A visually stunning and melancholic film that deconstructs the myth of the outlaw. Brad Pitt stars as Jesse James, and Casey Affleck plays the titular Robert Ford. The film is known for its gorgeous cinematography by Roger Deakins and its deliberately slow, reflective pace. Despite not being a box office hit, it has gained a reputation as a modern masterpiece for its psychological depth and exploration of fame, hero-worship, and betrayal in the twilight of the Old West.

Quentin Tarantino's stylized and controversial Western pays homage to Spaghetti Westerns, particularly the original 'Django'. Jamie Foxx stars as a freed slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz, in an Oscar-winning role) to rescue his wife. The film is known for its sharp dialogue, anachronistic soundtrack, and graphic violence. It sparked much discussion for its handling of themes of slavery and revenge, fitting within Tarantino's unique genre-bending style.

The Coen Brothers' adaptation of Charles Portis' novel is a faithful and atmospheric take on the story of Mattie Ross hiring a gruff U.S. Marshal to hunt her father's killer. Jeff Bridges takes on the role of Rooster Cogburn, previously played by John Wayne. Hailee Steinfeld received an Academy Award nomination for her breakout performance as the determined Mattie. The film is praised for its authentic dialogue, stunning cinematography, and strong performances, capturing the harshness and dark humor of the novel.

This popular 90s Western depicts the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It features a fantastic cast, with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer delivering an unforgettable performance as Doc Holliday. Kilmer famously read extensively about Doc Holliday and even practiced the character's distinctive cough. The film is known for its sharp dialogue, historical detail (though with some dramatic license), and exciting action sequences, becoming a fan favorite for its energy and performances.

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film follows a Missouri farmer who joins a Confederate guerrilla group and becomes an outlaw after his family is murdered. It's a story of survival and vengeance, with Eastwood delivering a quiet, stoic performance. The film was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying Eastwood's reputation as a major force in the Western genre, both in front of and behind the camera. It's noted for its portrayal of the harsh realities of post-Civil War America.

An American remake of Akira Kurosawa's 'Seven Samurai', this film features an all-star cast including Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn, among others. The film's score by Elmer Bernstein is instantly recognizable and one of the most celebrated in Western history. Despite being a remake, it became a classic in its own right, known for its ensemble dynamics and thrilling action sequences as a group of gunfighters defends a village from bandits.

A tense, real-time thriller set in the Old West. Gary Cooper stars as Marshal Will Kane, who must face a gang of killers alone as the townspeople abandon him. The film famously unfolds in roughly the same amount of time as the story's events. It was highly controversial upon release due to its perceived allegorical themes related to McCarthyism. Despite the controversy, it won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Cooper and Best Original Song for its theme, 'Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin'.'

This beloved classic is less about gunfights and more about the charm and chemistry between its two leads, Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It's a buddy film set against a Western backdrop, known for its witty dialogue and iconic moments like the bicycle scene set to 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head'. The film was a massive success and won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Song and Best Screenplay. It redefined the Western for a new generation with its blend of humor, adventure, and melancholy.

Sam Peckinpah's controversial and groundbreaking film is known for its graphic violence and cynical portrayal of the dying West. It follows a gang of aging outlaws trying to pull off one last score. The film's use of slow motion during action sequences was revolutionary and highly influential. Despite studio interference and cuts, Peckinpah's vision of brutal realism and moral ambiguity shines through, making it a challenging but essential watch for Western fans.

Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning Western is a gritty, revisionist take on the myths of the Old West. It portrays the violence of the era with stark realism and examines the consequences of a violent life. Eastwood had the script for years but waited until he felt he was old enough to play the aging, retired outlaw William Munny. The film swept the major categories at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, proving the Western genre was far from dead.

John Ford's complex and visually stunning Western is a cornerstone of the genre. John Wayne delivers one of his most layered performances as Ethan Edwards, a character driven by vengeance and prejudice. Despite its iconic status, the film was not a huge box office hit upon release and received no Oscar nominations. Its influence, however, is undeniable, inspiring countless filmmakers from Martin Scorsese to George Lucas, who famously modeled the desert planet of Tatooine on the film's Monument Valley setting.

The second film in Leone's 'Dollars Trilogy' sees Clint Eastwood's 'Man with No Name' teaming up with Colonel Douglas Mortimer, played by the fantastic Lee Van Cleef. Van Cleef, who had previously played villains, was struggling with his career before Leone cast him as the cool, sophisticated Mortimer, revitalizing his acting path. The film features another brilliant score by Ennio Morricone, particularly the musical motifs associated with each character, adding layers to their presence on screen. It's a thrilling treasure hunt with intricate plotting and stylish action.

The quintessential Spaghetti Western! This film cemented Clint Eastwood's status as a star and is perhaps best known for Ennio Morricone's iconic, instantly recognizable score. The film's budget was relatively low, and many of the 'American Civil War' settings were creatively staged in Spain. Eli Wallach, who played Tuco, had a few close calls during filming, including a scene where he was almost decapitated by a train! It's a sprawling adventure filled with unforgettable characters and tension-filled standoffs.

Sergio Leone's epic masterpiece is a sweeping, operatic take on the Western genre. It's known for its stunning visuals, vast landscapes, and incredibly atmospheric score by Ennio Morricone. Did you know Charles Bronson wasn't the first choice for 'Harmonica'? Leone initially wanted Clint Eastwood, but he declined, wanting to avoid being typecast. The opening scene alone, with its excruciatingly prolonged tension, is a masterclass in filmmaking, setting the tone for this grand, elegiac film.