TheWesterngenre has been a staple in the industry for about a century now. With its tales of adventure and exploitation on the legendary frontier, and through the challenges and triumphs of their protagonists, the movies have given new life to the unforgiving spirit of the American West.
Perhaps no cinematic technique has the ability to enhance the genre’s atmosphere quite like the contrasts of black and white. While color films use vivid hues to highlight the rugged realities of the Wild West,monochromeWesterns are more subtle. They use light and shadow to create a mood that’s distinct, evocative, and pioneering.
Many of the most influential works in the Western genre have emerged from the golden age of the 1930s to the 1960s. Directors at the time innovated what would become landmarks andtropes most synonymous with the genre. From John Ford’sStagecoachto Howard Hawks’Red River, the movies constantly resurrected and reshaped the Western genre’s conventions through the clarity of black and white cinematography. Here are the 20 best B&W Westerns worth revisiting.
20Blood on the Land (1966)
Blood on the Landis a Greek Western movie directed by Vasilis Georgiadis. It takes place in the early part of the 20th century and centers around the rivalry between the two sons of a wealthy and powerful squire. Both Odysseas and Rigas are volatile and proud men, but their views on sharing the same land that the peasants shed their sweat, tears, and innocent blood to make it thrive, differ greatly. It does not help that they also fall in love with the same woman.
Offers a Glimpse into the Unforgiving West
A largely overlooked film that offers a thought-provoking, ahead-of-its-time perspective at land ownership and frontier conflict,Blood on the Landis a tense movie. It is also violent and dangerously tense in portraying the bitterly silent social turmoil at the center of its narrative. Shot in black-and-white to highlight justice and solidarity, the movie was a commercial success and it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.Stream on Pluto TV
19The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
A darkly comedic masterpiece,The Man Who Shot Liberty Valancestarts with U.S. Senator Stoddard returning to the frontier town of Shinbone to attend the funeral of Tom Doniphon. However, Stoddard’s arrival also leads to the truth behind his iconic story from the past where he was a famous lawyer who single handedly dunned down the notorious outlaw, Liberty Valance, is also revealed. Turns out it was actually Doniphon, a local rancher who killed him.
Lessons in Politics and Media
John Ford’s entertaining andmelodramatic moviesees the director at the peak of his craft. He is aided by the legendary duo of John Wayne and James Stewart, whose contrasting characters represent the film’s core – ambiguity between fact and myth. Into a story that defines its main character’s political trajectory and America’s romanticized image of self, Ford infuses social commentary and an insightful study of media manipulation.Stream on Paramount+
Related:10 Greatest Western Movies, According to the American Film Institute
18The Misfits (1961)
The Misfitstells the story of 30-year-old Roslyn Tabor who, shortly after filing her divorce, meets aging cowboy-turned-gambler Gay Langland and a WWII aviator, Guido Racanelli. After sharing a few cocktails, the three decide to move in together in Guido’s unfinished house. While she finds solace and purpose in their company, another ex-rodeo rider named Perce Howland joins the trio and they make a living out of capturing wild horses.
Features a Trio Like No Other
Director John Huston adapts Authur Miller’s thoughtful script into a marvelous Western. With its bleak frontier setting and an aura of melancholy, The Misfits explores ideas of mortality, lost purpose, and dignity. The characters, played by Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift, are flawed yet proud, sincere yet complex. And the chemistry they share grows increasingly bittersweet. While not received well at the time of its release,The Misfitsemerged as a landmark in the genre.Stream on Hoopla
173:10 To Yuma (1957)
Another classic black-and-white Western,3:10 To Yumais set in the Arizona Territory of the 1880s. It follows a rancher named Dan Evans, who is struggling to support his family. When Evas gets the opportunity to make two hundred dollars by escorting captured outlaw Ben Wade to Contention City to catch a train, he takes it. However, as they set out, Wade tests Evans; conscience using psychological games and puts more than just his life at stake.
Character-Driven Thriller
Expertly directed by Delmer Daves using sharp andstriking black-and-white cinematography, which was crucial to bring out the intensity and subtlety of the plot. Filled with suspense and plot twists at every turn, the movie examined the psychology of good versus evil. Glenn Ford and Van Heflin are perfectly cast as adversaries. Moreover, while3:10 To Yumawas remade by director James Mangold with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, it was pale in comparison to this unforgettable, character-driven classic.Stream on Prime Video
16The Lawless Rider (1954)
The story ofThe Lawless Riderconcerns a U.S. Marshall Johnny Carpenter, who arrives to help Texas Rose Bascom, her girlfriend and owner of Bascom Ranch, after an outlaw gang threatens to steal cattle off her ranch. Turns out, Texas Rose’s own brother is a member of the gang, which is operated by Freno Frost. Carpenter’s disguise as Rod Tatum is put to an end when the actual gunman arrives and confusion arises.
Black-and-White Tale of Justice
Actor-producer Johnny Carpenter,who is associated with a bunch of Westerns, delivers top-notch performance in his double role as himself and the man he is pretending to be. The supporting cast, Douglas Dumbrille, Kenne Duncan and Frankie Darro offer their talents in making the movie stand out. Filmed on breathtaking vistas in black-and-white, it uses Western staples like cattle rustling as a canvas to examine the atmosphere and storytelling.
15High Noon (1952)
Will Kane, Marshal of Hadleyville territory, has decided to retire and leave New Mexico to work as a storekeeper and raise a family. On the day of his wedding to Amy Fowler, the sheriff learns that Frank Miller, the criminal he put away years ago, is returning on the high noon train seeking revenge. When the townspeople refuse to help Kane and suggest he leave his badge behind, Kane prepares as best he can for a showdown with Miller.
Relies on Tension and Suspense
High Noondisappointed fans and critics at the time of its release because they were expecting grand shootouts, spectacular scenery and thrilling chases. However, what director Fred Zinnemann had in mind for the movie was a beautiful and emotional play on morality, the price of sacrifice and responsibility. The result was a taut thriller, a masterwork of suspense. Beyond its unbearable tension and edge-of-your-seat elements, the movie also set a new bar for Westerns with its complex storytelling.Stream on Hoopla
14The Gunfighter (1950)
InThe Gunfighter, legendary gunslinger Jimmy Ringo arrives in the town of Cayenne to reunite with his estranged girlfriend and son. Known as the fastest draw in the West, Ringo has repeatedly tried leaving his violent past behind, but his notoriety follows him everywhere he goes. His ride into town is met with challengers preparing to make their names. Among those wanting to kill Ringo are local thug Hunt Bromley and three other vengeful brothers.
Nostalgic Black-and-White Cinematography
Despite being filmed in black-and-white, this Western stands the test of time as a highly entertaining, violent, clever and insightful movie. Henry King brings psychological depth to the aging gunman’s character, which is portrayed by Gregory Peck. He is perhaps at the peak of his career as the compelling Ringo. Moreover, cinematographer Arthur C. Miller transforms the frontier into a character itself, whichmakes you nostalgic for the 1950s.Stream on Peacock
Related:The 10 Best R-Rated Spaghetti Westerns of All Time
13Blood on the Moon (1948)
A psychological Western laced with noir elements,Blood on the Moonfollows Jim Garry, a drifter who tries avoiding conflict when possible. However, events are set in motion bringing a long-standing friendship to the surface as Tate Riling seeks his help to mitigate a cattle dispute. Garry meets hostility from the townsfolk and soon realizes that his smooth-talking friend’s intentions are not in the right place, leaving him to pick a side.
Realistic and Well-Acted
WithBlood on the Moon, director Robert Wise brings a realistic and emotionally complex story to vivid life. It addresses the end of an era through the eyes of its heroes, who thrust themselves into the staggering landscape and fight for what they believe is right. Both Robert Mitchum and Robert Preston are outstanding in their roles. Lauded by critics as “picture [that] has a sound, sensible story to tell and, besides, is well acted,” this black-and-white Western is an ode to the beloved genre.Rent on Apple TV
12Red River (1948)
A critical and commercial success,Red Riverfollows headstrong Thomas Dunson, who has worked hard to establish himself as a powerful Texas rancher. He’s gotten help from his trail hand, Groot, and his adoptive son, Matt Garth. Now in need of some money, he prepared to drive thousands of head of cattle north to Missouri. However, when Dunson’s iron-fisted leadership and merciless behavior is challenged by his independent-minded son, the film leads to a dramatic power struggle.
A Masterwork of Power Place
Set on the perilous and rugged Chisholm Trail, this gorgeous Western helped cement the genre aselevated American art. And as years have passed, it has only grown beloved for its epic scope and character intimacy. Speaking of which, John Wayne and Montgomery Clift give award-winning performances as two strong-willed men pushed to the verge of confrontation. Director Howard Hawks’ idea of using monochrome colors only enhances the themes of power and change.Stream on Tubi TV
11Fort Apache (1948)
Fort Apacheis the first movie in director John Ford’s “Cavalry Trilogy.” Setin the post-Civil War era, it sees Lt. Col. Owen Thursday arriving with his daughter, Philadelphia, at the remote and troublesome titular territory. He is met with hostility and frustration from respected veteran Captain Kirby York. When Thursday aims to push reckless policies for his own glory despite York warming him otherwise, the fragile peace he’d created falls apart and tensions rise.
John Ford At His Lyrical Best
Not only isFort Apachean expertly-crafted black-and-white Western, but it is also one of the earliest ones to present a sympathetic view of Native Americans. While Ford dissects the tension between Thursday (played by Henry Fonda) and the Apaches with his trademark visual poetry and realism, the movie examines a changing era through a subtle and intelligent lens. John Wayne and Shirley Temple are also quite impeccable in their roles.Rent on Apple TV
