Since the Silent Era, Westerns have been a timeless film genre that, even today, is a favorite among many film fanatics. With classics such asThe SearchersandThe Magnificent Sevento more modern titles likeTombstoneandUnforgiven, Westerns have become the cornerstone of American cinema and a staple in cinema history. While some might not be fans of the Wild West, there are still moviegoers who might be interested in the genre but might not know exactly where to start.
Luckily, we have compiled a list of vital Western films, includingThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,3:10 to Yuma, andThe Good, the Bad and the Ugly, that areperfect for any newcomer to the Western genre who may need a bit of guidance before heading into the Wild West. For those who are looking for some essential starter titles, it’s time to saddle up and check out the ten best Western movies for beginners!
10’The Gunfighter' (1950)
Directed by Henry King
Gregory Peckstars inThe Gunfighteras an infamous gunslinger, Jimmy Ringo, who has a reputation for being the fastest gun in the West. Due to Ringo’s notoriety, he is constantly challenged by fellow gunmen who want to retain his title, but as each one fails miserably, Ringo grows tired of sending men to their early graves and tries to leave his sharpshooting days behind him.
Peck’s character is loosely based on the real-life Western legend,Johnny Ringo, who was known to have one of the quickest hands in the Old West.The Gunfighterdepicts the raw, unforgiving atmosphere of the Wild West while still framing Peck’s character in a sentimental lightas he tries to redeem himself for his bloody past and rebuild his life with his wife and son, making it a solid classic Western for those who aren’t ready to dive into the deep end of the genre just yet.
The Gunfighter
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9’The Outlaw Josey Wales' (1976)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
The Outlaw Josey Walesis an essential modern Western directed and starringClint Eastwoodas a Missouri farmer, Wales, who, after the brutal murder of his wife and child by Union soldiers, joins the Confederate Army to avenge his family. When the Civil War comes to an end, Wales refuses to surrender, leading to him becoming a wanted man with a heavy bounty on his head.
Eastwood’s performance inThe Outlaw Josey Walesis considered to be one of the star’s most iconic and is a bittersweet portrait of a man who, while searching for vengeance, finds a second chance along the way.The Outlaw Josey Walesearned overall praise and is seemingly credited as not onlyone of Eastwood’s finest performances but also a flawless directorial contribution to cinema.
The Outlaw Josey Wales
8'3:10 to Yuma' (2007)
Directed by James Mangold
3:10 to Yumais a thrilling modern Western remake starringRussell Croweas a ruthless outlaw, Ben Wade, who, after going on a rampage on the Southern railway, is finally apprehended by lawmen. When Wade needs to be taken to Yuma where he is to go on trial for his crimes, a local rancher, Dan Evans (Christian Bale), volunteers to escort him to the train.
3:10 to Yumais a remake of the 1957 film by the same name starringGlenn FordandVan Heflinand, without question, one ofthe best Western remakesto date.While we highly suggest every beginner watch both films, the 2007 one is an excellent starting point for those who are weary of starting with the earlier titles.3:10 to Yumais one Western film that’s guaranteed to entice audiences with its intense action, intricate plot, and outstanding performancesby both Bale and Crowe.
3:10 to Yuma
7’The Magnificent Seven' (1960)
Directed by John Sturges
The Magnificent Sevenis an epic Western with an ensemble cast includingYul Brynner,Steve McQueen, andEli Wallach, and a must-see classic Western for any newcomer to the genre. The film unfolds in a small village that has been overrun by a group of bandits led by a ruthless outlaw, Calvera (Wallach). In an effort to take back their town, the villagers hire a group of skilled gunmen who not only agree to help them but also find their own sense of purpose and redemption in the process.
John Sturges’The Magnificent Sevenhas the perfect blend of action, drama, and comedy, peppered with an array of brilliant performances by a star-studded cast.The main appeal of this Western classic is its amount of heart and emotional details of each individual character and their backstories, which effectively intertwine into the central plot without feeling forced or unnatural.The Magnificent Sevenis hailed as one of the best Westerns of all time and should be at the top of any newcomers' list when it comes to crucial Western films.
The Magnificent Seven
6’Tombstone’ (1993)
Directed by George P. Cosmatos and Kevin Jarre
Kurt Russellstars in the cult classic Western,Tombstone, as a gunslinger, Wyatt Earp who, along with his brothers, (Bill Paxton,Sam Elliott) move to Tombstone, Arizona to settle down and start their own business. Unfortunately, trouble soon comes knocking at their doorstep and, with the help of Wyatt’s friend and famous sharpshooter, Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), they pick up their spurs for the last time to rid Tombstone of Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) and his gang of outlaws.
Tombstoneis loosely based on real-life eventsin Southeast Arizona during the 1880s, including the Gunfight at O.K. Corral and Earp Vendetta Ride. Even though the entire cast delivers astounding performances, Kilmer’s performance as the charismatic Holliday reigns supreme and has been credited as one of the actor’s best roles of all time.Tombstoneis a key modern Western that checks every requirement of what makes a captivating and memorable Westernand is one that’ll make any beginner a bona fide Western fan by the end credits.
5’Once Upon a Time in the West' (1968)
Directed by Sergio Leone
Once Upon a Time in the Westis a definitive spaghetti Western classic starringHenry Fondain an against-type role as the merciless gunman, Frank, who is hired by a railroad baron to intimidate a man, Brett McBain (Frank Wolff), in Flagstone, who owns the only piece of land in town with water. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger dubbed Harmonica (Charles Bronson) arrives in town with a lifelong score to settle with Frank.
Sergio Leone’sOnce Upon a Time in the Westis one ofthe best epic Western filmsand features Fonda in one of his few villainous roles, which is simply a sight to behold. While the overall performances are sublime,Once Upon in the Westis a beautiful testament to Leone’s artistic direction and masterful storytelling of the spaghetti Western, cementing it as one of the greatest entries in the history of the film genre.
Once Upon a Time in the West
4’The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance' (1962)
Directed by John Ford
InJohn Ford’s signature WesternThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,James Stewartstars as a U.S. Senator Ransom Stoddard who travels back to his former town of Shinbone to attend the funeral of his friend, Tom Doniphon (John Wayne). When the local newsmen ask the Senator about his relationship with Doniphon, he recalls when he first arrived in town as a young lawyer, meeting Doniphon, and his encounter with the vicious outlaw, Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) that changed both of their lives forever.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valanceis a unique Western by legendary director, Ford, who is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of the film genre. The movie was both a critical and commercial success and, today, it is considered to be a staple of the Western film genre. With incredible performances by a marvelous cast, notably Marvin who is a knockout, and Ford’s impeccable direction,The Man Who Shot Liberty Valanceis destined to win over any newcomer to the Western genre.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
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3’Unforgiven' (1992)
Eastwood directs and stars in the Oscar-winning WesternUnforgiven, which unfolds in the town of Big Whiskey where, after a woman is brutally disfigured by two men, the town’s sheriff, Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman), gives them a slap on the wrist, leading to the woman’s friends secretly collecting a reward for anyone who manages to kill the men. When word reaches a former gunfighter, William Munny (Eastwood), he and his friend, Ned (Morgan Freeman) make their way to Big Whiskey, where they receive anything but a warm welcome from Daggett and his men.
Unforgivenreigns as one of Eastwood’s greatest cinematic achievements and one of the fewWestern movies that dominated the Academy Awards. The movie earned nine Oscar nominations and went on to win four for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Supporting Actor for Hackman, who delivers a tour de force performance.Unforgivenis a harrowing modern Western riddled with unforgettable performancesand accurately captures the authentic grit and harsh realities of one of the most lawless times in American history.
Unforgiven
2’The Searchers' (1956)
John Ford’s signature Western classic,The Searchers, is considered to be the quintessential Western, starring John Wayne in one of his most iconic roles as Ethan Edwards. The film follows Edwards, a veteran of the Civil War, who, after his brother and his family are brutally murdered by Native Americans, learns that his nieces are still alive and being held hostage. Edwards, along with his nephew (Jeffrey Hunter), set out to find the girls and Edwards soon finds himself on a destructive path of revenge and obsession.
The Searchersis an intense but excellent starter film for those who are interested in the Western genre, ranking as one of Wayne’s finest performances. While the overall film is celebrated for its authentic backdrop and thrilling performances, Wayne’s character is the film’s main appeal and is considered to be one of the most complex and well-constructed characters of the Western genre.The Searchersis the epitome of the classic Western as well as a glorious example of Ford’s legendary craftsmanshipof the ideal Western picture.
The Searchers
Eastwood stars inThe Good, the Bad and the Uglyas The Man with No Name who has an unusual partnership with an outlaw, Tucco (Eli Wallach), but when their arrangement sours, the two agree to part ways. Before they separate, they come across a dying Confederate soldier who tells them about a load of gold buried in a grave in a cemetery. When one man learns the location of the cemetery and the other learns the name of the grave, the two are forced to stick together. As they make their way to the gold, they soon realize they’re in a race against a vicious mercenary, Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), who is also in search of the treasure.
Eastwood made his feature film debut as his famous character, The Man with No Name, in Sergio Leone’sDollars Trilogy, which we also suggest for every newcomer to check out. The movie featuresa compelling story, unbelievable cinematography, and is topped off with a hauntingly beautiful musical score composed byEnnio Morricone.The Good, the Bad and the Uglyis arguably the best spaghetti Westerns of all time and while it is the final installment in Leone’s trilogy, it’s the perfect start to any beginner’s journey into the Western genre.
