The western is a genre that’s almost utterly unique to the cinema, inescapably etched into the landscapes of its past and peculiarly ostracised from its contemporary foundations. The western used to be the benchmark of Hollywood spectacle and action, now it stands out more as a spectre of a bygone era.
While there are some fantastic examples of modern westerns from the last 20 years or so, the genre still hasn’t been rejuvenated to the peaks of not only its former glories, but more tragically its former popularity. With Tarantino’s Django Unchained out in cinemas now, one can but hope that it will draw some much needed attention to one of cinema’s most recognisable, culturally significant and enduringly entertaining genres.
So, if you’ve seen Tarantino’s latest cinematic offering and feel like you’d like to delve into the Western a bit more, here’s a list of some of the most significant examples of the genre, both classic and contemporary. Some of the films on this list can be seen to have directly influenced Django Unchained, whereas others are simply superb films that shouldn’t be missed if you’re on the hunt for some more gun slinging action.
Want to write about the stuff you're passionate about and have your work read by an audience of over 10 million a month? Click here to become a contributor.
12 Comments
No Tombstone?
No Tombstone.
You’ve really got me interested in El Topo now. I’ve seen most of the films on the list but I’ll have to check that one out sometime soon
I honestly can’t emphasise enough how great it is.
With the exception of Unforgiven, I would’ve swapped out one of the Eastwood westerns for The Outlaw Josey Wales. It’s a real turning point for Eastwood as an actor/director. Eastwood the actor gets to shoot a lot of fools, while Eastwood the director begins to question why we keep shooting each other.
There’s some serious cake eating and cake having in that movie. And it all works.
It is a great film actually, you’re right. Anything that metaphorically sees Clint both having and eating cake is alright by me.
Shane…Shane…..!!!!!!
Kind of thought that Shane was a bit lame.
So where is Jodorowski’s reply to criticism of his movie’s violence?
I would like to see it.
Thanks for the article!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MUOyZI-pKo – here’s the Jodorowsky reply. Sorry, the link should have been embedded in the article. I just contacted the editor to try and get it sorted.
Glad you liked the article!
Great list. Like you I love Clint’s Westerns more than most other entrants in the genre. That isn’t to say they are all great (Joe Kidd is pretty woeful) but generally, his westerns are awesome. Also, thanks for the tip on El Topo and The Great Silence, I shall be checking those out.
I think Butch Cassidy and The Wild Bunch are also pretty good follow ups for anyone who loved Django Unchained and wants to get more into the genre.
Thanks mate. Totally agree with you on The Wild Bunch, if it was 11 Westerns it would have definitely found a spot.