10 Best Westerns NOT Set In The Old West

The joy of Rango is that it's set (technically) in the Old West. Or, rather, a "town" inhabited by animals who are marred by bandits, a large conspiracy and dire times. Directed by Gore Verbinski and starring the never funnier Johnny Depp as the titular chameleon, Rango was released in 2011 and remains one of Hollywood's most enjoyable and unique family animations.

Rango is a pet chameleon who spends his days wishing he could be the hero of a grand story. After his owners' fail to notice he has fallen from their car, Rango comes across a drought-ridden town in desperate need for help. Claiming to be a hero after accidentally killing a hawk, he becomes the town sheriff and works to help out the locals with their water and bandit problems.

As a film, it's predictable in its overall plot, but thanks to some great voice work (Depp, Isla Fisher and Bill Nighy), unique setting and impressive animation, Rango is great. It's also got some pretty splendid shout-outs to the idea of the Western hero, and a great caricature of Clint Eastwood voiced by Timothy Olyphant.

For the family, it's crazy levels of funny and stylish. As a Western, it's a respectful and brilliantly self-aware satire.