The Best Western Movies Ever Made

The Searchers

This movie, based on the novel with the same title, was a great hit. With a $3.75 million production budget, it quickly earned $5 million, which was a significant sum in 1956. Since that date, Warner Bros made several more millions on this production.

• Released: 26 May 1956 in USA in
• Runtime: 119 min
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations.

Story/Plot: An American Civil War veteran embarks on a journey to rescue his niece from the Comanches.

was Written by and directed by .

The Wild Bunch Doubled Budget

The 60s brought a revolution in the cinema, and westerns became one of the most profitable genres. Sam Peckinpah, director of this movie, proved that the $6 million budget could be doubled just within few months after the premiere.

• Released: 19 Jun 1969 in USA in
• Runtime: 135 min
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $638,641
• Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 6 nominations.

Story/Plot: An aging group of outlaws look for one last big score as the "traditional" American West is disappearing around them.

was Written by and directed by .

Stagecoach

The great film Stagecoach that tells a story of strangers traveling along the dangerous Apache trail brought them both international fame and money. It is considered to be one of the most important works in the Western genre.

Stagecoach was Written by Ernest Haycox (original story), Dudley Nichols (screen play) and directed by John Ford and produced by Walter Wanger Productions, Inc..

• Released: 03 Mar 1939 in USA in
• Runtime: 96 min
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 7 nominations.

Story/Plot: A group of people traveling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo and learn something about each other in the process.

was Written by and directed by .

High Noon

Beautiful women, ruthless killers, and a conflicted small town in the middle of nowhere – High Noon creators knew how to make a good western. Even though it brought bankruptcy for the United Artist studio that released it, it gave extra millions for MGM that got right for this production.

• Released: 30 Jul 1952 in USA in
• Runtime: 85 min
• Genre: Drama, Thriller, Western
• Rated: PG
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 4 Oscars. Another 13 wins & 10 nominations.

Story/Plot: A town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at high noon when the gang leader, an outlaw he sent up years ago, arrives on the noon train.

was Written by and directed by .

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Created in 1962, this western brought fame to Paramount studio. So far, this is one of the most revered films of this genre. The estimated production cost reached $3.2 million, and ticket sales brought over $8 million for Paramount.

• Released: 22 Apr 1962 in USA in
• Runtime: 123 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: Not Rated
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 2 nominations.

Story/Plot: A senator returns to a western town for the funeral of an old friend and tells the story of his origins.

was Written by and directed by .

Rio Bravo

The presence of two of the greatest western actors, John Wayne and Dean Martin, highlighted the movie with the biggest box office in the 50s. Warner Brothers invested $1.25 million into this production, but the studio got much more in return from sales of the tickets to watch this epic tale.

• Released: 04 Apr 1959 in USA in
• Runtime: 141 min
• Genre: Action, Drama, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $12,535,000
• Awards: Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations.

Story/Plot: A small-town sheriff in the American West enlists the help of a cripple, a drunk, and a young gunfighter in his efforts to hold in jail the brother of the local bad guy.

was Written by and directed by .

How The West Was Won

This movie closed the great era of MGM Studios. MGMs investors needed to get a profitable movie to remain competitive. Fortunately for them, $15 million invested turned into a $50 million box office. For that time, it was an enormous amount! How the West Was Won became the last profitable MGM Western.

• Released: 20 Feb 1963 in USA in
• Runtime: 164 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: G
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $76,729
• Awards: Won 3 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 5 nominations.

Story/Plot: A family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the nineteenth century - including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads.

was Written by and directed by .

McCabe And Mrs. Miller

Warren Beatty and Julie Christie played leading characters in this $1 million production. Created in 1979, it was not considered a Western back in the day and was mainly missed by critics. Investors got their money back mostly because of Leonard Cohens soundtrack.

McCabe & Mrs. Miller was Written by Edmund Naughton (novel), Robert Altman (screenplay), Brian McKay (screenplay) and directed by Robert Altman and produced by Warner Brothers.

• Released: 08 Jul 1971 in USA in
• Runtime: 120 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 3 nominations.

Story/Plot: A gambler and a prostitute become business partners in a remote Old West mining town, and their enterprise thrives until a large corporation arrives on the scene.

was Written by and directed by .

True Grit

This production is proof that Westerns can earn big money. With an estimated budget just under $1 million, True Grit went on gross well over $30 million. That means that this film brought 30 times more than investors spent on the production.

• Released: 22 Dec 2010 in USA in
• Runtime: 110 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: PG-13
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $171,243,005
• Awards: Nominated for 10 Oscars. Another 37 wins & 159 nominations.

Story/Plot: A stubborn teenager enlists the help of a tough U.S. Marshal to track down her father's murderer.

was Written by and directed by .

The Big Country

Even though the United Artists Studio no longer held the right to this production, it took special pride in this movie. The plot is considered ahead of its time, but surprisingly, the film was not very profitable.

The Big Country was Written by James R. Webb (screenplay), Sy Bartlett (screenplay), Robert Wilder (screenplay), Jessamyn West (adaptation), Robert Wyler (adaptation), Donald Hamilton (novel) and directed by William Wyler and produced by United Artists.

• Released: 01 Oct 1958 in USA in
• Runtime: 166 min
• Genre: Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations.

Story/Plot: A New Englander arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between two families over a valuable patch of land.

was Written by and directed by .

Fort Apache

John Ford is an actor who does not have to be introduced to anyone. He also was a star of the Cavalry Trilogy. The first part, Fort Apache, wasnt a financial success for the production, but it certainly secured John Fords title of the Western star.

• Released: 14 Jun 1948 in USA in
• Runtime: 128 min
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: 2 wins & 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: At Fort Apache, an honorable and veteran war captain finds conflict when his regime is placed under the command of a young, glory hungry lieutenant colonel with no respect for the local Indian tribe.

was Written by and directed by .

Blazing Saddles

Mel Brooks, the main actor and co-writer of this movie, brought new, witty humor to the genre. $2.6 million of estimated production budget turned into a $119.6 million box office, making Blazing Saddles one of the most profitable westerns ever.

Blazing Saddles was Written by Mel Brooks (screenplay), Norman Steinberg (screenplay), Andrew Bergman (screenplay), Richard Pryor (screenplay), Alan Uger (screenplay), Andrew Bergman (story) and directed by Mel Brooks and produced by Warner Brothers, Crossbow Productions.

• Released: 07 Feb 1974 in USA in
• Runtime: 93 min
• Genre: Comedy, Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $119,601,481
• Awards: Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations.

Story/Plot: In order to ruin a western town, a corrupt politician appoints a black Sheriff, who promptly becomes his most formidable adversary.

was Written by and directed by .

The Magnificent Seven

Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Yul Brynner, and Steve McQueen were the main actors of this revolutionary production. Even though it was a great success, it didnt bring in a huge box office. However, its legendary status remains, and it was selected as a part of the United States Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

The Magnificent Seven was Written by William Roberts (screenplay) and directed by John Sturges and produced by United Artists.

• Released: 12 Oct 1960 in USA in
• Runtime: 128 min
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Western
• Rated: Approved
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

Story/Plot: Seven gunfighters are hired by Mexican peasants to liberate their village from oppressive bandits.

was Written by and directed by .

McClintock!

In this witty western, John Wayne played the role of a rich mining baron, interested in local women, except his ex-wife, played by  Maureen OHara. This production made $4 million, and it gave John and his son Michael, who was a producer of McClintock!, a little fortune.

• Released: 13 Nov 1963 in USA in
• Runtime: 127 min
• Genre: Comedy, Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: 2 wins.

Story/Plot: Wealthy rancher G.W. McLintock uses his power and influence in the territory to keep the peace between farmers, ranchers, land-grabbers, Indians and corrupt government officials.

was Written by and directed by .

The Outlaw A Beauty On A Haystack

It was 1943 when Jane Russell gave a new, more glam spark to westerns movies. An iconic picture of the actress on a haystack was very controversial for those times. The Outlaw actually brought $5 million box office, with a budget of $3.4 million.

A Big Win For Westerns Westerns Could be Big Hollywood Productions

• Released: 07 Nov 1946 in USA in
• Runtime: 116 min
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Western
• Rated: G
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: N/A

Story/Plot: Western legends Pat Garrett, Doc Holliday and Billy the Kid are played against each other over the law and the attentions of vivacious country vixen Rio McDonald.

was Written by and directed by .

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid

Robert Redford and Paul Newman were the main reason people rushed to theaters to see this western. Because of this, $6 million of the estimated cost of production gave a $102.3 million return. The story about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid became another blockbuster.

• Released: 24 Sep 1969 in USA in
• Runtime: 110 min
• Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, Western
• Rated: PG
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $102,308,889
• Awards: Won 4 Oscars. Another 17 wins & 15 nominations.

Story/Plot: Wyoming, early 1900s. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid are the leaders of a band of outlaws. After a train robbery goes wrong they find themselves on the run with a posse hard on their heels. Their solution - escape to Bolivia.

was Written by and directed by .

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

The story of three men who are looking for gold became legendary. Close-ups and long shots that Sergio Leone used in that movie are considered unique, and modern filmmakers often take inspiration from this film. This masterpieces production budget was $1.2 million, but it brought much more in profits.

• Released: 29 Dec 1967 in Italy, Spain, West Germany, USA in
• Runtime: 178 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $25,100,000
• Awards: 2 wins & 6 nominations.

Story/Plot: A bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.

was Written by and directed by .

Once Upon A Time In The West

Once Upon a Time in the West, or in Italian: Cera una volta il West, is an epic Spaghetti Western, which refers to the successful subgenre of films of Westerns that were directed by Italian directors. Once Upon a Time was directed by Sergio Leone and featured Henry Ford as the villain, which was a cast against type.

Once Upon a Time in the West was Written by Sergio Donati (screenplay by), Sergio Leone (screenplay by), Dario Argento (from a story by), Bernardo Bertolucci (from a story by), Sergio Leone (from a story by) and directed by Sergio Leone and produced by Paramount Pictures.

• Released: 04 Jul 1969 in Italy, USA in
• Runtime: 165 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: PG-13
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $5,321,508
• Awards: 4 wins & 5 nominations.

Story/Plot: A mysterious stranger with a harmonica joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad.

was Written by and directed by .

Red River

Red River is considered the best in John Waynes career. The 1948 film told a fictional account of the first cattle drive that spanned from Texas to Kansas running along the Chisholm Trail. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Red River cost producers $2.4 million, but it turned into a big success, bringing a lot more to their pockets. It was chosen as the 5th best Western film of all time by the American Film Institute, solidifying its place in Western film history.

• Released: 17 Sep 1948 in USA in
• Runtime: 133 min
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 3 nominations.

Story/Plot: Dunson leads a cattle drive, the culmination of over 14 years of work, to its destination in Missouri. But his tyrannical behavior along the way causes a mutiny, led by his adopted son.

was Written by and directed by .

Shane

The director of this western was basing a cinematic story on the book from 1949, with the same title. It was a notable Western for many reasons, and most notably it was one of the first westerns in technicolor.

Shane – Yet Another Commercial Success

• Released: 01 Oct 1953 in USA in
• Runtime: 118 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: Not Rated
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 10 nominations.

Story/Plot: A weary gunfighter attempts to settle down with a homestead family, but a smoldering settler/rancher conflict forces him to act.

was Written by and directed by .

Dances With Wolves

Anyone who said that the era of good westerns is long gone was wrong.  Dances with Wolves not only was a financial success but also brought fame for its creators. This profitable production won a few Oscars, too.

Around $19 million was invested in the production this modern western, which turned back as $400 million at the box office, proving that this good old genre is not dead yet. Dances with Wolves proved that people were still interested in the genre, opening up the door to even more Western films in the future.

• Released: 21 Nov 1990 in USA, UK in
• Runtime: 181 min
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Western
• Rated: PG-13
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $184,208,848
• Awards: Won 7 Oscars. Another 44 wins & 38 nominations.

Story/Plot: Lieutenant John Dunbar, assigned to a remote western Civil War outpost, befriends wolves and Indians, making him an intolerable aberration in the military.

was Written by and directed by .

Johnny Guitar

Most of the western productions were male-centric. This is why it was so shocking for the public to see a female lead in the 1950s. Joan Crawford played Vienna, a brave bar owner who faced Johnny Guitar without fear. Investors put $500,000 into production and were very happy to receive around $21 million in the box office.

• Released: 23 Aug 1954 in USA in
• Runtime: 110 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: Not Rated
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: 1 win & 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: After helping a wounded gang member, a strong-willed female saloon owner is wrongly suspected of murder and bank robbery by a lynch mob.

was Written by and directed by .

The Shootist

In the 70s, people started to be bored with westerns that were trending for years. hanks to the excellent cast, including John Wayne, he Shootist, was a great success anyway. Don Siegels work was nominated for few prizes, including Golden Globes.

The Shootist was Written by Glendon Swarthout (novel), Miles Hood Swarthout (screenplay), Scott Hale (screenplay) and directed by Don Siegel and produced by Dino De Laurentiis Productions.

• Released: 21 Jul 1976 in USA in
• Runtime: 100 min
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Western
• Rated: PG
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $8,091,910
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 3 nominations.

Story/Plot: A dying gunfighter spends his last days looking for a way to die with a minimum of pain and a maximum of dignity.

was Written by and directed by .

She Wore A Yellow Ribbon

It was the second movie of John Fords “cavalry trilogy.” The visionary film cost a lot of money, so the director had to put in a lot of effort to convince the studio to invest $1.6 million. Such a vast amount was never before put into a movie. $2.7 million in a box office was proof that John Ford knew what he was doing.

• Released: 22 Oct 1949 in USA in
• Runtime: 104 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: Captain Nathan Brittles, on the eve of retirement, takes out a last patrol to stop an impending massive Indian attack. Encumbered by women who must be evacuated, Brittles finds his mission imperiled.

was Written by and directed by .

Unforgiven

This production stands out in the long career of Clint Eastwood. It not only gave this actor and director another Oscar but also was a tremendous financial success. Unforgiven began with an impressive production budget of $14,400,000 and ended up with a breathtaking box office estimated at $159,157,447.

• Released: 07 Aug 1992 in USA in
• Runtime: 130 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $101,157,447
• Awards: Won 4 Oscars. Another 46 wins & 47 nominations.

Story/Plot: Retired Old West gunslinger William Munny reluctantly takes on one last job, with the help of his old partner Ned Logan and a young man, The "Schofield Kid."

was Written by and directed by .

Bonanza

While talking about the most successful western productions, it is necessary to mention Bonanza. Millions of people followed the adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons. This unique series was on air from 1959 till 1973.

Bonanza was Written by David Dortort and directed by N/A and produced by Unknown.

• Released: 12 Sep 1959 in USA in
• Runtime: 49 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: TV-PG
• Starring: Not Available
• Awards: Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 9 wins & 14 nominations.

Story/Plot:

was Written by and directed by .

Giant

This western from 1956 was the last James Deans leading-role movie. Unfortunately, he couldnt see it as he was killed by a car before the film was released. Giant was also significant production for Elizabeth Taylor, who played the lead female role.

• Released: 24 Nov 1956 in USA in
• Runtime: 201 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: G
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $32,855,818
• Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 15 nominations.

Story/Plot: Sprawling epic covering the life of a Texas cattle rancher and his family and associates.

was Written by and directed by .

Geronimo: An American Legend

This western was a financial disaster, as for a $35 million budget, it earned only $18 million. Even though, it is worth to mention it on the list of the greatest westerns of all time. This modern western is unique because it says a Wild West story from the Native Americans perspective rather than cowboys and gangsters.

• Released: 10 Dec 1993 in USA in
• Runtime: 115 min
• Genre: Drama, History, Western
• Rated: PG-13
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $18,635,620
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: The story of the Apache chief and his armed resistance to the U.S. Government's subjugation of his people.

was Written by and directed by .

Destry Rides Again

The combination of Jimmy Stewart playing lawman Tom Destry and Marlene Dietrich as Frenchy the bawdy singer is enough to bring so many memorable scenes in Destry Rides Again. The movie is quite short, but thats because many lines were cut due to censorship at the time.

• Released: 29 Dec 1939 in USA in
• Runtime: 95 min
• Genre: Comedy, Western
• Rated: Approved
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $345,000
• Awards: 1 win.

Story/Plot: Deputy sheriff Destry tames the town of Bottle Neck, including saloon singer Frenchy.

was Written by and directed by .

One Eyed Jacks

This 1961 classic features Marlon Brando in the starring role as well as its director. Though the film had a complicated backstory that led it to have a lackluster reception when it was first released, it is finally fully appreciated now. The film exhibits just how effortlessly cool Brando was at the time.

• Released: 30 Mar 1961 in USA in
• Runtime: 141 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: Not Rated
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 3 nominations.

Story/Plot: After robbing a Mexican bank, Dad Longworth takes the loot and leaves his partner Rio to be captured but Rio escapes and searches for Dad in California.

was Written by and directed by .

The Great Train Robbery

The Great Train Robbery is notable for the fact that it marked the beginning of the age of the Western film. Released in 1903, it retold the popular story of Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, which took place just a few years before the film was released.

• Released: 02 Feb 1979 in UK in
• Runtime: 110 min
• Genre: Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Rated: PG
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $13,027,857
• Awards: 1 win & 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: England, 1850s. A master criminal aims to rob a train of a large sum of gold. Security is incredibly tight and the task seems an impossible one. However, he has a plan and just the right people to carry it out.

was Written by and directed by .

Tombstone

Tombstone, which was released in 1993, featured Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer portraying Doc Holliday. This is a great example of one of the great Western films of the later half of the century. Though it was overshadowed by Kevin Costners own take on a Wyatt Earp biopic, Tombstone still holds its own.

• Released: 25 Dec 1993 in USA in
• Runtime: 130 min
• Genre: Action, Biography, Drama, History, Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $56,505,065
• Awards: 2 nominations.

Story/Plot: A successful lawman's plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating.

was Written by and directed by .

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger was one of the most beloved characters for generations. Played by Clayton Moore, along with his sidekick Tonto, played by Jay Silverheels, the two became the go-to Cowboy and Indian duo that inspired racial harmony. Of course, whenever “William Tell Overture” plays we cant but think of the masked ranger.

• Released: 01 Sep 1949 in USA in
• Runtime: 30 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: TV-G
• Starring: Not Available
• Awards: Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 nomination.

Story/Plot:

was Written by and directed by .

The Virginian

Based on the western novel, The Virginian has been remade countless times. It was made into two films but its most notable iteration came when it was made into the first “talking” western film, featuring Gary Cooper as the titular character.

• Released: 19 Sep 1962 in USA in
• Runtime: 75 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: TV-PG
• Starring: Not Available
• Awards: 3 wins & 2 nominations.

Story/Plot:

was Written by and directed by .

Winchester '73

Winchester 73 is yet another western film featuring Jimmy Stewart. The film tells the story of “the gun that won the West,” and showcases Stewarts character tracing down his stolen rifle, meeting many unsavory characters along the way.

• Released: 12 Jul 1950 in USA in
• Runtime: 92 min
• Genre: Action, Drama, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: 1 win & 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: A cowboy's obsession with a stolen rifle leads to a bullet-ridden odyssey through the American West.

was Written by and directed by .

Angel And The Badman

Angel and the Badman is a classic starring the king of westerns, John Wayne, playing Quirt Evans who is seeking out vengeance after his father has been murdered. He must choose between avenging his fathers death or settling down with his sweetheart, played by Gail Russell.

• Released: 15 Feb 1947 in USA in
• Runtime: 100 min
• Genre: Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $4,070,000
• Awards: N/A

Story/Plot: Quirt Evans, an all round bad guy, is nursed back to health and sought after by Penelope Worth, a Quaker girl. He eventually finds himself having to choose between his world and the world Penelope lives in.

was Written by and directed by .

City Slickers

City Slickers tells the story of three New York City buddies played by Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Bruno Kirby, as they discover the secret of life after joining Jack Palances cattle drive. That performance earned Palance the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

• Released: 07 Jun 1991 in USA in
• Runtime: 113 min
• Genre: Comedy, Western
• Rated: PG-13
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $124,033,791
• Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 7 nominations.

Story/Plot: On the verge of turning 40, an unhappy Manhattan yuppie is roped into joining his two friends on a cattle drive in the southwest.

was Written by and directed by .

Dallas

TV Series Dallas ran from 1978 until 1991, and showed a slightly Hollywood sanitized version of the western. The “Corporate cowboys” of the show drove Mercedes Benz couples and were seen in glass and steel skyscrapers. Still, the show was wildly popular, making J.R. Ewing the most popular cowboy in America for over a decade.

• Released: 02 Apr 1978 in USA in
• Runtime: 60 min
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rated: TV-PG
• Starring: Not Available
• Awards: Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 46 wins & 82 nominations.

Story/Plot:

was Written by and directed by .

The Naked Spur

Jimmy Stewart stars in The Naked Spur as a bounty hunter who is known for the line “its him theyre payin the reward on.” Robert Ryan also stars as the films villain. The film is yet another collaboration from Stewart and Anthony Mann that would become another psychological drama.

• Released: 26 Jun 1953 in USA in
• Runtime: 91 min
• Genre: Thriller, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Story/Plot: A bounty hunter trying to bring a murderer to justice is forced to accept the help of two less-than-trustworthy strangers.

was Written by and directed by .

The Big Trail

The Big Tail is quite notable for the fact that it took John Wayne from being an extra to a headlining star. Director Raoul Walsh was told by John Ford that he “liked the looks of the new kid with a funny walk,”and Walsh cast Wayne, who would eventually be known as one of the greatest names in western films.

• Released: 01 Nov 1930 in USA in
• Runtime: 125 min
• Genre: Adventure, Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: 1 win.

Story/Plot: Breck Coleman leads hundreds of settlers in covered wagons from the Mississippi River to their destiny out West.

was Written by and directed by .

Oklahoma!

This western musical is based on the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein show, which features classic songs like “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning,” “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and “People Will Say Were In Love.” Who else will get tired of seeing Cult, Laurie, and Ado Annie?

• Released: 23 Nov 1956 in USA in
• Runtime: 145 min
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical, Romance, Western
• Rated: G
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 4 nominations.

Story/Plot: In Oklahoma, several farmers, cowboys and a traveling salesman compete for the romantic favors of various local ladies.

was Written by and directed by .

A Fistful Of Dollars

The main role of A Fistful of Dollars was offered to Henry Fonda, James Coburn, and Charles Broson who all passed. That led to Director Segio Leone to take a chance and settle for TV actor Clint Eastwood, who was paid $15,000 for the role. The rest, as they say, is history.

• Released: 18 Jan 1967 in Italy, Spain, West Germany in
• Runtime: 99 min
• Genre: Action, Drama, Western
• Rated: R
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $14,500,000
• Awards: 1 win & 3 nominations.

Story/Plot: A wandering gunfighter plays two rival families against each other in a town torn apart by greed, pride, and revenge.

was Written by and directed by .

The Wild, Wild West

The Wild, Wild West featured Robert Conrad and Ross Martin as the dynamic duo leading in this action-packed, spoof western TV series. Secret Service agents James West and Artemus were up to shenanigans over the shows run that spanned from 1965 until 1970.

• Released: 17 Sep 1965 in USA in
• Runtime: 50 min
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Western
• Rated: N/A
• Starring: Not Available
• Awards: Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 6 nominations.

Story/Plot:

was Written by and directed by .

The Man From Snowy River

The Man From Snowy River is one of Australias contribution to the western film genre. Based on the revered Australian legend, the film showcased horses galloping through vast landscapes which made audiences around the world fall in love with this flick.

• Released: 05 Nov 1982 in Australia in
• Runtime: 102 min
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Western
• Rated: PG
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $20,659,423
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Story/Plot: In 1880s Australia, after young Jim Craig's father dies, Jim takes a job at the Harrison cattle ranch, where he is forced to become a man.

was Written by and directed by .

The Ox Bow Duel In The Sun Incident

1943s The Ox-Bow Duel in the Sun Incident was almost completely filmed using painted backdrops and artificial lighting. The only exception were the films opening scenes. This was actually perfectly suited to the dark films story of a lynching of innocent and the toll it took on the local town people.

• Released: 21 May 1943 in USA in
• Runtime: 75 min
• Genre: Drama, Western
• Rated: Not Rated
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 1 nomination.

Story/Plot: When a posse captures three men suspected of killing a local farmer, they become strongly divided over whether or not to lynch the men.

was Written by and directed by .

The Man From Laramie

Once again, we see a collaboration from James Stewart and Anthony Mann that leads to a western drama. In this final film from this director-actor duo, Stewarts character hunts down men who are selling guns in the Apaches. This is the closest thing to a Shakespearean western that well ever get.

• Released: 31 Aug 1955 in USA in
• Runtime: 103 min
• Genre: Western
• Rated: Not Rated
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $3,300,000
• Awards: N/A

Story/Plot: Newcomer Will Lockhart defies the local cattle baron and his sadistic son by working for one of his oldest rivals.

was Written by and directed by .

Blood On The Moon

1948s Blood on the Moon is a neo-noir take on the western film. Robert Mitchum plays the long-haired drifter that finds himself in between the struggle between homesteaders and ranchers.

• Released: 21 Nov 1948 in USA in
• Runtime: 88 min
• Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : N/A
• Awards: N/A

Story/Plot: Unemployed cowhand Jim Garry is hired by his dishonest friend Tate Riling as muscle in a dispute between homesteaders and cattleman John Lufton.

was Written by and directed by .

Duel In The Sun

Duel In The Sun‘s producer David Selznik said it was “a picture of a thousand memorable moments.” Gregory Peck and Jennifer Jones star in the Gone with the Wind style western film. The film was nicknamed “Lust in the Dust,” and was loved by many despite its melodramatic tendencies.

• Released: 21 Nov 1947 in USA in
• Runtime: 129 min
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Western
• Rated: Passed
• Starring: Not Available
• BoxOffice : $20,408,163
• Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Story/Plot: Beautiful half-breed Pearl Chavez becomes the ward of her dead father's first love and finds herself torn between her sons, one good and the other bad.

was Written by and directed by .