The allure of the Western remains as stalwart of cinema, as they find new ways to transport us to a bygone era of rugged landscapes, stoic heroes, and gripping tales of survival and justice. They embody a clear, enduring spirit of freedom and defiance, delivering stories that continue to resonate with audiences. It’s a timeless genre that continues to reinvent itself without losing its iconic imagery and powerful stories.
To help you saddle up for your next cinematic journey, we’ve rounded up the best Western movies for you to watch now. Our selection spans beloved classic Westerns, innovative modern Westerns, and thought-provoking revisionist Westerns, all chosen for their impact.
So, giddy up, and prepare to ride into the sunset as you discover where you can start streaming the best Western movies available for your viewing pleasure.
What are the best Western movies to watch now?
We figured we’d need a system for ranking the best Western movies that is fair, practical, and trustworthy. So we ranked our top films by their enduring impact, which one could say is a reliable measure of audience and critical appreciation. Those beloved by viewers and critics alike are more likely to stand the test of time. This approach helps us bring you only the most impactful films, from timeless classic Westerns and revisionist Western with a twist to modern Westerns carrying the torch.
For each entry, you’ll find other details such as the type of western, the title of said film, and the streaming service where it’s available. We also specify the director, and its cast. Lastly, we give you a full synopsis, and its total running time. This informative breakdown offers you a practical and helpful way of selecting your next Western movie.
Unforgiven
Western •Drama
Overview
William Munny is a retired, once-ruthless killer turned gentle widower and hog farmer. To help support his two motherless children, he accepts one last bounty-hunter mission to find the men who brutalized a prostitute. Joined by his former partner and a cocky greenhorn, he takes on a corrupt sheriff.
Director
Clint Eastwood
Cast
Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett
Duration
131 minutes
Strange Way of Life
Western •Romance •Drama
Overview
After 25 years, an ex hired gun visits his old colleague, who is now a small town sheriff. Their past relationship is explored, as is how they reflect on it in the present.
Duration
31 minutes
Legends of the Fall
Drama •Romance •War •Western
Overview
In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow lives on a ranch in the wilderness with his sons, Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel. Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family are bound by loyalty, tested by war, and torn apart by love, as told over the course of several decades in this epic saga.
Director
Edward Zwick
Cast
Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond, Henry Thomas
Duration
127 minutes
Back to the Future Part III
Comedy •Sci-fi •Western •Action •Adventure
Overview
The final installment finds Marty digging the trusty DeLorean out of a mineshaft and looking for Doc in the Wild West of 1885. But when their time machine breaks down, the travelers are stranded in a land of spurs. More problems arise when Doc falls for pretty schoolteacher Clara Clayton, and Marty tangles with Buford Tannen.
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Cast
Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson, Mary Steenburgen
Duration
118 minutes
The Dressmaker
Comedy •Drama •Western
Overview
In 1950s Australia, beautiful, talented dressmaker Tilly returns to her tiny hometown to right wrongs from her past. As she tries to reconcile with her mother, she starts to fall in love while transforming the fashion of the town.
Director
Jocelyn Moorhouse
Cast
Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Caroline Goodall, Judy Davis, Hayley Magnus
Duration
119 minutes
A Million Ways to Die in the West
Comedy •Western
Overview
As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival.
Director
Seth MacFarlane
Cast
Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris
Duration
116 minutes
The Dark Tower
Fantasy •Action •Adventure •Sci-fi •Western •Drama
Overview
A boy haunted by visions of a parallel world aids its disillusioned guardian in preventing the destruction of the nexus of universes known as the Dark Tower.
Director
Nikolaj Arcel
Cast
Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor, Claudia Kim, Fran Kranz
Duration
91 minutes
The Rare Breed
Western
Overview
When her husband dies en route to America, Martha Price and her daughter Hilary are left to carry out his dream: the introduction of Hereford cattle into the American West. They enlist Sam “Bulldog” Burnett in their efforts to transport their lone bull, a Hereford named Vindicator, to a breeder in Texas, but the trail is fraught with danger and even Burnett doubts the survival potential of this “rare breed” of cattle.
Director
Andrew V. McLaglen
Duration
97 minutes
The Lone Ranger
Western •Drama •Action •Adventure
Overview
The territorial governor asks the Lone Ranger to investigate mysterious raids on settlers by Indians who ride with saddles. Wealthy rancher Reese Kilgore wants to mine silver on Spirit Mountain which is sacred to the Indians.
Director
Stuart Heisler
Cast
Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels, Lyle Bettger, Bonita Granville, Perry Lopez
Duration
86 minutes
Ned Kelly
Adventure •Drama •History •Western •Action •Crime •Romance
Overview
After getting threatened by Kelly’s friends and family, Constable Fitzpatrick places the blame on Ned Kelly and exaggerates what happened. With the biggest ever award available, Kelly and his gang set into the wild, to remain hidden from everyone who seeks them. Even if it means having his family arrested, the members of the Kelly Gang stay hidden and plan a way to get their names cleared.
Director
Gregor Jordan
Cast
Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Naomi Watts, Joel Edgerton
Duration
110 minutes
Frequently asked questions
Classic Westerns typically showcase rugged individuals navigating the untamed American frontier, often involving clear-cut heroes and villains. You’ll find themes of justice, lawlessness, and the clash between civilisation and wilderness, all set against iconic landscapes with plenty of shootouts and horse chases.
Modern Westerns transplant classic themes like justice, revenge, or isolation into contemporary settings. While the cowboys might drive cars instead of horses, you’ll still recognise the familiar vast landscapes, morally ambiguous characters, and the underlying spirit of the frontier. They offer a fresh take on a beloved genre.
Revisionist Westerns challenge the romanticised myths of the Old West. They often present more complex characters, darker themes, and a grittier, more realistic portrayal of historical events, sometimes from the perspective of previously marginalised groups. You’ll find them questioning traditional heroism and morality.
An engaging Western needs strong, memorable characters, a compelling plot often involving a journey or a showdown, and a powerful sense of place. The best ones feature intense standoffs, moral dilemmas, and explore themes of freedom, survival, and the constant struggle between good and evil.
Yes, you’ll find a fantastic selection of the best Western movies available across various Australian streaming services. Many classic and modern titles are often featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, BINGE, and Prime Video, making it easy for you to experience the vast frontier from your lounge room.
An IMDb rating is a credible indicator of a Western movie’s widespread appeal and critical reception. While individual taste always matters, a high score usually suggests a film with strong storytelling, iconic performances, and a lasting impact, providing a trustworthy guide for your viewing choice.
Westerns have evolved from simple morality tales to more complex explorations of history and character. Early films often celebrated expansion, while later ones, especially revisionist Westerns, questioned traditional narratives and explored darker aspects of the frontier. You’ll see a clear progression in their themes and portrayal.
Typical Western settings include vast, open deserts, rugged mountains, dusty frontier towns with saloons, and isolated ranches. These expansive landscapes often play a character in themselves, symbolising freedom, isolation, and the harsh realities of the untamed wilderness.
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