The Western genre has become one of the most beloved of all movie genres.
Taking Hollywood by storm in the early days of the film industry, Westerns have remained popular ever since.
We are featuring a list of the best western and cowboy movies that are a must-watch.
From old classics to modern favorites, these movies will have you channeling your inner cowboy.
1. True Grit (2010)
As a remake of the 1969 film of the same name, True Grit has become one of the highest-rated modern Westerns. With strong performances and stunning cinematography, the film has made a name for itself in this beloved genre.
Upon the murder of her father, feisty 14-year-old Mattie Ross hires trigger-happy lawman Rooster Cogburn to help her avenge her father’s death. The bickering duo is accompanied by a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf, who is searching for the murderer for his own reasons.
True Grit has an IMDB rating of 7.6 and is available to watch on Hulu and Prime Video.
2. The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight combines action, violence, and humor for an epic Western. The powerful cinematography of the film gained it high praise.
While traveling to the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth along with his fugitive prisoner come across another bounty hunter and a man claiming to be a sheriff.
Seeking shelter from an impending blizzard, the group travels on a stagecoach to a cabin. There, they are greeted by four strangers, and the eight travelers realize they might not arrive at their destination after all.
The Hateful Eight has an IMDB rating of 7.8 and is available to watch on Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video.
3. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
The Magnificent Seven is a take on Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 Japanese film Seven Samurai, but in Old West Style.
While the film was remade in 2016, the newest version did not receive as much praise as the original.
A Mexican village falls to the hands of Calvera, the leader of a gang of bandits. Too afraid to fight for themselves, the townspeople hire seven American gunslingers to save them from the outlaws. The professional gunmen train the villagers to defend themselves against their bandit oppressors.
The Magnificent Seven has an IMDB rating of 7.7 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
4. Tombstone (1993)
Tombstone depicts some of the Wild West’s most famous outlaws and lawmen including Wyatt Earp, William Brocius, Johnny Ringo, and Doc Holliday.
The film is loosely based on events in Tombstone, Arizona, during the 1880s, such as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride.
As Wyatt Earp and his brothers plan to quietly settle down, their plans are interrupted by the outlaws Wyatt was famous for eliminating. Together with Doc Holliday, the brothers once again pick up their guns to restore order in a lawless land.
Tombstone has an IMDB rating of 7.8 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Peacock.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Bold, stylized, and bloody, Django Unchained left a mark on modern Westerns. The film takes place in the Antebellum South during the mid-1800s.
Two years before the Civil War, Django, a slave, accompanies an unusual German bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz to capture the notorious Brittle brothers.
Upon completing a successful mission, Schultz frees Django, and the two hunt the South’s most-wanted criminals while also setting out to free Django’s wife.
Django Unchained has an IMDB rating of 8.4 and is available to watch on Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max.
6. Hell or Highwater (2016)
Hell or Highwater is a neo-Western crime drama. The film received critical acclaim and was selected by the American Film Institute as one of its ten Movies of the Year.
Two brothers, Toby and Tanner Howard, resort to robbing banks to save their family ranch. In the meantime, the duo is being pursued by two Texas Rangers.
Hell or Highwater has an IMDB rating of 7.6 and is available to watch on Netflix and Prime Video.
7. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is based loosely on facts regarding Wild West outlaws Butch Cassidy and his partner nicknamed the Sundance Kid.
The Academy Award-winning film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
During the early 1900s in Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are leaders of a band of outlaws. After a train robbery goes wrong, they are on the run from a posse with their solution being to escape to Bolivia.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid has an IMDB rating of 8 and is available to watch on Disney+ and Prime Video.
8. The Searchers (1956)
A John Wayne classic, The Searchers is based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Alan Le May. Thanks to its critical success, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress.
After the Civil War, Ethan Edwards returns to his home in Texas. When members of his brother’s family are killed or abducted by Comanches, he sets on a journey to track down his surviving family and bring them home.
The Searchers has an IMDB rating of 7.9 and is available to watch on Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV.
9. The Revenant (2015)
As a Western adventure film, The Revenant is a harsh yet beautiful film based on true events. Praised for its cinematography, the film took home three Golden Globes.
In uncharted wilderness in the 1820s, Hugh Glass sustains brutal injuries after a bear attack and is left to fend for himself by his own hunting team. He must utilize his survival skills to make it back to civilization and seek revenge on the man who betrayed him.
The Revenant has an IMDB rating of 8 and is available to watch on Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
10. High Noon (1952)
While High Noon is a classic in the Western genre, it broke many traditions at the time of its release. The film won numerous awards including Golden Globes and Academy Awards, while also being selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
As former Marshal Will Kane is preparing to leave New Mexico with his new bride, he finds out a local criminal, Frank Miller, has been set free. Despite being discouraged by the townfolk, the Marshal prepares to face Miller’s criminal gang alone.
High Noon has an IMDB rating of 8 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
11. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Undoubtedly one of the greatest Spaghetti Westerns, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly features compelling characters, breathtaking landscapes, and a haunting score. The film helped launch legendary actor Clint Eastwood to stardom.
During the Civil War, a mysterious stranger, Joe, and a Mexican outlaw, Tuco, form a unique partnership. They work together to scam a bounty hunt while racing to beat a sadistic criminal from getting gold buried in a cemetery.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly has an IMDB rating of 8.8 and is available to watch on Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and ESPN+.
12. Dances With Wolves (1990)
Dances With Wolves is based on the 1988 novel of the same name by Michael Blake. As a revitalization of the Western genre, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
During the Civil War, Lieutenant John Dunbar is assigned to a remote western outpost. At the outpost, he befriends wolves and members of the Lakota tribe. He makes the decision to leave his former life behind to live a simpler one.
Dances With Wolves has an IMDB rating of 8 and is available to watch on HBO Max, Hulu, and Prime Video.
13. How the West Was Won (1962)
How the West Was Won is an epic Western featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest names of the time. The iconic film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
How the West Was Won is a family saga covering the Prescott family’s journey out West beginning in the 1830s. Featuring several aspects of Westward Expansion, the film includes the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the construction of the railroads.
How the West Was Won has an IMDB rating of 7 and is available to watch on Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV.
14. My Darling Clementine (1946)
Regarded as one of the best Westerns ever made, My Darling Clementine is based on the fictionalized biography Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal by Stuart Lake. It was chosen for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
The Earp brothers stop for the night in Tombstone while on a long cattle drive. In the morning, they awake to find their cattle have been stolen and one of the brothers murdered, prompting them to settle a score with the Clanton family.
My Darling Clementine has an IMDB rating of 7.7 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
15. Stagecoach (1939)
While Stagecoach was also made in 1986, the 1939 version remains a highly-rated classic. The film was John Wayne’s breakthrough role and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
A group of colorful characters in the 1880s is headed out West aboard the Overland stagecoach bound for Lordsburg, New Mexico. While traveling cross-country, they are complicated by the threat of Geronimo.
Stagecoach has an IMDB rating of 5.8 and is available to watch on Prime Video and HBO Max.
16. Red River (1948)
Red River is the fictional tale of the first cattle drives from Texas to Missouri along the Chisholm Trail. After receiving high praise, the movie was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
After starting a cattle ranch in Texas, headstrong Thomas Dunson leads a cattle drive with his trail hand, protege, and adopted son. Dunson begins to butt heads with his partner along the long, exhausting journey.
Red River has an IMDB rating of 7.8 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
17. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Once Upon a Time in the West is a timeless Spaghetti Western. After receiving high praise, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Rail baron Morton sends his henchman Frank to scare the owner of the single piece of land around Flagstone with water.
Frank kills the land owner, McBain, and pins it on a known bandit, Cheyenne. Meanwhile, a mysterious gunslinger and McBain’s new wife, Jill, arrive in town, changing the dynamic of things.
Once Upon a Time in the West has an IMDB rating of 8.5 and is available to watch on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Paramount+.
18. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
With a star-studded cast, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance became an instant classic. Considered to be one of the finest Western films, it was chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Senator Stoddard returns to a small Western town to attend the funeral of Tom Doniphon. As questions arise, Stoddard tells the story of his origin, as Doniphon once saved Stoddard from bandits led by Liberty Valance.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has an IMDB rating of 8.1 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
19. The Power of the Dog (2021)
A newcomer to the genre, The Power of the Dog is based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same name. The award-winning movie deals with themes such as love, grief, resentment, and jealousy.
Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank instills not only awe, but also fear in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and child, Burback reacts by tormenting them. However, things take a turn as he finds himself toying with the possibility of love.
The Power of the Dog has an IMDB rating of 6.8 and is available to watch on Netflix.
20. 3:10 to Yuma (2007)
A remake of a classic, the 2007 rendition of 3:10 to Yuma stands out thanks to its passionate performances. It is based on Elmore Leonard’s 1953 short story Three-Ten to Yuma.
During the 1800s, Ben Wade terrorizes Arizona before being captured. Dan Evans, the owner of a drought-stricken ranch, volunteers to escort Ben to the train for his trial. Danger looms at every turn during their epic journey.
3:10 to Yuma has an IMDB rating of 7.7 and is available to watch on Hulu, HBO Max, and Prime Video.
21. The Man From Snowy River (1982)
Based on the poem with the same namesake, The Man From Snowy River became an instant classic. The film is a wonderful blend of romance, action, and drama.
After the unexpected death of his father, young Jim Craig leaves to become his own man. After taking a job with a horse rancher, the more experienced cowboys treat Jim poorly. However, he proves his worth while also winning over the heart of the rancher’s daughter as he helps her break a high-strung colt.
The Man From Snowy River has an IMDB rating of 7.2 and is available to watch on Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+.
Also read: 8 Interesting Facts About The Man From Snowy River
22. The Wild Bunch (1969)
A deviation from conventional films in this genre, The Wild Bunch gained much critical praise. Thanks to its revolutionary cinematography, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
An aging group of outlaws plans one last robbery before retiring as the “traditional” American West is fading around them. A bloody gunfight ensues as the heist turns out to be a setup.
The Wild Bunch has an IMDB rating of 7.9 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
23. Shane (1953)
Noted for its incredible landscape cinematography and editing, Shane has left a lasting impact on this beloved genre. Based on Jack Schaefer’s 1949 novel of the same name, the Oscar-winning film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Shane, a weary gunfighter, heads to Wyoming in hopes to settle down as a farmhand. He takes a job with a homestead family which he befriends but he must act as a range war approaches.
Shane has an IMDB rating of 7.6 and is available to watch on Hulu and Prime Video.
24. Unforgiven (1992)
A thrilling display of the Wild West, Unforgiven received widespread praise. The film went on to win four Academy Awards and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Reluctantly, retired Old West gunslinger William Munny decides to take on one last job. He is joined by his old partner Ned Logan along with a young man called the “Schofield Kid.”
Unforgiven has an IMDB rating of 8.2 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
25. A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Another classic Spaghetti Western, A Fistful of Dollars helped define a new era for this popular genre. It was another successful film for the legendary Clint Eastwood.
A wandering gunfighter enters the Mexican village of San Miguel. He pits two rival families against each other and inserts himself into the simmering battle of the corrupt town.
A Fistful of Dollars has an IMDB rating of 7.9 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
26. Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Though not for the faint of heart, Bone Tomahawk will draw viewers in with its gripping performances. The award-winning film drew in a positive critical response.
An elderly small-town sheriff sets out to save people from a tribe of cannibalistic cave dwellers. He is accompanied by a gunslinger, cowboy, and a deputy on their quest which turns out to be quite gory.
Bone Tomahawk has an IMDB rating of 7.1 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
27. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is based on B. Traven’s 1927 novel of the same name. Taking home three Academy Awards, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Two rough-and-tumble wanderers, Dobbs and Curtin join up with a veteran prospector, Howard in Mexico. They leave for the Sierra Madre mountains to find gold, and while they discover treasure, they also find their fair share of trouble.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre has an IMDB rating of 8.2 and is available to watch on HBO Max and Prime Video.
28. Open Range (2003)
Based on the 1990 novel called The Open Range Men, Open Range exquisitely depicts the challenges cowboys and settlers faced in the Wild West. It combines shootouts, drama, action, romance, and beautiful cinematography.
Former soldier turned cattleman named “Boss” Spearman and his crew face off with a hostile land baron while moving cattle across the country. Violence breaks out between the townspeople and open rangers, as the two sides are trying to navigate the Wild West.
Open Range has an IMDB rating of 7.4 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
29. The Gunfighter (1950)
A classic Western, The Gunfighter has left its mark on the genre. The film is based on the real-life outlaw John Peters Ringgold.
Infamous gunfighter Jimmy Ringo rides into town to find his true love, however, she isn’t interested in seeing him. While he didn’t come looking for trouble, trouble undoubtedly finds him.
The Gunfighter has an IMDB rating of 7.7 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
30. Rio Bravo (1959)
Rio Bravo is based on the short story of the same name by B. H. McCampbell. Praised by critics, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Jimmy Ringo, a veteran gunslinger, is known for his quick draw, however, his talent leads to trouble. While Ringo desires to be reunited with his estranged family, he has to contend with various foes along the way.
Rio Bravo has an IMDB rating of 8 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Also read: 10 Famous Cowboys & Outlaws Who Ruled the Wild West
The post 30 Best Western & Cowboy Movies of All Time appeared first on Horsey Hooves.