The Western genre has captured the hearts and minds of audiences for many decades. The tales of cowboys embarking on an adventure in rugged landscapes full of lawlessness and gun smoke have become some of the most endearing movies ever made. Many Westerns, such as Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy, are entirely fictional, many are actually based on real-life events and experiences, adding a greater sense of realism to the movies.
These movies draw on the real-life experiences of historical figures, whether they are outlaws, revolutionaries, or Native Americans, providing audiences with a greater sense of the historical context at the time. By blending fact with just the right amount of dramatization, these Westerns offer a more authentic glimpse into different time periods, whether that’s the Texan Revolution or a more contemporary tale of bank robberies. From feuding families to a survivalist epic, these Westerns have left an indelible mark on the genre.
Related The 8 John Wayne Movies That Defined His Career
With a filmography spanning over 150 titles, there are 8 movies that cement his position as one of Hollywood’s most legendary Western stars.
10 Free State Of Jones (2016)
Based On The Life Of Newton Knight
Matthew McConaughey is a superb actor, and brought his A-game to his portrayal of Newton Knight in Free State of Jones. Knight was a combat medic in the Confederate Army during the US Civil War, who deserted the army after growing more and more disenchanted with the Confederacy’s project. He eventually leads a group of farmers and escaped slaves to Jones County, Mississippi, declaring it a free state. Free State of Jones was also praised for its historical accuracy.
By exploring themes of class structure, social dynamics, patriotism, and race, Free State of Jones manages to capture the true essence of Knight’s rebellion and his complex relationship with the South during the Civil War
Free State of Jones pays tribute to the life of Newton Knight while being very careful not to whitewash the brutal history of enslaved people in the South. By exploring themes of class structure, social dynamics, patriotism, and race, Free State of Jones manages to capture the true essence of Knight’s rebellion and his complex relationship with the South during the Civil War. It’s an incredible, true story, and also explores Knight’s actions after the War, as he attempted to play his part in the Reconstruction of a divided US.
The Free State of Jones 0
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit
Your comment has not been saved
RDramaActionBiography
Free State of Jones is a 2016 war film starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, and Keri Russell. The film is inspired by Newton Knight, who was a real person that led a group of former Confederate soldiers to fight back against the Confederacy. The film is helmed by Oscar-nominated director Gary Ross.
Director Gary Ross Release Date June 24, 2016 Writers Leonard Hartman , Gary Ross Cast Liza J. Bennett , Christopher Berry , Jacob Lofland , Gugu Mbatha-Raw , Jessica Collins , Matthew McConaughey , Sean Bridgers , Kerry Cahill , Keri Russell , Mahershala Ali Runtime 140 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
9 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Based On The Real Lives Of The Titular Characters
One of the most iconic and beloved Westerns of all time, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid tells the true story of the legendary outlaws who are on the run from a posse. Cassidy is played by Paul Newman, while Harry Longabaugh (the “Sundance Kid”) is played by Robert Redford, two actors who have made this movie so iconic. The movie follows the pair as they flee to Bolivia, where they continue to be outlaws until they are killed in a shootout.
While Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid certainly fictionalizes many aspects of their real lives, it gets the broad strokes correct. Even then, this lack of accuracy does not detract from the Western’s entertainment in any way. The relationship between the titular characters has cemented this movie as one of the greatest Westerns ever, and has contributed to Butch Cassidy himself being one of the most mythologized men in American history, while propelling the careers of Newman and Redford further upwards.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 0
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
pg-13WesternDrama
Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid is a classic Western film that follows the titular characters, who conduct robberies and face off against the law. The story highlights their close friendship and exploits in the wild west and beyond, with their eventual revitalized outlaw life in a new country, Bolivia.
Director Mark Tonderai Release Date September 23, 1969 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Mark Tonderai Cast Robert Redford Runtime 110minutes Expand
Related Robert Redford Hasn’t Been In A TV Show For 60 Years, But He’s Involved In A Current Underrated Series
Robert Redford appeared in several TV shows at the beginning of his career, and now he’s returned to working on a small-screen project.
8 True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)
Based On The Life Of Ned Kelly
One of the most famous bushrangers of all time, Ned Kelly is brought back to life by a superb performance from George Mackay in True History of the Kelly Gang. Kelly is well-known for his use of bulletproof armor during a shootout with police, and led the titular gang for over two years when they performed a series of robberies in Victoria and New South Wales (via Britannica). A divisive figure, Kelly is seen by some as a freedom fighter for oppressed workers and by others just as another criminal.
True History of the Kelly Gang is a raw and gritty take on Kelly’s life from his childhood until his death, with Mackay’s performance being one of the standouts. It offers a deeper insight into the socioeconomic context of Kelly’s criminality, where survival was a matter of being tougher than the other guy. While it is a highly fictionalized account of Kelly and his gang, it is nevertheless an entertaining and compelling look at a bygone age of the reign of Australian bushrangers.
True History of the Kelly Gang (2020) 0
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
RCrimeDramaWesternThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
True History of the Kelly Gang is a biographical drama directed by Justin Kurzel. The film chronicles the life of notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, played by George MacKay, delving into his formative years and his rise as a legendary figure in Australian history. Based on Peter Carey’s novel, the narrative explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the socio-political context of 19th-century Australia.
Director Justin Kurzel Release Date January 9, 2020 Studio(s) Screen Australia , Daybreak Pictures , Film Victoria , Porchlight Films , Romulus Films , Film4 Productions , La Cinéfacture Writers Shaun Grant , Peter Carey Cast George MacKay , Nicholas Hoult , Essie Davis , Russell Crowe , Charlie Hunnam Runtime 124 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
7 The Alamo (1960)
Based On The Battle Of The Alamo
The 1836 Battle of the Alamo was a crucial part of the Texas Revolution, which saw freedom fighters revolt against the increasingly authoritarian and centralized Mexican government. The battle saw Mexican troops reclaim the Alamo Mission after a 13-day siege, leaving very few rebels alive, and ended up pushing more support against the Mexican government for their brutality. The Alamo starring John Wayne as US folk hero Davy Crockett, brings this story to the big screen, full to the brim with excitement while maintaining the upmost respect for those who died during the battle.
A true legend of the Western genre, Wayne brings his larger-than-life persona to The Alamo in a way that few actors truly could. It is slightly lacking in its historical accuracy, a problem that has tried to be amended by various remakes, though these have never truly reached the same cultural significance as the 1960 original. The Alamo‘s sweeping cinematography, intense action sequences, and themes of sacrifice and valor ensure this movie’s place as a must-watch for any fan of Westerns.
The Alamo (1960) 0
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit
Your comment has not been saved
PassedDramaHistoryWar Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director John Wayne Release Date October 24, 1960 Studio(s) The Alamo Company , Batjac Productions Distributor(s) United Artists Writers James Edward Grant Cast John Wayne , Richard Widmark , Laurence Harvey , Richard Boone , Frankie Avalon , Patrick Wayne , Linda Cristal Runtime 202 Minutes Main Genre History Expand
6 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Based On The Betrayal Of Jesse James
Any movie with Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck in starring roles is sure to be a good one, and Andrew Dominik’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is not an exception to this rule. It is a dramatized account of the events leading to infamous outlaw Jesse James’ (Pitt) betrayal and death at the hands of Robert Ford (Affleck), in case the title wasn’t obvious enough. A slow-paced, but nevertheless compelling story is at the heart of this Western, buttressed by incredible performances by both Pitt and Affleck.
James was a legendary figure in the Wild West, and led a gang, of which Ford was a new recruit when he shot him. The movie certainly takes some historical liberties in its accounting of their relationship, but, given that James himself has reached an almost Robin Hood-esque status in Wild West mythology, these liberties do not inhibit the movie’s impact in any way. It is a vast, yet uniquely intimate tale about the frustrations of living in someone’s shadow, all the while punctuated by the iconic landscapes and violence that have come to define the Western genre.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 0
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
RBiographyCrimeDramaWestern Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a period drama directed by Andrew Dominik. The film explores the life and death of the infamous outlaw Jesse James, played by Brad Pitt, and delves into the complex relationship between James and Robert Ford, portrayed by Casey Affleck. Set in the late 19th century, the movie offers a contemplative look at themes of heroism, betrayal, and the nature of celebrity.
Director Andrew Dominik Release Date October 19, 2007 Writers Andrew Dominik , Ron Hansen Cast Brad Pitt , Mary-Louise Parker , Brooklynn Proulx , Dustin Bollinger , Casey Affleck , Sam Rockwell Runtime 160 minutes Main Genre Western Expand
3:09 
Related Why Brad Pitt’s Formula One Movie Has A Ridiculously High Budget
Despite Brad Pitt starring in several big-budget projects over the years, his upcoming Formula 1 movie is over the top.
5 The Last Manhunt (2022)
Based On The Manhunt For Willie Boy
The Last Manhunt tells the true story of Willie Boy (Martin Sensmeier), a young Chemhuevi who falls in love with Carlotta (Mainei Kinimaka). Their love was considered highly inappropriate, and when Willie Boy went to ask Carlotta’s father for her hand in marriage, he refused. Shortly after this confrontation, Carlotta’s father was found dead from a bullet wound through his left eye, sparking one of the final posse-led manhunts in American history to try and track Willie Boy and Carlotta down.
The Last Manhunt stands apart from other Western movies by telling the story from the perspective of Native Americans, shedding new light on the tensions and conflict between indigenous people and Western settlers. While the movie certainly romanticizes the manhunt to some extent, it nevertheless succeeds in telling a compelling story about the oppression faced by Native Americans at the hands of settlers, as they fought for survival in a world that was rapidly erasing their way of life. While less action-packed than other Westerns, The Last Manhunt is nevertheless a must-watch.
4 Tombstone (1993)
Based On The Life Of Wyatt Earp
Close
Tombstone is one of the most exciting Westerns ever made, basing its plot around events that took place in Arizona in the 1880s, particularly the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Kurt Russell stars as Wyatt Earp, one of the most famous lawmen in American history, while performances from Val Kilmer as his associate, Doc Holliday, and Sam Elliott as his brother, Virgil, are also incredible. The movie follows Earp and his companions as they try and establish law and order in the town of Tombstone, against the notorious outlaws, the Cowboys.
The emotional beats of this movie are spot on, and appear to capture the sheer brutality of the West, and particularly the anger that fueled Wyatt Earp’s hunt for vengeance after the death of his brother.
Tombstone is heavily dramatized, leaning strongly into the mythology of Earp, yet manages to maintain a strong attachment to the truth. The movie also manages to balance an intimately gritty and raw feel for the Wild West with intense action sequences, particularly the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The emotional beats of this movie are spot on, and appear to capture the sheer brutality of the West, and particularly the anger that fueled Wyatt Earp’s hunt for vengeance after the death of his brother.
Tombstone 6
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
RWesternBiographyDrama Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Tombstone is a Western film loosely based on true events. When a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys ride into a town and slay several police officers for revenge for the death of two of their gang members, word of their misdeeds reaches the ears of a retired lawman. Gathering a group together, the new vigilantes will defend the town and aim to end the terror of the Cowboys.
Director George P. Cosmatos , Kevin Jarre Release Date December 25, 1993 Writers Kevin Jarre Cast Bill Paxton , Charlton Heston , Sam Elliott , Powers Boothe , Val Kilmer , Kurt Russell , Michael Biehn , Jason Priestley Runtime 130 minutes Main Genre Western Expand
3 Hell Or High Water (2016)
Based On The Experiences of Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan
Hell or High Water is one of the greatest neo-Westerns of modern times, telling the 21st century story of two brothers, Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) who rob a chain of banks in order to save their ranch from foreclosure. While not based upon a specific true story, Hell or High Water‘s storyline was heavily derived from the real-life experiences of screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, who grew up on a ranch in Cranfills Gap, Texas (via Texas Highways). Sheridan was able to infuse the script with a deep understanding of the contemporary hardships faced by rural Americans while telling an incredible story.
Unlike traditional Westerns, the enemy whom Toby and Tanner have to defend their ranch from isn’t power-crazy lawmen, or ruthless bandits, but a financial institution. The story of the two brothers in Hell or High Water may not be specifically true, but is also likely to be very relevant for many farmers and ranchers in the US today, who have been left behind by rapid economic progress. This contemporary twist on Westerns, along with strong themes of family, loyalty, and justice, make Hell or High Water a damning assessment of the American Dream and a movie worthy of the genre.
Hell or High Water 1
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
RCrimeDocumentaryDramaThrillerWestern Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Hell or High Water is a modern Western crime thriller directed by David Mackenzie. Starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster as two brothers who embark on a series of bank robberies to save their family ranch, the film delves into themes of economic hardship and justice. Jeff Bridges plays a Texas Ranger nearing retirement, determined to catch them.
Director David Mackenzie Release Date August 12, 2016 Studio(s) Lionsgate Distributor(s) Lionsgate Writers Taylor Sheridan Cast Gil Birmingham , Kristin Berg , Ben Foster , Jeff Bridges , Buck Taylor , Dale Dickey , Chris Pine , William Sterchi Runtime 97minutes Expand
2 The Revenant (2015)
Based Upon The True Story Of Hugh Glass
The movie that finally won Leonardo DiCaprio an Academy Award, The Revenant tells the true story of Hugh Glass, a 19th-century frontiersman. Glass, played by DiCaprio, is left for dead by his companions after being mauled by a grizzly bear while on a trapping expedition in the Dakotas in 1823. Glass’ true story of survival has become the stuff of legend, a staple of American folklore, and The Revenant brings it to the big screen in an incredible way.
The Revenant does deviate from historical accuracy in one main way, and that is in portraying Glass as a man embarking on a mission of vengeance. In reality, it is said that Glass forgave those who left him to die, which may have made the movie more compelling, but this does not detract from the story in any way. The stunning cinematography of The Revenant brings a true sense of realism to the screen, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the brutality of the frontier. It’s a remarkable survival story brought to life through a remarkable movie.
The Revenant 4
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
RAdventureDrama Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Inspired by the true events in the life of Hugh Glass, The Revenant is an action-drama movie that sees Leonardo DiCaprio in the starring role. Betrayed and left for dead by one of the members of his hunting group, Glass finds himself contending with some of the harshest elements imaginable while tending to his deadly wounds, as his will to carry on and need for revenge push him to carry on in this gripping tale of survival.
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu Release Date December 25, 2015 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Alejandro González Iñárritu , Mark L. Smith Cast Will Poulter , Leonardo DiCaprio , Paul Anderson , Tom Hardy , Domhnall Gleeson Runtime 156minutes Expand
1 Killers Of The Flower Moon (2023)
Based On The Osage Murders
Close
Perhaps the most harrowing Western on this list, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is based upon one of the darkest chapters in American history. In Oklahoma in the 1920s, the indigenous Osage people became very wealthy by discovering oil on their land. This wealth made the Native Americans targets for a systematic campaign of oppression, exploitation, and murder. White settlers, fueled by greed, racism, and corruption, murdered at least 60 people across a 13-year period (via The New York Times).
It breaks free from the traditional confines of the Western genre, with its 206 minute runtime being more than justified to shed light on the murders.
Killers of the Flower Moon centers around settler Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his wife, Mollie (Lily Gladstone), a member of the Osage nation. Through Scorsese’s masterful direction, and a particularly standout performance from Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon manages to serve as a sobering reminder of the true horrors that the US has been built upon. It breaks free from the traditional confines of the Western genre, with its 206-minute runtime being more than justified to shed light on the murders.
Sources: The New York Times, Texas Highways.
Killers of the Flower Moon 0
Your Rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 star2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 stars0.5 star Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
HistoryDramaCrime Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Killers of the Flower Moon is the next film from director Martin Scorsese, based on the non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, initially captured by David Grann. When members of the Osage tribe are murdered in the 1920s via mysterious circumstances shortly after the discovery of oil on Native-American soil, the FBI is established to uncover the true reason behind them.
Director Martin Scorsese Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Apple , Paramount Pictures Writers Eric Roth , Martin Scorsese Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Louis Cancelmi , Jillian Dion , Scott Shepherd , Jesse Plemons , JaNae Collins , Robert De Niro , Jason Isbell , Cara Jade Myers , Lily Gladstone Runtime 200minutes Expand