Admittedly, any list purporting to be the “best” of anything is going to be subjective and this list is no exception. There will be people who will be convinced that I have lost my mind to include a particular movie on this list, and others who are just as convinced of my mental defects because I didn’t include a particular movie. So, right out of the gate, I’m expecting disagreement, controversy, name-calling, and maybe even some shootouts in the street at high noon.
I have included one film which is not technically a Western. Westerns are generally considered as taking place during the last half of the 19th century. This film is loosely based on an incident in the life of someone that took place in 1823. The movie, however, contains elements and themes that are common stock in the Western genre of film and literature. I’ve also included several titles that were each aired as a mini-series, not as individual films, but I saw no reason to discriminate based on length.
So, here you have it. My list of the twelve best Western movies – EVER! If you have one that you think should be in the top twelve, but isn’t, make your case for it in the comments below.
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Mike,
It is an interesting list. I have only seen 2 of these. You make them sound pretty good. I am ready to start the popcorn and settle in for a while. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Cami, I’m glad you enjoyed the list, and I’m especially glad that I could steer you on to some movies you weren’t familiar with. Pop a lot of popcorn; you’ve got quite a night of great Western movie watching ahead of you.
Yes, you are quite right good Sir! Lol.
Interesting list, Michael. It’s notable that only 4 of your choices are from the ‘classic’ western era, which I would define as 1939-1976. You like the post 1976 stuff better than me, and mini-series. And its obvious ROBERT DUVALL is your man!
Thanks for checking out my list, Andrew, and for commenting. You’ve got me figured out. I think Duvall is the quintessential cowboy. His characterization of Gus McCrae is probably the best performance in all of movie history.
1.Unforgiven
2.The Good the Bad and the Ugly
3.The man who shot Liberty Valance
4.Rio Bravo
5.The Searchers
6.red River
7.Stagecoach
8.Once Upon a Time in the West
9.Highnoon
10.My Darling Clementine
11.Hell or High Water
12.No country for Old Men
You have a couple of interesting choices on there. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is one that I’ve watched multiple times, as is Rio Bravo. As a modern Western, No Country for Old Men would be a good choice. Maybe I should do another list for modern Westerns. Thanks for your comment.
1. Once upon a Time in the West
2. The Searchers
3. The Magnificent Seven ( 1960)
4.Open Range
5. Tombstone
6. Red River (1948)
7. The Man from Laramie
8. Unforgiven
9. How the West was won
10. Hang ’em High
Thanks, Karim. Another great list. I’m beginning to think I should have found room for Tombstone. Maybe I should have made it the 13 Best Western Movies.
1. Unforgiven
2. Once Upon a Time in the West
3.good Bad and the Ugly
4. For a few Dollars more
5. Hang em high
6. Tombstone
7. Shane
8. The Searchers
9. Nevada Smith
10. Outlaw Josie Wales
These are all good ones, Lynn. I actually thought about expanding my list so I could include a few of these, but once I start doing that, there’ll be no end to it. Thanks for your comment.