The vast frontier may have faded from living memory, but the Western spirit lives on in the form of movies and television. Sure, the genre rode off into the sunset decades ago, and we rarely see Westerns play out on the big screen now, but streaming services have opened the doors to the dusty trails and cinematic vistas once more, allowing old fans and new to rediscover the charm of Westerns.
Netflix, in particular, is a goldmine for Westerns. While the platform is rightfully known for churning out buzzworthy TV series, it has also stocked up on Westerns to get accustomed to the changing tastes of audiences. True fans of the genre know that it’s not just about six-shooter showdowns and sweeping backdrops; Westerns have evolved with time and filmmakers continue to subvert tropes and deliver movies across all mediums. This list looks at some overlooked epics on Netflix that pack a substantial amount of entertainment, as well as the grit and grandeur of the Old West.
9 Strange Way of Life (2023)
Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke lead this recent Western as Silva and Sheriff Jake, two old friends reuniting after 25 years when Silva rides into Jake’s small Wild West town. Their reunion is bittersweet, but as it turns out, Silva’s visit is not just about rekindling their friendship but also about helping his son, Joe, who might have just killed someone, escape. As they navigate their complex relationship, the movie draws in on a tense and emotional climax.
Challenges Traditional Western Tropes
A Spanish-language Western romance, Strange Way of Life packs a powerful punch in its short runtime of 31 minutes. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and was praised by critics, who called it “a queer Western with a hint of kink.” Its exploration of love, regret, and redemption feels both familiar and refreshing. Pascal and Hawke deliver strong performances and make the rich and layered narrative more intense and dramatic than ever.
8 Concrete Cowboy (2020)
Caleb McLaughlin’s first leading role in a feature film, after gaining fame for playing Lucas Sinclair in Netflix’s Stranger Things, sees him as a fifteen-year-old Cole, who is sent to live with his estranged father in North Philadelphia. Struggling to fit in, he ends up discovering a vibrant community of Black cowboys and learns more about their rich tradition and of horseback riding. Cole grows closer with his father and the local riders and finds a new sense of belonging.
Takes a Gallop in a New Direction
Unlike traditional Westerns, Concrete Cowboy offers a unique take on the genre by introducing an urban environment and having the main character learn new ways, embrace an unfamiliar life, and leave his previous path of rebellion behind.
Director Ricky Staub delivers a movie that is thought-provoking, uplifting, and lesser-known. Its themes of family, culture, heritage, and redemption are at the center of the narrative, with Idris Elba and McLaughlin’s father-son duo delivering truly praiseworthy performances.
7 The Killer (2017)
Originally titled O Matador, The Killer is a Brazilian Western written and directed by Marcelo Galvão. It takes place in the lawless badlands of early 20th-century Brazil, through the eyes of Shaggy, an assassin who was raised in isolation by a bandit named Seven Ears. When the bandit disappears, Shaggy takes it upon himself to venture into town and look for him. He ends up in a place ruled by Seven Ears’ previous employer, the tyrannical Monsieur Blanchard.
A Slow-Burn Worth Discovering
Galvão’s underrated Western stands out for its intense storytelling and the ability to make an unoriginal premise so engrossing to watch. The lush cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the Brazilian landscape, while the complex narrative delves into themes of identity and revenge. Diogo Morgado is a graceful lead, who adds to the movie’s appeal. And yet, The Killer remains underappreciated outside Brazil.
6 My Heroes Were Cowboys (2021)
My Heroes Were Cowboys is a heartfelt documentary that revolves around Robin Wiltshire, a famous horse trainer who turned his life around after finding peace and purpose in the iconography of Hollywood Westerns. Robin grew up with a troubled past, but after he discovered the art of horse training, his life transformed for good. The movie chronicles his journey from childhood to becoming a renowned horse trainer for movies and TV.
A Heartwarming Tale of Redemption
Directed by Tyler Greco, My Heroes Were Cowboys captures what goes on behind the making of the most glorious Westerns. It is a movie about passion and dedication, about one man’s quest to find meaning through his love for horses. The gorgeous cinematography and the touching tone highlight Robin’s journey and his deep bond with his horses. The short runtime does nothing to diminish the timeless spirit of the West.
5 Legends of the Fall (1994)
Spanning nearly 50 years, from World War I through the Prohibition Era, Legends of the Fall is set against the rigged backdrop of 1920s Montana. It follows the lives of the Ludlow family, led by Colonel William Ludlow, who left the army and is now living in the wilderness with his three sons – Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel. As WWI looms and the brothers enlist, the family faces a tragedy and a love triangle that threatens to tear the family apart in a heart-wrenching manner.
A Shakespearean Saga of Family
Directed by Edward Zwick, Legends of the Fall is an epic post-war tale of the frontier. It is based on a novella of the same name written by Jim Harrison, and just like the source material, the movie combines elements of romance, drama, and the harsh realities of returning from the war.
Brad Pitt’s wild and free-spirited character becomes the focal point of the narrative, with Anthony Hopkins, Julia Ormond, and Aidan Quinn offering incredible support. Despite winning critical acclaim, the movie remains underrated because some find its plot melodramatic. But that’s exactly what makes it worth watching.
4 Thar (2022)
Directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary and starring Harshvardhan Kapoor in the lead role, Thar transports you to the desolate Thar Desert of Rajasthan. It follows Siddharth, a mysterious antique dealer, who arrives in a remote village plagued by brutal killings, and crosses paths with veteran cop Surekha Singh, who has been diligently investigating these murders. Soon, Surekha realizes that Siddharth is seeking to avenge a personal tragedy.
Looks at the Western Genre Through an Indian Lens
Thar is a visually striking and criminally underrated movie on Netflix. Its deft combination of Western and noir genres is evident in the slow unraveling of the truth and depiction of harsh desert life. The ominous landscapes and the reflection into each character’s psyche create a haunting atmosphere until the very end, when a simmering showdown occurs. Anil Kapoor and Fatima Sana Shaikh deliver magnetic performances opposite Harshvardhan’s standout lead. Although predictable, Thar deserves recognition for its dialogue, cinematography, and tense action.
3 The Harder They Fall (2021)
Westerns went out of mainstream popularity decades ago, and yet, certain modern stories continue to stand out because of their reimagining of conventional tropes that make the genre so beloved. The Harder They Fall is one such tale of Nat Law, an outlaw seeking revenge against Rufus Buck, who murdered his parents. When he discovers that Buck is being released from prison, Love assembles a gang of outlaws to take him and his ruthless gang down.
Bold, Stylish, and Star-Studded
Unlike other films on the list, The Harder Than Fall is filled with shootouts, betrayals, and a climactic showdown that neatly wraps the tense plot twists. Under Jeymes Samuel’s careful direction, and with a predominantly Black cast, the dynamic story envelops you in an atmosphere of revenge and violence. Magnetic performances from Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, and more, elevate the story to new standards, almost making it feel like a Sergio Leone classic.
2 Rango (2011)
An action-packed animated Western praised by critics for its “savvy humor,” Rango follows the adventures of a pet chameleon who accidentally ends up in an Old West-like town called Dirt, which is in need of a new sheriff. The gritty, gun-slinging, lawless ways of Dirt force Rango to think on his feet and he pretends he’s a tough cowboy. He quickly becomes the town’s unlikely hero, but Rango must navigate challenges like a water crisis and a menacing rattlesnake.
A Unique and Whimsical Adventure
Rango is a delightful animated movie that pays homage to classic Westerns while adding its own quirky twist to the genre with the help of a playful and adventurous protagonist, voiced incredibly well by Johnny Depp. It honors the roots and subverts genre tropes by delivering vibrant animated landscapes, witty dialogue, an interesting assortment of supporting characters, and a memorable ending.
Who knew a chameleon’s animated journey could pack a punch so powerful? Despite winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, though, Rango is overlooked while considering great Westerns.
1 The Quick and the Dead (1995)
In the Western genre, women have primarily had roles in the background. The Quick and the Dead is among the select few that turns the patriarchal West on its head by telling the story of a mysterious gunslinger, known only as “The Lady,” who arrives in the dusty town of Redemption to participate in a deadly quick-draw tournament. Other contestants include a former outlaw named Cort and a young man named The Kid. The Lady’s true motive, however, is to avenge her father’s death at the hands of the town’s sadistic mayor and the tournament’s organizer – John Herod.
Sam Raimi’s Hidden Western Gem
Director Sam Raimi brings his signature irreverent stylings and tense atmosphere to this fast-paced Western from the 1990s. Entertaining from start to finish, it deconstructs the classic quick-draw trope and infuses it with a modern flair, lighting edits, inventive visuals, and a playful sense of humor.
Sharon Stone headlines a terrific cast made up of Gene Hackman and Leonardo DiCaprio, who each relish the chance to channel their grittier selves. The Quick and the Dead performed poorly at the box office, but it has gained a cult following since.
