I think it’s fair to say that over the past three decades, the Western genre has gone through something of a torrid time, suffering the same fate as the musical in that it was for a long time considered outdated and not in keeping with modern cinema audience’s tastes. Seen so often as the preserve of old men, with heroes to match (Open Range, anyone?), it is often forgotten that this most American of cinematic oeuvres has the potential to be powerful, dangerous and subversive.
While Western films are ostensibly about a very specific place and a startlingly brief period in American history, they can still talk to audiences across the globe and touch on the universal themes of loss, redemption and farting around a fire.
On that note, we’ve compiled a list of 10 films that we feel are perfect representations of the genre at its best. It’s our hope that after checking out some of the movies we’re about to discuss, that you’ll find a new love for a genre that has unfortunately, been somewhat forgotten by cinema.
So, without further ado, read on for 10 western movies that we assure you will turn you into a fan of the genre.