At one point in time, Westerns were about as ubiquitous in Hollywood as superhero movies are today. Studios were churning them out year after year, some better than others, but after a certain point, the genre fizzled out. Which is a shame, because it’s one of the most gorgeous and compelling genres in film history. But it lives on in the age of streaming! Whether you’re looking for something in the classic mold, something modern, or something in between, we’ve rounded up a list of the best Westerns on Netflix right now.
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Check out our list ofThe Best Westerns of the 21st Century So Far,Best Westerns By Non-American Directors, orShows That Paved the Way for ‘Yellowstone’. For more recommendations, browse our list of thebest movies on Netflixacross all genres.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated November 2024 to include 3:10 to Yuma.
‘3:10 to Yuma’ (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.6/10
3:10 to Yuma
Directed byJames Mangold,3:10 to Yumais a 2007 Western action drama film adapted fromElmore Leonard’s eponymous 1953 short story, which was previously adapted as a 1957 movie. The film follows a down-on-his-luck rancher (Christian Bale) who agrees to escort a wanted outlaw (Russell Crowe) to justice in exchange for the money he needs to pay off his debts. But the journey involves many dangers, including the threat of the outlaw’s gang trying to break him out. The film boasts an ensemble supporting cast that includesPeter Fonda,Gretchen Mol,Alan Tudyk,Logan Lerman, and more.3:10 to Yumawas released in September 2007, topping the box office at the time of its premiere. The movie also received largely positive reviews, with praise for its writing, direction, and performances. In fact, Mangold’s take on the classic story has been hailed as an improvement on the 1957 film, and that’s at least partly thanks to the stellar performances by Bale and Crowe. The movie went on to receive several accolades as well, including Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound Mixing.
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‘Bone Tomahawk’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Bone Tomahawk
Bone Tomahawkcombines the aesthetic of the Western with the horror aspects of films likeTexas Chainsaw MassacreorRavenous. The story follows a posse that ventures out to retrieve their town doctor from cave-dwelling cannibals. WithKurt Russell(The Thing) andPatrick Wilson(Insidious) leading the cast, it’s no surprise this film has been praised for its stunning performances, as the ensemble gathered gives their all to sell the horror of venturing out in the Old West with nothing but a gun and a prayer. Though the story leans a bit too hard into the “Savage Natives” trope, writer and directorS. Craig Zahler(Brawl in Cell Block 99) does know how to capture a sense of fear and dread on film.
‘Strange Way of Life’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Strange Way of Life
Written and directed byPedro Almodóvar,Strange Way of Lifeis a Spanish Western drama short film. The film starsEthan HawkeandPedro Pascalas two gunslingers with a romantic past who reunite after 25 years. Unfortunately, their reunion is marred by a murder and subsequent complications.Strange Way of Lifepremiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it was favorably received by critics and competed for the Queer Palm. Presenting a brief but deep study of two fascinating characters,Strange Way of Lifeis a beautiful glimpse at the unbreakable bond between its lead cowboys. Both Hawke and Pascal are acclaimed actors, and the film utilizes their talents to the fullest. A well-written and well-acted relationship drama that still bears all the hallmarks of a classic Western,Strange Way of Lifeis a fleeting but moving story that’s perfect for genre fans and lovers of great cinema.
Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 6.5/10
The Quick and the Dead
Directed bySam Raimiand written bySimon Moore,The Quick and the Deadis a 1995 Western starringSharon Stoneas a vengeful gunfighter known as The Lady. The movie focuses on The Lady riding into a town called Redemption and joining a dueling competition to get revenge on her father’s killer. The film’s ensemble cast also featuresGene Hackman,Russell Crowe, andLeonardo DiCaprio.The Quick and the Deadopened in theaters in 1995 to a terrible reception, flopping at the box office and getting mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. However, the film has since been positively re-evaluated by critics, and it’s now considered one of Raimi’s most underrated movies. A slick western with excellent cinematography and direction,The Quick and the Deadis a proper popcorn entertainer bolstered by solid performances from its talented stars — especially Stone in the lead role.The Quick and the Deadmay have missed the mark when it first hit screens, but like many of Raimi’s movies, the film is a well-crafted genre movie that was simply ahead of its time.
‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.8/10
The Power of the Dog
Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love.
A modern Western bathed in the best assets of its predecessors,The Power of DogstarsBenedict Cumberbatchas Phil Burbank, the quintessential cowboy. However, Phil’s enigmatic lifestyle spent castrating calves and swimming in mud soon comes under threat when he and his brother meet Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). DirectorJane Campion’s doting ode to Westerns-old feels brutal but stylish, highlighted by her winning the 2022 Academy Award for Best Achievement in Directing, with the film also picking up a staggering 11 other nominations. The movie also won the coveted Best Film award at the BAFTAs, with its success proving undoubtedly that the Western genre is here not just to stay but to thrive. -Jake Hodges
‘The Furnace’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 6.4/10
The Furnace
Following a duo of cameleer brothers who accidentally steal gold and begin a terrifying game of cat and mouse with the Police Gold Squad,The Furnacetakes all of the best aspects of the American Western and, refreshingly, places them in the Australian outback, shedding light on the very real plight of thousands of Middle Eastern migrants that were swept up in the gold rush. Although not well represented by awards,The Furnaceis certainly a well-respected and deliciously gorgeous export of the Western genre, with writer/directorRoderick MacKaypraised for his ability to balance a gripping narrative with some of the best cinematography you’re likely to have seen in some time. -Jake Hodges
‘The Highwaymen’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 6.9/10
The Highwaymen
Bolstered by the leading pair ofWoody HarrelsonandKevin Costner,The Highwaymentells the fascinating true story of the two lawmen who came out of retirement and finally managed to bring down the infamous terrorizing duo of Bonnie and Clyde. Directed byJohn Lee Hancock,The Highwaymenis an action-packed and thought-provoking tale that marries the Western genre with a true tale that showcases the other side of a well-told story à laWicked. A nominee for the SXSW’s Audience Award,The Highwaymenis an all-out thrill ride. -Jake Hodges
‘Concrete Cowboy’ (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.3/10
Concrete Cowboy
Inspired by the real the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, Concrete Cowboy follows a troubled teen sent to live with his estranged father in North Philadelphia, where he discovers Philadelphia’s urban cowboy subculture. Caleb McLaughlin and Idris Elba star in the 2020 adaptation of Greg Neri’s novel Ghetto Cowboy.
Starring the always-enthrallingIdris Elba,Concrete Cowboytells the story of teenager Cole (Caleb McLaughlin), who, after being sent to live with his father with whom he has a dysfunctional relationship, finds solace and a sense of freedom with a group of Black, Philadelphia-based cowboys. Directed byRicky Staub, winner of the Palm Spring International Film Festival ‘Directors to Watch’ award for this project,Concrete Cowboyis a touching tale with an even greater cast, all performing at their best. With themes of identity and coming-of-age crucial to its narrative, this film is both wildly unique and deeply relatable. -Jake Hodges
‘The Killer’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.8/10
The Killer
Written and directed byMarcelo Galvão, this Brazilian Western, one of the best of the genre the country has ever produced, follows the life of Cabeleira (Diogo Morgado), also known as Shaggy, as he leaves the comfort and confinement of his hometown on a mission to find his outlaw father who has gone missing. A story about identity, family, and community,The Killertaps into the hopeful yearning in all of us whilst also packing an action-packed punch. An enormous success at Brazil’s Gramado Film Festival,The Killerperhaps hasn’t received the international recognition it deserves, making for a wonderful and likely new viewing experience for many. -Jake Hodges
‘Thar’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 65% | IMDb: 6.1/10
Forget everything you know about deep-south American Westerns —Tharis here to tell a tale set in 1980s India. When unexpected murders become rife in the small town of Rajasthan, Inspector Surekha Singh (Anil Kapoor) is hired to investigate, although the journey of the case instead brings into question the past of antique dealer Siddharth (Harshvardhan Kapoor) when the two cross paths. Backed by the chemistry of its two aforementioned leads, with the actors actually father and son,Tharis a brutal, unflinching depiction of a crime caper bathed in some of the Western genre’s best tropes. Certainly NSFW with its gory visuals and detailed murders,Tharfound plenty of awards success back in India, with nods going to the acting, directing, and cinematography. -Jake Hodges
