Stephen King’s Top 5 Must-See Westerns That Will Surprise You!

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Although Stephen King is well-known for his horror novels, he never shies away from other genres. For instance, The Shawshank Redemption and The Running Man are among his most acclaimed works, devoid of any frightening elements. Interestingly, both books were turned into some of the best films ever made. As a cinephile, King has also openly admired several non-horror movies, such as the war drama The Hurt Locker and Stanley Kubrick’s political satire Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

King occasionally commends Western films as well. While not a diehard fan of the genre, he strongly recommends five key titles. The author was meticulous in his evaluation of these films, highlighting how each offers something distinct. His selections demonstrate a preference for Westerns that present unique narratives over conventional ones featuring gun-wielding outlaws and their pursuers. Moreover, King seems to favor contemporary Westerns over those produced during the genre’s heyday.

Here are 5 Westerns Stephen King has praised

5
‘Jane Got a Gun’ (2015)

In the movie “Jane Got a Gun“, the resourceful frontier resident, Jane Hammond, portrayed by Natalie Portman, reaches out to her ex-fiancé, Dan Frost (Joel Edgerton). Her husband, Bill (Noah Emmerich), has been injured by the ruthless Bishop Boys gang, headed by Colin McCann (Ewan McGregor). With the gang threatening another attack, Jane and Dan work together to fortify their defenses.

Initially, the screenplay for this movie debuted in the 2011 version of The Black List and was subsequently commissioned. Originally, Michael Fassbender was chosen to portray Dan Frost, Jane’s former lover, but he had to withdraw due to scheduling clashes with X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Keeping All Enemies at Bay

In a recent post on X, King praised Jane Got a Gun as an exceptional western. Indeed, it’s well-deserving of such praise due to its persistent atmosphere of impending danger. It’s not hard to understand why King appreciates it, given its narrative style that shares similarities with many horror films. Much of the action unfolds within the Hammon homestead, leaving one constantly on edge as if something is about to happen. Remarkably, the director manages to make the most of the awe-inspiring outdoor scenes, even though there’s not much wandering around. Filmed in New Mexico, the cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking.

To be frank, I found myself somewhat at odds with many other critics who weren’t as enamored as King. Some say this Western dances precariously between the kitschy and the reimagined. As for its box office performance, it didn’t exactly set the world on fire, grossing a mere $3.8 million. However, I encourage you to give it a watch and form your own opinion. After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a film firsthand.

4
‘Bone Tomahawk’ (2015)

In the late 1800s, we’re transported to a small town where the sheriff, Franklin Hunt (Kurt Russell), leads a group to rescue kidnapped villagers from a clan of cannibalistic inbreeds called Troglodytes. Accompanying him are his seasoned deputy (Richard Jenkins), the proficient gunman John Brooder (Matthew Fox), and Arthur O’Dwyer (Patrick Wilson), a resolute husband with an injured leg. Initially, all looks well as everyone respects Hunt, but tensions rise when certain team members try to seize control and alter the agreed-upon guidelines. However, their greatest hurdle comes when they face their adversaries.

As a cinephile, I’ve always been captivated by the works of director S. Craig Zahler. Originally, he aimed to bring his novel “Wraiths of the Broken Land” to life on the silver screen. Yet, upon contemplation, he concluded that such an ambitious project would be beyond reach with a limited budget. Instead, he decided to craft a gripping rescue Western, offering us an entirely new tale to cherish.

A Different Kind of Western

As a great admirer of Westerns, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the film “Bone Tomahawk”. It’s no wonder that Stephen King, the renowned master of horror, holds it in high regard. In his own words, he was taken aback by this movie, expressing that he anticipated a simple time-filler for a rainy Wednesday morning but instead received a low-budget Western masterpiece. He particularly appreciated the dialogue, which makes the film a must-watch. However, he cautioned viewers to be prepared for the final act where a man meets a gruesome fate, being literally torn apart.

According to King’s evaluation, the movie stands out for its exceptional natural acting performances. Director Zahler brought his cast to California for filming, and they appeared to be having a great time throughout the process. Given that he had written four Westerns prior, Zahler was well-versed in what makes a good Western and effectively checked all the necessary boxes. As a result, the horror-Western received numerous accolades, including the Jury Prize at the Festival International du Film Fantastique de Gérardmer.

3
‘True Grit’ (2010)

In Charles Portis’s 1968 novel titled “True Grit,” the story unfolds around a resilient 14-year-old girl named Mattie Ross, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld. She enlists the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, played by Jeff Bridges, to pursue Tom Chaney, a notorious outlaw responsible for her father’s murder. Along their perilous journey in Indian Territory, they are also joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is hot on Chaney’s trail for another crime. Their collective pursuit proves to be a tough test of their determination and grit.

This new film is a fresh take on Portis’ book, following the 1969 adaptation with John Wayne. To distinguish their portrayal, the Coen brothers generally stayed true to the original content while narrating the tale from Mattie’s perspective.

Better Than the John Wayne Version

I wholeheartedly endorse this Best Picture-nominated, allegorical western thriller by the Coen brothers – a masterful exploration of revenge set against the backdrop of the turbulent Old West. The cinematography skillfully follows the emotional journey of Mattie, keeping the camera in constant motion and stirring up feelings of endless chaos that characterized this era. Hailee Steinfeld, who emerged victorious from a pool of over 1500 aspiring young actors, is nothing short of extraordinary in her portrayal. Her melancholy rings true, while her courage resonates deeply with viewers.

King deemed the movie “essential viewing for teenage girls with a fondness for westerns.” Indeed, Mattie stands out as an exceptional Western companion, and any girl who watches her will aspire to emulate her: strong-willed, brave, and vocal. His recommendation holds truth, as this particular version has garnered high praise from critics.

2
‘The Way of the Gun’ (2000)

In modern times, numerous outstanding neo-western films have been produced, and Stephen King considers “The Way of the Gun” as one of the top. The narrative centers around the characters Parker (played by Ryan Phillippe) and Longbaugh (Benicio del Toro), who rashly abduct a pregnant woman for ransom without realizing that she is carrying a mafia money launderer’s child. As time passes, mercenaries start closing in, among them the formidable Joe Sarno (James Caan). Can these two outlaws manage to evade capture?

Christopher McQuarrie, famed for his recent “Mission Impossible” films, created the movie out of discontent. Following his Oscar win for “The Usual Suspects”, he anticipated Hollywood would eagerly seek his talent, but instead, found indifference. Consequently, he opted to direct a modern-day western.

Star-Studded and Fun

From beginning to end, the movie delves into the regret felt by gangsters when they make foolish mistakes. The director skillfully captures authenticity and purity that echoes his Academy Award-winning style. At every corner, the story takes unexpected turns, creating a mix of sorrow and suspense. Fundamentally, this film explores the impact of moral decisions, the heavy psychological weight of guilt, and the relentless nature of the criminal underworld.

In an article for Entertainment Weekly, Stephen King lavishly praises a movie, alongside two others from different genres, suggesting that going to the cinema is essentially taking a risk, but sometimes you discover a timeless masterpiece such as “The Way of the Gun,” “Billy Elliot,” or “Mystic River.” However, it’s worth noting that many other critics have given this movie a negative review. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a modest 46% rating. Ultimately, whether to agree with King’s opinion is up to the viewers themselves. The ultimate power lies in the hands of the audience.

1
‘Hombre’ (1967)

A man named John Russell, portrayed by Paul Newman, is introduced – a white individual who was brought up among the Apache. As he climbs aboard a stagecoach, the passengers reveal their biased attitudes towards him. Later on, a group of criminals, headed by the infamous outlaw Grimes (Richard Boone), attack the train in search of ill-gotten money being transported by a crooked agent. With the situation turning grim, the focus shifts to Russell as he steps forward to protect everyone.

This western film, sharing its title with Elmore Leonard’s book, marks the sixth partnership between director Martin Ritt and Paul Newman. It is a part of the ’60s cinematic movement that depicted Native Americans in a heroic rather than antagonistic light.

Newman Never Missed a Mark

In his review of “Jane Got a Gun,” King stated that it reminded him of the film “Hombre,” showing his admiration for the Paul Newman movie. You’ll likely appreciate it too, due to its raw tone, oppressive feel, and Newman’s powerful acting. Even after many years, it continues to be impactful in its stark portrayal of the perils of the Old West and the discrimination faced by Native Americans and those associated with them. Despite cinematographer James Wong Howe incorporating some surreal visuals, he mostly maintains a straightforward approach, letting the narrative unfold both within and outside the train.

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2025-03-29 01:02