Westerns have been a staple of the cinema world since the early days of motion pictures. For many decades, audiences have loved tuning in to see the timeless stories of the pioneers of the American West. These films may cover a wide range of topics within the genre, but they often feature heroic cowboys, daring outlaws, and plenty of beautiful scenery. However, though beloved by many, the Western genre is not without its faults.
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Among the most prominent of these faults is the lack of female representation. The vast majority of Westerns are dominated by hypermasculine lead characters, with women often having to take the back seat, if they are even included at all. Of course, this is not always the case. There are some Westerns (including both classic films and modern hits) that are led by female characters. Their courageous, powerful performances prove that women deserve their rightful spot in the Western genre. These films highlight the essential role that female performers have played in Western cinema over the years.
10 Johnny Guitar (1954)
Starring Joan Crawford as Vienna
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Directed by Nicholas Ray, Johnny Guitar is easily among the most highly rated female-led Westerns of all time. The film stars Joan Crawford as Vienna, the no-nonsense owner of a saloon frequented by many of the town’s most rough-and-tumble individuals.
Johnny Guitar
has a Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 94%.
After a deadly robbery is pulled at the local bank, Vienna’s rival, Emma Small (played by Mercedes McCambridge) makes sure that the townspeople think Vienna is to blame, forcing Vienna to defend both herself and her saloon from their wrath. Johnny Guitar stands out as one of the only films of its era to feature not only a female hero, but a female antagonist as well.
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Both Crawford and McCambridge offer powerful performances, showing without a doubt that their characters are not ones to be messed with. The climactic showdown between Vienna and Emma is definitely one for the ages, proudly demonstrating to audiences that the men aren’t the only characters in Westerns who can take deadly aim when they need to.
9 Cat Ballou (1965)
Starring Jane Fonda as Catherine “Cat” Ballou
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Cat Ballou Not RatedWesternComedy
A schoolteacher turns outlaw to avenge her father’s murder, assembling a ragtag team, including an eccentric drunken gunslinger, to take on a corrupt railroad tycoon. Filled with comedy, action, and musical interludes, the film blends Western adventure with lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek performances from its cast.
Director Elliot Silverstein Release Date June 24, 1965 Writers Walter Newman , Frank Pierson , Roy Chanslor Cast Jane Fonda , Lee Marvin , Michael Callan , Dwayne Hickman , Nat ‘King’ Cole , Stubby Kaye , Tom Nardini , John Marley Runtime 97 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
The Oscar-winning 1965 film, Cat Ballou, offers a captivating, female-led Western story that also doubles as a laugh-out-loud comedy. The classic film stars Jane Fonda as the titular character, an infamous outlaw who is about to be hanged for her crimes in a small Wyoming town.
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The majority of the film is presented as a series of flashbacks, with two onlookers at the grim event regaling the audience with the story of how Cat began her life of crime. Though only her co-star, Lee Marvin, won an Academy Award for his performance in the film, Fonda’s portrayal of the main character in Cat Ballou is undeniably impressive.
While the film is a comedy, it does maintain some of the real moments of drama and tension that were featured in the novel that inspired it. Fonda performs both the comedic and dramatic aspects of the story quite effectively, proving her range as a movie star. Her performance helped propel Cat Ballou to a spot on the American Film Institute’s list of the ten greatest Westerns ever made.
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8 Jane Got a Gun (2015)
Starring Natalie Portman as Jane Hammond
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Jane Got A Gun RDramaActionWestern
Jane Got a Gun is a Western drama film centering on Jane Hammond, who begrudgingly asks her ex-lover to help her save her new husband from a violent gang. Natalie Portman stars as Jane Hammond alongside Joel Edgerton, Ewan McGregor, and Rodrigo Santoro. The film is directed by Gavin O’Connor, who previously directed the Oscar-nominated film Warrior.
Director Gavin O’Connor Release Date January 29, 2016 Studio(s) The Weinstein Company Distributor(s) The Weinstein Company Writers Brian Duffield , Joel Edgerton , Anthony Tambakis Cast Boyd Holbrook , Ewan McGregor , James Burnett , Joel Edgerton , Todd Stashwick , Rodrigo Santoro , Noah Emmerich , Alex Manette , Natalie Portman Runtime 98minutes Expand
Gavin O’Connor’s 2015 film, Jane Got a Gun, presents a modern example of a traditional Western story with a woman in the leading role. In the film, the titular role of Jane Hammond is played by Natalie Portman, who won an Oscar for her performance in Black Swan just five years before.
The recent Western follows Jane as she prepares to defend her home and her gravely wounded husband, “Ham,” from a posse of violent gunslingers whom she knows are on their way to finish the job of killing Ham. The foundation of Jane Got a Gun is based around the idea of turning the damsel-in-distress trope on its head.
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Related 10 Best Character Introductions In Western Movies, From Stagecoach To Tombstone
Western movies have mastered the art of cool character introductions, with deadly-accurate heroes and cackling villains all making grand entrances.
Unlike many Westerns, particularly early ones, it is not the female character in Jane Got a Gun that is in immediate danger, leaving her to call on the help of a heroic man. Instead, the plot is set in motion by Ham (played by Noah Emmerich) being in grave danger, with his only hope for survival lying in his wife. This much-needed reversal reflects the film’s willingness to strike against typical gender roles in Western cinema.
7 Forty Guns (1957)
Starring Barbara Stanwyck as Jessica Drummond
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Written, produced, and directed by Samuel Fuller, Forty Guns is a black-and-white Western with a female lead who is certainly not one to be messed with. The film stars four-time Oscar nominee Barbara Stanwyck as Jessica Drummond, the most prominent landowner of Tombstone, Arizona.
Forty Guns
stands out among other Westerns because it goes above and beyond in portraying the power of its female protagonist.
With an army of forty hired guns in tow, Jessica is essentially free to do whatever she wants within the town; that is, until a group of outsiders rides in and start upending the whole situation. Forty Guns stands out among other Westerns because it goes above and beyond in portraying the power of its female protagonist.
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Not only is Jessica strong and independent enough to make her own decisions as she pleases, but she is actively in control of the lives of others; both in terms of the forty men she hires to help defend her power, and with regard to the entire town of Tombstone. Stanwyck’s performance as Jessica strongly contributes to the relentlessly captivating nature of the film, allowing it to still be a prominent Western nearly 70 years after its release.
6 Duel in the Sun (1946)
Starring Jennifer Jones as Pearl Chavez
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Among the earliest examples of a Western feature film to star a female lead is Duel in the Sun, a 1946 film written by David O. Selznick, the acclaimed producer of Gone with the Wind. The film has a star-studded cast, with Oscar winner Jennifer Jones starring as Pearl Chavez, performing alongside fellow winners Gregory Peck and Lionel Barrymore.
The film follows Pearl as she experiences prejudice and the deep complexities of love after she moves to Texas following the violent deaths of her parents. Duel in the Sun was truly a landmark in terms of offering female representation in Western cinema during the 1940s.
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High praise was given to the female actors in the film, with both Jones and Lillian Gish (in a supporting role) being nominated for Academy Awards for their work in the movie. The film interestingly explores the complexity of being a woman in this era, having to deal with overwhelming societal expectations while merely trying to live life and find love.
5 The Missing (2003)
Starring Cate Blanchett as Maggie Gilkeson
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The Missing (2003) RWesternThriller
The Missing is a western thriller directed by Ron Howard. Cate Blanchett stars as Maggie, a frontier woman whose daughter is kidnapped by renegades. Teaming up with her estranged father (Tommy Lee Jones), Maggie embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her daughter, facing danger and uncovering secrets along the way.
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*Availability in US Director Ron Howard Release Date November 26, 2003 Studio(s) Imagine Entertainment Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Ken Kaufman Cast Tommy Lee Jones , Cate Blanchett , Evan Rachel Wood , Jenna Boyd , Aaron Eckhart Runtime 137 minutes Main Genre Western Expand
In 2003, acclaimed director Ron Howard ventured into the Western genre with his film, The Missing. The film tells the story of Maggie Gilkeson, who goes on a perilous journey with her estranged father and youngest daughter in order to free a group of women, including her other daughter, who were recently abducted from her town.
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The film stars Cate Blanchett in the leading role, with Tommy Lee Jones and Evan Rachel Wood appearing as her father and daughter. The Missing offers a refreshing, female-dominated story for viewers who enjoy 21st-century Westerns. While the film is centered around a group of women and girls who need rescuing, it creates an interesting dynamic by having a fellow woman lead the effort to save them.
The Missing also received ample praise for its representation of the Indigenous people of the New Mexico region. Though the film may not be too groundbreaking in terms of its story, its dedication to fair representation for both women and Indigenous peoples makes it a worthwhile watch.
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4 Calamity Jane (1953)
Starring Doris Day as Calamity Jane
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Calamity Jane (1953) ApprovedWesternMusicalRomance
Calamity Jane, released in 1953, stars Doris Day as the titular character, a brash, rootin’-tootin’ frontierswoman. Set in the American Old West, the musical follows Calamity as she navigates her rugged lifestyle, her boisterous personality clashing with social expectations, and her unexpected romances. Howard Keel co-stars as Wild Bill Hickok, adding to the film’s lively dynamic and memorable musical numbers. Directed by David Butler, the film remains a vibrant portrayal of American Western folklore.
Director David Butler Release Date November 4, 1953 Writers James O’Hanlon Cast Doris Day , Howard Keel , Allyn Ann McLerie , Philip Carey , Dick Wesson , Paul Harvey , Chubby Johnson , Gale Robbins Main Genre Western
In 1953, director David Butler made Calamity Jane by fusing together two popular genres of the era: Western and musical. Doris Day portrays the real Wild West icon, Calamity Jane (although much of the film is likely fictitious). With support from her friend, Wild Bill Hickok (played by Howard Keel), Jane travels to Chicago to recruit a famous singer to perform at her local saloon.
Related The 10 Best Westerns Of The 1950s, Ranked
The 1950s were the Golden Age of Westerns, with the decade leaving audiences with some of the greatest installments the genre has to offer.
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Love, laughs, and plenty of shenanigans ensue when Jane mistakenly brings the singer’s maid back to the saloon instead of the singer herself. Calamity Jane was very well-received by critics and audiences alike, largely thanks to the catchy music and dazzling all-around performance by Day.
Day’s natural charisma, charming acting, and show-stopping voice make the film a blast for viewers from beginning to end. Calamity Jane may not be the gritty drama that fans of the genre are accustomed to, but it nevertheless presents a memorable story filled with numerous traditional Western elements.
3 Hannie Caulder (1971)
Starring Raquel Welch as Hannie Caulder
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While many classic Westerns follow violent stories about individuals on the path of vengeance, not nearly as many of these tales feature women. One film that does, however, is the 1971 British Western, Hannie Caulder, directed by Burt Kennedy. The titular role is played by Hollywood icon Raquel Welch.
The film follows Hannie as she enlists the help of a bounty hunter to train her for when the time comes to finally enact bloody vengeance on the men who ruined her life. Though it is not the only Western revenge story to feature a female protagonist, Hannie Caulder stands out thanks to the powerhouse performance of Welch.
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While the character is clearly driven by vengeance, Welch gives Hannie much more depth than that, showing her initial hesitation to bring harm to other human beings, and demonstrating her knowledge that exacting her revenge will irreversibly change her life, regardless of whether it brings satisfaction. Hannie’s story is so compelling that it even helped inspire Quentin Tarantino when writing the Kill Bill movies.
2 The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Starring Sharon Stone as “The Lady”
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The Quick and the Dead R
The Quick and the Dead, directed by Sam Raimi, is a Western film released in 1995. It stars Sharon Stone as Ellen, a mysterious gunslinger who arrives in the town of Redemption to enter a quick-draw competition. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and delves into themes of revenge and justice in a lawless town.
Director Sam Raimi Release Date February 9, 1995 Cast Sharon Stone , Gene Hackman , Russell Crowe , Leonardo DiCaprio , Tobin Bell , Roberts Blossom , Kevin Conway , Keith David , Lance Henriksen , Pat Hingle , Gary Sinise , Mark Boone Junior , Olivia Burnette , Fay Masterson , Raynor Scheine , Woody Strode , Jerry Swindall , Scott Spiegel , Jonothon Gill , Sven-Ole Thorsen , Lennie Loftin Runtime 107 Minutes Expand
The Quick and the Dead may have one of the more off-the-wall concepts of any Western from the last few decades, but it is nevertheless a thrilling ride for audiences. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film features a star-studded cast led by Sharon Stone, with Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio also playing significant roles.
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Stone plays the protagonist, known only as “The Lady” for much of the film. The film follows a deadly last-man-standing shooting contest, which occurs over multiple days, and involves several interesting characters. The Lady is a fascinating protagonist, and significantly elevates the quality of The Quick and the Dead as a whole.
She is much more than the typical shallow, one-dimensional female characters seen far too often in Western movies. Instead, she has a tragic, detailed backstory, complex motivations, and an intriguing moral compass. Even among a wide cast of unique characters, The Lady stands out thanks to the thoughtful writing and inspired performance by Stone.
1 The Dead Don’t Hurt (2023)
Starring Vicky Krieps as Vivienne Le Coudy
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The Dead Don’t Hurt RDramaWestern
The Dead Don’t Hurt is a story of star-crossed lovers on the western U.S. frontier in the 1860s. Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps) is a fiercely independent woman who embarks on a relationship with Danish immigrant Holger Olsen (Viggo Mortensen). After meeting Olsen in San Francisco, she agrees to travel with him to his home near the quiet town of Elk Flats, Nevada, where they start a life together. The outbreak of the civil war separates them when Olsen makes a fateful decision to fight for the Union. This leaves Vivienne to fend for herself in a place controlled by corrupt Mayor Rudolph Schiller (Danny Huston) and his unscrupulous business partner, powerful rancher Alfred Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt). Alfred’s violent, wayward son Weston (Solly McLeod) aggressively pursues Vivienne, who is determined to resist his unwanted advances. When Olsen returns from the war, he and Vivienne must confront and make peace with the person each has become. Both a tragic love story and a nuanced depiction of the conflict between revenge and forgiveness, The Dead Don’t Hurt is a portrait of a passionate woman determined to stand up for herself in an unforgiving world dominated by ruthless men.
Director Viggo Mortensen Release Date May 31, 2024 Writers Viggo Mortensen Cast Vicky Krieps , Viggo Mortensen , Solly McLeod , Garret Dillahunt , W. Earl Brown , Danny Huston , Shane Graham , Rafel Plana Runtime 129 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
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For a very recent example of an enjoyable, female-led Western, audiences should direct their attention to The Dead Don’t Hurt, the 2023 film from actor/director Viggo Mortensen. The film stars Vicky Krieps as Vivienne Le Coudy, a French-Canadian woman who moves to Nevada.
Coming as only the second film directed by Mortensen,
The Dead Don’t Hurt
sets itself apart from other Westerns through its unconventional methods of storytelling.
Vivienne is left to deal with the bitter realities of the harsh world around her alone when the man she loves leaves to fight in the Civil War. By the time he returns, neither feels like the same person they once were. Coming as only the second film directed by Mortensen, The Dead Don’t Hurt sets itself apart from other Westerns through its unconventional methods of storytelling.
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Unlike most films in the genre, which tend to follow straightforward beginning-to-end stories, The Dead Don’t Hurt utilizes a nonlinear style, bouncing back and forth between nonconsecutive events within its narratives. The film is further boosted by Krieps’s strong portrayal of the fiercely independent Vivienne, consistently stealing every scene she’s in.