra Locke , Bill McKinney , John Vernon , Paula Trueman
Main Genre
Action
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Inspired in both name and narrative by author Asa Earl Carter’s fiction work, Clint Eastwood’s screen adaptation, The Outlaw Josey Wales is a Civil War era chronicle about a Missouri farmer, Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood). Wales' existence is occupied by his farming work and family, that is until a group of unionists murders his wife and son in cold blood. In an ultimate illustration of retribution, Wales embarks on a journey of revenge, joining up with a group of Confederates as he tracks down the culprits.

What Makes It Great?

Eastwood, who stars and directs the film, brings a newfound infectious charm to a premise that may not seem as entertaining to the mainstream audience. Its attention to historical accuracy, the portrayal of Americans simply navigating the highs and lows of life, gritty action, and the outstanding redemption arc make the movie all the more gripping. Moreover, it was also nominated for the Academy Award for Original Music Score, thanks to its major focus on atmospheric beauty.

Available to buy/rent on Apple TV

25 A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

A Fistful of Dollars
A Fistful of Dollars
R
Release Date
January 18, 1964
Director
Sergio Leone , Monte Hellman
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Marianne Koch , Gian Maria Volonte , Wolfgang Lukschy , Sieghardt Rupp , Joseph Egger
Main Genre
Western

The film signified the birth of the Man with No Name, with Clint Eastwood taking on the role of the squinty, laconic lone wolf in all three films. The Western classic explores the story of the man shrouded in deep mystery as he trots in on horseback to the New Mexico town of San Miguel. Risking being caught in the crossfire of its two warring factions, the lonesome man methodically plays the two off against one another.

What Makes It Great?

The first installment of Sergio Leone’s acclaimed Dollars trilogy had the Japanese pioneer Akira Kurosawa to thank for his phenomenal samurai movie, Yojimbo, which formed the basis of A Fistful of Dollars. Following the movie that changed the course of Western cinema, Clint Eastwood started being identified for the very role he played. Moreover, with the budget used in making it, A Fistful of Dollars definitely proves itself worthy of every dime, because the scope of direction and the superb acting will be remembered for decades to come.

Available to stream on DirecTV

24 For a Few Dollars More (1965)

For a Few Dollars More
For a Few Dollars More
R
Release Date
May 10, 1965
Director
Sergio Leone
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Lee Van Cleef , Gian Maria Volonte , Mara Krupp , Luigi Pistilli , Klaus Kinski
Main Genre
Western

With A Fistful of Dollars becoming a critical and commercial triumph, the man with no name returned to the silver screen just a year later, this time under the For a Few Dollars More umbrella. The picture details the man with no name trailing a notorious criminal. El Indio (Gian Maria Volonté) joins forces with a fellow bounty hunter, Colonel Douglas (Lee Van Cleef). They agree to divide the bounty between them upon capture.

What Makes It Great?

Leone outdoes his previous outing with development in both a filmmaking and narration capacity. While there is a lot of action going on throughout the film, the place in between is filled up with emotionally resonant moments that add meaning and gravitas to the narrative and give you a sense of belonging within the frame. Paired with a stunning score by Ennio Morricone and Eastwood's excellent character, the movie is nothing short of a gem in the spaghetti Western subgenre.

Available to stream on DirecTV

23 No Country for Old Men (2007)

The fusion of styles that the Coen brothers incorporate in the film No Country for Old Men works exceptionally well, traversing the saga of Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a hunter who finds a briefcase containing millions of dollars after a drug deal has gone wrong. Hot in pursuit of the novice is one of the most memorable Western characters, the seasoned, cold-blooded killer, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), who stops at nothing to acquire what he wants.

What Makes It Great?

No Country for Old Men was the point that the Coen brothers realized they had a penchant for making Westerns, with True Grit and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs following thereafter. The neo-western adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's timeless novel comprises conventional elements of the historical genre with several specific characteristics only associated with their filmmaking techniques. Whether it is Bardem's flawless portrayal or his singular gruesome smile, there are unparalleled subtleties that make the film such a distinctive and compelling watch.

Available to buy/rent on Apple TV

22 The Magnificent Seven (1960)

The Magnificent Seven follows a bandit who terrorizes a small Mexican farming village each year. Several village elders send three farmers into the U.S. to search for gunmen to defend them. They end up with seven (hence the title), each of whom comes for a different reason.

What Makes It Great?

This landmark Western from director John Sturges is a remake — in an Old West style — of Akira Kurosawa's 1954 Japanese film Seven Samurai. The 1960 version was then remade into a 2016 film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington. The original was both a critical and commercial success and spawned three sequels and a TV series. In 2013, the film was selected for the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Available to stream on Fubo TV

21 Three Amigos (1986)

Three Amigos!
Three Amigos!
PG
Release Date
December 12, 1986
Director
John Landis
Cast
Steve Martin , Chevy Chase , Martin Short , Alfonso Arau , Tony Plana , Patrice Martinez
Main Genre
Adventure
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Starring the legendary trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase, the film follows three Western movie stars who are coming off of a failed movie, which causes them to be fired. However, when a villager named Carmen offers them a high-paying job in her Mexican village, the group jumps at the opportunity. But, Carmen believes that they are real heroes who can protect her village from a group of dangerous outlaws.

What Makes It Great?

It is hard to find a funnier Western film than Three Amigos. As a silent film with the traditional good versus evil premise, the movie relies mostly on gags, music, dancing, and delightful summer humor to raise its appeal. Deemed as Steve Martin's finest film of all time, the movie originally received bad reviews but is now seen as a cult classic and a beloved comedy film from an old era.

Available to stream on AMC+