The Big Country: A List of Western Movies

A personal curated list of western movies to watch this month

The Western film genre has often portrayed indigenous tribes in a negative light or romanticized the pursuit of manifest destiny. While many films fit this description, some highlight the resilience of individuals who chose to settle in the West, where the vast sky is the only shelter above them and the earth is their only foundation.

In the Wild West, regardless of whether one is a man, woman, or non-binary, the environment reveals a person's true nature. This is essential for survival. Those who succeed truly embrace their instincts, whether driven by greed, self-preservation, violence, or perseverance. The immense untameable landscape serves as a level playing field; it does not consider your background or identity. Ultimately, it is a matter of survival, pushing you to your limits.

As a millennial, I can relate to the theme of survival because my experiences have predominantly been shaped by crises and the necessity of navigating through them, oftentimes with limited resources. Perhaps that's why I'm drawn to this genre, despite its flaws and limitations. My hope in sharing some of my favorite Western films is that you will recognize not only the genre's potential but also the unique stories it can convey.

When I decided to create this watchlist, I was intentional about selecting movies I personally enjoyed and those that challenge the norm in traditional westerns. In most stories set in the Old West, Black and Brown people are often portrayed unfavorably, while women are frequently relegated to the roles of spouses or prostitutes. These limiting portrayals, in my opinion, have turned many people away from the genre. These portrayals do a disservice to the many ways in which people from diverse backgrounds navigated and thrived during the westward expansion.

However, Westerns, just like the land of opportunity, have the potential to be reimagined in the right hands. Some westerns tell the stories of resilient women, queer love, and Black people who lived extraordinary lives. Those are the stories I want to share. The list below includes both traditional Westerns and neo-Westerns. The genre is not limited to films made in the US by men; it also features works by female directors and several Westerns with an African cast and perspective. I hope you enjoy my offerings!

Sergeant Rutledge (1960) dir. John Ford

Rent on: Apple TV & Amazon Video (Rent)

When it comes to Western films, John Ford movies are the blueprint. His films often addressed topics that many directors of his time were not brave enough to explore on film. Sergeant Rutledge is a prime example, where Woody Strode portrays a respected Black cavalry sergeant facing a court-martial. Rutledge is accused of raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, who is also his superior officer. This film, part courtroom drama, and part crime thriller, tackles issues of racism and the quest for justice. Strode delivers an incredible performance, and it's easy to see why he went on to appear in over 70 films. This is a captivating story that utilizes flashbacks and flash-forwards to unearth the truth!

The Ballad of Little Jo (1993) dir. Maggie Greenwald

Available on: Hoopla, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

The Wild West can be a harsh environment for women, often leaving them with two choices: marry quickly or become a sex worker in a saloon. When Josephine is cast out of her home for becoming pregnant out of wedlock, she creates a third option for herself. She decides to live as a man named Joe and eventually settles down in a small town. Although I felt anxious, worrying that her secret might be uncovered, it was inspiring to see Jo navigate the world of men and demonstrate greater virtues than those around her. I was surprised to learn that this movie is based on a true story, and I’m glad it was told from a woman’s perspective.

3:10 to Yuma (2007) dir. James Mangold

Available on: Hulu, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

This 2007 film is a remake of the original released in 1957. I enjoy both versions, but I prefer the 2007 adaptation a little more. It features Russell Crowe, who brings a level of charm to this film that I feel is lacking in the original. Crowe portrays Ben Wade, the leader of a ruthless gang of thieves and murderers, who is captured and needs to be transported to his trial by train. A Civil War veteran, played by Christian Bale, agrees to escort him. What seems like a simple task becomes complicated when Wade's gang stands between them and the station. This is a Western that I could watch repeatedly because the performances are outstanding! It will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Saloum (2021) dir. Jean Luc Herbulot

Available on: Hoopla, Shudder, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

Saloum is certainly one of those gems you discover through serendipity and that ends up being one of your favorites. This neo-western, set in Senegal, follows a group of elite African mercenaries who are shot down after fleeing a coup and having just rescued a local drug lord. They hide out at a remote holiday camp in the mystical region of Saloum while they repair their plane. Things take a strange turn after that. The cinematography and action sequences are exceptionally well executed! Most importantly, Saloum showcases African talent in a refreshingly new way. Honestly, I think I may need to rewatch this!

Thousand Pieces of Gold (1990) dir. Nancy Kelly

Available on: Kanopy, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

This is such an underrated film. I don’t know how I found it, but it’s a good example of the struggles female directors face just to make a film. Even if the movie is as incredible as this one, they face an uphill battle to get funded again. It’s such a shame because Thousand Pieces of Gold is a beautiful story about a woman who works to free herself from indentured servitude and create a home in late 1880s Idaho after being sold into marriage, only to be sold to a Saloon owner for local entertainment. I rarely get to see Rosalind Chao in many movies, and this was such a treat!

Buck and the Preacher (1972) dir. Sidney Poitier

Available on: Tubi TV, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

Sidney Poitier is a phenomenal actor and the first Black man to win an Oscar! While I have seen him in many great films, such as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “In the Heat of the Night,” it wasn't until later in life that I experienced Poitier as a director. Through his work as both an actor and a director, he opened many doors for Black actors in Hollywood. A great example of his directorial work is "Buck and the Preacher," a fun dramedy about a con man preacher and a wagon master who help former slaves find settlements in the West. Harry Belafonte, who plays the preacher, has incredible chemistry with Poitier, who also stars in the film.

The Power of the Dog (2021) dir. Jane Campion

Available on: Netflix

This movie should have won Best Picture in 2021. No offense to CODA, but I'm willing to die on that hill. It was an incredible film that examined toxic masculinity, the subtle violence that men can inflict on women, and how brute force doesn't always prevail. Every actor delivered an outstanding performance, and I am still haunted by their performances. Benedict Cumberbatch plays a domineering rancher who wields intimidation and terror against his sister-in-law and her teenage son until a long-hidden secret comes to light that shifts the power dynamic. It's a slow-burn movie, but I assure you, the payoff is worth it.

The Ox-bow Incident (1943) dir. William A. Wellman

Available on: Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

Let me share something with you. Whenever I see Henry Fonda’s name on a cast list, I know I have to watch it. Jane’s father has never put a foot wrong in his choice of roles to tackle on film, and because of this, he is arguably one of the greatest actors of all time. In "The Ox-Bow Incident", Fonda, along with director William Wellman, addresses issues of mob hysteria and mob “justice.” The story revolves around a posse that discovers three men suspected of murder and cattle theft. The group is faced with a dilemma: should they lynch the men on sight or turn them over to the authorities? The film delves into the morality of this decision and serves as a parable about corrupt leadership and fascism. This is a five-star movie for me!

Five Fingers for Marseilles (2017) dir. Michael Matthews

Available on: Tubi TV, Hoopla, Kanopy, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

I recently rewatched this movie and can confidently say it still deserves the five stars I gave it. This beautifully shot western drama/thriller follows a group of teens known as the Five Fingers, who live in a rural town called Marseilles. A couple of decades later, after fleeing from police aggression, one of the teens returns to Marseilles in search of a peaceful life, only to discover that his hometown is facing a new threat. The story illustrates how time changes people and their relationships with those they once held dear, while also exploring how a shared threat can unite individuals, even after they have grown apart.

Comes a Horseman (1978) dir. Alan J. Pakula

Available on: Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Hoopla, Apple TV (Rent), & Amazon Video (Rent)

Jane Fonda (that's right, Henry's daughter) is one of my favorite actresses. I don’t think there's a single project she’s been in that I’ve disliked. This late '70s western is no exception. Fonda plays Ella, an unmarried woman determined to hold on to her family ranch, especially in the face of constant pressure from her rich and rather creepy neighbor to sell. The amount of work Ella puts into maintaining the ranch makes me feel exhausted just watching her efforts to make ends meet. Then, a handsome man played by James Caan comes along looking for seasonal work. Together, they manage to help the ranch survive for another season.

The Harder They Fall (2021) dir. Jeymes Samuel

Available on: Netflix

I’m gonna say it: 2021 dropped some amazing Westerns with a new perspective, and The Harder They Fall is no exception. An outlaw, Nate Love, saddles up with his gang to take down his nemesis, Rufus Buck, a ruthless crime boss who has just been sprung from prison. Cinematography? Check! Great performances? Check! Witty dialogue? Check, check, and check! With a full Black cast, this movie centers on Black people, showing them outside the constraints of the Western genre. They can be villains and heroes without it being detrimental to their entire character. Regina King is absolutely living her best life in this role and is one of the reasons I go back to this movie. There is also a beautiful but subtle tribute to Chadwick Boseman.

The Big Country (1958) dir. William Wyle

Available on: Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Hoopla, Prime Video, Apple TV (Rent)

"The Big Country" is one of those westerns I watch often. It explores how greed can lead to generational feuds. Gregory Peck plays a retired captain who moves to the American West to settle down with his fiancée. Her family has been involved in a land-and-water dispute with another neighboring family. While the captain prefers to maintain peace with the other family, small incidents begin to escalate toward an explosive confrontation between the landowners. The movie uses this backdrop to examine masculinity, which is often associated with violence in the Old West. Peck's character demonstrates that there are multiple ways to express masculinity without resorting to intimidation and cruelty. These themes remain just as relevant today as they were in the 1950s when the film was made.

And that’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed this list. Please comment below if you’ve watched any of the films above. I love a good film discourse!