Did you know the Western films’ most prolific era was from the 1930s-1960s? Western movies flourished in a time where America looked back fondly on the Old West as it faded. They also came at the turn of film history- when silent films gave way to the talkies.
Westerns can be violent and psychologically thrilling while commenting on the times. This is perhaps why Westerns cemented themselves as a staple of American cinema.
If you’re planning on watching movies that represent American cinema, you can’t pass up on Westerns. Let’s dive into the best Western movies you must see to get to know the genre.
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The Best Western Movies And TV
We can’t begin this list before we forget the best in Western television! Gunsmoke follows a marshal attempting to prevent lawlessness in Dodge City, Kansas. The show ran for 20 seasons, cementing its place as the longest-running Western television show in history. Look back and see the cast of Gunsmoke then and now.
Now, let’s get to the best cinema movies in the Western genre. For this list, we’ve decided to move backward in time.
Unforgiven (1992)
An Oscar winner for Best Picture and Best Director, Unforgiven represents Clint Eastwood at his finest as a legend of the Western genre. The film follows an aging outlaw who’s left killing to become a pig farmer. But he decides to take one last job.
Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris offer supporting performances in the film. The script was given to Eastwood in the early 80s, and luckily was produced eventually by the early 90s for all our benefit.
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)
Legendary actors Robert Redford and Paul Newman team up for this buddy Western. Two outlaws come together to find they’re facing the end of their golden age. Released at the end of the 1960s, the movie’s timeliness helped it make an impact almost as much as its charming dialogue and performances.
The film puts a great revision on a classic genre updated for its era. But it still keeps everything that’s great about a classic Western.
Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)
This list wouldn’t be complete without a film from one of Western’s greatest directors- Sergio Leone. Not only does the film shock the audience with Henry Fonda playing the cold-blooded killer, but also with its massive scale.
Leone blends the dark, classic humor of Westerns with a poignant somber tone to mourn the loss of history as time moves forward. Ennio Morricone’s score ties together everything that makes this Western Leone’s best work and a bonafide classic.
The Searchers (1956)
The culmination of John Wayne and John Ford’s collaboration is a legendary, and perhaps the best, Western film of all time. The Searchers features a terrifying performance from Wayne as a hellbent man driven by racism and revenge.
The film goes to dark places as the main character commits horrific acts, creating one of the best anti-heroes on the screen. The troubling scenes and plot challenge the audience while simultaneously drawing them in. It’s nothing less than a legendary classic.
Westerns Are Some Of The Greatest Movies Of All Time
Whether you love the classics, 70s Western movies, or 80s western movies, the genre is full of remarkable films. Consider the best western movies in this list and beyond to explore the vastness of the genre and understand its important place in American culture.
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