The 30 Best Western Movies According to Rotten Tomatoes


The Western film genre has been around since the discovery of moving pictures. As the Wild West took place from approximately 1865 to 1895, this was modern times when cinema was discovered, and the Old West's themes and culture were embedded in American cinema at its roots. As the Western themes in the U.S. are at the origins of United States history, these themes have always been a significant part of America's storytelling. From the Old West to modern-day Texas, the Western genre has carried a poetic beauty that encompasses a lot of what makes filmmaking one of the greatest arts.







Update October 15, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: For all you Western fans, this list has been updated with even more iconic and well-reviewed films in the classic genre.






The Western genre is so prolific in its distinctive genre conventions that these conventions have proven to make for a compelling narrative spanning multiple genres throughout cinema history. The typical archetypes of Western narratives and characters can be seen even in non-Western films ranging from Logan to Nope. Through more than 120 years of existence, western cinema has brought some of the most fascinating adventures, darkest character studies, and some of the most iconic imagery and music to ever grace the screen. Rotten Tomatoes has used the adjusted ratings of their Tomatometer (which uses metrics like the number of reviews and the age of the film) to calculate the best films of the Western genre. Here’s a closer look at the top 30.




30 Little Big Man (1970)





Directed by Arthur Penn, Little Big Man is an early revisionist Western that revolves around 121-year-old Jack Crabb as he narrates his life story to a historian. As a child, Jack was orphaned and adopted into the Cheyenne tribe, raised exceptionally well by Native Americans to be a gunslinger. Later, he enlists as a scout for General Custer in the battle of Little Bighorn. The movie chronicles his adventures and his journey of belonging as he lives through major events in American history.



An Epic Spanning Centuries


While Little Big Man is broadly categorized as a Western, it houses elements of several other genres, like action, comedy, drama, and adventure. In fact, by pioneering a whole new style of meta-western storytelling, the movie parodies typical conventions of the genre and delivers a story that is both tragic and humorous at the same time. The gorgeous cinematography paired with Dustin Hoffman’s iconic performance is why Little Big Man is widely considered one of the most brilliant and insightful movies of the decade. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.






29 Sweet Country (2017)




Based on a series of true events, Sweet Country transports you to 1920s Australia, where Sam Kelly, an Aboriginal farmworker living in the outback, kills a violent and alcoholic World War I veteran in self-defense. Along with his wife Lizzie, Sam goes on the run and is pursued by Sergeant Fletcher, who faces a hazardous journey and rapidly increasing tensions before finally getting Sam and Lizzie to turn themselves in.






The Best Australian Western of the Century


Outstanding direction from Warwick Thornton brings 1920s rural Australia to life, offsetting a hauntingly beautiful drama. Speaking of which, Sweet Country is a visually stunning Western that uses a subtle storytelling approach to breathe nuance and empathy into the most divisive themes. The movie won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, with critics describing it as “a hard-hitting story that satisfies as a character study.” In addition to Hamilton Morris, it features excellent cameo performances from Bryan Brown and Sam Neill. Stream on Prime Video, Tubi, or The Roku Channel.





28 3:10 to Yuma (1957)




A highly acclaimed psychological Western that was remade in 2007 by James Mangold, 3:10 to Yuma centers around poor rancher Dan Evans, who struggles to support his large family. Reluctantly, he takes on the perilous task of escorting the notorious outlaw Ben Wade to a prison-bound train. The two men wait in a small hotel for the Yuma train, supposed to arrive at 3:10, when tensions escalate and a deadly game of principles and wits ensues as Wade’s men try to rescue him.




A Tense Duel Between Heflin and Ford


Under Delmer Daves’ brilliant direction, the tight narrative and morally complex themes of this classic play out incredibly well. It builds tension from the very beginning and ratchets it up with its confined setting and a character-driven plot. Van Heflin and Glenn Ford deliver emotionally deep yet conflicted performances, which allow viewers to examine the subversive hero archetype and the film’s exploration of themes of desperation, survival, and redemption.





27 The Misfits (1961)







Clarke Gable and Marilyn Monroe’s final film in their careers, The Misfits, is a poignant drama set during a time when the Western frontier itself was riding out into the sun. It focused on a group of disinterested individuals seeking purpose in life. At the center of it all is Roslyn (Monroe), who recently signed divorce papers to leave her erratic husband. She then forms an unlikely bond with a group of modern-day cowboys, including war veteran Guido (Eli Wallach) and Gay Langland (Gable).



A Beautifully Crafted Masterpiece


Written by Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston, this iconic film stands out because of its raw and emotional narrative. Of course, the iconic performances from the cast are what capture the authentic desires and vulnerabilities of the aging characters, but without the plot’s examination of the changing frontier and themes like trauma and mortality, it would not retain the timeless relevance that it does now. Marked by critics as “a turning point in the cinema,” The Misfits is simply cinematic poetry at its best.








26 The Wild Bunch (1969)




Using violence and unfiltered action to depict stories of the American West is not unusual in the industry. But few churn controversy for the same. Falling in that category is The Wild Bunch, a groundbreaking Western set in 1913 Texas. It follows a group of aging outlaws led by Pike Bishop looking to leave the criminal world behind. But not before pulling off one final heist on the Texas-Mexico border.



Has an Enduring Impact on the Western Genre


The Wild Bunch is directed by Sam Peckinpah, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for the movie. Known for its innovative storytelling and revolutionary use of graphic violence, the film brought a raw energy and strange realism to the genre, which many filmmakers and storytellers took influence from in the future. It also featured a superb ensemble led by Ernest Borgnine and Robert Ryan, who challenged traditional Western conventions with their thoughtful and emotional performances.






25 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)




From the minds behind critically acclaimed films such as O' Brother Where Art Thou, No Country for Old Men, and many more, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a magnificent crack at an anthology for Joel and Ethan Coen. The six stories take place in the early days of cowboys out West. From the strange and comical misadventures of one character to the deeply meditative trials of another, each of the vignettes leaves an indelible mark.






Western Staged as an Anthology


The playful and poignant script of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs hides deeper commentary and urges you to reflect on the lives of people who survived history despite staying on the fringes. One of the most notable episodes stars Liam Neeson, who plays a tour manager of a quadriplegic entertainer. Every story is unique and told through that familiar and immersive Coen brothers' lens of vivid characters, intense drama, and dark humor. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs was nominated for three Academy Awards.





24 Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)




At face value, Bad Day at Black Rock is a movie about a one-armed veteran searching for a man who winds up in the unwelcoming town of Black Rock and ends up uncovering strange and dark secrets that lead to jarring conclusions. However, at its heart, Bad Day at Black Rock tackles themes such as anger, misplaced judgment, and racism. The protagonist, John J. Macreedy, played brilliantly well by Spencer Tracy, has an iconic line that sums up a lot of what this film is about; he says, "A man is as big as what makes him mad."




A Deliberately Paced Thriller


Directed by John Sturges, Bad Day at Black Rock ratchets up the tension to glorious heights with its noir-influenced visuals. Tracy underplays his morally complex role with courage and nuance, while the slow and patient pace makes sure the suspense is tight and ever-so-unnerving. This iconic western laced with potent themes was nominated for three Academy Awards, including best actor in a Leading Role for Spencer Tracy's performance. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.





23 Giant (1956)







The story of Giant revolves around Bick Benedict, a wealthy Texas rancher who is stubbornly devoted to his values despite changing times on his Texas lands. On a horse-buying trip to the East Coast, he meets and falls in love with a socialite, Leslie Lynnton. He returns from a trip to his hometown and they get married, but Bick’s sister is not a fan of Leslie. Meanwhile, Leslie employs Jett Rink, a farmhand, who grows infatuated with her.



Epic Family Tale of a Changing Frontier


Giant is a masterfully shot and strong narrative led by legendary actors/actresses Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Carroll Baker. It is an epic western with an epic run time of three hours and twenty-one minutes. It's a long tale but a powerful one that is told masterfully. Beyond its decades-spanning family saga, it also explores the resistance against the progress that shaped the frontier through Hudson’s character. The movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and George Stevens won Best Director.





22 Major Dundee (1965)





Major Dundee is a Western epic that takes place during the American Civil War. It is about a Union cavalry officer who leads a contentious troop of Army men, Indian scouts, and Confederate prisoners on an excursion into Mexico to eliminate a group of Apaches known for raiding U.S. bases and settlements in New Mexico.



Peckinpah’s Epic Was Ahead of Its Time


Despite not receiving many reviews when it was released, the film has aged exceptionally well and has gone down in history as one of the best Cowboy films ever. Moreover, the movie that did make it to the silver screen was a severely edited version of Sam Peckinpah’s original cut, which led to a lot of turmoil. Regardless, the flawed Western found its praise as a result of its realism, complex characters, gorgeous landscapes, and entertaining conclusion. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.








21 The Shooting (1967)




In The Shooting, a former bounty hunter and his feebleminded partner are contacted by a mysterious young woman who extends them the offer to guide her through the desert to another town in exchange for money. However, she refuses to discuss why she is traveling. Eventually, a volatile gunslinger (Jack Nicholson) joins up, who she hires as well.



A Western That’s Unafraid to Challenge Norms


The film was never released theatrically and was nothing too big when it came out. But with Jack Nicholson's unique performance, an enthralling journey across the West, and a shocking ending that will make audiences want to watch it again, The Shooting takes a high spot as one of the best Westerns of all time. Plus, it navigates the psychology and moral dilemmas of complex men in a way that’s still iconic. Stream on Prime Video, Max, Peacock, or Tubi.




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20 Shane (1953)




This beautifully shot George Stevens production portrays the archetype of the lonely gunslinger against the backdrop of the conflicting nature of the Wyoming territory in the late 19th century, the last days of the American West. Alan Ladd stars as the titular character in Shane, who is now looking for peace after a life of fighting but finds himself back to the gun when he must protect those close to him from a ruthless cattle baron.




George Stevens’ Greatest Masterpiece


Described by critics as a “rich and dramatic mobile painting of the American frontier,” Shane is a bittersweet masterpiece. Ladd brings depth and gravity to his character, whose secrets anchor this sentimental narrative. Of course, Stevens’ direction elevates everything – from the riveting action sequences to the themes of friendship and community. Moreover, the musical score and the unique perspective towards Westerns are also a standout. Stream on Pluto TV or Hoopla.





19 Once Upon a Time in the West (1969)







The beginning of the second unofficial trilogy of spaghetti westerns that made Sergio Leone a legend, Once Upon a Time in the West, is a fresh piece of cinematic gold. This time, Leone lacked Clint Eastwood but instead had a magnificent cast, including Henry Fonda’s unusual turn as a villain and a brilliant story outlined with the help of Dario Argento and Bernardo Bertolucci. The story, which is as old as time, is layered and violent, but very epic.



An Icon Among Westerns


Once Upon A Time in the West serves as an homage to the genre as well as a step forward in it, taking many references from films such as Johnny Guitar or The Searchers but transcending the citations. The magnificent characters and their ability to stimulate intellectual conversation never seem to fade away. The film also thematically takes on the end of the cowboy and the arrival of the modern world as the death of what makes up the world of the traditional Western.





18 El Dorado (1967)





El Dorado is a loose adaptation of the novel The Stars in Their Courses written by Harry Brown. In it, Bart Jason, a merciless tycoon, wants to drive the MacDonald family out of town so he can unlawfully take control of their land. Wayne plays Cole Thornton, an aging gunslinger who volunteers to help the family by making sure his friend, Sheriff J.P. Harrah is in fit shape to fight the thugs.



Effortless and Entertaining


One of Howard Hawks' last films finds strength from veterans John Wayne and Robert Mitchum, along with a young James Caan, to bring to life a thematically consistent movie in regard to previous Hawks productions. Leigh Brackett’s screenplay for El Dorado is a rework of Rio Bravo, with a more acute emphasis on Wayne’s age and a great deal of verbal jousting, which makes the film a typical Western that enriches its story with well-placed dialogue. Stream on Hoopla








17 Old Yeller (1957)


Release Date
July 10, 1959
Director
Robert Stevenson
Cast
Dorothy McGuire , Fess Parker , Jeff York , Chuck Connors , Beverly Washburn , Tommy Kirk
Runtime
83 minutes
Writers
Fred Gipson , William Tunberg


A unique film in the genre, Old Yeller is a coming-of-age story of the bond between a human and an animal. Travis' father departs for a cattle drive, leaving him, his brother, and his mother to look out for their ranch. Travis experiences love and the hardships of growing up side by side with a runaway dog that originally caused damage to their ranch, but then befriends the boy as he saves his brother from a bear attack.



A Tender Tale of Frontier Friendships


Disney movies are always timeless and Old Yeller is no different. Heartwarming and heartbreaking in almost equal measure, it is as tender as it is hard, much like life itself. The outstanding performances from the cast, which includes Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Tommy Kirk, and Kevin Corcoran, bring out the emotion in the universal themes of growing up and taking up responsibilities.






16 Fort Apache (1948)




A clash of titans is at the heart of this classic John Ford picture. Two of the Western genre's most beloved stars, Henry Fonda and John Wayne, find themselves in conflict when the former arrives in Arizona to take command of the titular Fort Apache outpost. Searching for a military glory that he feels is owed to him, Owen Thursday (Fonda) is determined to annihilate an Apache chief, which is advised against by Captain Kirby York (Wayne). As Thursday’s stubbornness brings the confrontation with the natives ever so close, the tragic consequence is soon to follow.







One of Ford’s most humane efforts, Fort Apache is one of the very first films to showcase an authentic and positive view of Indigenous peoples in the typically prejudiced western genre of the 1950s and earlier. His direction encapsulates all the social codes and the dangers associated with the West. Known for its astonishing realism, it not only offers thrilling action but also important truths about the natives that are worth learning more about. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.





15 The Rider (2017)




After getting his skull crushed at a rodeo, a once-rising star of the circuit must face an uncertain future as he searches for a new purpose in his life amid cultural clashes and growing struggles. The most recent film in this list, The Rider, is actually based on a true story. It is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and acceptance, of healing and finding one’s purpose, in which director Chloé Zhao injects new life into the genre.




A Powerful, Award-Winning Rendition


The film tenderly presents a character study of masculinity in crisis, showing a very different male archetype to the ones usually presented in Westerns, characterized by archetypical macho figures and violence. For that approach alone, The Rider received a lot of praise, with critics hailing it as a “hard-hitting drama.” The film features a cast of non-professional actors led by the outstanding performance of Brady Jandreau, whose real-life story is the basis of the film. Stream on Max.





14 A Fistful Of Dollars (1964)


a fistful of dollars
Release Date
January 18, 1964
Director
Sergio Leone , Monte Hellman
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Marianne Koch , Gian Maria Volonte , Wolfgang Lukschy , Sieghardt Rupp , Joseph Egger
Runtime
99minutes
Writers
Ryûzô Kikushima , Akira Kurosawa , A. Bonzzoni , Víctor Andrés Catena , Sergio Leone , Jaime Comas Gil





A Fistful of Dollars marked the arrival to America of the spaghetti Western, a subgenre both mocking and honoring the traditional western while adding a European sensibility to its craft. Mostly shot in Spain, the film finds Eastwood entering a Mexican village in the middle of a power struggle between two forces, of which none seems to be either good or bad. The Man With No Name proceeds to sell false information to both sides for his own benefit as the conflict ensues.



The Pioneering Spaghetti Western


An unofficial remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo, director Sergio Leone’s second entry on this list marks the beginning of his “Dollars Trilogy.”Clint Eastwood's first leading role premiered in the States three years after its original release in Italy, alongside the following two films featuring “The Man With No Name,” catapulting him into stardom. Not only that, Leone’s gritty direction rewrote the rules of Western protagonists and the formula, naturally, gained a devoted cult following.








13 No Country for Old Men (2007)




One of the Coen brothers' best films is led by stellar performances from Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Tommy Lee Jones. No Country For Old Men is as dark as it is beautiful, never has a present-day-set western, felt as dangerous and unpredictable as the old classics which the genre is associated with. The plot sees Llewelyn Moss after he discovers drug money at a shoot-out location and he takes the cash but is hunted by a psychopathic hitman.



A Noir Deconstruction Of Violence


A tale of greed, violence, and corruption, all the characters in the film are faced with the ticking of time, the inevitability of powers beyond them, and their roads becoming more and more narrow. Tensions build up in the driest of ways, almost making an echo of how drug money and violence are a normal part of life nowadays, all this personified in the terrifying Anton Chigurh, one of Bardem’s most renowned roles to date and a villain for the ages.




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12 Winchester ‘73 (1950)




Winchester '73 explores one of the key elements of the genre: the relationship between a man and his tool, otherwise known as his gun. As Lin McAdam (James Stewart, always great in Westerns) chases down Dutch Henry Brown (Millard Mitchell), after his beloved and famous rifle gets stolen, he finds himself beating him in a shooting competition, whose prize, unsurprisingly, is a one-of-a-kind Winchester rifle.






Features the Greatest Actor-Director Duo


Winchester '73 weaves several multi-character arcs in its lean narrative. For instance, after Brown steals the rifle, McAdam begins a manhunt where it isn’t clear if the objective is the original one, or an obsession over the rifle, which has more of a story than what it appears to have. Anthony Mann’s transition from film noir to Western is also a revitalization of Stewart’s career, as it begins a line of more complex characters that the actor would take on after Winchester '73. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.





11 Red River (1948)







One of the genre’s most revered films, Red River is a fictional account of one of the first cattle drives from Texas to Kansas. It revolves around headstrong rancher Thomas Dunson, who spent years establishing himself as a respectable landowner. On his ambitious trail, he clashes with his adopted son, Matt Garth, who opposes Thomas’ methods. The increasingly tense conflict then leads to a bloody showdown.



Most Memorable Father-Son Western


A massive production, directed by the already experienced Howard Hawks, as in many films on this list, is carried by John Wayne’s striking presence and commitment. Nearly a decade after Stagecoach, the actor finds himself in another western-meets-road movie in which the dramatic action comes from his character quarreling with his adopted son over a long and exhausting journey. Even though the plot may seem uncomplicated, its exploration of fractured familial bonds and changing social orders on the frontier makes it absolutely deep and resonant. Stream on Tubi.



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