Behold! Most-Wanted-Western-Movies.com presents the 20 Greatest Classic Western Movies of all time.
The list is growing with time and more feedback/ reviews from our visitors.
For me watching western movies, writing movie reviews and rating them is sheer fun. But ‘A man got to know his limits..’ ( Uncle Clint said once ). So the Classic Movies list is prepared after rigorous research on westerns, their popularity among masses and review ratings given by people/film critics.
So let’s get right to it. Let’s start from bottom to top of our Top 20 western films!
20. McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
Director: Robert Altman
Imdb rating: 7.3
Cast: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Rene Auberjonois
Plot: This slow brewing western is one of a kind. It’s realistic to its core. A budding mining town interests a gambler and a prostitute. They become partners in setting up a gambling/prostitution business. The business is all good, until a large corporation shows up seeking its share.
Imdb rating: 7.3
Cast: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Rene Auberjonois
Plot: This slow brewing western is one of a kind. It’s realistic to its core. A budding mining town interests a gambler and a prostitute. They become partners in setting up a gambling/prostitution business. The business is all good, until a large corporation shows up seeking its share.
19. My Darling Clementine (1946)
Director: John Ford
Imdb rating: 7.8
Cast: Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell and Victor Mature
Plot: Directed by John Ford, this classic western movie is based on the story of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral between the Earp brothers and the Clanton gang..Come on! you know the legend!
Imdb rating: 7.8
Cast: Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell and Victor Mature
Plot: Directed by John Ford, this classic western movie is based on the story of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral between the Earp brothers and the Clanton gang..Come on! you know the legend!
18. True Grit (2010)
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Imdb rating: 7.7
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin
Plot: When her father is murdered, a stubborn teenage girl seeks an unlikely partner, a drunk US marshal. Seldom there are remakes that can stand up to the original film. This is definitely one of them.
Imdb rating: 7.7
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin
Plot: When her father is murdered, a stubborn teenage girl seeks an unlikely partner, a drunk US marshal. Seldom there are remakes that can stand up to the original film. This is definitely one of them.
17. Winchester ’73 (1950)
Director: Anthony Mann
Imdb rating: 7.8
Cast: James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Stephen McNally
Plot: This is the first of eight classic westerns collaboration between Stewart and director Anthony Mann. Stewart searched for a stolen Winchester rifle through several owners until he finds the man he’s looking for.
Imdb rating: 7.8
Cast: James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Stephen McNally
Plot: This is the first of eight classic westerns collaboration between Stewart and director Anthony Mann. Stewart searched for a stolen Winchester rifle through several owners until he finds the man he’s looking for.
16. Little Big Man (1970)
Director: Arthur Penn
Imdb rating: 7.7
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Faye Dunaway, Chief Dan George, Martin Balsam, Richard Mulligan
Plot: This is as classic as it can get. An old man tells his incredible life story. He is raised by Indians, accepted by society and ruined by General Custer’s army. He tells it all.
Imdb rating: 7.7
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Faye Dunaway, Chief Dan George, Martin Balsam, Richard Mulligan
Plot: This is as classic as it can get. An old man tells his incredible life story. He is raised by Indians, accepted by society and ruined by General Custer’s army. He tells it all.
15. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Director: Sergio Leone
Imdb rating: 8.7
Cast: Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, Gabriele Ferzetti and Claudia Cardinale
Plot: Railroad is encroaching the wild west. Some are profiting from this development while some are losing their land to big sharks. To protect the helpless, there comes a rebel who stands against big guns. And joining the force is a mysterious stranger..who has his own reasons to stay in the fight.
Imdb rating: 8.7
Cast: Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, Gabriele Ferzetti and Claudia Cardinale
Plot: Railroad is encroaching the wild west. Some are profiting from this development while some are losing their land to big sharks. To protect the helpless, there comes a rebel who stands against big guns. And joining the force is a mysterious stranger..who has his own reasons to stay in the fight.
14. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Imdb rating: 7.8
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke
Plot: A peaceful Missouri farmer named Josey Wales sets out to avenge the brutal murder of his wife and son by a band of pro-Union Jayhawkers — Senator James H. Lane’s Redlegs from Kansas.
Imdb rating: 7.8
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke
Plot: A peaceful Missouri farmer named Josey Wales sets out to avenge the brutal murder of his wife and son by a band of pro-Union Jayhawkers — Senator James H. Lane’s Redlegs from Kansas.
13. The Ox-Bow Incident (1943)
Director: William A. Wellman
Imdb rating: 8.2
Cast: Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, Anthony Quinn
Plot: In 1998, for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, this classic western was selected by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The film was adapted from the 1940 novel of the same name, written by Walter Van Tilburg Clark.
Imdb rating: 8.2
Cast: Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, Anthony Quinn
Plot: In 1998, for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, this classic western was selected by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The film was adapted from the 1940 novel of the same name, written by Walter Van Tilburg Clark.
12. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Director: John Ford
Imdb rating: 8.1
Cast: James Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin and Vera Miles
Plot: The movie opens at a funeral. Fold by fold movie reveals the secret behind the man once who shot a feared outlaw Liberty Valance. Seriously folks, you gotta watch this. No more words!
Imdb rating: 8.1
Cast: James Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin and Vera Miles
Plot: The movie opens at a funeral. Fold by fold movie reveals the secret behind the man once who shot a feared outlaw Liberty Valance. Seriously folks, you gotta watch this. No more words!
11. Django Unchained (2012)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Imdb rating: 8.5
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L Jackson
Plot: A real treat for Tarantino fans. In a world set against black people, a free black slave is helped by an interesting German bounty hunter (played amazingly by Christoph Waltz) to rescue his enslaved wife from a cruel plantation owner from Mississippi.
Imdb rating: 8.5
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L Jackson
Plot: A real treat for Tarantino fans. In a world set against black people, a free black slave is helped by an interesting German bounty hunter (played amazingly by Christoph Waltz) to rescue his enslaved wife from a cruel plantation owner from Mississippi.
10. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Director: Kevin Costner
Imdb rating: 8.0
Cast: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell and Graham Greene
Plot: This is the journey of Lieutenant John Dunbar who finds himself standing where road to future splits in two. The story unfolds when we see Dunbar being sent to a remote outpost in the wilderness of the Dakota territory during the American Civil War. There he encounters and is eventually accepted into, the local Sioux tribe. Soon Dunbar earns himself a name, “Dances with Wolves”. His life gets drifted more towards tribal values than his army duties. Not soon after, the frontier becomes the frontier no more, and as the army advances on the plains, Dunbar is torn apart to make a decision that will not only affect him, but also the lives of the natives he now calls HIS people.
Imdb rating: 8.0
Cast: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell and Graham Greene
Plot: This is the journey of Lieutenant John Dunbar who finds himself standing where road to future splits in two. The story unfolds when we see Dunbar being sent to a remote outpost in the wilderness of the Dakota territory during the American Civil War. There he encounters and is eventually accepted into, the local Sioux tribe. Soon Dunbar earns himself a name, “Dances with Wolves”. His life gets drifted more towards tribal values than his army duties. Not soon after, the frontier becomes the frontier no more, and as the army advances on the plains, Dunbar is torn apart to make a decision that will not only affect him, but also the lives of the natives he now calls HIS people.
9. The Wild Bunch (1969)
Director: Sam Peckinpah
Imdb rating: 8.1
Cast: William Holden, Ernest Borgnine and Robert Ryan
Plot: In the changing “modern” world of 1913, a gang of old outlaws is trying to score a last job. But their retirement plans are as rusty as their guns. A modern western depicting end of the wild west.
Imdb rating: 8.1
Cast: William Holden, Ernest Borgnine and Robert Ryan
Plot: In the changing “modern” world of 1913, a gang of old outlaws is trying to score a last job. But their retirement plans are as rusty as their guns. A modern western depicting end of the wild west.
8. Stagecoach (1939)
Director: John Ford
Imdb rating: 8.0
Cast: Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy Devine, John Carradine
Plot: The Stagecoach tells the story of some interesting characters traveling in a stagecoach. The story is spiced up by the fact that Geronimo and his Apaches are on the warpath in the area. This was John Wayne’s first super hit movie.
Imdb rating: 8.0
Cast: Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy Devine, John Carradine
Plot: The Stagecoach tells the story of some interesting characters traveling in a stagecoach. The story is spiced up by the fact that Geronimo and his Apaches are on the warpath in the area. This was John Wayne’s first super hit movie.
7. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Director: George Roy Hill
Imdb rating: 8.2
Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross
Plot:Among the classic western movies based on the exploits of the historical characters, this one is a hilarious action western indeed. Butch and Sundance are the leaders of the ‘Hole-in-the-Wall’ Gang. Butch is the brain; Sundance is the muscle of the gang. Together they perform many adventurous robberies. But now the west is becoming civilized and the fashion of keeping outlaws in town is getting outdated. So now Butch has another idea, “Let’s go to Bolivia”. Watch last days of the outlaws of the wild wild west in this classic western. In 2003, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
Imdb rating: 8.2
Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross
Plot:Among the classic western movies based on the exploits of the historical characters, this one is a hilarious action western indeed. Butch and Sundance are the leaders of the ‘Hole-in-the-Wall’ Gang. Butch is the brain; Sundance is the muscle of the gang. Together they perform many adventurous robberies. But now the west is becoming civilized and the fashion of keeping outlaws in town is getting outdated. So now Butch has another idea, “Let’s go to Bolivia”. Watch last days of the outlaws of the wild wild west in this classic western. In 2003, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
6. Red River (1948)
Director: Howard Hawks, Arthur Rosson
Imdb rating: 7.9
Cast: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru
Plot: When his adopted son Matthew stands against Dunson, who is driving his cattle from Texas to Kansas along the Chisholm Trail, events turn unpredictable.
Imdb rating: 7.9
Cast: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru
Plot: When his adopted son Matthew stands against Dunson, who is driving his cattle from Texas to Kansas along the Chisholm Trail, events turn unpredictable.
5. Unforgiven (1992)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Imdb rating: 8.3
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett
Plot: An old time outlaw William Munny (Clint Eastwood) takes a last job in hand for the future of his kids. The others in the gang are; ‘The Schofield Kid’ and his old friend Ned (Morgan Freeman). Their employers are the prostitutes of town ‘Big Whiskey’ who are enraged after a few drunken cowboys cut one of their fellow prostitutes. The ONLY third western to win the Oscar for Best Picture following Cimarron (1931) and Dances With Wolves (1990). Full Review.
Imdb rating: 8.3
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett
Plot: An old time outlaw William Munny (Clint Eastwood) takes a last job in hand for the future of his kids. The others in the gang are; ‘The Schofield Kid’ and his old friend Ned (Morgan Freeman). Their employers are the prostitutes of town ‘Big Whiskey’ who are enraged after a few drunken cowboys cut one of their fellow prostitutes. The ONLY third western to win the Oscar for Best Picture following Cimarron (1931) and Dances With Wolves (1990). Full Review.
4. Shane (1953)
Director: George Stevens
Imdb rating: 7.7
Cast: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde, Jack Palance
Plot: Shane tells the story of a boy’s adoration for a mysterious stranger who comes to the aid of his family. Shane was listed #45 in the 2007 edition of AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies list and #3 on AFI’s 10 Top 10 in the category Western.
Imdb rating: 7.7
Cast: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde, Jack Palance
Plot: Shane tells the story of a boy’s adoration for a mysterious stranger who comes to the aid of his family. Shane was listed #45 in the 2007 edition of AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies list and #3 on AFI’s 10 Top 10 in the category Western.
3. High Noon (1952)
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Imdb rating: 8.2
Cast: Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Harvey Pell, Katy Jurado, Grace Kelly
Plot: Impeccable performances, tight knit script and witty dialogues are key components which make ‘High Noon’ stand apart from all classic western movies. Will Kane (Gary Cooper) is a town Sheriff. On his retirement and wedding day, he comes to know that a man named Miller, he sent to prison some years ago has just been released and on the way to this town to take revenge. Will the town Mr. Kane protected for years support him against Miller? Suck in some air and watch the scorching heat of High Noon. It’s gonna be tough!
Imdb rating: 8.2
Cast: Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Harvey Pell, Katy Jurado, Grace Kelly
Plot: Impeccable performances, tight knit script and witty dialogues are key components which make ‘High Noon’ stand apart from all classic western movies. Will Kane (Gary Cooper) is a town Sheriff. On his retirement and wedding day, he comes to know that a man named Miller, he sent to prison some years ago has just been released and on the way to this town to take revenge. Will the town Mr. Kane protected for years support him against Miller? Suck in some air and watch the scorching heat of High Noon. It’s gonna be tough!
2. The Searchers (1956)
Director: John Ford
Imdb rating: 8.1
Cast: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter
Plot: John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards an ex-army veteran, who returns from the Civil War to find out that the Texas ranch of his brother is destroyed and his family is massacred by Comanche raid under Chief Scar. He comes to know that Indians have taken away his niece Debbie. Ethan starts a years-long search for his niece along with his half Indian nephew Martin. On their journey they have to confront their own demons as well. The Searchers is a must watch for every die hard John Wayne movies lover and a nice catch in top 20 classic movie rentals.
Imdb rating: 8.1
Cast: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter
Plot: John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards an ex-army veteran, who returns from the Civil War to find out that the Texas ranch of his brother is destroyed and his family is massacred by Comanche raid under Chief Scar. He comes to know that Indians have taken away his niece Debbie. Ethan starts a years-long search for his niece along with his half Indian nephew Martin. On their journey they have to confront their own demons as well. The Searchers is a must watch for every die hard John Wayne movies lover and a nice catch in top 20 classic movie rentals.
1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Director: Sergio Leone
Imdb rating: 9.0
Cast: Eli Wallach, Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef
Plot: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly stands out in every aspect of a classic western movie and deserves to be on top of 20 movie rentals. Some people discard this film saying it’s a spaghetti western. But be it direction, acting, characters, background music, dialogues or camera-work, no other spaghetti western or western, comes even close to this movie. It’s entertaining, it’s violent, it’s hilarious..it has everything a classic western movie should have. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it yet!
Imdb rating: 9.0
Cast: Eli Wallach, Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef
Plot: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly stands out in every aspect of a classic western movie and deserves to be on top of 20 movie rentals. Some people discard this film saying it’s a spaghetti western. But be it direction, acting, characters, background music, dialogues or camera-work, no other spaghetti western or western, comes even close to this movie. It’s entertaining, it’s violent, it’s hilarious..it has everything a classic western movie should have. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it yet!
And there you have it Western film Freaks, the 20 Best Western Films. As usual, it is anticipated that the aficionados amidst us already have most of these films, either in a Netflix queue or in the coveted collection. Happy watching western movies!
How about 100 Riffles?
My top 5
1. The magnificent seven (remake)
2. The salvation
3. True grit (remake)
4. 3:10 to yuma (remake)
5. In a valley of violence
Are there any posable way i can rent Tombstone the movie in gauteng p or near brakpan
I am glad the “Magnifcent 7” was finally mentioned. I agree with “High Noon” as #l. Liked “Rio Bravo” and most John Wayne movies,also “The Sons of Kitty Elder” also staring Dean Martin. How about Wayne’s last movie, “The Cowboys”, about a bunch of little boys he takes on for a cattle drive when he can’t find any men to take on the job. Really good movie. No one mentioned a comedy western with Bob Hope & Jane Russel that keeps you in stitches, “Pale Face” and “Son of Pale Face”. Don Knotts did a remake of Pale Face that was good, “The Shakiest Gun in the West”. Just plain fun westerns. How about “Against a Crocked Sky” starring Richard Boone, a good family western, where he takes on a job to rescue a white girl stolen by Indians with help of the girl’s young brother brother. Very spell binding, a race against time with surprise ending. Another long forgotten & good western I saw as a teen in 1950s, “Hell Fire” with William Elliott & Meryl Oberson.
#1 ” TOMBSTONE ”
#2 ” BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID ”
#3 ” THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY “
‘ TOMBSTONE, ” THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY ” AND “BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID ”
ARE MY FAVORITES.
Where is Tombstone in your list?
How about the Magnificent Seven and the Big Country
High Noon, Shane, Valdez is Coming, The Magnificent Seven, Once Upon a Time in the West, and then all the rest.
I liked eye for an eyeand hannie caulder-
“Tombstone”, “Open Range”, “Comanche Station”, “Ride Lonesome”, “El Dorado”, “Lawman”, “The Big Country”, “Cowboys” These are some of the great westerns which should be in top 20.
JUst read through these lists, Glad that someone finally mentioned “Valdez is Coming”
Can someone tell me what western movie series would have been out around the 80’s. I remember my mom renting it as a kid but I was too young to remember and she doesn’t remember what it was called. It was not lonesome dove. I want to try to find this movie series for my dad for his birthday.
I’ll second The Assassination of Jessie James and add Blackthorne for a couple of modern classics.
Glad I saw someone else loved “Yellow Sky” as much as I did!
The good, the bad and the ugly. ( the best of the best) I watched it when I was a child, good memories.
Clint Eastwood was the ultimate Cowboy to me….most of his westerns proved to be the Top 10…I am afraid rest of the best start from 11 th position only!
Two movies belong on the list:
1. For a Fistful of Dollars
2. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
I would also mention 3 old westerns 1. “The Bravados” starring Gregory Peck 2. “The Professionals” starring Lee Marvin 3 . “Apache” starring Burt Lancaster
The list is great! Can someone help me identify and old western maybe from the 40’s or 50’s I saw it when I was about 10 I’m 63 now? The story I remember goes like this ! There is a wagon train surrounded by Indians on top of a plateau. A group of I think confederate soldiers or maybe just a bunch of outlaws ( it was a long time ago its very muddled sorry) help them to survive the Indian attack. I remember a little dog is part of the outlaw party and at the end, he dies as well shot with arrows, they lead the Indians away from the wagon train people and all die to save those people. I kinda remember right at the end Union soldiers who come to help the wagon train people to get free of the Indians They recognize the bravery of the outlaws who died for the others they give them a military tribute and burial . I have never forgotten this movie it had such a great story. Can anyone help identify the name of this old movie I’ve been looking for it for 53 years lol please help me to know it’s name? Thanks!
On 1 thing all of u people agree i guess.. what ever list u make “The Good The Bad and The Ugly”.. must be on top…. there wasnt any western movie which can relpace from being it on number 1 .
I find it difficult to rank champagne Westerns but I would include: Tombstone; Wild Bunch; Django; Unforgiven; 3:10 to Yuma; Jack Bull; Outlaw Josey Wales; Young Guns; Jesse Wales;
to webmaster. very nice , all cowboy-action packed movies Good list. These are all great films
My top ten:
1. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (1966). – Eastwood, Wallach, and Van Cleef”s ensemble performances second to none.
2. Rio Bravo (1959) – Great performances from The Duke, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Walter Brennan. Angie Dickinson has wonderful chemistry with Wayne throughout the film and “My Rifle, My Pony, and Me” Martin/Nelson Duet just makes the movie that much greater.
3. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – The Duke and Jimmy Stewart… Need I say more.
4. The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) – The Duke and Dean Martin. Classic film
5. The Searchers (1956) – Directed by John Ford. Another John Wayne classic. Classic rescue tale.
6. Hang ’em High (1968) – You find out what happens if you hang Clint Eastwood and you don’t make sure he’s dead.
7. For a Few Dollars More/ A Fistful of Dollars (1962 & 1964) – The first two installments in the “man with no name” trilogy. Combined the two cuz they are both classics and definitely worth the watch.
8. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – Sergio Leone directed and starring Charles Bronson. Need I say more.
9. True Grit (1969) – Classic tale about the lengths a young girl and her hired gun will go to get revenge. Only Oscar winning performance for The Duke. The remake not too shabby either but the original is a classic.
10. Unforgiven (1992) – Only Western on here from my era. Another Eastwood classic starring and directing the Western legend.
Trinity movies were awesome!!!!!
Agree!
My once upon a time in West is best
Johnny. You know what you talking about. The best movie by far.
Fonda acting is incredible and charles Bronson wow. Claudia how pretty she was.. The camera in that movie is incredible, the big scenery, the eyes closeshot of Bronson. Name it. The 7th Art truly..
I watch the movie twice a year
Dario
My favorite movie are once upon a time in West. And this movie is tops. So what you think?
Two great films which I don’t know if anybody mentioned were Howard Hawks “Rio Bravo”- I mean come on: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Ward Bond, Walter Brennan, Angie Dickinson. The scene where Martin and Nelson are singing is perhaps the only memorable scene of a John Wayne movie that he is not in. Also we’ve mentioned Peck in “The Big Country”, and rightfully so, but how about his film from 1950 called “The Gunfighter”.
The most stupid movie I saw in my life: “Dances with Wolves”. What to say about a man who refused a nice indian woman and choosed sleeping with wolves? Stupid. My top list start with “Once Upon a Time in the West”.
I haven’t seen the following two mentioned that have very powerful elements.
Hombre
The Ballad of Cable Hogue
Also the original John Wayne True Grit was about ten times better than the Beau Bridges version
Hombre was a great movie. I enjoyed it
i think one of the best ever
a movie: about 3 brothers 2 get killed and the 3rd comes back for revenge. Does anybody know about this movie,
The salvation
Yes!!! So good!
My own favourites are Dances With Wolves, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Tombstone, and….Back to the Future 3 (I know it isn’t a full on western, but it celebrates everything I like in a western). I’m not an out and out western fan, but there are certain types of westerns that pull me in (ones with big spaces, charismatic leading actors, nasty baddies, great music, and a bit of humour if possible).
If Lonesome Dove was a three hour movie, I would put it right up there as well.
Agree 100% on DWW, Tombstone, and Lonesome Dove. In fact, I would make Lonesome Dove 2,3,4, and 5 right behind The Searchers at #1. 🙂
You might enjoy Open Range (Costner and Duvall) and Broken Trail (Duvall and Thomas Haden Church).
yes broken trail; the searchers; dances w/wolves and last of the dogmen are all good those are my 4 favs.
I’ve just read most of the comments here, wow I still cant stop laughing. everybody seems right with there comments. I think we need a list of 2,000 westerns, I just love them. to many good ones. not enough bad. Some body should start a list of the worst one’s when this discussion is over. (but I don’t think it will ever end)
Ian (Canada)
This movie the big man is fantastic….
Good list. These are all great films. But there’s been a few films released in the last couple of years that should be on here too. There’s a list here that ranks the best modern westerns of the past 20 years. The genre is far from dead!
http://thefilmbox.org/top-10/ten-best-modern-westerns/
Good list. A lot of these movies are must see for fans of westerns. I also found a smiliar list, a sequal of sorts, on the ten best “Modern” westerns made since the 90’s. Many of these recent westerns can go toe to toe with the classics listed here. Would love to see that shoot out. 🙂
http://thefilmbox.org/top-10/ten-best-modern-westerns/
Clearly Once Upon a Time in The West should be number 1. Hands down. What about the remake of 310 to Yuma.
Agreed on the Wild Bunch. Also Open Range was great. These would be my top four.
I’m a long time western fan and like most of the films mentioned here. But was blown away when I recently saw Open Range on Netflix. I’m not even a fan of Costner but the cinematography, locations, plot and acting in this are fantastic, especially Robert Duvall.
Johnny. You know what you talking about. The best movie by far.
Fonda acting is incredible and charles Bronson wow. Claudia how pretty she was.. The camera in that movie is incredible, the big scenery, the eyes closeshot of Bronson. Name it. The 7th Art truly..
I watch the movie twice a year
Dario
MY FAV MOVIES CANYON PASSAGE SHANE DEVILS DOORWAY BOTH TRUE GRITS HANGING TREE NORTHWEST PASSAGE ALL THE LONESOME DOVE MOVIES AND SERIES. THERE WONT EVER BE WESTERNS MADE IN THE OLD TRADITIONAL WAY AGAIN AND VERY FEW YOUNG PEOPLE WILL EVEN WATCH THE ONES WE AS FANS LOVE SO MUCH
C’mon Now,
How can you leave out the movie with two legends who had songs written about them. Bing Bell (someone at the door?) and Stubby “index” Finger. John Astins classic ‘Evil Roy Slade’. Just kidding, not a classic, but a funny spoof.
I agree that Good Bad and Ugly is tops . I think Once Upon a Time in the West should be 2nd followed by The Magnificant 7. My Darling Clementine too slow– no action not to be in top 20.
Agree wholeheartedly!!!
Good Bad & Ugly is just that. Must over-rated movie of all time. For my part I’d sooner choose:
1) Shane
2) Big Country
3) The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
4) The Searchers
5) Unforgiven
6) She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
7) Winchester ’73
8) Hidalgo
9) Stagecoach (original)
10) 3:10 to Yuma (both versions)
NO High Noon! It was the only western to make the top 20 when the top 100 movies of all time were listed by the American Film Institute.
By the way, Friendly Persuasion is nothing to sneeze at.
Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, Outlaw Jose Wales, Pale rider, High Plains Drifter are also tops.
Some of my favorites:
Lawman
Seven Men From Now
No Name on the Bullet
The Gunfighter
Johnny Guitar
3:10 to Yuma (both versions)
Open Range
Ramrod
I thought My darling clementine was a bit slowish and Unforgiven feels like a redo of outlaw josey wales but I would add The longriders and maybe The cowboys ( For a few dollars more is MY all time favorite but that’s a personal thing)
Just watch Hatfields and McCoys move series from history chanel. Great movies, keeps you intrest, lots of action. must see
“Shawn { 02.11.12 at 8:26 am }
Love this list, but I would probably replace Little Big Man and Dances With Wolves with Rio Bravo and The Proposition”
How can you even THINK about removing dances with wolves from this list?!?
What is a movie end with Mexican soldiers hung 3 gunman on a tower of church?
zorro
Breakheart Pass and Death Hunt by Charles Bronson should be included here. I agree with The Good, The Bad and the Ugly be on the first spot since it is still the all time most popular western movie worldwide aside from its story with complete package of drama, comedy and action.
Just found your site and see you missed a series of movies that is by far the all-time funniest western series/spoof ever filmed. I love the Trinity series with Terrance Hill!!!
I agree with the Trinity movies. Thanks for bringing them up.
Some amazing movies on that list. I really like The Searchers. Too many people leave that off the list.
I am looking for an old western (pre 1970) that was shot mostly in first person. This is what I mean. There is a scene where a cowboy is sliding across a wire (or something) from a second story window from one building to another window in another building on the first floor. We the audience are right behind him as he slides across from one building to another. Meaning we exit the window with him and enter the second also with him.
I beg of you. What Western movie did the Tough Guy unflap
something below the saddle, and he had 3 rifles to choose from
for a distance shot. Mid late 70s. Same time frame, a tough Bad guy chugs from a boiling hot coffee pot, hanging above campfire,as he rides into town (to tear it up) THANKS!
That would be “A few dollars more”. Second movie of the ‘dollars’ trilogy starring Clint Eastwood. The gunman you were refering to was Lee van Cleef.
I saw that movie. Had Gen Hackman in it. Don’t remember the name, but it was a good flick!
I believe it is “For a Few Dollars More”
I’m a little late…think you’re looking for Lee Van Cleef in ” For a few dollars more” with Clint Eastwood.
Great list, but with a major flaw only. How can you list the 2010 remake of True Grit rather the original one, 1969, featuring John Wayne in the performance that gave him the Oscar. I say the original classic must be on the list, not the copy, even being a good copy, with great performances. Regards.
I agree 100% the original is far better than remake
17. The Big Country (1958)
Th is one is the ….
HI, I’m the National Westerns Examiner and interview actors in Westerns. My current interview with with Robin Weigert, aka Calamity Jane in Deadwood. Let’s connect, partner!
Best,
Sue
Love this list, but I would probably replace Little Big Man and Dances With Wolves with Rio Bravo and The Proposition
Hello! …All you Classic Western Fans and Cowboy lovers…This is Film Buff Glenn with another amasing Story…I have been hearing this stuff on Actor Clint Eastwood for too many months, so I have decided to give my opinion on this Man of Legend…
[HERE’S WERE I STAND WITH “CLINT”]
Clint Eastwood is a Great Actor, Great writer, and he was a Mayor in some town in California…However, I do not follow the Hollywood Hip-Hoppers… Mr. Eastwood is not a Good Director…..How this got started I will never know…Come on Folks – Let’s be realistic…The only Movie that Clint shows some Great Directing is [” THE FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS – 2006 ” ]…..His Producing is ok! – but, I’m not crazy about it…Here’s the Letter Grades!!!
ACTING : A
WRITTING: A
PRODUCING: B-
DIRECTING: D-
PERSONALITY: A+
His 10 Greatest Movies:
1) The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly – 1966
2) Kelley’s Hero’s – 1972
3) Bronco Billy – 1975?
4) Heartbreak Ridge – 1976?
5) The Unforgiven – 1992
6) Alcatraz – The True Story 1978
7) A fistfull of Dollars – 1964
8) The Outlaw – Josey Wales – 1981?
9) Joe Kidd – 1979 [GREAT WRITTING]
10) Dirty Harry – 1973
You are a loner on Directing. And your list suggest that you have not seen a lot of movies by Clint Eastwoods
Name some More Famous Cowboys and their Horses:
Part II
Bruce Dern******* ” CREEPER ” Outlaw
Ben Cartwright**** ” MOLLY ” Bonanza
James Gardner****” SLEEPER ” Maverick
Richard Boone**** ” DIAMOND ” Paladine
Randoff Scott***** ” MISTY ”
Chuck Connors*** ” SNOOPER ” The Rifleman
John Wayne***** ” APPLEHEAD ” (THE DUKE)
James Arness**** ” WILLOW ” GunSmoke
Michael Landon** ” SUNBURN ” Bonanza
Alan Ladd******* ” MILKBONE ” Shane
Any other names: Contact me at;
smithglenn007@yahoo.com
Name some Famous Cowboys and their Horses…
Gene Audtry***** “CHAMPION ”
Roy Rodgers***** ” TRIGGER ”
Clinton Moore**** ” SILVER ”
ZORRO********** ” SHADOW ”
Clint Eastwood*** ” HORSEY “
My Gaud you’re a true Spaghetti Western buff ….LOL
Fun discussion. Frankly I would not have ranked The Searchers in my Top 10 — just not a great movie. My top five would be:
1. The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
2. Unforgiven
3. Once Upon a Time in the West
4. High Noon
5. Hang em High
I’ll bet you are under age 35.
I agree Hang ‘Em High should be on the list. However, I am baffled that Rio Bravo is not on there, and is the one Western that comes to mind that has to be on here. Rio Bravo has to be one of the best Westerns ever made. Not only a great performance from The Duke but also a great performance from Dean Martin and a young Ricky Nelson who is pretty good in this classic himself. Not to mention Nelson and Martin sing a duet that just adds to the greatness of this film. Walter Brennan is classic as Stumpy and Angie Dickinson solid as the lead female role that being John Wayne’s love interest. Rio Bravo has humor, action, quick witted one liners, violence, and superb acting, simply a film you must see. It should be on this list without a doubt and if you’ve never seen it… Please get right on doing that. (Rio Bravo 1959 2 hr 21 min.) **** (4 stars)
Are these movies sub-titled?
Hello! Classic Western Fans…I forgot one more movie that was lost during the years and, is now available on DVD and in living color…The original Film was shot in Black & White…Here it is!!!
WINDCHESTER 76 1955? James Stewart, Shelly Winters, Dan
Duryea, Will Geer, and some other
Great movie Stars…
This movie touches on real life…The Conflict between two Brothers…This movie has great Acting and Great Directing…There are some real violent Scenes in this movie, which is very early in gender if you know what I mean…There’s some Fantastic Acting from Jimmy Stewart…Does anybody know if Jimmy ever got an Oscar???…Saddle-up and come see this Movie…….
Thankyou;
Glenn E. Smith Jr.
Classic Westerns – Film Buff
Rating: {****} Four Stars
My Favorite Cowboys!
#1 John Wayne – THE DUKE
#2 Clint Eastwood – My Horse doesn’t like you!!!
#3 Jimmy Stewart – I’m out for Justice!…Not Lawlessness!
#4 Randoff Scott – Stick’en Up! Or I’ll blow your Brains out!!!
#5 James Garner – Don’t get Mad…Play Poker…
#6 James Arness – We have two ways to settle this…We can shoot
this out or you can surrender but, you’ll hang
from a noose anyway…
#7 Don Blocker – From Bananza…Ge Pa! I’m Hungry!!!
#8 Chuck Connors – You maybe a Fast Gun, But, I’m the Fastest
Rifle Shot in Norfork…
#9 Gary Cooper – Don’t worry…I’m the Possey…
#10 Eli Wallach – ” NOBODY CROSSES TUCO; AN LIVES TO TALK
ABOUT IT… ALSO, IF YOUR GOING TO SHOOT
SHOOT!!!…….DON’T TALK!
Thankyou;
Glenn E. Smith Jr.
Classic Westerns – Film Buff
Tampa, Fl 33618
If Gary Cooper is not on your list you really are not a fan of westerns.
Last one …IF YOU’RE GONNA SHOOT…..is my all time favourite
what about Charles Bronson in Once upon a time in the west about the horses- You brought two, too many
Hello! all You Classic Western Fans… Three Movies that have been lost during the Years…
What ever Happened to???
THE BIG COUNTRY 1959 Gregory Peck, Byrl Ives, Chuck Connors…An excellent Performance by Ives; as a ticked-off Rancher who’s Cattle is being Shot…{*****}
THE COWBOYS 1967 John Wayne, Bruce Dern, Wayne gets killed in this movie… {***}
CHINO 1975 Starring Charles Bronson…..Bronson plays a Runagade Indian off the Resvervation… Great Film {****}
Thankyou;
Glenn E. Smith Jr.
Classic Westerns Film Buff
Tampa, Fl 33618
I must say this is the Best list I have come across. Many people wouldn’t think of new True Grit as a classic yet, but it is. It swept so many Oscars that it will be remembered as one of the best movie Coen Brothers made. McCabe & Mrs. Miller is another great listing. No doubt Sergio Leone’s master piece ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ deserves to be at top ..forever.
Great list dude!
i didnt see robert redfords film on the list….Jeremiah Johnson. great film, great story but some people say its too slow. i like to think it just takes you on the journey with him as he tries to live his life in peace in the wilderness.
Lots of great movies on this list, but any list with ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ at #20 instead of in the top 3 is not credible.
what about “Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox?…
Off beat Early Richard Widmark, “The Fiend Who Walked The West” A cowboy serial Killer
This is one of the best western list I have ever seen. Its nice to see that someone likes and rates the same kind of western films that I do. Obviously no two are going to agree on a complete list of 20. I would agree with most all, with the exception of moving one or two up or down a couple of spots. The only one I completely disagree with is Little Big Man. How can Little Big Man be at 15 when Lonesome Dove, One Eyed Jacks, or Val Kilmer’s “Tombstone” is not on the list. I understand that all three can’t make it, but when comparing any of the three to Little Big Man, they are the better Western. Also, in your opening statement you said that the western film had to be a “classic” in order to make the list. Bridges’ True Grit is hardly a classic in terms of age, but I agree that it should be on the list. Just don’t let that term classic keep Tombstone or Lonesdove off the list.
Great rating for #1 GBU and #2 Seachers. Its also nice to see Chuck Heston and the Big Country on the list. Winchester 73 the best of the Director Mann and Stewart combos, nice call.
I saw a movie in the early 70s that ended with the white haired, white bearded old sheriff or marshal walking out into the street and all the men in town were on the rooftops and all started firing. He knew it was going to happen. Nobody I’ve ever asked remembers that movie. I don’t remember the title and can’t find any references to it online. Anyone know it?
A Top 20 Westerns category MUST include—“The Unforgiven” with Burt Lancaster, “Hombre” with Paul Newman, “Valdez Is Coming’, and the recent “Open Range”.
One Eyed Jacks!
I have a question for all of you who love westerns.
There was a movie , might have been a TV movie. About a gang, after the civil war that robbed throughout the movie. All I remember, is the ending. The whole gang gets held up in a barn by the American Army. During there escape, they are all shot.
Most people say it is the movie “The Wild Bunch”. I don’t remember that one ending with them all in a barn at the end. Can anyone confirm or tell me the movie.
Thank You
Stalking Moon with Gregory Peck is a superb movie. ( Good call Don). The Dakotas TV series (with Jack Elam naturally) dealt with some remarkable social issues before it was pulled for excessive violence.
Not a Western but the essence of all westerns he appeared in….Jack Elam!
My all time favs are Palance in “the Lonely Man”, R. Wagner in “White Feather”, Gable in “The Tall Men”, R. Reagan in “Law and Order”; Peck in “the Bravados”; R. Scott in “Wagon Wheel”, Stewart in the “Far Country”….to name just a few of really interesting wetern classics. I didn’t see not even one mentioned in your top 2o.
Hi, I just drop by these ‘best’ list pages, not to argue my preferences, but to find titles I’ve missed and can look out for – and there were a few! I’d like to add a name myself, even though it’s a modern overlap of the Western, which I hope some of you’ll will enjoy, and that’s Thunderheart. Can I also let RF know that ‘The Beast from Hollow Mountain’ also has a dinosaur, but it’s nowhere near as good as ‘Gwangi’ 🙂
Didn’t anyone like “Two Mules for Sister Sarah”?
Loved it! Felt so sorry for the mule at the end of the film.
A Western has a big hole in it if there is no one who is the BEST at SOMETHING. Kevin Cosner the pistolero in “Silverado”, recall the double kill in front of the saloon? Mathew Quigley with the long gun in “……Down Under”; “the sight is calibrated up to 1200 yards, this one shoots a might further”. and John Wayne “any flick”, at plain ole ass-kicking.
There had to be somebody why could be unfailingly depended on.
Ed Heath
COWBOY (1958) with Glenn Ford and Jack Lemmon, a sleeper, but a good western.
where is “appalusa”.
Being born in 1935 and watching a few movies in my day, makes me an expert on westerns. Everybody rode a horse and everybody carried a gun. The Treasure of Sierra Madre was a great movie but hardly a western. Here are a few that qualify because they included the boring, monotnous, dirty job being a cowboy entailed. “When ya’ can’t do nothin’ else, that’s when you git to be a cowboy!” Here’s my three inclusions and if you haven’t seen these films, you have missed a great showcase of Americana.
“Red River” John Wayne and Montgomery Clift
“Hombre” with Paul Newman and a hand full of great character actors
The Culpepper Cattle Company” with a whole cast of actors we never even heard of…. and that’s the beauty of it.
“Viva Zapata” Marlon Brando…. and about a million more.
I think Shane is one of the all time greats. It is also interesting that Treasure of the Sierra Madre is up there because I love that movie but never considered it a western, even though it has all the touchstones.
Funny that nobody talked about
Nevada Smith
Django
God bless all of you for takin the time to comment. I love westerns and every one of you hit the nail on the head! This put a huge smile on my face.. It is interesting to see the age diff. of everybody by which you pick. Widmark, Stewart, Bogart, Newman, Audey, Bronsen, Duke, Clint. We are lucky to see ’em.
I have some mild beefs with the list, both inclusion and order. My Top 5 are The Shootist, The Searchers, TGTB&TU, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and The Magnificent Seven. For fans of the last, I recommend yo see the original, The Seven Samurai.
A few westerns I’ve enjoyed that I didn’t see mentioned are The Cheyenne Social Club, Cheyenne Autumn, and Drums Along the Mohawk.
” see there Lagge … you pull his teeth he’s harmless as a heel-hound . I always wanted to face down one of those big pistol fighters everyone’s making a fuss about ” . The Outlaw Josey Wales has almost as many memorable quotes as The Godfather movie .
High Noon – # 1 – by a mile
Winchester 73…in the top 25!
Very nice list but most, if not all, of the folks posting reviews are confusing Eastwood’s movie “Unforgiven” with Burt Lancaster’s movie “THE Unforgiven.” I won’t give the plot away, except to say it ranks with Josie Whales as my favorite western move. If you have never seen it (it came out in 1960) wrap you mind around this cast: Lancaster, Audrey Hepburn, Audie Murphy who proved that he could act, John Saxon, Charles Bickford, Albert Salmi, Doug McClure, and two show stoppers, Lilian Gish (in her 80’s) and Joseph Wiseman — one of the best character actors ever.
The movie was the first Western to confront racism head-on in a sophisticated way. A stunning movie that I think everyone would enjoy. Sadly it has been obscured by Eastwood’s magnificent movie.
And thanks to Sprock for remembering “Viva Zapata,” and Dom remembering “The Stalking Moon,” and Teah “The Big Country” — a movie that should not be left off any list whatsoever. And all of you who remembered “One Eyed Jacks,” “McCabe and Mrs. Miller,” “The Misfits” and “Ride With the Devil.”
John D Morvant, Albuquerque
Red River and The Searchers are the top two ever. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a piece of crap.
The Cowboys ??
The War Wagon ??
Young Guns
As you can see, the problem is that 20 just doesn’t cover it. I would absolutely include Lonesome Dove and Open Range.
Open range has the best shoot out ever filmed. I believe it to be very accurate.
I think that most would agree that Shane, The Searchers, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon are the top three, in no particular order. Shane and The Searchers are often in the conversation of the “BEST MOVIES” (all genres) of all time.
Great fun with many good suggestions. Too many to rate fairly. Put “Garden of Evil” on the list and then watch and enjoy’em all.
How about:
My Darling Clementine or The Oxbow Incident??
1) G B &U
2)Magnificent 7
3) Vera Cruz —– Gary Cooper & Burt Lancaster
4) The Mark of Zorro —-1940 Tyrone Powers
5) Bravados —- Gregory Peck & Henry Silva
6) Will Penny——Charlton Heston
7)Fist full of Dollars—-Eastwood
8) For a few dollars More
9) Once Upon a Time in the West
10) Gun Fight at the OK Corral ——- both versions
11)MacKenna’s Gold —–G. Peck & allstar cast
12) Shane
13)Jesse James —- Ty Powers & Henry Fonda
14) The Professionals
15)The fastest Gun Alive
16) Major Dundee
17) Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
18) Lonesome Dove——tv
19) Have Gun Will Travel —–tv
20) The Virginian ——- tv — James Dury& Lee J Cobb
Oh yeah…..Don’t forget “Winchester 73,” with James Stewart, Dan Durea, and Stephen McNally. Or “Duel In The Sun,” with Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones, and Joseph Cotton.
What about “The Plainsman,” with Gary Cooper as Wild Bill Hickcock? And Jesse James with Tyrone Power and Henry Fonda? Aand the Lonesome Dove series……That was a great series.
“One Eyed Jacks” Marlon Brando………..The best ever!
1. Lonsome Dove
2. Outlaw Josey Wales
3. Shane
4. Wild Bunch
5. Tombstone
Don’t forget movies, which I consider classics, with James Stewart and Richard Widmark: Cheyenne Autumn, Two Rode Together. Also other movies with James Stewart: How the West was Won, The Far Country, The Man From Laramie and others.
What about john Wayne’s ” Red River “?
all good movies but has anyone seen Silverado? (lots of big stars)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller – hard to beat – should be released on Bluray
u forgot Alveraze Kelly, William Holden, Richard Widmark, that has to be a classic
Two mules for Sister Sara, Pale Rider and Quigley Down Under are three movies I didn’t see on the list. I admit to being a Clint Eastwood fanatic, but Tom Selleck does a great job in Quigley. Josie Wales is my all time favorite but I can’t argue with The G B and Ugly choice. In this we see Clint gain his famous Poncho in a rare moment of compassion. Eli Wallach is amazing in this movie (whoever messes with Tuco and leaves him alive, knows nothing of Tuco). See you at the big round up in the afterlife.
the three top western stars for me are, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Tom Selleck and Robert Duval. Has anyone seen the movie Windwalker?
I loved Henry Fonda’s “My Name is Nobody”. It kept me laughing out loud.
Just a heads up. The year of “Rio Bravo” is incorrect.
It came out in 1959 not 1950.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053221
Why is Lonesome Dove not listed it is probably the best of all time !
what about Audie Murphy and Glenn Ford movies
Without a doubt:movie-Red River and T.V.-Paladin
I ant your paw boy–get ready little mama hell is comming to breakfast. Josey wayles hands down the best.
What about Warlock with Henry Fonda, Richard Widmark, Anthony Quinn? What about Last Train to Gun Hill with Anthony Quinn and Kirk Douglas? What about Man without a Star with Kirk Douglas? Shane was mentioned but I liked Warlock best!
“The Oxbo Incident” 1951? Henry Fonda
I had the fortune of seeing this film 5 – times.
I’m not sure what year it was made – but I read the book while I was in Highschool… This is a powerful movie about HUMAN INJUSTICE Towards Humanity and Civilization… This movie concentrates on Lynch Mobs and Red neck Beliefs. When the wrong people are in control and 3 Innocent men are Accused of Murder the wrong type of Blind Justice is Inflected… A Great acting Performance by Fonda and this movie should have been made in color… Great Directing, and Acting sends us to the edge of our seats…Taking Justice into your own hands is not an Easy Street to be on… Anyway come see this movie. A movie that has a Suprise and many wrong turns
of improper Justice…
Glenn E. Smith Jr.
Classic Westerns — Film Buff
( **** ) Four Big Stars
I love all the ones you mentioned and most of the ones others have mentioned. Perhaps the list should be broken down to the best John Waynes, the best Clint Eastwoods, the best Roy Rogers , the best in a certain time period, etc. There are just too many really good ones to say which one is number one in and of it’s self.
Anyone else ever see Water hole number three?
I wouldn’t put in the top ten but it was funny as hell.
What about TOMBSTONE?
cowboy…de BEST
i miss cowboy movies
cowboys de best
hiiiieeeeeharrrrr
A ton of great movies. Tough choices. There’s a more modern day flick I don’t think any body mentioned. Last of the Dogmen with Tom Berenger & Barbara Hershey is an interesting story worthy of taking a look at.
Tombstone was not only the best western ever made it is incredibly historically accurate. It is number 1 and everthing else is a distant second.
Shane is my top pick. Winchester 73 with Jimmy Stewart is worth consideration. The unique story follows a gun in the old west.
Wait a minute! You cannot have a cowboy movie without cows!! How about the movies “The Rare Breed” or “The Cowboys?”
Definitely forgot Red River, otherwise no beef with it
The Quick And the Dead; 1995, Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio.
Blazing Saddles # 1
Lonsome Dove has to be the Best Western of all times!
The Outlaw Josey Wales is by far my favorite. One of the most classic movies lines ever, is when the bounty hunter comes back in the saloon and says “a mans got to make a living” and Clint replys “diein aint much of a living boy”. It doesnt get much better than that. Just my opinion.
Sorry–“Cimmaron”
What about “Cimerron?” Awesome, epic film about the land rush!
One eyed Jacks with Marlon Brando, Slim Pickens and Karl Malden. A true classic.
why wait, is it to inflamatory.the truth is what it is. i’am vet (viet nam) and i love john wayne movies
all the westerns are top 20’s.the genre is pure american period! those mentioned plus james stewart,randolph scott,joel mccrea james garner and many,many more-all of them,good plots or bad–good period.john waynes the searchers,eastwoods josie wales and costners open range,gary coopers the westerner.john waynes decision to not enlist had several reasons.one he was past the age cutoff,even though some other actors were also.clark gable side gunner b17 flying fortress,james stwart pilot b24 liberator both heavy bombers and others.but wayne did his part by bringing home the war to a grateful nation. this is an opinion by the person on his favorite westerns.it is not a and i repeat not a POLITICAL forum.keep your very biased views to yourself.if you need further comments by me, my email is willysgasser47@hotmail.com
what happened to Lonesome Dove? In my opinion, none better.
My Darlin’ Clementine, The Westerner, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Fort Apache, Tender Mercies, Man in the Wilderness, Nevada Smith, The Hangin Tree, Paint Your Wagon, The Oxbow Incident, The Big Sky, The Plainsman.
Sorry if someone else has offered this suggestion but what about Missouri Breaks – Marlon Brando is spectacular as the eccentric regulator and Jack’s the ‘kin man! cheers y’all
Nice suggestions everybody. I love to see that there so many of us who are passionate about this genre of cinema. Keep pouring in your suggestions , the final list will be bigger and better. 🙂
what happened to Roy Rodgers and Gene Autry? When I was a kid, they were the best/
Wait a minute! You’re making a spaghetti western number one??
And why have you left out, TOM HORN, LONESOME DOVE, and HOMBRE……Steve McQueen, Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, and Paul Newman? These are three of the best ones ever.
Siverado should be mentioned. The opening scene in the theatre from dark to light is excellent.
And forget all these old movies; just watched Outlaw Josie Wales for the umpteenth time. The perfect cowboy movie.
one word “Tombstone”
Audie Murphy made some Great Westerns..was disappointed that none of his were mentioned.
“The Big Country” was the best western ever made. My second favorite was Cat Ballou. I somewhat enjoyed the spaghetti westerns, but in essence they were all the same.
10 of the Greatest Westerns according to me — Glenn E. Smith Jr. #1 THE SEARCHERS 1956 – COLOR
#2 HIGH NOON 1953 – B&W
#3 DANCES WITH WOLF’S 1990 – COLOR
#4 GOOD, BAD, AND THE UGLY 1966 – COLOR
#5 THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
1962 – B&W
#6 RIO BRAVO 1959 – COLOR
#7 JOE KID 1975 – COLOR
#8 DODGE CITY 1939 – COLOR
#9 OPEN RANGE 2004 – COLOR
#10 TRUE GRIT – 1969 – COLOR – JOHN WAYNE
check out
Havens Gate with Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, John Hurt and Broken Trail – Robert Duvall
“HIGH NOON” 1952 B&W This is one of the Classic Westerns in
which you have a Classic SHOOT-OUT , The Sheriff against
the out-laws… Nobody could play this Sheriff like Gary
Cooper… The Movie touches on real life situations… The
Miller Gang is coming to town to Gun down Sheriff Kane
for putting him in Jail for 14 Yrs. Sheriff Kane cannot get
anybody in the town to stand with him against these
Outlaws… But, what really shakes up the Screen is Kane’s
Deptuty played by Lloyd Bridges… His best friend
Chicken’s out at the last moment…In real life a Town’s
people should Back and Endorse their Sheriff…Miller
and his Gang are not just coming to town to Gun Down
the Sheriff; There going to take over the Town as well.
This is one movie I stand with Law and Justice in the
Big Shoot-Out toward the end of the movie… A great
performance by Grace Kelly, this was her last movie
but that’s another Story…Great Suspense with fear of
the Outlaws … Also, Great Directing,with Writting makes
this movie worth seeing. The background Western Music
is classic and fits the Scenes Perfectly… So, Saddle up
your Horse and come see this Movie…
Thankyou;
Glenn E. Smith Jr.
Classic Westerns
Film Buff
(****) Four Sheriff Badges
If you like stories that evolve over a period of time check out Into the West (6 part), Centennial (12 part),North and South (15 part), Lonesome dove series,chronological order Dead Mans Walk, Comanche Moon,Lonesome Dove, Return to Lonesome Dove,Streets of Laredo, all great viewing, worth the watch
” The Searcher (1956)
This movie was ahead of it’s time… one of the Best John Ford films ever made. John Ford takes to the Edge and almost
drops us off… A powerful movie about Hatred and Racism… They
were all Searching for the meaning…Also, one of the best of acting of John Wayne… His Character of Ethan Edwards and how
he deals with stress and hatred of the indian…Your sister has been kidnapped by indians and half your family has been wiped
out…When you see this movie you Search deep within yourself.
My # 1 Movie
Thankyou;
Glenn E. Smith Jr.
Western Film Classics
Film — Buff
(*****) Five Stars and Beyond…
Great Day for a Hanging with Fred McMurray
I didn’t see Tombstone or Wyatt Earp there. Anyway, Shane is the best western ever.
one forgets how many good westerns there are, great suggestions everybody
Ride the high country
The ox-bow incident
Hombre
The big country
Yellow sky
The hired hand
Magnifcent 7 was better than most an not mentioed at all.
Your opinion of course on the selections. Some I’d put on, but others I’d leave off. I did notice that the silents were left out all together. What about The Great Train Robbery, Hell’s Hinges, Straight Shooting, The Iron Horse, and Tumbleweeds?
Guys, thanks for such great suggestions and info about the movies you want to see on this list. This list is a under re-work and we are also trying to expand it to accommodate most of your suggestions. Keep watching westerns ! 🙂
I don’t like John Wayne. I don’t watch his movies. He was a draft dogger in WWII and spent a lot of his life after the war making war movies to try and have people forget that he was a draft dogger.
Not a big fan either. He called High Noon anti-American as an anti-American. He has a great stage presence as an actor but not a great man.
How about the Russell Crowe version of “3:10 to Yuma.” I thought that was a great western.
some say they didn’t like it,… I did. Some say they loved it,.. I didn’t. but thanks for the list I’ll check them all out!
Even though it was made for TV number one on my list has got to be “Lonesome Dove”, it just doesn’t get any better. Just my humble opinion.
definitely you miss
NEVADA SMITH
Glenn Ford, “The Fastest Gun in the West.” I loved it as a kid, I love it now!
Sons of Katie Elder,Angel and the Bad Man and John Wayne’s True Grit. All mentioned are good though.
Blazing Saddles, yah, one of Mel Brooks greatest.
They Died with their Boots On(1941). Historical error/fabrication from the opening scene. Classic example of Hollywood schmaltz; ignoring the truth and producing undifgestible pap. An insult to American History, Errol Flynn, and George Custer!
Dances with Wolves(1990) A plot rip-off of A Man Called Horse(1970). Too many anachronisms: Mullets and Shag hairstyles in the 1860’s!. Historical crap ala Costner, who lost control of his movie to the incompetent re-ensactors. One of Hollywood’s most over-rated movies ever. ! Garbage is still Garbage, despite the pretensions!
THE STAKING MOON
Tonbstone, The Outlaw J.W., Lonesome Dove, Eastwoods-The Unforgiven, Silverado, Streets of Laredo, Open Range, The Good The Bad The Ugly, Pale Rider, another sorta one-Quigly Down Under…..Val Kilmer should have won an Academy Award for his role in Tonbstone, and I’ll fight any man who says differentlly! “I’m your Huckelberry”
Duel in the Sun–killer western–so is Giant with James Dean-both are great stories.–Hombre with Paul newman and Richard Boone.–Try Cat ballou-Lee marvin won his academy award for that one-Blazing Saddles is genius comedy-heddly lamar-and Mongo and Slim Pickens-yahoo cowboy!!–But my fav has always been the Searchers-John Wayne was downright mean and a racist in the movie. Really down to earth western with Wayne riveting on the screen everytime he appears-His line That’ll be the day is from thast movie
So many great westerns. Top twenty is just a personal opinion poll.
Bring em on Pardner !!!
I think the movie “J” is trying to name is Purgatory–Eric Roberts was the head of the “bad guys”. My personal favorite that was not on the list, but that a few people mentioned is The Big Country–great photography, wonderful music, outstanding cast, and a classic plot.
Gunfight at the OK Corrall was always #1. It is not even on your list. Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, come on now boys….
You have to be kidding, “Red River” and the Lancaster/Marvin/
Ryan/Palance film “The Professionals” should be on this list.
too many clint movies, check out ‘seven men from now’ and ‘ride the high country.”
What about Jerimiah Johnson,or even The Cowboys?
does anyone know the name of a Western from the early 1950’s or so-the hero is an outlaw being taken in, his lawman captor dies in accident, the hero outlaw impersonates the lawman, at the end of the movie the hero outlaw is revealed and about to be hung on a dark night in town when a stranger rides into town and he is saved by the fast guns of “the names Jesse…Jessie James.” Bullet filled finale! (Jessie was his friend partner at movie beginning, I think.)
If u could email me the answer at twilightsmith@hotmail.com
I’m going 2 throw my 2cents in this CONTROVERSY first by asking…Did ANYONE see the movie Hour of the Gun with Garner & Robards? This was done POST MAVERICK and showed a different side of Garner as a Western Star when he potrayed the Dark side of Earp. As for this list several of these films should not be on this list. If “Treasure” made the list then why not Grapes of Wrath? Neither is what is considered a classic Western, unless being west of the Mississippi make them…WESTERNS. Today with the special effects the Movies put you in the action while “Yesterday” you were more involved in the story, when the 10 gallan hats didn’t come off in the Bar fights.(Smile) Here are my selections, not in order of being the best 1-25,… just GOOD WESTERNS.1) How the West was Won-2)The Wild Bunch -3) The Searchers-4)The Professionals-5)Rio Bravo-6)Once Upon a Time in The West-7)Gunfight @ the OK Corral-8)The Unforgiven-9)Tombstone-10)Hour of The Gun-11)The Magnificent Seven-12)Open Range-13)Silverado-14)The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly-15)Last of The Mohicans-16)Dances wth Wolves- 17)The Alamo-18)Quigley Down Under-19)One Eyed Jacks -20)High Plains Drifter-21)True Grit-22)Fistful of Dollars-23) Red Sun-24)McClintock & 25) The Ox Bow Incident. Yeah, I know it’s the TOP 20 but…!(smile)
winchester73 very good western
what about The LongRiders
Tombstone definitely needs to be on this list ! It delivers classic western struggles on so many different levels and Val’s performance was epic, as was Kurt Russels !
Thanks all for so many suggestions. We are in process of building a TOP 50 list to accommodate all the classics. Keep watching westerns.
tombstone has to be top 20 and last sumari
Starting right now on AMC—-JERAMIA JOHNSON
“Viva Zapata” – more mexican than The Magnificant Seven, but so enhanced by the presence of the magnificant Marlon Brando.
Where’s Streets of Laredo? I think that this is the best.
the young guns?
What about ” Open Range “
Haven’t seen a western like Red River ever.
Eastwood was wonderful. Mix was certainly a pioneer. Cooper was top notch, of course High Noon and the forgotten Plainsmen.
The Duke was in a league of his own.
What about 1991 Conagher? The list here is got some oddites in it. Sam Elliott makes a great cowboy.
I am a real fan of both tombstones, just got back from there as matter of fact. I also read another comment on the remaking of True Grit, and this is not a remake of John Waynes classic, it is a better depiction of the book itself.
DANCES WITH WOLVES should NOT have made the cut, but THE PROFESSIONALS and JOHNNY GUITAR (and maybe even RANCHO NOTORIOUS) should have. And no RIO BRAVO? Are ya kidding me, pilgrim? (And, just for the fun of it, I’d throw in VALLEY OF GWANGI–come on, cowboys and dinosaurs–what a combination!)
I THINK EVERYONES CHOICE WAS GREAT BUT FEEL IT ORDER TO GIVE GREATER SUBSTANCE TO THE SUBJECT YOU SHOULD HAVE STARTED WITH THE 100 TOP CLASSIC WESTERN MOVIES
I for one would have like to seen LONESOME DOVE, TOMBSTONE, AND YOUNG GUNS all on this list. Imo good, bad, and ugly is not number one/
“Ride The High Country” should be on that list.
I’ve seen every western since Tom Mix and Hopalong Cassidy rode the range. Whilst I do believe many in your collection are deserving of a place there is no way I would have put The Good The Bad and The Ugly at number One. It didn’t even rate as high as A Fist Full of Dollars or A Few Dollars More.
For total credibility and all round sincerity my top five would have been The Big Country, Open Range, Unforgiven, Shane, The Alamo.
Eastwoods spaghetti westerns were entertaining but hardly credible.
i can not believe not a single person has even mentioed the fact that Tombstone wasnt even mentioned….tsk tsk
“True Grit” should have NEVER been remade. This is a prime example of Holly wood running out of ideas, so they remake crap to keep untalented actors and actresses making gobs of money for nothing. Seems like Hollywood is following the music industry into oblivion and death.
they missed “The War Wagon”
the assasination of jesse james by that coward robert ford! come on it doesn’t get better than this!
Good taste for the top two, should be The Outlaw Josey Wales and The Searchers. Over-all, a good list though.
what ever hapened to BLAZING SADLES that used to be in the top 10, excellant movie and very funny
I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS NOT ONE MENTION
OF A LITTLE (BIG) 1958 MOVIE STARRING ICONIC ACTORS…..
GREGORY PECK,CHARLTON HESTON,BURL IVES,JEAN SIMMONS
ETC. EVER HEAR OF…..”THE BIG COUNTRY”…. FOLKS?”
The list is not complete J.K., we are still collecting info and trying to consolidate into one page ! Patience! 🙂
I just watched the True Grit remake 3 times in a row! What a triumph!
a true story, Hidalgo now thats a true winner
My husband and I continue to enjoy the superb pairing of Mel Gibson and James Garner in “Maverick” especially because we’re old enough to remember Garner in the original “Maverick” TV series! Jodie Foster adds more drama, and the the Indian slapstick is rib-tickling
The only thing that makes the Italian westerns any good was Eastwood….to me they are more notable for contrived plots and gimmicks and corny acting. Red River is a glaring ommission as are Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.
they died with their boots on
What happen to ‘Legend of the Fall’ Brad Pitt
I love them, was my first influence I begin with my first drawings painting on the floor those tv series like; Bonanza, Randal, The Rush Riders, The Broken Arrow, The Great Chaparral, The Man of Rifle, Rin Tin Tin, etc., I love those wonderful years
How about 3:10 to Yuma(Russell Crowe-Christian Bale) and Marlon Brando’s One-Eyed Jacks.
Bad Company should make this list before the treasure of sierra madre. And what about Glen Ford?
What about ” my name is nobody” henry fonda and terrence hill…..if no one has seen it, it’s an awesome movie…..
Anyone for Silverado?
The best western I have ever seen is one that makes none of the lists. It is Valdez Is Coming with Burt Lancaster. A real sleeper. Worth a look.
The Cowboys
Guys,
Im looking for this movie cant rem the name no r the actors.. story i rem vaguely .. cowboy sorta after robbery the gang moves thru some cloudy spooky dawn on horses.. end up in a small town peacful, but this gang spoils the peach.. later one gang member realises these town people are once dead and to be some known gunmen cowboys etc..
?? “Gunfight at th4e OK Coral” B. Lancaster & K. Douglas ..Top Five !
And how about “True Grit” with John Wayne, OR Jeff Bridges? I like them both! However, Bridges did try to do his own t hing with the character and I think he did a marvelous job!
This list is really good, but has anyone thought about “Tombstone” being on it? With Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, and Bill Paxton? I guess maybe in 20-30 years this one will be on the list of new “Old” classics!
Any thing with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood is great but “Where is Silverado?”
Red River an obvious omission and surprised that no one mention the exclusion of The Ox Bow Incident with Henry Fonda!
i can’t believe you left off some of the jimmy stuart classics
Let’s not forget Pale Rider, Tin Star, Warlock, Last Train From Gun Hill, Lawman, Monte Walsh, Will Penny, Tom Horn, Tell Them Valdez Is Coming and My darling Clementine
Great List! Please send some of them to my mail address, I will be grateful.
I agree, you forgot many pictures; high noon is one of the best, red river, the professionals.
I find this: in the long history of the movies, only three have been honored with the Oscar as Best Picture: Cimarron (1930), Dances With Wolves (1990) and Unforgiven (1992)
Hope to be appreciated a Wild Bunch
I think High Noon is #1 and the searchers #2, I agree that Red River should be included on this list.
I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I got to the top of the list and found the best western movie so far: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. No other western movie comes close to this superclassic effort on the part of the writers , director, and actors.
The title of the movie Jan Brown is looking for is ‘The Hallelujah Trail’, starring Burt Lancaster an Lee Remick.
Red River has always been my favorite western. The interplay
between John Wayne and Montgomery Clift with John Ireland
in between trying to make peace between father and son is dramatic. Surprisingly, it is JoAnne Dru who steals the picture with a dress down of the proud combatants. The picture has everything a movie should have: sound dialogue, a riveting story, a build up to a famous action scene at the end, and John Wayne as a renowned rancher. It grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. BRAVO!!!
yep yep … I have to agree, couldn’t help but look at this list and think about young guns
Quigley Down Under should be in this list. A great Tom Selleck western with Alan Rickman as the villan.
You forgot the Professionals with Lee Marvin,Burt Lancaster and Woody Strode. I don’t consider Treasure a western.
We’re searching for the old movie about the guys going to Denver? to get whiskey before the bad winter that the old Indian is forcasting sets in. The Women’s Temperance Union get s involved as well as the Indians. It’s hilarious but we don’t know the title. Could you help us, please? Thanks! Jan
Looks like a good list. I would have put “The Searchers” with John Wayne in the Top Five and I would have put “High Plains Drifter” with Clint Eastwood in the Top Ten.
Western movies are among my favorites, I have seen them all…something I used to do with my Grandpa growing up. You’ve got a pretty good list there, but I think the #1 spot should have been Red River…Eastwood is a great actor, but he’s no John Wayne.
i am a lover of western movies. I would like to also see among your top 2o list, which is quite good, the movie ‘ ONE SILVER DOLLAR’ starring Montgmomerry Wood. there were some movies starring Anthony Stephen , the names of which i have forgotten. Well it’s good to know there are some old timers still around. All the best.
its more of a eastern because its based in australia, but ‘the proposition should be on this list’ we need some new western flicks, like the remake of true grit, boom baby
If you watch Stagecoach, it is full of Western cliques, but they weren’t cliques in 1939. It’s nice to see it recognized, but I would have loved to see it higher, since every Western since has been influenced, either directly or indirectly, by Stagecoach. Snobbery attack!
not a bad list at all, I certainly feel as if Rio Bravo has been left out though, it is certainly one of the 5 best westerns I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.
Great list, but it’s missing ‘Fistful of dollars’ and ‘For a few dollars more’.
Seriously, how come ‘fistful’ isn’t in this list? It’s the definitive Eastwood ‘Man with no name’ film. And the score is incredible.
Nice top, but where’s “For a few dollars more” ??
It deserves IMHO the 2nd place…
I think you forgot Red River, it’s got to be in the top 20…
Great Collection
I can’t wait to see some of these classics. Thanks! Please Please Please add to your list YOUNG GUNS! One of my all time Favorites!!
Thanks for this great list! Glad to find all cowboy-action packed movies at one place..