Best Western Movies

Westerns have been a staple of the cinematic landscape since the early days of the silver screen. From classic tales of the old West to modern-day stories of the American Southwest, westerns have always had a special place in our culture. As we look back on the great Western films of all time, here are 10 of the best Western movies you can watch right now on Reelgood.

1. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966)
   Regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a classic tale of the Old West. Starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach, this spaghetti western follows the adventures of three gunslingers in search of a hidden fortune. With an iconic score by Ennio Morricone and several memorable scenes, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is essential viewing for any fan of Westerns.
   
   Set in the midst of the Civil War, the film follows Eastwood as Blondie, a laconic gunslinger with a mysterious past. He teams up with Tuco (Wallach), an outlaw with an explosive temper, and Angel Eyes (Van Cleef), a ruthless hitman, in search of buried Confederate gold. As the three men travel the landscape, they find themselves involved in several memorable showdowns and dangerous situations.

2. Unforgiven (1992)
   Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is a modern classic of the Western genre. The film follows Eastwood as William Munny, a former gunslinger looking to make one last score before settling down into a quiet life. Along with his old friend Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman) and a young gunslinger (Jaimz Woolvett), Munny sets out to collect the reward for killing a pair of cowboys who brutally attacked a prostitute.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of the themes of morality and justice in the old west. Through the characters of Munny and Logan, Eastwood examines the idea of whether it is possible to live a life of redemption after a life of violence. The film also stars Gene Hackman as the corrupt Sheriff “Little Bill” Daggett, a memorable villain who stands in the way of Munny and Logan’s quest.

3. True Grit (2010)
   The Coen Brothers’ True Grit is a reimagining of the classic 1969 John Wayne western. Starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin, the film follows a young girl named Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld) as she seeks revenge for her father’s death. Mattie enlists the help of Rooster Cogburn (Bridges), a gruff, one-eyed U.S. Marshal, to help her track down the killer.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as justice, morality, and faith in the old west. This is seen in the characters of Cogburn and Mattie, who are both driven by a strong sense of justice and faith in the face of danger. The film also features stunning cinematography, a memorable score by Carter Burwell, and several showdowns and shootouts.

4. High Noon (1952)
   High Noon is a classic western starring Gary Cooper as Will Kane, a retired marshal threatened by a gang of outlaws. When the townspeople refuse to help him, Kane must face the outlaws alone in a final showdown.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as morality, justice, and courage. Through the character of Kane, the film examines the idea of what it means to be a hero in the face of danger. The film also features a memorable score by Dimitri Tiomkin and several tense showdowns.

5. The Searchers (1956)
   The Searchers is a classic western directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne as Ethan Edwards, a former Confederate soldier who sets out to find his niece, who Comanche Indians have kidnaped.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as racism and morality. Through the character of Ethan, the film examines the complex issues of race and justice in the Old West. The film also features several iconic scenes and a memorable score by Max Steiner.

6. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
   Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a classic western starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as the titular characters. The film follows the two outlaws as they attempt to escape a band of Pinkerton agents tracking them.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as loyalty and friendship. Through the characters of Butch and Sundance, the film examines the idea of what it means to be a true friend in the face of danger. The film also features a memorable score by Burt Bacharach and several memorable scenes.

7. The Wild Bunch (1969)
   The Wild Bunch is a classic western directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, and Warren Oates. The film follows an aging group of outlaws as they attempt to pull off one last job before they retire.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as loyalty and violence. Through the characters of the Wild Bunch, the film examines the idea of what it means to be loyal to one’s friends in the face of danger. The film also features several memorable shootouts and a score by Jerry Fielding.

8. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
   The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a classic western directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and James Stewart. The film follows a former gunslinger (Wayne) hired to help a small town fend off a ruthless outlaw (Lee Marvin).
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as justice and morality. Through the characters of Wayne and Stewart, the film examines the idea of what it means to stand up for justice in the face of danger. The film also features a memorable score by Cyril J. Mockridge and several memorable scenes.

9. Red River (1948)
   Red River is a classic western directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne as Thomas Dunson, a rancher who leads a cattle drive from Texas to Missouri. Along the way, Dunson is opposed by his adopted son, Matt Garth (Montgomery Clift), who is determined to prove himself.
   
   The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as loyalty and courage. Through the characters of Dunson and Garth, the film examines the idea of what it means to be loyal to one’s family in the face of danger. The film also features a memorable score by Dimitri Tiomkin and many memorable scenes.

10. Stagecoach (1939)
    Stagecoach is a classic western directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne as the Ringo Kid, a fugitive who is joining a group of travelers on a stagecoach journey through the American Southwest.
    
    The film is notable for its exploration of themes such as justice and morality. Through the character of the Ringo Kid, the film examines the idea of what it means to stand up for justice in the face of danger. The film also features a memorable score by Richard Hageman and several memorable scenes.