The Western genre was at the peak of its popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, with iconic stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood dominating the silver screen. These titans of the Old West rode tall in the saddle, their rugged individualism and stoic determination captivating audiences worldwide. The genre’s heyday saw the release of classics like The Searchers, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, cementing the Western’s place as a staple of American cinema. However, by the 1980s and 1990s, the genre began to wane in popularity, with audiences increasingly flocking to other genres like sci-fi and action.
In this new era, stars like Kevin Costner attempted to revive the Western’s glory days. Now, in 2024, Costner is once again attempting to reinvigorate the genre with his ambitious project, Horizon: An American Saga, a sprawling epic that promises to bring a fresh perspective to the classic Western formula. So, if you enjoyed the movie, here are 5 of the best Western movies to watch next.
5. Seraphim Falls (2006)
Before Liam Neeson‘s career-swerving action role in 2008’s Taken, he starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in the Western revenge thriller Seraphim Falls (2006). The film follows a cat-and-mouse game between two former enemies, former Confederate Colonel Carver (Neeson) and former Yankee officer Gideon (Brosnan), who have a decades-old grudge to settle. After the Civil War, Gatz is hell-bent on tracking down MacRae, who had been instrumental in the destruction of his family and home.
The film’s tense and atmospheric landscape, set in the American West of the 1860s, provides a perfect backdrop for the intense confrontation between the two adversaries. Upon its release, Seraphim Falls received mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of its leads and the film’s slow-burning tension. However, over time, the film has slipped under the mainstream radar, becoming an underrated gem in the Western genre. Despite this, Seraphim Falls remains a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of vendetta and redemption, showcasing Liam Neeson‘s early versatility as an actor before he transitioned into his iconic action hero roles.
Watch Seraphim Falls on Apple TV+
4. Open Range (2003)
Open Range, a Western drama released in 2003 directed by and starring Kevin Costner, marked a triumphant return to the genre that made him a household name. The film takes place in 1882 Montana, where a group of ranchers, led by Boss Spearman, must defend their land against a ruthless cattle baron, Denton Baxter (Michael Gambon). Open Range stands out as a standout in Costner’s resume of Westerns, thanks to its nuanced storytelling, rich characters, and stunning cinematography. The film’s thoughtful exploration of themes such as loyalty, duty, and the complexities of morality elevates it above typical Western fare, making it a critically acclaimed and audience-pleasing masterpiece. With its slow-burning tension, memorable performances, and sweeping vistas, Open Range is a must-see for fans of the Western genre and a testament to Costner’s skill as a director and actor.
3. True Grit (2010)
The Coen Brothers‘ 2010 Western remake, True Grit, is a masterful retelling of the 1969 original, starring John Wayne. The film follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who hires the tough and seasoned U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down her father’s killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Alongside Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), the unlikely trio embarks on a perilous journey across the Arkansas Territory.
With an all-star cast, including Domhnall Gleeson and Barry Pepper, True Grit boasts a stellar ensemble that brings depth and nuance to the characters. A rare example of a remake that surpasses its predecessor in both acclaim and box office success, True Grit earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Steinfeld’s breakout performance. The film received a staggering 10 Academy Award nominations in 2011, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jeff Bridges’ iconic portrayal of Cogburn. With its lush cinematography, witty dialogue, and memorable performances, True Grit stands as a testament to the Coen Brothers’ mastery and a classic in the Western genre.
2. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Dances with Wolves is a cinematic masterpiece that marked a monumental moment in the Western genre and Kevin Costner’s career. The film tells the story of Union Army Lieutenant John Dunbar (Costner), a wounded officer who is stationed at a remote outpost on the American frontier. As he becomes disillusioned with the brutal treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. military, Dunbar forms an unlikely friendship with a Sioux tribe, led by the wise and compassionate Kicking Bird (Graham Greene). Through this unusual encounter, the film presents a Western that defies traditional tropes, instead showcasing the humanity and culture of the Sioux people.
Costner’s directorial debut was met with widespread acclaim, earning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s groundbreaking approach to storytelling and its nuanced portrayal of the Native American experience helped to shatter stereotypes and forge a new path for Westerns. With its sweeping cinematography, poignant score, and powerful performances, Dances with Wolves remains a landmark film in American cinema, cementing Costner’s status as a visionary director and actor.
Watch Dances with Wolves on Prime Video
1. Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood‘s 1992 Western, Unforgiven, is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint, featuring a career-defining performance from the iconic actor-director. The film tells the story of William Munny, a former outlaw who comes out of retirement to collect a bounty on a group of outlaws who mutilated a prostitute. Alongside his old partner, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman), and a young gunslinger, The Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett), Munny is drawn back into the violent world he thought he had left behind. As the group embarks on their mission, the film explores themes of redemption, violence, and the moral complexities of revenge.
Eastwood’s understated performance as Munny is a highlight, as he brings a depth and nuance to the character that is both heartbreaking and haunting. As director, Eastwood’s deliberate pacing and minimalist style allow the story to unfold with a sense of quiet urgency, earning him an Academy Award for Best Director. The film went on to win four Oscars in total, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Gene Hackman‘s chilling portrayal of Bill Daggett, and Best Film Editing for Joel Cox. Want to read more about Clint Eastwood’s career as a filmmaker? Here’s our pick of his 5 best movies as director.
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