Saddle up your horse, throw your cowboy hat on and get your lasso swinging, because these top 15 most popular western movies to watch right now certainly aren’t messing around.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest western movies so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From The Good, the Bad and the Ugly to Pale Rider, this list will help fans of the wild, wild west stay up to date on the most popular western films available.
What are you waiting for? Start watching classic westerns on DIRECTV now. Giddy up!
TOP 15 WESTERN MOVIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending western movies that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Tombstone’
↑ 68 vs. Prior Week
Revisit the wild west in the action-packed and dramatic Tombstone. Step into the boots of Wyatt Earp, masterfully portrayed by Kurt Russell, in this riveting tale of blood feuds and brotherhood. Stand alongside his brothers and the inimitable Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) as they take on the lawless cowboy gang in the infamous town of Tombstone, Arizona.
This classic western, steeped in engrossing performances and high-stakes action, will have you on the edge of your seat, echoing the gunshots ringing through the wild frontier.
2. ‘El Dorado’
↔ vs. Prior Week
In the 2000 Western epic, El Dorado, a vile tycoon, Bart Jason (Edward Asner), sets his greedy sights on the MacDonald family’s prime land. However, the town’s sheriff, J.P. Harrah, is lost in the land of alcoholism, rendering him useless in the face of the impending threat. Not willing to watch in silence, Harrah’s long-time friend, the ever-noble Cole Thorton (John Wayne), and his enthusiastic protégé, Mississippi (James Caan), gallop into town. Battling their personal demons and the town’s tormentor, they rally to bring law back to El Dorado, culminating in a pulse-pounding shootout against Jason’s cold-blooded henchmen.
3. ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
↑ 111 vs. Prior Week
From the epic vistas of the American Southwest to the tense standoffs of the Civil War period, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1967) is a timeless masterpiece in the Spaghetti Western genre. It features the iconic Clint Eastwood as the stranger, Joe, locked in an uneasy alliance with Mexican bandit Tuco. Their volatile relationship intensifies when Joe’s typically flawless rescue attempts go unexpectedly awry, resulting in Tuco’s vengeful quest for retribution. Amidst the chaos and violence of a war-torn nation, the duo once again unites under grudgingly mutual goals, embarking on a relentless treasure hunt for a hidden fortune.
4. ‘The Hanging Tree’
↑ 382 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the gripping and dramatic narratives of the Old West through the 1959 classic The Hanging Tree. The film showcases the life of Joseph Doc Frail, a doctor with a mysterious past who saves a man named Rune (Ben Piazza) from the gallows.
Settling down in a Montana mining camp, Frail finds solace in becoming the town doctor and in the arms of Elizabeth, a young woman stricken by shock. But the tranquility is shattered when Elizabeth is assaulted, compelling Frail to intervene, landing them both in a perilous situation. This western flick pushes the boundaries of love, honor and redemption beyond limits.
5. ‘Two Mules for Sister Sara’
↑ 156 vs. Prior Week
Unfolding amidst the backdrop of the Mexican revolution, 1970’s Two Mules for Sister Sara blends intense action with a deceitful twist. Gunslinger, Hogan, portrayed by the iconic Clint Eastwood, stumbles upon Sara (played by Shirley MacLaine), a seemingly innocent nun, about to be assaulted by a group of men, kicks off their unexpected camaraderie. Amidst combating the invading French army, Sara’s unorthodox behavior and competency with firearms raise Hogan’s suspicions.
6. ‘Return of the Gunfighter’
↑ 37 vs. Prior Week
Return of the Gunfighter, a 1966 classic, stars Robert Taylor as the elder gunfighter Ben Wyatt, who finds himself unable to give up his dangerous lifestyle. When an ancient ally, Luis (Rodolfo Hoyos Jr.), faces threat to his lands, Ben’s assistance comes too late, leading him to a vengeful path against the murderers. Grief intensifies as he discovers Luis and his entire family, apart from daughter Anisa (Ana Martín), have been mercilessly killed. As he takes on the quest for retribution, the story thickens with the reluctant alliance between Ben and a young gunfighter, Lee Sutton (Chad Everett).
7. ‘Django Unchained’
↑ 130 vs. Prior Week
Get ready for Tarantino’s incendiary take on pre-Civil War America with Django Unchained, a strangely comedic yet grim bounty hunter saga. Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx stars as Django, a slave with a brutal past. Joined by German bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz, played by the eccentric Christoph Waltz, Django sets out to rescue his wife Broomhilda from the malicious plantation owner, Calvin Candie, played by the sinister Leonardo DiCaprio. Boasting phenomenal performances and Tarantino’s signature style, Django Unchained is a wild, blood-soaked ride through the old west where justice prevails in the most violent ways.
8. ‘Dances With Wolves’
↑ 74 vs. Prior Week
Dances With Wolves, a groundbreaking film from 1990, defies categorization by blending elements of drama, romance, and adventure. The highly acclaimed Kevin Costner plays Lieutenant John Dunbar, a Union soldier who, after befriending a tribe of Sioux Indians, begins to see the world through a different lens. This compelling story bravely challenges viewers’ perceptions of Native Americans and Western cultural norms. A sweeping mix of panoramic landscapes and emotionally charged performances, Dances With Wolves is more than just a movie, it’s a heartfelt human journey into the heartland of America.
9. ‘Back to the Future Part III’
↑ 110 vs. Prior Week
In the thrilling finale of the iconic series, Back to the Future Part III (1990) sees Marty McFly (played by the irresistible Michael J. Fox) unravel a tale from the past. When he discovers a 70-year-old message from the eccentric time-traveling Dr. Emmett Brown (dazzlingly portrayed by Christopher Lloyd), he learns his friend has been brutally murdered post-mailing the missive. In a race against time, Marty journeys back to save Doc and navigate the complications of lovestruck locals and a rickety DeLorean. Faced with gunslinging bandits in the Old West, this dazzling odyssey is sprinkled with heart-stopping twists and immeasurable nostalgia.
10. ‘Stagecoach’
↑ 83 vs. Prior Week
Get ready to hop aboard a ride filled with adventure and thrill in the iconic 1939 classic, Stagecoach. Starring John Wayne in his breakthrough role, this film chronicles a tense, high-stakes journey through Apache territory. Wayne plays the outlaw Ringo Kid, a character known the world over, in this moving picture that catapulted him to stardom. Directed by the masterful John Ford, Stagecoach is a perfect blend of suspense, drama and sharp-witted humor, delivering a stellar cinematic experience that continues to captivate decades after its release. Full of unforgettable performances and remarkable storytelling, this movie is a must-see for all fans of vintage American cinema.
11. ‘Hang ‘Em High’
↓ 5 vs. Prior Week
The classic 1997 Western-drama, Hang ‘Em High, stars an inimitable Clint Eastwood as the disturbed protagonist Jed Cooper. Falsely accused and left for dead, Cooper is saved by Marshal Dave Bliss (Ben Johnson) and Judge Adam Fenton (Pat Hingle), only to be offered an unexpected opportunity to serve justice himself. Circumstances may compel Cooper to follow the straight and narrow, but when he discovers his attackers are still making a mockery of the law, it’s time for some Old West vengeance. This captivating tale of revenge and redemption will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. The lines between right and wrong blur in this unforgettable cinematic journey.
12. ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’
↑ 350 vs. Prior Week
Venture back to 1969 for an epic historical adventure with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the real tale of arguably the most charming outlaw in frontier history, Butch Cassidy and his infamous accomplice, the always-dangerous Sundance Kid. In an era of fast-draws and lawless exploits, the duo thrives on thrilling bank heists, frontier battles and exhilarating chases. A life-altering love affair and an unexpected opportunity for a fresh start in far-off Bolivia add layers of emotional intensity. More than an outlaw saga, this is a close examination of an endearing friendship between two legendary bandits, offering a unique perspective on lawlessness and camaraderie.
13. ‘Red River’
↓ 3 vs. Prior Week
The 1948 film, Red River, is a gripping portrayal of ambition, camaraderie, and rivalry set in a sprawling Texas cattle ranch. Enter the world of the strong-willed Thomas Dunson, played remarkably by John Wayne, as he ventures to build a prosperous ranch with his loyal trail hand, Groot, and his adopted son, Matt Garth.
In pursuit of financial stability post-Civil War, they undertake a perilous excursion to Missouri, promising a significantly better return for their herd. However, the long, challenging journey fuels an unprecedented tension between the aging Dunson and the rebellious Matt, igniting a dramatic domestic clash amid the prairie. An epic tale of familial pride and power dynamics, Red River guarantees a riveting cinematic experience.
14. ‘Blazing Saddles’
↑ 110 vs. Prior Week
Star-studded with comedic talent including Mel Brooks and Cleavon Little, Blazing Saddles is a classic, remarkable satire of the Western film genre. A Black sheriff, played by Little, finds himself in an all-white town, jarred by his appointment and utterly unready for the ensuing chaos. This is where the movie, filled with unexpected plot twists and humorous social commentary, starts its journey. The audacious humor and sharp wit make Blazing Saddles a landmark in film comedy, leaving audiences in hysterics as they try to manage the burn of its biting satire.
15. ‘The Magnificent Seven’
↓ 1 vs. Prior Week
The Old West is not for the faint-hearted, and the people of Rose Creek learn this the hard way in the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven. As the ambitious industrialist Bartholomew Bogue seizes control of the town, Emma Cullen and other helpless residents are brought to their knees. Denzel Washington shines as Sam Chisolm, the ruthless bounty hunter called upon to liberate the town. Pulling together an intriguing ensemble of gunslingers, they face imminent doom as they prepare for a showdown with Bogue and his henchmen. This exhilarating cinematic ride explores more than just a fight for survival, but a battle for justice and dignity.
And there you have it: the top 15 western movies to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
For those who aren’t DIRECTV customers, make the switch today! Get all the best channels, shows, movies and more. And with four unique packages, there’s something for everyone.
And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Best Drama TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- Top 25 Movies to Stream Right Now
- Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- Best Limited Series to Watch
- The Top Historical Period Drama Pieces to Watch Now
- The Top Western TV Shows to Watch Right Now
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of Western movies?
Spaghetti Western, Comedy Western, neo-Western, Epic Western, Revisionist Western
Who are the most well-known Western film actors of all time?
Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Randolph Scott
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
