TheWesternfilm 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 August 15, 2025, 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 fromLogantoNope. 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 Tomatoeshas 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.
30Little Big Man (1970)
Directed by Arthur Penn,Little Big Manisan early revisionist Westernthat 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
WhileLittle Big Manis 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 whyLittle Big Manis widely considered one of the most brilliant and insightful movies of the decade.Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
29Sweet Country (2017)
Based on a series of true events,Sweet Countrytransports 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 Countryis 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.
283:10 to Yuma (1957)
3:10 to Yuma
A highly acclaimed psychological Westernthat was remade in 2007 by James Mangold,3:10 to Yumacenters 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 attempt 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.
27The Misfits (1961)
The Misfits
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 Misfitsis simply cinematic poetry at its best.
26The Wild Bunch (1969)
The Wild Bunch
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 isThe 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 Bunchis 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, whochallenged traditional Western conventionswith their thoughtful and emotional performances.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
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 Scruggsis 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 ofThe Ballad of Buster Scruggshides 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 Scruggswas nominated for three Academy Awards.
At face value,Bad Day at Black Rockis 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 Rocktackles 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 Rockratchets 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.
23Giant (1956)
The story ofGiantrevolves 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
Giantis 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.
22Major Dundee (1965)
Major Dundeeis 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.
Despite not receiving many reviewswhen 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.
21The Shooting (1967)
InThe 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 withJack Nicholson’s unique performance, an enthralling journey across the West, and a shocking ending that will make audiences want to watch it again,The Shootingtakes 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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