The Best Western Movies Ever Made
The best western movies ever made include some true popular classics from the early days of cinema, and more modern day films that captured our imagination and took us to the days of the wild, wild West. From Sergio Leone's classics like The Good, The Bad and the Ugly to the 2010 Joel and Ethan Coen remake of True Grit, the western movies listed here are considered some of the greatest of all time. Be sure to vote for your favorite westerns and vote down any you don't like.
What makes a great western? Aside from casting Clint Eastwood (he's in so many of these) or John Wayne, an outstanding western offers movie goers fantastic characters, lots of action, drama and tension, and certainly a nasty, memorable villain or two. Setting is obviously important in top western movies as well. Throw in a High Noon-style standoff and you simply can't miss. Those are really the most important elements in the best western and cowboy movies (while faithfulness to history is a plus, you might be surprised how many famous westerns aren't historically accurate).
What are you favorite western films? Which ones might convince you to stay home for the evening and relax in front of the tube? Vote for the greatest western movie ever made and be sure to add any of your favorite western movies that might be missing! Giddyup, and enjoy!
- 1Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
In this thrilling and iconic tale, a retired lawman decides to leave his badge behind and move out west with his brothers. Looking for a fresh start, they soon realize that trouble follows them as they get immersed into a blood feud between two powerful factions. With its star-studded cast, unforgettable one-liners, and intense action scenes, this flick remains an all-time favorite among Western fans.
- 2John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Kim Darby
- Released: 1969
- Directed by: Henry Hathaway
A young girl forms an unlikely alliance with a grizzled, one-eyed marshal to avenge her father's murder in this classic revenge tale. Their relentless pursuit of the killer leads them through the rough and unforgiving terrain of the American West, where they encounter danger, deceit, and unexpected moments of humanity. With a powerhouse performance from the legendary John Wayne, this film has cemented its place in Western cinema history.
- 3Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
A gritty and somber portrayal of life on the frontier, this film follows a retired gunslinger roped back into the game by a tantalizing bounty. As he confronts the ghosts of his past and faces the harsh reality of violence, what unfolds is a gripping trail of bloodshed and moral ambiguity. Winner of multiple Academy Awards, this masterpiece stands as a testament to the sheer brilliance of the genre.
- 4Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
- Released: 1966
- Directed by: Sergio Leone
A trio of fortune hunters crosses paths in their pursuit of buried gold, with each man harboring ulterior motives. As the lines between good and evil blur, the three find themselves in a game of cat and mouse, where alliances are fickle, and betrayals are commonplace. Ennio Morricone's stirring score and Sergio Leone's masterful direction make this film an unforgettable genre standout.
- 5Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke
- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
In the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War, a man of few words sets off on a quest for justice, hell-bent on avenging the murder of his family. Along the way, he forms a ragtag band of misfits, each grappling with their own demons. Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this epic journey weaves together complex character dynamics and thrilling shootouts, resulting in a captivating and satisfying Western experience.
- 6Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Kevin Costner
Two cattle herders get entangled in a deadly conflict with a ruthless rancher intent on controlling the land. Determined to stand their ground, the duo becomes embroiled in a dangerous dance with danger, where loyalty, honor, and love are put to the ultimate test. With its sweeping vistas and nail-biting action, this flick delivers a breathtaking experience that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
