Over a century has passed since the start of Hollywood, and fans have seen the release of hundreds of thousands of movies across various genres. However, one genre has been a staple of cinema since the 1930s, and although itsgolden age ended in the ’60s, modern films still reference the ambiance of those masterworks.
Over the years,Westernshave entertained audiences with heroic gunslingers while exploring the mythology of the American West. Given the abundance of high-quality films in the genre, it is understandable that fans would want to watch them on everyone’s favorite streaming service,Prime Video. Featuring everything from classical films from the genre, to neo-westerns, revisionist Westerns, and other sub-genres like Western horrors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In no particular order, these are the best westerns you can watch on Prime Video right now.
Updated on July 31, 2025, by Rachel Johnson:This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
11The Westerner (1940)
Starring Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan is this timeless and relatively underrated gem.The Westernerfollows Cole Harden, an outlaw accused of stealing a horse that belongs to Judge Roy Bean’s sidekick. When put to trial, Harden somehow manipulates Bean and gets away. Bean, who admires Harden’s twisted sense of justice and corrupt nature, sees him as a threat. When fate brings them face-to-face once again, their rivalry leads to an epic showdown.
Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan Team Up Once More
The movie was Cooper and Brennan’sfourth collaboration together out of eight, and needless to say, they were unforgettable as the brooding outlaw and stubborn judge. Brennen also won his third Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. What’s also worth praising is the impeccable direction by William Wyler, who makes sure to drive the focus from surface shootouts to the complex questions about justice, power, and humanity. The glorious cinematography plunges the viewer into the heart of the Old West and proves why the movie deserves more appreciation.
10Young Guns (1988)
Touting a sensational cast of then Hollywood up-and-comers including Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, and Kiefer Sutherland,Young Gunsrecounts the thrilling life and legacy of infamous outlaw and gunslinger Billy the Kid, chronicling his involvement in the Lincoln County War along with his deputized posse the Regulators. William “Billy the Kid” Bonney (Estevez) and fellow gunfighters like “Dirty” Steve Stephens and Doc Scurlock joined forces on a mission for vengeance after their beloved employer was murdered, leading to a deadly showdown.
A Rip-Roaring Good Time
Young Gunswas a knockout at the box office and with moviegoers, grossing $56 million during its run and earning praise for its exciting action sequences and charismatic performances by itstalented young ensemble. The film was appreciated for blending its fictional elements with historical accuracy, though like any big screen endeavor creative liberties were taken. Estevez reprised his role as the fearless outlaw for the follow-upYoung Guns II, and a third entry is reportedly in the works with original cast members attached to return.
9The Alamo (1960)
Cinema legend andWestern icon John Wayneheadlined the epic historical dramaThe Alamo, in which “the Duke” portrayed folk hero and famous frontiersman Davy Crockett, a larger-than-life figure who played a significant role in the bloody 1836 Battle of the Alamo that claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers during the Texas Revolution. Not only did Wayne star in the engrossing picture, but the Western also marked his first major directing effort and ultimately became his only filmmaking venture.
Wayne’s Deeply Personal Endeavor
Unsurprisingly,The Alamodelivered a strong financial performance (though its lofty budget hindered its overall box office take) and went on to be nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture for Wayne. It was named one of the Top Ten Films of the Year at the National Board of Review Awards and was a deeply meaningful project for the movie star, with his daughterAlyssa retrospectively statingdecades later, “I think makingThe Alamobecame my father’s own form of combat. More than an obsession, it was the most intensely personal project in his career.”
8Surrounded (2023)
Read Our ReviewBlack Pantherbreakout star Letitia Wright traded in the superhero genre in favor of an engrossing Western when she starred inSurrounded, which takes place five years after the conclusion of the Civil War and follows former Buffalo Soldier and freedwoman Moses “Mo” Washington as she disguises herself as a man in order to obtain a life-changing gold mine. When her stagecoach is invaded by violent thieves, Mo is tasked with keeping notorious outlaw Tommy Walsh (Jamie Bell) captive, as his gang arrives to break the man free.
Wright’s Knockout Performance
Together, Mo and Tommy are forced to rely on one another in an attempt to survive the unforgiving wilderness and terrain, leading to a taut play-for-power.Surroundedpremiered at the Sun Valley Film Festival where it garnered widespread critical acclaim for Wright’s ferocious portrayal of the determined heroine and for its engrossing depiction of gender and racial inequality. The Western also marks the late andgreat Michael K. Williams’final film appearance, who portrayed bounty hunter Will Clay, a man on a mission to capture Tommy.
7My Name Is Nobody (1973)
During the dawn of the American frontier of 1898, the legendary aging gunslinger Jack Beauregard wants to retire peacefully. But he is interrupted (or challenged, more likely) by a young man by the name of Nobody who idolizes his fighting skills and his ability to ambush the enemy. Nobody encourages him to fight the Wild Bunch, consisting of 150 men, singlehandedly. Eventually, it is revealed that Nobody was hired to kill Beauregard, and they engage in a duel.
A Playful Comic Western
Based on a clever Sergio Leone-written concept and directed by Tonino Valerii,My Name Is Nobodyexamines the genre in a playful light. By placing its characters in farcical situations and giving them sly charm, it subverts authority and wisdom and delivers a story that fuels cinema’s love for outlaws and the frontier.Terence Hill and Henry Fondaare an outstanding duo, and the movie is biting, poignant, and highly entertaining.
6The Hero (2017)
The Herooffers an introspective glance into the life of an agingWestern movie star(Sam Elliot), as he spends his days reliving the glories of the past, while also coming to terms with his own mortality and the meaning of life. Laura Prepon, Krysten Ritter, Nick Offerman, and Katharine Ross are also attached to the cast, with direction provided by Brett Haley (Hearts Beat Loud).
A Bittersweet Reflection
While many modern-day Westerns approach the genre with a sense of violence and manliness,The Herooffers a fresh perspective by looking at the genre through the lens of comedy and humility. Sam Elliot does a tremendous job at playing a fading actor who turns to hedonistic pleasures to deal with the actuality of his situation. Overall,The Heromakes for a bittersweet film that puts forth pertinent questions about the difference between spirituality and material pleasures.
5Sweet Country (2017)
Set against the backdrop of Australia in the 1920s,Sweet Countryfollows an Aboriginal stockman who kills a white farm owner in self-defense and flees for his life as a group gathers to hunt him down. The film’s cast is notably comprised of names like Hamilton Morris, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, and Thomas M. Right, with additional roles played by Anni Finsterer and Natassia Gorey-Furber.
A Fantastic Western Set in the Outback
Sweet Countryis powered by Hamilton Morris’ captivating performance of stockman Sam Kelly. Warwick Thornton’s film provides an unflinching look at the glaring racism and brutality inflicted on the Aboriginal people of Australia, untangling the roots of the country’s dark past (and present) and highlighting them in a fashion that’s conducive to great storytelling.Sweet Country’sraw and direct approach sidesteps the melodrama often attached to the theme of racism and presents the narrative in its most bare and visceral form, making it a jewel of the Australian film industry.
15 Greatest Acid Western Movies of All Time
The acid Western is one of the most bizarre subgenres ever created and the following movies are the best ones in the category.
4Forsaken (2015)
Forsakenis a revisionist western featuring a great cast led by Donald and Kiefer Sutherland. The pair play a father and son duo, with the youngest of the pair going adrift after the Civil War, only to return home and find that he now has an estranged relationship with his father. The film is a notable highlight from director Jon Cassar, whose work extends across miniseries likeThe Kennedysand the long-running television series24.
A Revisionist Western With Familial Themes
Forsakendeals with themes of relationships and the trauma that comes with them, along with the peripheral emotions of loyalty and family. This is especially highlighted when John’s (Kiefer Sutherland) mother passes away, and he wants to leave behind hislife of violencebut is sucked back into it when a gang of thugs begins threatening their town, forcing John to go back to his old ways to help out. Though critical reviews were mixed,Forsakenwould go on to recieve several nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards, especially for its costume design and art direction.
3Brimstone (2016)
Brimstoneultimately revolves around a woman who is forced to flee when she’s falsely accused of a crime. In a film with plenty of biblical overtones, she’s pursued relentlessly by a fanatical preacher known as The Reverend. Aside from its intriguing hooks, the film also boasted a fantastic cast with Dakota Fanning and Guy Pearce as its leads, and the likes ofGame of Thronesstars, Kit Harrington and Carice van Houten in supporting roles.
A Psychological Western
In the ever-evolving styles that classical Westerns have been given revisionist takes, Western horrors have emerged as one ofthe coolest subgenres around.Brimstoneremains one of the forerunners in this category as a brilliant film that contains the best of both its root genres. A creative film that caused a stir with its subversive religious underpinnings, the movie is experienced through four acts, told in a non-linear order. At the Saturn Awards, it would recieve a nomination for Best International Film.
2One-Eyed Jacks (1961)
The only film directed by the late, great Marlon Brando,One-Eyed Jacksalso starred the iconic actor as a bandit named Rio. After Rio, his mentor Dad, and a third man named Doc, pull off a heist, they’re later tracked down by Mexican police. Doc is killed, but Dad gives up Rio, who’s arrested and jailed. Rio is forced to spend five long years behind bars, contemplating his betrayal and plotting his revenge. After escaping, he flees to California, where he finds Dad has become a Sheriff. He plans to rob the bank there and kill Dad. However, a complication arises when Rio starts to fall in love with Dad’s daughter, Louisa.
Marlon Brando’s Sole Directorial Credit
One-Eyed Jackplays on Brando’s charm and charisma and documents the congruence of romance and aggression. Considered by many film enthusiasts as an underrated gem of the genre,One-Eyed Jackmakes for great off-beat viewing as it paints a vast and encompassing picture that juxtaposes beautiful landscapes alongside savage personalities.A pivotal film for Brando,One-Eyed Jackswas selected for preservation by the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry.
Best Western Movie of Each Decade
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Western genre has evolved with time, producing a diverse range of approaches with many great movies.
