60 GREATEST
WESTERNS
OF ALL TIME

Step into the dusty boots of frontier legends as we embark on a journey through the 60 Greatest Westerns of All Time, curated by the collective wisdom of film historians and enthusiasts alike. From sweeping epics to gritty tales of revenge, each film on this list has etched its mark through its storytelling prowess, cultural impact, and the timeless allure of the Wild West.

Among these iconic tales, you’ll ride alongside vengeful gunslingers seeking justice on the sunbaked plains, witness the clash of civilizations amidst a railroad’s relentless advance, and find yourself amidst uproarious antics that turn Western tropes on their head with a clever twist.

As we countdown the finest 60 Westerns ever crafted, prepare to lose yourself in landscapes where honor and betrayal dance on the edge of a blade. Whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer through Western cinema or a newcomer drawn by tales of frontier spirit, this collection promises to captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for the distant echo of spurs on a lonely trail.

60

The Ballad of
Buster Scruggs

2018 | 2h 12m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore72.475 / 100

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"First time?"

DIRECTORS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruno Delbonnel

STARRING: Tim Blake Nelson, Liam Neeson, Tom Waits, James Franco, Zoe Kazan, Brendan Gleeson, Jonjo O’Neill, Harry Melling, Stephen Root, Bill Heck, Saul Rubinek, Tyne Daly, Chelcie Ross

GENRE: Anthology Film, Western

Vignettes weaving together the stories of six individuals in the old West at the end of the Civil War. Following the tales of a sharp-shooting songster, a wannabe bank robber, two weary traveling performers, a lone gold prospector, a woman traveling the West to an uncertain future, and a motley crew of strangers undertaking a carriage ride.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs rides high with its rich tapestry of tales, blending wit, grit, and an evocative portrayal of human spirit. Each vignette spins a yarn that resonates, crafting a mosaic of frontier life that’s as ruggedly authentic as it is poetically profound.

59

Open Range

2003 | 2h 19m | USA | ENGLISH | 14+

[+] Top10nerScore72.680 / 100

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"...but there's things that gnaw at a man worse than dying."

DIRECTOR: Kevin Costner

WRITERS: Craig Storper

CINEMATOGRAPHY: J. Michael Muro

STARRING: Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, Annette Bening, Michael Gambon, Michael Jeter, Diego Luna, James Russo

GENRE: Western

A former gunslinger is forced to take up arms again when he and his cattle crew are threatened by a corrupt lawman.

In Open Range, Costner and Duvall deliver grounded performances, evoking the raw grit of the Old West. With sweeping vistas, tense standoffs, and a strong moral core, the film pays homage to classic Western traditions while challenging notions of justice and loyalty.

58

Deadwood

The Movie

2019 | 1h 50m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore73.145 / 100

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"All bleeding stops eventually."

DIRECTOR: Daniel Minahan

WRITERS: David Milch

CINEMATOGRAPHY: David Klein

STARRING: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Paula Malcomson, W. Earl Brown, Dayton Callie, Kim Dickens, Brad Dourif, Anna Gunn

GENRE: Revisionist Western, Period Drama

Follow the 10-year reunion of the Deadwood camp to celebrate South Dakota’s statehood. Former rivalries are reignited, alliances are tested and old wounds are reopened, as all are left to navigate the inevitable changes that modernity and time have wrought.

Deadwood: The Movie brings closure to the iconic Western series, blending sharp dialogue, moral ambiguity, and atmospheric tension. Set in a lawless town, it captures the rugged spirit of the genre, offering a fitting conclusion to its complex, unforgettable characters.

57

Destry Rides Again

1939 | 1h 34m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+] Top10nerScore73.993 / 100

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"Here's your badge. Don't let anybody see it."

DIRECTOR: George Marshall

WRITERS: Gertrude Purcell, Henry Myers, Felix Jackson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hal Mohr

STARRING: James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich, Mischa Auer, Charles Winninger, Una Merkel

GENRE: Western, Comedy

Tom Destry, son of a legendary frontier peacekeeper, doesn’t believe in gunplay. Thus he becomes the object of widespread ridicule when he rides into the wide-open town of Bottleneck, the personal fiefdom of the crooked Kent.

Destry Rides Again boldly reinvents the Western with a perfect balance of humor and heart. Stewart’s charismatic portrayal and the sharp script elevate this classic, proving that even in the wild frontier, wit can be as powerful as a six-shooter.

56

True Grit

1969 | 2h 08m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore74.074 / 100

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"Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!"

DIRECTOR: Henry Hathaway

WRITERS: Marguerite Roberts

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lucien Ballard

STARRING: John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper

GENRE: Western, Adventure

THEME: Buddy

The murder of her father sends a teenage tomboy on a mission of ‘justice’, which involves avenging her father’s death. She recruits a tough old marshal, ‘Rooster’ Cogburn because he has ‘true grit’, and a reputation of getting the job done.

True Grit gallops with rugged charm and gripping authenticity, encapsulating the essence of classic Westerns. John Wayne’s iconic portrayal and the film’s evocative landscapes paint a vivid, timeless adventure that resonates with both heart and grit.

55

7 Men from Now

1956 | 1h 18m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore74.254 / 100

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"A man oughta be able to take care of his woman."

DIRECTOR: Budd Boetticher

WRITERS: Burt Kennedy

CINEMATOGRAPHY: William H. Clothier

STARRING: Randolph Scott, Gail Russell, Lee Marvin, Walter Reed

GENRE: Western

Ex-sheriff Ben Stride tracks the seven men who held up a Wells Fargo office and killed his wife. Stride is tormented by the fact that his own failure to keep his job was the cause of his wife’s working in the express office and thus he is partly responsible for her death.

In the annals of classic Westerns, 7 Men from Now remains a shining example of cinematic grit and narrative prowess. Its rugged landscapes and morally complex characters paint a vivid portrait of frontier justice, captivating audiences with every twist and turn.

54

Pale Rider

1985 | 1h 55m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore74.270 / 100

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"…and Hell followed with him."

DIRECTOR: Clint Eastwood

WRITERS: Dennis Shryack, Michael Butler

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruce Surtees

STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress, Chris Penn, Richard Dysart

GENRE: Western, Drama

A mysterious preacher protects a humble prospector village from a greedy mining company trying to encroach on their land.

Pale Rider gallops onto the screen with the thunder of a summer storm, weaving a spellbinding tale of justice and redemption in the untamed West. Eastwood’s enigmatic performance and masterful direction paint a portrait of gritty heroism that lingers long after the credits roll.

53

She Wore a
Yellow Ribbon

1949 | 1h 43m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+] Top10nerScore74.625 / 100

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"Never apologize. It's a sign of weakness."

DIRECTOR: John Ford

WRITERS: Laurence Stallings, Frank S. Nugent

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Winton C. Hoch

STARRING: John Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar, Ben Johnson, Victor McLaglen, Harry Carey Jr.

GENRE: Western

On the eve of retirement, Captain Nathan Brittles takes out a last patrol to stop an impending massive Indian attack. Encumbered by women who must be evacuated, Brittles finds his mission imperiled.

In She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, John Ford crafts a mesmerizing tapestry of the Old West, painting landscapes with hues that rival the titular ribbon. Wayne’s stoic charm and Ford’s mastery of the Western genre converge in a timeless ode to courage and camaraderie.

52

The Proposition

2005 | 1h 44m | AUSTRALIA & UK | ENGLISH | 18+

[+] Top10nerScore74.699 / 100

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"Love. Love is the key. Love and family."

DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat

WRITERS: Nick Cave

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Benoît Delhomme

STARRING: Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Emily Watson, John Hurt, David Wenham

GENRE: Meat Pie Western, Drama, Revisionist Western

With the Australian outback circa 1880s serving as the backdrop, comes the story of the Burns Brother gang. Captain Stanley attempts to bring an end to violence by offering a proposition to Charlie Burns: he has nine days to kill his psychopathic brother, otherwise his younger brother will be hung.

In the harsh Australian outback, The Proposition emerges as a gritty, poignant Western that deftly explores morality amidst unforgiving landscapes. Its raw intensity and morally complex narrative captivate, anchored by spirited performances and evocative visuals.

51

The Man from Laramie

1955 | 1h 43m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore74.980 / 100

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"Ugly, too."

DIRECTOR: Anthony Mann

WRITERS: Philip Yordan, Frank Burt

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charles Lang

STARRING: James Stewart, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Crisp, Cathy O’Donnell, Alex Nicol

GENRE: Western, Drama

Will Lockhart arrives in Coronado, an isolated town in New Mexico, in search of someone who sells rifles to the Apache tribe, finding himself unwillingly drawn into the convoluted life of a local ranching family whose members seem to have a lot to hide.

The Man from Laramie offers a gripping narrative set against the rugged backdrop of the Wild West. Anthony Mann expertly weaves tension and drama, while James Stewart’s nuanced performance elevates this classic western into a timeless tale of vengeance and redemption.

50

El Topo

1970 | 2h 05m | MEXICO | SPANISH | 18+

[+] Top10nerScore75.082 / 100

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"Too much perfection is a mistake."

DIRECTOR: Alejandro Jodorowsky

WRITERS: Alejandro Jodorowsky

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rafael Corkidi

STARRING: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Brontis Jodorowsky, Mara Lorenzio, David Silva, Paula Romo, Jacqueline Luis

GENRE: Surrealism, Acid Western, Weird West, Satire

An outlaw, El Topo challenges the invincible Four Masters of the Desert for the love of a woman. He defeats them, achieving a higher level of consciousness until his woman betrays him. Starting a new existence as a holy man, El Topo undertakes the liberation of a community of outcasts.

El Topo redefines the Western genre, blending surrealism and spiritual themes in a unique cinematic journey. Alejandro Jodorowsky’s visionary storytelling and striking visuals captivate, making it a cult classic that challenges and enchants viewers alike.

49

3:10 to Yuma

2007 | 2h 02m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore75.167 / 100

p>

"You know, squeezin' that watch won't stop time."

DIRECTOR: James Mangold

WRITERS: Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Halsted Welles

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Phedon Papamichael

STARRING: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster, Logan Lerman, Peter Fonda

GENRE: Revisionist Western, Drama, Action, Period Drama

In Arizona in the late 1800s, infamous outlaw Ben Wade and his vicious gang of thieves and murderers have plagued the Southern Railroad. When Wade is captured, Civil War veteran Dan Evans, struggling to survive on his drought-plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver him alive to the “3:10 to Yuma”, a train that will take the killer to trial.

3:10 to Yuma revives the Western genre with its gritty realism and gripping performances. Bale and Crowe’s dynamic portrayal of morality and survival amidst lawless landscapes captivates audiences, earning this film its place among modern classics.

48

Man of the West

1958 | 1h 40m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore75.185 / 100

p>

"You know what I feel inside of me? I feel like killing."

DIRECTOR: Anthony Mann

WRITERS: Reginald Rose

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ernest Haller

STARRING: Gary Cooper, Julie London, Lee J. Cobb, Arthur O’Connell, Jack Lord

GENRE: Revisionist Western

Heading east to Fort Worth to hire a schoolteacher for his frontier town home, Link Jones is stranded with singer Billie Ellis and gambler Sam Beasley when their train is held up. For shelter, Jones leads them to his nearby former home, where he was brought up an outlaw. Finding the gang still living in the shack, Jones pretends to be ready to return to a life crime.

Man of the West boldly reshapes the Western with its gripping narrative and stellar performances. Mann crafts a tale of redemption against the backdrop of the untamed frontier. A must-see for fans of classic cinema and those seeking a riveting exploration of morality on the open range.

47

The Power
of the Dog

2021 | 2h 08m | AUS, UK, NZ & CAN | ENG | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore75.430 / 100

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"I just want to say... how nice it is not to be alone."

DIRECTOR: Jane Campion

WRITERS: Jane Campion

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ari Wegner

STARRING: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie

GENRE: Psychological Drama, Period Drama, Neo-Western, Revisionist Western

Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love.

The Power of the Dog breathes new life into the western genre with its stunning cinematography and powerful performances. A gripping tale of tension, emotion, and hidden desires, this film masterfully blends a deep character study with the rugged beauty of the Old West.

46

First Cow

2019 | 2h 02m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore75.516 / 100

p>

"History isn't here yet."

DIRECTOR: Kelly Reichardt

WRITERS: Kelly Reichardt, Jonathan Raymond

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christopher Blauvelt

STARRING: John Magaro, Orion Lee, Toby Jones, Ewen Bremner

GENRE: Period Drama, Revisionist Western

In the 1820s, a taciturn loner and skilled cook travels west to Oregon Territory, where he meets a Chinese immigrant also seeking his fortune. Soon the two team up on a dangerous scheme to steal milk from the wealthy landowner’s prized Jersey cow—the first, and only, in the territory.

First Cow elegantly sidesteps clichés, offering a fresh take on the Western genre. Kelly Reichardt’s delicate touch and poignant storytelling weave a tapestry of friendship and capitalism, leaving audiences captivated by its quiet yet powerful charm.

45

Little Big Man

1970 | 2h 19m | USA | ENGLISH | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore75.717 / 100

p>

"There is an endless supply of white men."

DIRECTOR: Arthur Penn

WRITERS: Calder Willingham

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Harry Stradling Jr.

STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Chief Dan George, Faye Dunaway, Martin Balsam, Richard Mulligan, Jeff Corey

GENRE: Revisionist Western, Comedy

MOVEMENT: New Hollywood

Jack Crabb is 121 years old. And he’s done it all. He’s been a full-fledged Cheyenne, an Indian fighter, a snake oil merchant, master gunman, drinking buddy of wild Bill Hickok, colleague of Buffalo Bill, and is the only survivor of Custer’s Last Stand. Little Big Man is Jack Crabb’s story.

Little Big Man is a standout in the Western genre, blending humor, drama, and history into a compelling narrative. With Dustin Hoffman’s powerful performance and a fresh take on classic themes, this film remains a beloved and influential piece of cinematic history.

44

Wagon Master

1950 | 1h 26m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+} Top10nerScore75.803 / 100

p>

"That's right, sir. Only on snakes."

DIRECTOR: John Ford

WRITERS: Patrick Ford, Frank S. Nugent

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bert Glennon

STARRING: Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr., Ward Bond, Joanne Dru, Charles Kemper

GENRE: Western

THEME: Road Movie

Two young drifters guide a Mormon wagon train to the San Juan Valley and encounter cutthroats, Navajo, geography, and moral challenges on the journey.

Wagon Master rides into the Western genre with a refreshing breeze of authenticity. Ford’s direction blends rustic charm with spirited performances, crafting a cinematic journey as vast and captivating as the untamed landscapes it traverses. A timeless classic.

43

Pat Garrett &
Billy the Kid

1973 | 1h 46m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore75.821 / 100

p>

"Times, maybe. Not me."

DIRECTOR: Sam Peckinpah

WRITERS: Rudy Wurlitzer

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Coquillon

STARRING: James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Richard Jaeckel, Katy Jurado

GENRE: Revisionist Western

MOVEMENT: New Hollywood

Pat Garrett is hired as a lawman on behalf of a group of wealthy New Mexico cattle barons to bring down his old friend Billy the Kid.

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid redefines the Western genre with its raw authenticity and poignant exploration of friendship and betrayal. Peckinpah’s direction delivers a gritty, yet lyrical narrative, while Dylan’s score adds a haunting layer of depth. A classic for the ages.

42

The Naked Spur

1953 | 1h 31m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore75.891 / 100

p>

"Choosin' a way to live - that's the hard part."

DIRECTOR: Anthony Mann

WRITERS: Harold Jack Bloom, Sam Rolfe

CINEMATOGRAPHY: William C. Mellor

STARRING: James Stewart, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Ralph Meeker, Millard Mitchell

GENRE: Western

Howard Kemp is a bounty hunter who’s been after killer Ben Vandergroat for a long time. Along the way, Kemp is forced to take on a couple of partners, an old prospector named Jesse Tate and a dishonorably discharged Union soldier, Roy Anderson.

The Naked Spur stands tall in the Western canon, weaving gripping tension with rugged landscapes. Its nuanced characters and moral dilemmas carve a timeless tale of redemption. A gem of the genre, it gallops with authenticity and emotional resonance.

41

Ride the High Country

1962 | 1h 34m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore75.913 / 100

p>

"All I want is to enter my house justified."

DIRECTOR: Sam Peckinpah

WRITERS: N.B. Stone Jr.

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lucien Ballard

STARRING: Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, Mariette Hartley, Ron Starr, Edgar Buchanan

GENRE: Revisionist Western

An ex-lawman is hired to transport gold from a mining community through dangerous territory. But what he doesn’t realize is that his partner and old friend is plotting to double-cross him.

Ride the High Country is a timeless Western gem, blending poignant storytelling with breathtaking landscapes. Peckinpah evokes nostalgia, while the stellar performances of McCrea and Scott infuse the film with authenticity. A must-watch for any Western aficionado.

40

Django

1966 | 1h 33m | ITALY & ESP | ITALIAN | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore76.402 / 100

p>

"A woman shouldn't be treated in that way."

DIRECTOR: Sergio Corbucci

WRITERS: Sergio Corbucci, Bruno Corbucci, Franco Rossetti, José Gutiérrez Maesso, Piero Vivarelli

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Enzo Barboni

STARRING: Franco Nero, Loredana Nusciak, José Bódalo

GENRE: Spaghetti Western

A coffin-dragging gunslinger and a prostitute become embroiled in a bitter feud between a merciless masked clan and a band of Mexican revolutionaries.

Django gallops onto the screen with the raw energy of a wild stallion. Sergio Corbucci’s spaghetti western is a gritty symphony of vengeance, fueled by Franco Nero’s magnetic performance. Its bold style and iconic soundtrack make it a timeless classic of the genre.

39

Duck, You Sucker

"A Fistful of Dynamite"

'Giù la testa'

1971 | 2h 37m | ITALY & ESP | ITALIAN | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore76.855 / 100

p>

"The same fucking thing starts all over again!"

DIRECTOR: Sergio Leone

WRITERS: Roberto De Leonardis, Carlo Tritto, Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Donati, Sergio Leone

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giuseppe Ruzzolini

STARRING: Rod Steiger, James Coburn, Romolo Valli, Maria Monti, Rik Battaglia, Franco Graziosi, Antoine Saint-John

GENRE: Zapata Western, War

THEME: Buddy

In Mexico at the time of the Revolution, Juan, the leader of a bandit family, meets John Mallory, an IRA explosives expert on the run from the British. Seeing John’s skill with explosives, Juan decides to persuade him to join the bandits in a raid on the great bank of Mesa Verde.

Duck, You Sucker is a cinematic gem of the Western genre, blending action, humor, and political allegory seamlessly. Leone’s direction and Coburn’s performance elevate it, offering a thrilling ride with a poignant message. A must-watch for any Western aficionado.

38

Jeremiah Johnson

1972 | 1h 48m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore77.105 / 100

p>

"Same place you are, Jeremiah: hell, in the end."

DIRECTOR: Sydney Pollack

WRITERS: John Milius, Edward Anhalt

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Duke Callaghan

STARRING: Robert Redford, Will Geer, Stefan Gierasch, Allyn Ann McLerie

GENRE: Revisionist Western

THEME: Survival

MOVEMENT: New Hollywood

A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by Indians when he proves to be the match of their warriors in one-to-one combat on the early frontier.

Jeremiah Johnson stands tall in the Western genre, capturing the rugged beauty and harsh realities of frontier life. Redford’s portrayal of a man seeking solitude in the mountains is both powerful and poignant, making this film a timeless tale of survival and self-discovery.

37

High Plains Drifter

1973 | 1h 45m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore77.248 / 100

p>

"Your feet ma'am are almost as big as your mouth."

DIRECTOR: Clint Eastwood

WRITERS: Ernest Tidyman

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruce Surtees

STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Mariana Hill

GENRE: Revisionist Western

A gunfighting stranger comes to the small settlement of Lago. After gunning down three gunmen who tried to kill him, the townsfolk decide to hire the Stranger to hold off three outlaws who are on their way.

High Plains Drifter is a riveting western, seamlessly blending elements of revenge and redemption. Eastwood delivers a raw, atmospheric experience, complemented by a haunting score. Its enigmatic protagonist and atmospheric visuals make it a standout in the genre.

36

3:10 to Yuma

1957 | 1h 32m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore77.590 / 100

p>

"That's all right. They don't have to be blue."

DIRECTOR: Delmer Daves

WRITERS: Halsted Welles

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charles Lawton Jr.

STARRING: Glenn Ford, Van Heflin, Felicia Farr, Leora Dana, Henry Jones

GENRE: Western, Thriller

After outlaw leader Ben Wade is captured in a small town, his gang continue to threaten. Small-time rancher Dan Evans is persuaded to take Wade in secret to the nearest town with a railway station to await the train to the court at Yuma.

3:10 to Yuma stands as a defining classic in the Western genre, blending intense drama with riveting performances. Its compelling storyline and atmospheric tension make it a timeless tale of morality and redemption. This film remains a must-watch for any Western aficionado.

35

The Big Country

1958 | 2h 45m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+] Top10nerScore77.598 / 100

p>

"How many times does a man have to win you?"

DIRECTOR: William Wyler

WRITERS: Sy Bartlett, James R. Webb, Robert Wilder, Jessamyn West, Robert Wyler

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Franz Planer

STARRING: Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Jean Simmons, Burl Ives, Carroll Baker, Charles Bickford

GENRE: Western, Epic, Drama

Retired wealthy sea captain Jim McKay arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill, and the rough and lawless Hannasseys over a valuable patch of land.

In the vast expanse of Western cinema, The Big Country stands tall, its sprawling landscapes mirroring the complexity of its characters. With a symphonic score and performances as expansive as the horizon, it’s a timeless tale of honor, love, and the untamed spirit of the frontier.

34

El Dorado

1966 | 2h 06m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore77.946 / 100

p>

"I'm lookin' at a tin star with a... drunk pinned on it."

DIRECTOR: Howard Hawks

WRITERS: Leigh Brackett

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Harold Rosson

STARRING: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Paul Fix

GENRE: Western

Cole Thornton, a gunfighter for hire, joins forces with an old friend, Sheriff J.P. Harrah. Together with a fighter and a gambler, they help a rancher and his family fight a rival rancher that is trying to steal their water.

El Dorado rides high with its impeccable blend of wit, action, and camaraderie. Howard Hawks’ crafts a rich tapestry of the Old West, with John Wayne and Robert Mitchum’s chemistry shining brighter than a desert sun. A timeless classic in the Western genre.

33

Fort Apache

1948 | 2h 05m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore78.098 / 100

p>

"He made it a command to be proud of."

DIRECTOR: John Ford

WRITERS: Frank S. Nugent

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Archie Stout, William H. Clothier

STARRING: Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Shirley Temple, Ward Bond, Pedro Armendáriz, George O’Brien

GENRE: Western, Drama

Owen Thursday sees his new posting to the desolate Fort Apache as a chance to claim the military honour which he believes is rightfully his. Arrogant, obsessed with military form and ultimately self-destructive, he attempts to destroy the Apache chief Cochise after luring him across the border from Mexico, against the advice of his subordinates.

Fort Apache emerges as a seminal Western, skillfully blending Ford’s directorial prowess with Fonda’s captivating portrayal. It navigates the rugged terrain of duty, honor, and the clash of cultures with depth and authenticity, etching its mark on the genre.

32

Tombstone

1993 | 2h 10m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore78.159 / 100

p>

"We started a game we never got to finish."

DIRECTOR: George P. Cosmatos

WRITERS: Kevin Jarre

CINEMATOGRAPHY: William A. Fraker

STARRING: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, Dana Delany

GENRE: Revisionist Western

Legendary marshal Wyatt Earp, now a weary gunfighter, joins his brothers Morgan and Virgil to pursue their collective fortune in the thriving mining town of Tombstone. But Earp is forced to don a badge again and get help from his notorious pal Doc Holliday when a gang of renegade brigands and rustlers begins terrorizing the town.

Tombstone delivers a gripping Western saga brimming with intense performances, iconic characters, and breathtaking gunfights. Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday is unforgettable, while the film’s rich atmosphere and dynamic storytelling make it a standout in the genre.

31

Blazing Saddles

1974 | 1h 33m | USA | ENGLISH | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore78.343 / 100

p>

"Hey, where the white women at?"

DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks

WRITERS: Richard Pryor, Mel Brooks, Andrew Bergman, Norman Steinberg, Alan Uger

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Joseph F. Biroc

STARRING: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn

GENRE: Parody, Western, Satire

A town—where everyone seems to be named Johnson—stands in the way of the railroad. In order to grab their land, robber baron Hedley Lemar sends his henchmen to make life in the town unbearable. After the sheriff is killed, the town demands a new sheriff from the Governor, so Hedley convinces him to send the town the first black sheriff in the west.

Blazing Saddles redefines the Western genre with its irreverent humor and fearless satire. Mel Brooks delivers a comedic tour de force, challenging conventions with wit and charm. A timeless classic that remains as sharp and relevant as ever.

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