Updated April 17, 2023 2.4K votes 443 voters 21.4K views
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best New Western Movies of the Last Few Years
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite westerns that were released on or after January, 1 2019.
It's time to vote for the best new western films. When most people think of this genre, they think of action westerns starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood made many years ago. A few older viewers might think of the western musicals starring the likes of Roy Rogers. While it's true that the genre was at peak popularity decades ago. Many of the latest westerns prove that it remains vibrant to this day. There have been more westerns made in the last few years than you may realize.
Most interesting is that recent western movies have reshaped the genre a little bit. Some are traditional wild west tales with dark themes inserted into them. Others are set in modern times. These movies utilize the form and style of the classics to address contemporary life. The critically acclaimed films on this list are superb examples of new age western movies. The most current western movies are showing that the genre can transcend it's "horse opera" stereotype to become something deeply relevant to our modern world.
Vote up your favorites from this list of new western movies. If one of your favorites doesn't appear here, feel free to add the title so that other users can rank it. Don't forget to check back to see how it fares and for upcoming westerns as they are added to the list.
Old Henry, an artful tale of mystery and survival, enthralls audiences with Tim Blake Nelson's riveting portrayal of a weathered farmer protecting his homestead. Plunging into a vortex of deceit and danger, the film masterfully conjures an aura of suspense that permeates throughout. Fostering intrigue and awe, Old Henry transcends the traditional Western genre.
Actors: Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, Gavin Lewis, Trace Adkins, Stephen Dorff
Deadwood, a cinematic marvel expanding the beloved HBO series' universe, showcases laudable portrayals of iconic characters Swearengen, Alma, and Bullock by the series' original cast. Amidst the lawless mining town backdrop, this captivating drama unfolds, presenting a rich tapestry of intricate storytelling. The film's seamless blend of vivid cinematography and complex characters solidifies Deadwood as a premier Western production.
Actors: Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, Molly Parker, Paula Malcomson, John Hawkes
The Kid, a refreshing take on the archetypal Western saga, features Ethan Hawke's stirring performance as famed lawman Pat Garrett opposite newcomer Jake Schur's enigmatic Billy the Kid. Vincent D'Onofrio's directorial debut, the film skillfully uncovers the emotional depths beneath the rugged Wild West façade, leaving audiences spellbound. A captivating blend of action and poignancy, The Kid reinvigorates the Western genre.
Actors: Ethan Hawke, Dane DeHaan, Jake Schur, Leila George, Adam Baldwin
News of the World, an odyssey of redemption led by Tom Hanks and young talent Helena Zengel, whisks viewers through post-Civil War America's panoramic landscapes. Commended with multiple Oscar nominations, this adaptation of the best-selling novel commemorates the elegance of the Western classics while breaking new ground. As an emotional tour de force, News of the World holds a unique place in modern Western cinema.
Actors: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Mare Winningham, Michael Angelo Covino, Ray McKinnon
Never Grow Old, a grave depiction of showdowns and survival, stars Emile Hirsch and John Cusack in a harrowing confrontation between a humble undertaker and unrelenting outlaws. Defined by its austere ambiance and unyielding grit, this evocative motion picture offers a somber, yet spellbinding, reflection of the Old West. As a modern Western masterpiece, Never Grow Old stands unparalleled.
Actors: Emile Hirsch, John Cusack, Danny Webb, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Paul Ronan
Cry Macho, the brainchild of the venerable Clint Eastwood, authentically depicts a seasoned rancher endeavoring to reunite his boss's son with his father. Presenting a contemporary Southwest setting with a predominantly Hispanic cast, this film redefines the Western genre while maintaining its rugged appeal. A testament to resilience, Cry Macho entrenches itself as a poignant cinematic experience.
