TheWesternis one of Hollywood’s foundational genres, so it’s no surprise it’s evolved so much as its popularity has waxed and waned over the decades. Bringing the hallmarks of the genre into the modern era, neo-Westerns are often stories of rugged landscapes and anti-heroic characters, presenting either a contemporary vision of the Old West or an exploration of Western themes in a more modern, global context.Netflixhosts a wide range of Westerns, both neo- and classic, in their stable, but in this guide, we’ve lassoed together the very best of the New West that the streamer has to offer. Read on to discover our handpicked selection of the best neo-Western movies on Netflix right now.
For more recommendations, be sure to check out our lists of the bestmoviesandshowson Netflix, as well as thebest Westerns on Netflix, thebest Western shows on Netflix, and thebest Western on every streaming service.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.8/10
The Power of the Dog
Based onThomas Savage’s eponymous 1967 novel,The Power of the Dogis a Western psychological drama written and directed byJane Campion. StarringBenedict Cumberbatchas wealthy and domineering rancher Phil Burbank, the film follows the events that take place when Phil’s brother George (Jesse Plemons) falls in love with the widowed Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst). As Phil grows increasingly bitter, he begins to torment Rose and her young son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), but as time goes on, he begins to form an unexpected bond with the new members of his family.
The Power of the Doghad its world premiere at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, where it received near-universal acclaim from critics. Intense and beautifully acted, it’s a powerful family drama that unfolds with a careful, natural pace. One of the most talked-about movies of 2021, the film is widely regarded as one of the year’s best.The Power of the Dogalso received several accolades, including 12 Academy Award nominations, winning Campion her second nomination and first win for Best Director.
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Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.2/10
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Written, directed, produced, and edited byJoel and Ethan Coen,The Ballad of Buster Scruggsis a Western anthology containing six short films set in post-Civil War America. The film features an ensemble cast led byTim Blake Nelsonas the title character, withTyne Daly,James Franco,Brendan Gleeson,Zoe Kazan,Harry Melling,Liam Neeson,Jonjo O’Neill,Tom Waits, and more in significant roles.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggspremiered at the 2018 Venice International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay. The movie also earned three Academy Award nominations and was named one of the top 10 films of the year by the National Board of Review. While some of its stories are better than others,The Ballad of Buster Scruggsis a wildly entertaining, darkly humorous, and gorgeously cinematic production, bringing you the Wild West through the eyes of two ofAmerica’s greatest contemporary filmmakers.
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.3/10
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
A sequel and epilogue to the hit TV seriesBreaking Bad,El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movieis a neo-Western crime thriller written, directed, and produced by franchise creatorVince Gilligan. StarringAaron Paulas his iconicBreaking Badcharacter Jesse Pinkman, who helped former chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) build a crystal meth empire in Albuquerque. The film continues Jesse’s story after the events of the show, with several actors from the series reprising their roles, includingJesse Plemons,Krysten Ritter,Charles Baker,Matt Jones,Jonathan Banks, and Bryan Cranston, as well asRobert Forsterin his final on-screen appearance before his death.
El Caminohad its streaming premiere on Netflix in 2019, ahead of a limited theatrical run and an AMC television premiere. The film received rave reviews from critics and franchise fans, with praise for its production, performances, direction, and writing. Aaron Paul delivers a career-best performance in the lead role, and the movie closes out the show’s story through a compelling neo-Western narrative.El Caminoalso received several accolades, including a Critic’s Choice Television Award, a Satellite Award, and four Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards nominations.
‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Hateful Eight
Written and directed byQuentin Tarantino,The Hateful Eightis a revisionist Western film set sometime after the end of the Civil War. The movie follows the story of eight strangers who seek refuge from a blizzard at a lodge, but none of them are quite what they seem. The film boasts an ensemble cast led bySamuel L. JacksonandKurt Russell, withJennifer Jason Leigh,Walton Goggins,Demián Bichir,Tim Roth,Michael Madsen, andBruce Dern. The movie also features an original score composed by the legendaryEnnio Morricone— his last before his death.
The Hateful Eightpremiered on Christmas Day 2015 to positive reviews, receiving praise for its direction, writing, score, cinematography, and performances. Of course, like many Tarantino movies, the film has been criticized for its excessive violence and depiction of race relations, but that hasn’t stopped the movie from being a globally popular hit. The film earned several accolades, including three Academy Award nominations, winning Morricone his first and only Oscar for Best Original Score. Anextended version, which re-edits the film into a four-episode miniseries, was released on Netflix in 2019.
‘Concrete Cowboy’ (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.3/10
Concrete Cowboy
Based onGreg Neri’s 2009 novel,Ghetto Cowboy,Concrete Cowboywas directed byRicky Staub, who also co-wrote the screenplay withDan Walser. Inspired by Philadelphia’s real-life African-American horseriding culture, the movie follows the story of a young boy from Detroit sent to live with his estranged father in North Philadelphia, where he becomes part of a vibrant and tight-knit community of Black cowboys.Caleb McLaughlinandIdris Elbalead an ensemble cast that includesJharrel Jerome,Byron Bowers,Lorraine Toussaint,Jamil Prattis, andClifford “Method Man” Smith. Additionally, while the movie’s plot is fictional, it features several members of the real-life Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club and community in supporting roles.
Concrete Cowboypremiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews from critics. The film has been praised for its brilliant performances and direction and its inspiring story that explores a little-known piece of America’s cultural fabric. A grounded yet heartwarming work of neo-Western drama,Concrete Cowboyis a fascinating and gratifying movie. It might not be a story of the Old West, but it does have an old-fashioned spirit.
‘Bone Tomahawk’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Bone Tomahawk
Written and directed byS. Craig Zahlerin his directorial debut,Bone Tomahawkis a 2015 Western horror movie. The film starsKurt Russellas a small-town sheriff who leads a posse to rescue three people who have been taken by a clan of cannibalistic Native Americans. Besides Russell, the movie’s ensemble cast also includesPatrick Wilson,Matthew Fox,Richard Jenkins,Lili Simmons,Evan Jonigkeit,David Arquette,Zahn McClarnon, andSid Haig.
Bone Tomahawkpremiered at the 2015 Fantastic Fest, where it received largely favorable reviews. It’s a gory and brutal movie that’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but the film features some excellent performances, writing, and direction. Produced on a budget of $1.8 million, the film had a limited theatrical release but was most successful through home media sales, grossing over $4 million.Bone Tomahawkmay not be one of the most well-known neo-Westerns, but it is a thrilling watch for fans of gruesome Wild West horror.
‘Thar’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% | IMDb: 6.1/10
Written and directed byRaj Singh Chaudhary,Tharis an Indian neo-Western action thriller set in the remote deserts of Rajasthan in the 1980s. The film stars real-life father and sonAnil KapoorandHarshvardhan Kapooras a veteran cop and a mysterious stranger. The movie’s plot kicks off with the police investigation into a series of violent killings, which they believe to be drug-related. When another man is found murdered, most assume it’s connected, but the inspector in charge suspects it’s something else.
Tharpremiered on Netflix in May 2022 to a largely favorable critical reception. The movie went on to receive several accolades as well, including five nominations for Filmfare OTT Awards. While it has been criticized for its rather predictable story, the film makes up for those flaws with its amazing cinematography, dialogue, music, and direction. Anchored by stellar cast performances,Tharis a stirring action story full of brutal people and gorgeous, sweeping landscapes, presented through a narrative style that pays homage to genre classics, both American and Indian.
‘Strange Way of Life’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Strange Way of Life
A Spanish Western drama short film,Strange Way of Lifewas written and directed byPedro Almodóvarand starsEthan HawkeandPedro Pascalas two gunslingers with a romantic past who reunite after 25 years. Unfortunately, their reunion happens to coincide with a murder investigation, which is just the first in a series of complications.Pedro Casablanc,Manu Ríos,George Steane,Sara Sálamo, and more appear in supporting roles.
Strange Way of Lifepremiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it received high praise from critics and competed for the Queer Palm award. As brief as it might be, the film is exceptionally deep and layered, presenting a beautiful glimpse into a powerful bond. Hawke and Pascal share brilliant chemistry as the central characters, bringing the full brunt of their combined talent to the fore through their performances. A relationship drama that’s also a classic, old-school Western,A Strange Way of Lifeis a moving, cinematic work that’s a must-watch for genre fans.
