As a seasoned film critic with a deep appreciation for the Western genre, I’ve had the pleasure of watching countless films that showcase the raw beauty and grit of the Wild West. From John Ford’s iconic classics to modern masterpieces like “True Grit” and “The Revenant,” I’ve grown up immersed in this rich cinematic tradition.
As a dedicated gamer and avid Netflix subscriber, I can’t deny the platform’s impressive catalog of movies and TV shows that have kept me entertained for over a decade. Western fans, like myself, have been particularly grateful for Netflix’s extensive collection. While some titles may defy easy genre classification, there’s no disputing their Western roots. A few of these projects stand out as the epitome of their respective years and even decades within the genre.
As a passionate gamer and fan of Westerns, I’ve compiled a list of all the Westerns currently available as Netflix originals. Not all of these titles may be instantly recognizable to you, my fellow enthusiasts. Don’t be taken aback if some movies or shows are entirely new to you – every year, several hidden gems slip under the radar and end up on Netflix without much fanfare.
12 The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Using a more conversational tone: Two poorly received Westerns came out in consecutive years if we consider mainstream releases. The first one, “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” hit theaters in 2014, directed by Frank Coraci. In this production, Seth MacFarlane took the lead role. The following year, in 2015, came “The Ridiculous 6” starring Adam Sandler, who was brought up among natives as a kid and gave us plenty of laughs with his absurd name.
A New Era for Sandler
Adam Sandler kicked off his film career with Netflix by starring in “The Ridiculous 6.” This was a fresh start for the comedian, who has since appeared in a total of ten comedies for the streaming giant. Regrettably, “The Ridiculous 6” stands out as Sandler’s poorest performance for Netflix, and it is also the weakest Western Netflix has ever made.
11 Paradox (2018)
In her latest directorial project, “Paradox” (2018), Daryl Hannah cast Neal Young as the mysterious character referred to as “The Man in Black Hat.” Not only did Young bring this role to life, but he also enlisted his backing band, Promise of the Real, to join the production. The band members took on supporting roles and went a step further by composing the entire musical score for the film.
Far From the Best, or the Worst
For the rest of time, Netflix’s worst Western will remain The Ridiculous Six. In that regard, Paradox can be viewed as a masterpiece. But that’s no high bar, and when looking at this Daryl Hannah Western in tandem with the list’s upper echelon, it undoubtedly pales in comparison. Still, though, credit to Hannah for directing a project like Paradox, and even penning its original script.
10 Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher (2021)
While not the poorest Western production out there, “Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher” (2021) hasn’t gained much recognition. Surprisingly so, given its Netflix exclusive release. The film focuses on Montford T. Johnson, played by Martin Sensmeier, as he works to establish a thriving cattle ranch from the ground up. Sensmeier, an underappreciated actor with experience in numerous Westerns, brings Montford to life.
Cinema’s Overlooked Cowboys
In addition to “The Magnificent Seven” (2016) and “Wind River” (2017), Sensmeier has featured in other Western films. He is set to headline the cast of a “Wind River” sequel, and can be seen acting alongside notables such as Dermot Mulroney and Tatanka Means in “The Chickasaw Rancher”. The talented ensemble of “Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher” has invested greatly into the Western genre, but their contributions in this production have received less recognition.
9 Thar (2022)
In the scorching desert lands of Rajasthan, India (2022) – named after this very setting – I, an unassuming antiques dealer, embark on a new journey. Leaving my old life behind, I settle in a quaint village nestled deep within the heart of the desert. Little did I know that my peaceful existence would be disrupted by a series of unsettling events. The tranquility of Rajasthan is shattered as I find myself smack dab in the middle of an intriguing investigation, but that’s not all. In the thrilling adventure that unfolds in Thar, I uncover hidden conflicts and dark secrets that threaten to upend my newfound home.
More Than Meets the Eye
Written and helmed by Raj Singh Chaudhary, this gripping story is sure to captivate fans of neo-Western films, as well as those seeking an authentic genre experience. Featuring a riveting plot with significant character progression, the lead actor conceals deep-rooted intentions. Boasting exceptional acting across its ensemble cast, Thar evokes a range of emotions in viewers. Though not as widely recognized as other Netflix Westerns, this film showcases top-notch cinematic quality.
8 Frontier (2016 – 2018)
Set in Canada during the North American fur trade era, “Frontier” (2016-2018) stars Jason Momoa. The series focuses on this historical event from a Canadian perspective, introducing viewers to Declan Harp, a complex character with Irish and Cree heritage who is an outlaw, trapper, and fiercely opposes the Hudson Bay Company’s monopolization of the thriving fur trade in his homeland.
Mastering the Medium
I can’t deny the significance of “Frontier” in my acting journey. Before this show came along, I made appearances as a recurring character in “Game of Thrones” from 2011 to 2019. But ever since “Frontier” hit the screens, I’ve taken the leading role not only here but also on another TV production named “See” starting from 2019. Despite varying levels of fame, my experience in television has been nothing short of a masterclass.
7 Concrete Cowboy (2020)
Though not a classic entry of the genre, Concrete Cowboy (2020) should be known as a neo-western, and a high-quality one at that. Inspired by real-life excursions and adapted from Greg Neri’s novel Ghetto Cowboy, it follows a group of people involved with the African American horseriding culture of modern-day Philadelphia.
Fascinating Characters
Due to the excellent chemistry between Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, the two main characters in Concrete Cowboy develop a strong connection. In this film, McLaughlin portrays Cole, a troubled boy who is sent to live with his father, played by Elba, named Harp, after getting into trouble at school. Harp’s character as a modern-day cowboy would already intrigue fans of the Wild West. However, Elba’s compelling acting makes this Netflix Western a must-watch.
6 El Camino: A Breaking Bad Story (2018)
One of the two full-length follow-ups presented in this lineup, “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” (2018), showcases Aaron Paul reprising his beloved role as Jesse Pinkman from “Breaking Bad.” This acclaimed TV series, produced by Vince Gilligan, also has an additional Netflix-exclusive sequel series titled “Better Call Saul” (2015–2022). While not as widely recognized, “El Camino” is equally engaging.
Reprising Some Famous Roles
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that some beloved “Breaking Bad” cast members have returned for “El Camino”: I’m talking about Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, Jesse Plemons as Todd Alquist, Krysten Ritter as Jane Margolis, and the one and only Bryan Cranston as Walter White in a flashback. And let me tell you, Robert Forster’s presence was felt strongly too; his portrayal of Ed Gallo in “El Camino” was a poignant tribute to his incredible talent – sadly, he passed away on the very same day that the movie premiered on Netflix.
5 Longmire (2012 – 2017)
In the mystery series “Longmire,” which is based on Craig Johnson’s novels (2012-2017), the story revolves around the sheriff of Wyoming, named Walt Longmire, portrayed by Robert Taylor. Katee Sackhoff plays the role of his deputy, Victoria Moretti or Vic for short. Vic is a former detective with the Philadelphia Police Department and assists Walt in enforcing the law. However, she often clashes with the police force of a neighboring reservation.
A Highly Rated TV Show
One of the most praised Western television series, Longmire, ran successfully for six consecutive seasons until suddenly being cancelled by Arts & Entertainment Network. Die-hard fans continue to appreciate this exceptional modern Western show, and it’s not hard to understand why. Netflix has been exclusively streaming the final three seasons since then, ensuring the series remains accessible to viewers today.
4 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
In their third Western film, Joel and Ethan Coen brought a fresh perspective to the genre through “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (2018). The intriguing anthology format draws viewers in, while each segment flows smoothly with an ideal pace. The initial tale is titled after its main character, Buster Scruggs, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, who speaks eloquently throughout the story.
Some Unforgettable Characters
While Buster Scruggs, played by Tim Blake Nelson, steals the show for some audiences, he is just one of the many intriguing characters in “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.” The Coen Brothers, who are renowned for their distinctive character creations, demonstrate their expertise in Western storytelling yet again. With this film being their third venture into the genre, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” showcases a fresh and original take on the Western tradition, even if it doesn’t surpass their previous works.
3 The Power of the Dog (2021)
One of the greatest Westerns of the twenty-first century is The Power of the Dog (2021), written and directed by Jane Campion. A mastermind of cinema, Campion adapted the script from a novel of the same name, which was written in 1967 by author Thomas Savage. Even winning an Academy Award for Best Director by virtue of her work, Campion arguably made her magnum opus with The Power of the Dog, and its numbers of success support that statement.
Critical Acclaim
The Power of the Dog received extensive acclaim from critics and was nominated for many Academy Awards. This film truly shone, as evidenced by its broad success. The storyline is touching, focusing on Benedict Cumberbatch’s character, Phil, a gruff rancher. His brother brings home a new wife, along with her young son. An unexpected bond forms between Phil and the boy, leading to significant personal development for the protagonist.
As a gamer, I can tell you that The Power of the Dog is more than just an ordinary storyline. It sneaks up on you with each turn of the page or screen, subtly touching your emotions in unexpected ways.
2 The Harder They Fall (2021)
Despite having a narrow cinema debut, “The Harder They Fall” (2021) is exclusively available on Netflix for viewing. Helmed by Jeymes Samuel, who goes by The Bullitts in some circles, and co-written with Boaz Yakin, this exceptional Western production boasts an illustrious ensemble of actors portraying historical figures.
A Star-Studded Western
In “The Harder They Fall,” some of today’s most sought-after actors make an appearance, including Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Regina King. Idris Elba is among them, making it his third Western role in a brief period, following “The Dark Tower” (2017) and “Concrete Cowboy.” It’s clear that “The Harder They Fall” showcases Elba at his finest.
Nat Love’s story comes to life in this tale of vengeance, as he gathers his gang to track down the outlaw who took the lives of his parents. The narrative unfolds with intriguing twists and turns, set against the captivating backdrop of the Wild West. Mihai Malaimare Jr.’s exceptional cinematography adds depth to the visual experience. With its talented team behind the scenes, “The Harder They Fall” could rightfully claim the title of the best Western production of the decade.
1 Godless (2017)
Godless (2017), a seven-episode miniseries, showcases an impressive range of emotions. This captivating production, free from divine intervention, is both thrilling, evoking strong feelings, and interspersed with humor, making it a remarkable achievement by Scott Frank. An accomplished writer, Frank has proven his versatility across various mediums, including film and television. In the same year as Godless, he penned the script for Logan (2017). Additionally, Frank wrote adaptations of Elmore Leonard’s works: Get Shorty (1995) and Out of Sight (1998).
Master of the Miniseries
Perhaps the greatest mind for miniseries in the history of television, Scott Frank is responsible for other such titles as The Queen’s Gambit (2020) and Monsieur Spade (2024). That’s hardly scratching Scott’s screenwriting surface in general, but against all his credits from both television and cinema, Godless stands tall as one of his all-time greatest titles.
In the small female-dominated town of La Belle, where men are scarce following a mining accident, Alice Fletcher manages her ranches solitarily. Unbeknownst to Alice, an outsider unwittingly leads an outlaw to their peaceful community by leaving tracks on her land. Consequently, the tranquility of La Belle is disrupted as the outlaw wreaks havoc.
In this production, acting heavyweights such as Jack O’Connell, Michelle Flaherty, and Jeff Daniels bring their talent to the table. However, it is worth noting that Scott Frank, the visionary director, stole the limelight with his masterful work on Netflix’s finest Western productions.
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2024-07-18 02:02