The Western movie has been around for a long timeand was once one of the most popular film genres. Not only does it have a compelling aesthetic comprised of horseback shootouts, cowboy boots, salons, and more, but it also lends itself to rich characters and high-stakes stories. But Westerns aren’t a monolith — in recent years, there have been exciting new twists on the classic, beloved formula. Read on to discover the best Westerns streaming on Max.
For more recommendations, check out the bestshowsandmovieson the platform, as well as thebest Westerns on Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated November 2024 to include The Revenant.
‘The Revenant’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 8.0/10
The Revenant
Partly based onMichael Punke’s eponymous 2002 novel,The Revenantis a 2015 action drama Western directed byAlejandro G. Iñárritu, who also co-wrote the screenplay withMark L. Smith. The film starsLeonardo DiCaprioas legendary real-life frontiersman Hugh Glass, who is severely injured in a bear attack and left for dead by his crew. However, Glass uses his experience and skills to survive the harsh wild and find his way to revenge. The movie also starsTom Hardy,Domhnall Gleeson,Will Poulter, and more.The Revenantwas a massive box-office success at the time of its release, grossing over $500 million worldwide. A critically acclaimed film, the movie is perhaps best known for winning DiCaprio his first-ever Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also won the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography, and DiCaprio’s performance earned him several more awards, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a SAG Award. With beautiful cinematography, powerful performances, and an engaging dramatic story,The Revenantis a modern classic of the Western genre.
Watch on Max
‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 49% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1
Kevin Costner’sHorizonfilm series is a passion project that’s been in the works for years.Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1is the first movie in the series, which is planned to include four films in total. This epic Western film was directed and produced by Costner, who also stars in the movie and co-wrote the screenplay withJon Baird. The movie narrates a 15-year story of exploration and expansion in the Old West, starting in 1859 and revolving around the settlement of Horizon. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Costner,Sienna Miller,Sam Worthington,Giovanni Ribisi, and more. ThoughHorizon: Chapter 1has received rather mixed reviews, and the movie didn’t do too well at the box office, the film does feature some great performances and cinematography. It’s an ambitious, expansive story that’s just the beginning of a much larger plot — one that you can’t really judge until it’s actually complete. It might be a while before that happens, but theHorizonseries is moving forward, withHorizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2premiering at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival.
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.3/10
The Ballad of Lefty Brown
Written and directed byJared Mosheand distributed by A24,The Ballad of Lefty BrownstarsBill Pullmanas the titular character, who sets out on a quest for vengeance after witnessing the murder of his old partner. A loyal and lovable sidekick thrust into the role of avenging hero, Lefty relentlessly pursues justice even though nobody takes him seriously. The film also starsKathy Baker,Jim Caviezel,Peter Fonda,Tommy Flanagan, andMichael Spears.The Ballad of Lefty Brownpremiered at the 2017 South by Southwest festival, receiving largely favorable reviews from critics. While the film’s plot does get a bit uneven, Pullman’s performance in the lead role is what makes this cowboy story one for the ages. The cinematography and action sequences are sharply crafted, elevating this fascinating character study. Though it has its flaws,The Ballad of Lefty Brownis a thoroughly enjoyable watch for fans of classic Westerns, with an interesting take on the oft-repeated beats of a revenge story. Like Lefty himself, the movie is an underdog that may just surprise you.
Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 7.5/10
A headline title in the niche acid-Western genre, the late-1800s-basedDead ManfollowsJohnny Depp’s William Blake who, after being rejected for a job he was promised in the frontier community of Machine, ends up on the run for murder. A visual treat filmed in black and white,Dead Mantakes the viewer by the hand and pulls them head-first through this trippy adventure. A genre-defying rollercoaster from start to finish,Neil Young’s detailed score further emphasizes the surrealist vision directorJim Jarmuschclearly had. Boasting a strong cast, including the likes ofJohn Hurt,Michael Wincott, and evenIggy Pop,Dead Manis a cult classic for good reason and is often cited as required viewing for fans of the Western genre. -Jake Hodges.
‘The Gold Rush’ (1925)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.5/10
The Gold Rush
As the filmCharlie Chaplinwanted to be most remembered for,The Gold Rushstands out as one of the great performer’s best works, with his famous Tramp persona working its hilarious on-screen magic yet again. Chaplin plays the Lone Prospector who, after traveling to Klondike, Alaska, in search of gold, instead finds love in the form ofGeorgia Hale’s Georgia. Inspired by photographs of the real Klondike Gold Rush, the movie indulges in Chaplin’s typical marriage of humor and sensitivity, with slapstick comedy never too far from touching character moments. A masterpiece in silent filmmaking,The Gold Rushis just one of the many reasons why Chaplin’s films are so fondly remembered today, with many great Westerns owing a debt to this wonderful feat of filmmaking. -Jake Hodges.
‘Stagecoach’ (1939)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Stagecoach
Stagecoach follows a diverse group of passengers traveling through dangerous territory under the looming threat of attack. As they face external perils on their way to Lordsburg, each character’s personal story unfolds, revealing hidden depths and forging unexpected connections, ultimately shaping their shared journey and individual destinies.
Iconic classic directorJohn Forddirected 1939’sStagecoach, one of the earliest Westerns in cinematic history. Set in the 1880s, the game-changing film follows a group of eclectic strangers riding a stagecoach through Apache territory.Stagecoachis far from perfect. Its depiction of Native Americans is highly problematic, and Ford’s approach might be off-putting to some. However,Stagecoachexcels as a vivid portrait of the American West thanks to stunning visuals and a collection of ragtag characters that perfectly represent the time’s social dynamics in service of a classic story that would shape the Western for years to come. -David Caballero
‘The Shooting’ (1966)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.5/10
The Shooting
Though it might’ve taken until the 1970s for the public to finally say, “Hey, this Jack Nicholson guy might be one of the best actors of all time,” Nicholson himself was already proving himself one of the greats in the 1960s. It took until the end of that decade for him to become truly famous, though, with films like 1966’sThe Shootingultimately helping him get there. At just 78 minutes long, it’s a fast-paced and action-packed Western that follows two miners who agree to escort a strange young woman to a nearby town. It keeps things moving well consistently and certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome, in the process showing that Nicholson was more than capable of being a Western star, had he wanted to appear in more films within that genre. -Jeremy Urquhart
‘Deadwood: The Movie’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Deadwood: The Movie
A continuation of the popular show by the same name,Deadwood: The Moviefollows the arrival of George Hearst (Gerald McRaney) to the town of Deadwood. Full of dark portends,Deadwood: The Movieuses him primarily as a catalyst to unite everyone — Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), Trixie (Paula Malcomson), Alma Ellsworth (Molly Parker), Charlie Utter (Dayton Callie), and more — in common purpose. Hearst is still a wretch, but this isn’t his story. He’s bringing modernity and telephone lines toDeadwoodvia his own violent, megalomanic brand of progress, butDeadwood’s rogue nature is not easily tamed. -Allison Keene
