The Western genre has been enthralling us since the advent of movies. There’s something timelessly captivating about the old tale of noble cowboys clashing with ruthless outlaws, their battles centered around gold, honor, revenge, or the affection of a striking woman. Even though it is home to cherished, iconic masterpieces such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), within the backdrop of tumbleweeds and gunfights of this genre lie a treasure trove of underrated masterpieces that have resonated deeply with film enthusiasts worldwide.
This piece focuses on several iconic Western films that, despite lacking global fame, have cultivated a dedicated fanbase with a fervent affection.
10
Major Dundee (1965)
The movie titled Major Dundee, directed by Sam Peckinpah, chronicles the journey of Major Amos Dundee (played by Charlton Heston), a Union officer, as he leads an eclectic band of soldiers and captives on a perilous expedition into Mexico. Their objective: to apprehend Apache warriors who have raided American lands. Along their path, they encounter both external hazards and internal conflicts, navigating treacherous terrains and grappling with ethical quandaries. The ensemble cast includes Richard Harris, Jim Hutton, James Coburn, in addition to Charlton Heston.
Not a Major Hit for Peckinpah
Although it delivered powerful performances and Sam Peckinpah had an impressive history, the film struggled to achieve the same level of global success as Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy. However, Major Dundee has garnered a dedicated fanbase among admirers of Peckinpah’s work and those who appreciate its depiction of the complex moral landscape of war. Today, Major Dundee boasts an astonishing 97% rating from critics and 67% approval from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Rent or Purchase Major Dundee on Apple TV.
9
High Plains Drifter (1973)
In the realm of cinematic critiques, allow me to share my thoughts on Clint Eastwood’s fourth directorial masterpiece, “High Plains Drifter” (1973). This film follows a captivating narrative about an elusive gunman, a role brilliantly portrayed by none other than the director himself. The story unfolds in the quaint town of Lago, where this enigmatic figure assumes the mantle of law enforcement. Employed by the townsfolk to shield them from a ruthless gang bent on retribution, this mysterious stranger metes out his unique brand of justice. As he carries out his duties, the town’s hidden past begins to unravel, revealing unsettling truths that shake the very foundations of Lago.
A Darker Clint Eastwood Western
Initially, “High Plains Drifter” didn’t receive widespread acclaim when it first hit the big screen. Instead, its complex narrative and unconventional themes might have felt out of place compared to the more conventional Westerns popular during that time. The film’s ominous tone and protagonist with questionable motives may not have struck a chord with audiences accustomed to traditional heroic characters. However, despite these initial hurdles, “High Plains Drifter” has become a beloved classic among dedicated Western enthusiasts due to its innovative approach to the genre and Clint Eastwood’s exceptional directorial skills. Now, you can enjoy this timeless film by purchasing or renting “High Plains Drifter” on Apple TV.
8
The Big Gundown (1967)
In the film “The Big Gundown” (1967), directed by Sergio Sollima, Lee Van Cleef portrays a tenacious bounty hunter named Jonathan ‘Colorado’ Corbett. The story follows Corbett as he tracks down a Mexican outlaw known as Cuchillo (Tomas Milian), who stands accused of attacking and killing a young girl. This chase takes Corbett through harsh landscapes and moral quandaries, resulting in unanticipated partnerships and intense showdowns. Additionally, Walter Barnes plays Brokston, a wealthy railroad magnate, before he teamed up with Clint Eastwood in “High Plains Drifter”.
A Forgotten Spaghetti Western
Despite having an engaging plot, a talented cast, and being loved by genre enthusiasts for its distinctive character interactions, intense actions, and captivating lead performances, the film’s Italian origin may have presented cultural obstacles for audiences outside of Europe. This could be why it didn’t resonate with North American viewers as expected. However, in today’s more diverse climate, The Big Gundown is highly regarded. It’s worth noting that its screenwriter, Sergio Donati, worked on this film just a year after his unrecognized contributions to For a Few Dollars More. Don’t miss out on watching The Big Gundown on Fubo TV.
7
Never Grow Old (2019)
2019 saw the debut of Ivan Kavanagh’s film “Never Grow Old,” a gripping story that centers around an Irish undertaker named Patrick Tate (Emile Hirsch), who resides in a small frontier settlement with his family. The peaceful existence is shattered when a ruthless gang, headed by Dutch Albert (John Cusack), seizes control of the town. As Patrick finds himself ensnared in a web of violence and ill-gotten gains, the once tranquil life spirals out of control. Déborah François, Danny Webb, Tim Ahern, and Sam Louwyck also appear in this intense reinterpretation of the western genre.
Features a Fantastic Cast
This movie delves into topics like endurance, moral dilemmas, and the repercussions of lawlessness within a society. Despite being an edge-of-your-seat Western featuring an outstanding cast, its restricted promotional efforts led to it escaping global attention. However, Never Grow Old stands out for its realistic portrayal of ethical quandaries and engaging narrative, striking a chord with those who value its depth and authenticity. Critics appear to have taken a liking to it too, awarding the film a satisfying 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Consider purchasing or renting Never Grow Old on Prime Video.
6
Troublemakers (1994)
The 1994 Western movie titled “Troublemakers“, which starred the renowned Italian duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, narrates the adventure of Travis (portrayed by Terence Hill) upon receiving an unexpected letter from his mother. Following her request for Travis’ brother, Moses (Bud Spencer), to visit during Christmas, a series of hilarious events unfold across the Western landscape as they embark on a quest. This journey may potentially uncover the most magnificent treasure either one has ever stumbled upon. The main cast includes Ruth Buzzi, Jonathan Tucker, Neil Summers, Ron Carey, and Paul Ukena, with Terence Hill also serving as the film’s director.
Far From Their Peak in Popularity
With its signature humorous brawls and friendly banter, the movie Troublemakers delivers a mix of physical humor and thrilling action scenes. Although Spencer and Hill’s proven chemistry and fame were evident, the release of Troublemakers coincided with a decline in the appeal of their type of humor in certain regions. Nevertheless, it continues to maintain a devoted fanbase who appreciate the duo’s distinct style, highlighting their enduring appeal and comedic prowess. Regrettably, this classic film is not available for streaming at present.
5
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
In my opinion, “Bone Tomahawk” (2015) – a less-frequently discussed Western horror masterpiece directed by S. Craig Zahler – is an extraordinary tale I hold dear. As a member of the audience, I found myself drawn into the gripping narrative about a valiant band of men who embarked on a dangerous quest to free captives from a horrifying tribe of cannibalistic Native Americans. The esteemed Sheriff Hunt, portrayed by Kurt Russell, led this group, which also included a seasoned cowboy gunslinger (Matthew Fox), a resourceful rancher (Patrick Wilson), and a steadfast backup deputy (Richard Jenkins). The arduous journey took them deep into the treacherous heart of the cannibal tribe, leading to harrowing encounters marked by intense and unsettling violence.
The West At Its Most Brutal
I initially may have missed out on appreciating “Bone Tomahawk” due to its graphic violence, dark themes, and limited exposure in cinemas. However, film critic Brian Tallerico from Roger Ebert pointed out that despite being a solid production with an exceptional cast, it was barely released in theaters. Interestingly, over time, this movie has gained traction among both genre enthusiasts due to its uncompromising style. This underscores its influence that transcends traditional box office performance. Notably, its home media sales have been exceptionally successful, earning nearly four times its production cost compared to a minimal return at the box office. Just a heads up: “Bone Tomahawk” is not for those with sensitive dispositions. If you’re up for it, give Bone Tomahawk a stream on Netflix.
4
Old Henry (2021)
The 2021 Western drama titled “Old Henry,” directed by Potsy Ponciroli, tells the story of Henry, a solitary, widowed farmer portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, and his son Wyatt (Gavin Lewis). In their quiet life, they come across an injured outlaw (Scott Haze) on their property. Their compassionate decision to tend to him invites peril into their tranquil existence. As the tension escalates, the enigmatic past of Henry is gradually revealed, culminating in a dramatic showdown with a corrupt Sheriff named Ketchum (Stephen Dorff), his gang, and an unexpected plot twist that could well be one of the most shocking revelations in Western genre history.
A Traditional Western in the Modern Day
Despite its slower tempo and traditional Western style possibly hindering its global acclaim, the film Old Henry remains captivating for lovers of classic Westerns due to its authenticity and character-driven plot. As stated by The New York Times, Old Henry succeeds in demonstrating that the conventional Western isn’t obsolete. Watch Old Henry on The Roku Channel.
3
Ravenous (1999)
In the lead role as Capt. John Boyd, Guy Pearce shines in the 1999 horror-comedy film, Ravenous. Directed by Antonia Bird, this gripping tale unfolds around a group of soldiers stationed at a secluded military outpost in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the 1840s. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when they cross paths with a strange traveler (Robert Carlyle), who harbors a chilling secret: an uncontrollable hunger for human flesh. As the soldiers come to grips with this gruesome truth, a fierce struggle for survival unfolds in the unforgiving wilderness.
A Rare Mix of Horror and Comedy
Although Ravenus stood out with its mix of horror and dark wit, it didn’t manage to become a household name among the top-tier Westerns of the 90s. Its debut alongside other blockbusters might have hindered its exposure. Yet, this hasn’t deterred fans of unconventional horror from appreciating its innovation and genre fusion. Critics like Roger Ebert found the film somewhat disappointing, describing it as “a movie where you appreciate the artistry of the filmmaking, even when the narrative veers into formless gore.” Consider checking out Ravenus on Apple TV.
2
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Over the span of twenty-five years, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” – a 2018 anthology film by the Coen Brothers – was brought to life. It consists of six separate tales set in the American frontier, interwoven like verses in an old ballad. Ranging from the lighthearted and melodious escapades of gunslinger Buster Scruggs (Tim Blake Nelson) to grimmer narratives delving into life’s complexities, death, and ethical dilemmas, this film showcases a diverse array of themes and emotions reminiscent of the Wild West. Distinguished actors such as James Franco, Tom Waits, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, Chelcie Ross, and others each lend their talent to one or more of these six stories.
An Incredible Anthology Tale
In contrast to blockbusters like “No Country for Old Men” (2007) and “The Big Lebowski” (1998), produced by the Coen Brothers, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” did not achieve widespread international success. This could be attributed to its limited theater release and quick debut on Netflix. However, despite its relatively low box office performance, the film’s innovative storyline and suspenseful plots have resonated with fans of the Coen Brothers’ signature style. Notably, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay at the 75th Venice International Film Festival and premiered there. The film currently boasts an impressive 89% critics score and 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Watch “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” on Netflix.
1
Trinity Is Still My Name (1971)
In the realm of cinematic criticism, allow me to share my thoughts on “Trinity Is Still My Name” (1971), a laugh-out-loud Spaghetti Western comedy hailing from Italy and directed by Enzo Barboni. This film is a delightful continuation of the hilarious escapades featuring our two legendary protagonists, Trinity (Terence Hill) and Bambino (Bud Spencer), who first graced our screens in “They Call Me Trinity” (1970). In this installment, these iconic duo find themselves entangled in a myriad of amusing predicaments as they work to dismantle an arms cartel.
A Cult Favorite Western Comedy
Although it boasted numerous funny scenes and built upon the success of its predecessor, Trinity Is Still My Name struggled to gain global recognition. Nevertheless, with an excellent soundtrack, this film has become a beloved Spencer-Hill classic, particularly among European viewers. Some have even likened it to the timeless silent comedies by Buster Keaton, emphasizing intricate physical humor over sharp dialogue. Watch Trinity Is Still My Name on Plex.
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2025-01-20 01:34