In the heyday of Hollywood, Westerns were as prolific as modern-day superhero movies. The genre, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and timeless tales, eventually dwindled in popularity. However, the Old West is far from forgotten, as it thrives in the digital age of streaming. Netflix, a treasure trove of cinematic gems, hosts a collection of remarkable Westerns that cater to a diverse audience.
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Whether you're a fan of the classic Western archetype, a newcomer to the genre, or someone in search of a modern twist, there's a Western film or series to suit your preferences. This revival of Westerns is hardly a surprise, given the allure of their untamed landscapes, captivating characters and timeless themes of justice, freedom and the enduring human desire to escape the constraints of civilization.
In the world of technology and urban chaos, these stories offer a breath of fresh, open-air relief. While you journey into the world of Westerns, you'll encounter dialogues about morality, freedom and the ever-present possibility of a showdown. Yet, amid the gunfights and standoffs, the true protagonist of any Western narrative remains the land itself, for it persists long after the dust settles, serving as a testament to the enduring human endeavor to coexist with the untamed wilderness. In the Wild West, we're just temporary visitors, striving to find our place within the vast and unyielding landscape.
Here are 17 excellent Westerns you can stream on Netflix in 2023.
'Cry Macho' (2021)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Who's in it: Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Natalia Traven
A former rodeo star, Mike Milo (Clint Eastwood), is hired to bring back a young boy from Mexico to his father in Texas. Along the way, they develop an unlikely friendship and face various challenges. This journey becomes a tale of redemption and finding a sense of purpose, as both Mike and the boy learn valuable life lessons from each other.
'Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher' (2021)
Netflix
Who's in it: Martin Sensmeier, Dermot Mulroney, Tommy Flanagan
Based on the true story of Montford T. Johnson, a renowned Chickasaw cattleman. Johnson's journey was marked by significant adversity, as he forged a sprawling ranching dynasty along the iconic cattle route of the American West known as the Chisholm Trail.
'The Highwaymen' (2019)
Netflix
Who's in it: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates
In this historical crime drama, two retired Texas Rangers (Costner and Harrelson) are brought out of retirement to hunt down the notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde. The film offers a different perspective on the well-known crime story, focusing on the lawmen's pursuit and their efforts to bring the outlaws to justice.
'Song of the Bandits' (2023)
Netflix
Who's in it: Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, Yoo Jae-myung
Koreans assembled in Gando, a region now in northeastern China, joining forces to defend their homes during the Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
'Longmire' (2012-2017)
Netflix
Who's in it: Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips
"Longmire" is a modern Western crime drama series that follows Sheriff Walt Longmire as he navigates the challenges of law enforcement in a rural Wyoming town. The show explores themes of justice, community and the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of the American West.
'Concrete Cowboy' (2020)
Netflix
Who's in it: Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome
In "Concrete Cowboy," a troubled teenager (McLaughlin) is sent to live with his estranged father (Elba) in Philadelphia, where he discovers the world of urban horse riding and forms an unlikely bond with the local cowboys. This coming-of-age drama explores themes of family, belonging and self-discovery against the backdrop of an unconventional urban subculture.
'Mudbound' (2017)
Netflix
Who's in it: Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell
"Mudbound" is a powerful drama set in post-World War II Mississippi. It tells the story of two families, one white and one black, who are bound together by the land they share and divided by the harsh realities of racism and societal expectations. The film delves into themes of injustice, friendship and the enduring human spirit.
'Thar' (2022)
Netflix
'Cowboy Bebop' (1998-1999)
Netflix
Who's in it: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara
In the iconic anime series "Cowboy Bebop," viewers follow the adventures of a ragtag group of intergalactic bounty hunters as they chase down the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. This space-Western combines action, humor and a richly detailed sci-fi world.
'The Harder They Fall' (2021)
Netflix
Who's in it: Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz
"The Harder They Fall" is a stylish Western action film that follows the journey of a notorious outlaw seeking revenge. He assembles a gang to confront his rival, leading to a high-stakes showdown filled with gunfights, suspense and memorable characters.
'The Killer' (2017)
Netflix
Who's in it: Maria de Medeiros, Thaila Ayala, Diogo Morgado
This Brazilian Western revolves around Cabeleira, a notorious gunslinger dwelling in the rural expanses of Pernambuco State during the 1940s.
'Godless' (2017)
Ursula Coyote/Netflix
Who's in it: Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Jeff Daniels
"Godless" is a Western miniseries set in a town mostly inhabited by women after a mining accident decimates the male population. When a dangerous outlaw gang arrives, the town's residents must confront their pasts and protect their future.
'Wind River' (2017)
Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company
Who's in it: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene
"Wind River" is a gripping crime drama that unfolds on a Native American reservation in Wyoming. A wildlife officer and an FBI agent team up to investigate a murder, uncovering dark secrets and confronting the harshness of the remote landscape.
'The Hateful Eight' (2015)
Andrew Cooper/ The Weinstein Company
Who's in it: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh
In Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight," a diverse group of strangers seeking refuge during a blizzard in post-Civil War Wyoming soon discovers that trust is a rare commodity in a room full of hidden identities, tension and treacherous motives.
'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs' (2018)
Netflix
Who's in it: Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, Liam Neeson
This anthology film, directed by the Coen Brothers, offers six unique Western stories, each with its own characters and narratives, ranging from dark humor to tragedy.
'The Furnace' (2020)
Arclight Films
Who's in it: Ahmed Malek, Baykali Ganambarr, Kaushik Das
Taking place in the remote Australian outback amid the gold rushes of the 1890s, the story follows a young Afghan camel handler determined to leave his challenging life behind and return to his homeland. His path crosses with that of an enigmatic bushman, fleeing with stolen Crown gold.
'The Power of the' Dog (2021)
Netflix
Who's in it: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons
"The Power of the Dog" is a psychological Western drama that revolves around a ranching family's complex dynamics and the arrival of a charismatic but manipulative outsider, leading to a web of secrets and betrayals.
