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10 Western Movie Recommendations

This past year I have been on a major western movie kick. I’ve always been a fan of the genre and have seen a good amount of westerns over the decades, but I decided to really dive deep into the genre this year. Now, I’m not going to bother listing any of the classics like “Unforgiven” or “Red River.” Instead, I’m going to list 10 movies that don’t quite get the appreciation they deserve. On with the list!

1. Ride The High Country- “The Wild Bunch” tends to get all the attention in Sam Peckinpah’s filmography, but, to me, this is his finest work partially due to the incredible performances by Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott.

2. Silver Lode (1954)- A timely western about the dangers of mob rule and lies.

3. Monte Walsh (1970)- This Lee Marvin starrer caught me off guard. It’s an emotional and ultimately tragic tale about life, death and the end of the old west era.

4. Ride Lonesome- Randolph Scott and director Budd Boetticher are a dynamic duo and this is arguably their best work together.

5. The Great Silence- When it comes to spaghetti westerns, this is among the best. Not only is the snowy cinematography stunning, but it’s a dark and unpredictable film.

6. Day Of The Outlaw- The definition of an unknown gem. This Robert Ryan and Burl Ives western is best seen knowing as little as possible.

7. Last Train From Gun Hill- I know I already mentioned this in my last recommendation list, but I felt the need to bring it up again with the Paramount Presents Blu-ray coming soon. Simply one of the best westerns. 

8. Wild Rovers- William Holden and Ryan O’Neal seem an unlikely pair, but they have great chemistry in this quirky Blake Edwards 1971 movie.

9. The Bravados- An underrated, surprising and edgy revenge western starring Gregory Peck. 

10. The Sons Of Katie Elder- This John Wayne and Dean Martin starrer doesn’t get mentioned enough. Is it on the level of a “Rio Bravo?” Probably not, but it’s still a deeply engaging story about family.

April 9, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | List | 10 Western Movie Recommendations, Day Of The Outlaw, Last Train From Gun Hill, Monte Walsh, Ride Lonesome, Ride The High Country, Silver Lode, Spaghetti Western, The Bravados, The Great Silence, Westerns, WIld Rovers