Photo: Elevation Pictures/Forever My Girl, 20th Century Fox/The Longest Ride, Twentieth Century Fox/Flicka

The Best Country Movies, Ranked

Ranker Film

Updated May 1, 2024 444.9K views 51 items

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13.2K votes

5.0K voters

4 reranks

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite movies about country music or that include other country themes, like farm life or living in the South.

Latest additions: Unsung Hero, The Neon Highway

Most divisive: Tender Mercies

Over 5.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Country Movies, Ranked

This list of the best country movies is ranked by film fans and professional movie critics. Country is one of the most popular genres of music in the United States. So much of the genre extends far beyond just music. It’s connected to a sense of pride in the country and in specific states. The genre has become an entire culture, including dance, food, and has also influenced our collective pop culture. Since so much history and emotion is connected to the country genre, it opens itself up well to movie storytelling and film adaptations. There are hundreds of stories of success, love, failure, romance, and heartbreak connected to the country universe and any of the good country movies feature these themes. You might even call some of these films western and cowboy romance movies.

So, what are the best country movies of all time? This list is filled with films that perfectly encompass the passion for country and the culture that surrounds it. Country themed movies like Walk the Line and Crazy Heart tell stories of struggling country music artists, including their passion and sorrows. Other films, like O Brother, Where Art Thou? are more comical, focusing on the lighter side of the genre. You can check out many of these country movies on Netflix, including movies like Sweet Home Alabama and other romantic country movies.

This list is filled with the best movies focusing on the country lifestyle, artists, and genre. The stories told in these movies are very human, so no matter what genre you prefer, there’s something for everyone.

1
The Longest Ride
Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Alan Alda
2,390 votes
A captivating romance drama featuring Scott Eastwood and Britt Robertson, showcasing a passionate love story infused with country charm and bull riding as its backdrop.
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2
8 Seconds
Luke Perry, Stephen Baldwin, James Rebhorn
767 votes
A biographical film following the life of American rodeo legend Lane Frost (Luke Perry), capturing the essence of the country lifestyle while exploring themes of love and camaraderie.
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3
Forever My Girl
Alex Roe, Jessica Rothe, Abby Ryder Fortson
213 votes
A heartfelt romantic drama, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, depicting the journey of a country music star returning to his roots and rediscovering love in his small hometown.
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4
Footloose
Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid
1,067 votes
This modern remake of the 1984 classic features Kenny Wormald in the iconic role of Ren McCormack, a city teenager who brings dance and free-spirited energy to a small town with strict traditions. Energized by a contemporary soundtrack and vibrant choreography, this reimagining highlights the timeless connection between dance, self-expression, and the spirit of country resilience, with a fresh, engaging spin for a new generation.
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5
Flicka
Alison Lohman, Tim McGraw, Maria Bello
798 votes
A touching family drama about a young girl's bond with a wild mustang, starring Alison Lohman and Maria Bello, highlighting the importance of perseverance and love in a rustic setting.
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6
Pure Country
George Strait, Lesley Ann Warren, Isabel Glasser
732 votes
A musical drama featuring George Strait as a disillusioned country singer searching for true meaning in life, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and one's roots.
7
Walk the Line
Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin
885 votes
This Oscar-winning biopic of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) takes an in-depth look at the legendary singer's life, balancing love, loss, and country music.
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8
Country Strong
Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund
547 votes
Featuring Gwyneth Paltrow as an emotionally unstable country music star, this film showcases the dark side of fame, love, and redemption set against a country music backdrop.
9
Coal Miner's Daughter
Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Beverly D'Angelo
400 votes
A powerful biographical film about country music legend Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek), revealing her struggles and triumphs both as a musician and an emblem of Appalachian culture.
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10
Smokey and the Bandit
Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason
426 votes
A classic action-comedy featuring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field as bootleggers on a high-speed chase, highlighting the allure of fast cars, free spirits, and rural landscapes.
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11
Urban Cowboy
John Travolta, Debra Winger, Scott Glenn
479 votes
A romantic drama starring John Travolta as a displaced cowboy discovering love and life lessons on a mechanical bull against the backdrop of a gritty Texas honkytonk scene.
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12
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
462 votes
This Coen brothers' film is a humorous, musical journey based on Homer's The Odyssey. Set in the rural American South during the Great Depression, it offers an exceptional country atmosphere.
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13
Fried Green Tomatoes
Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson
145 votes
This heartwarming tale of female friendship and resilience takes place in rural Alabama, highlighting the nuances of country living and starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy.
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14
Steel Magnolias
Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine
34 votes
A beloved film focusing on the bonds between six Southern women (including Julia Roberts and Sally Field) dealing with life's highs and lows, demonstrating the fierce connection of sisterhood.
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15
Walk. Ride. Rodeo.
Spencer Locke, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Kathleen Rose Perkins
112 votes
A true, inspiring story of a paralyzed rodeo champion, Amberley Snyder (Spencer Locke), overcoming adversity and returning to the sport she loves, celebrating the determination and spirit of country life.
16
A Star Is Born
Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott
61 votes
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's powerful performances illuminate this compelling story of love, ambition, and heartbreak, set within the raw realm of country music.
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17
Broken Bridges
Toby Keith, Kelly Preston, Burt Reynolds
236 votes
A poignant musical drama starring Toby Keith and Kelly Preston, following a country music singer's journey as he confronts his past and rekindles relationships in a small Southern town.
18
Crazy Heart
Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall
264 votes
Jeff Bridges delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a washed-up country singer seeking redemption and love, capturing the melancholic beauty of country music and life.
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19
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Burt Reynolds, Dolly Parton, Dom DeLuise
222 votes
A lively musical comedy featuring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds that offers an amusing and heartwarming look at life in a close-knit, country community.
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20
The Cowboy Way
Woody Harrelson, Kiefer Sutherland, Dylan McDermott
200 votes
An action-comedy starring Woody Harrelson and Kiefer Sutherland as rodeo champions exploring the urban jungle of New York City, providing a unique blend of country charm and city life.
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21
I Saw the Light
Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Bradley Whitford
20 votes
Starring Tom Hiddleston, this biographical drama showcases the life and tormented genius of country music icon Hank Williams, including his battle with addiction and his impact on the genre.
22
The Thing Called Love
River Phoenix, Samantha Mathis, Dermot Mulroney
124 votes
A group of aspiring country musicians (including River Phoenix and Samantha Mathis) navigate friendship and romance in Nashville, capturing the essence of their dreams and struggles.
23
Old Yeller
Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Tommy Kirk
49 votes
A classic coming-of-age story about a boy and his loyal dog, set in the Texas countryside, illustrating the value of companionship, loyalty, and perseverance.
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24
Honkytonk Man
Clint Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood, John McIntire
30 votes
Clint Eastwood stars as a Depression-era musician resiliently pursuing his dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry, illustrating the unwavering determination of country artists.
25
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment
52 votes
Miley Cyrus reprises her role as a pop star attempting to reconnect with her roots and learn valuable life lessons in her quaint Tennessee hometown.
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26
The Horse Whisperer
Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Neill
88 votes
Robert Redford directs and stars in this heartwarming tale of love, loss, and healing set in the idyllic Montana countryside, featuring horses as powerful symbols of connection and redemption.
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27
To Kill a Mockingbird
Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford
34 votes
This timeless adaptation of Harper Lee's novel, starring Gregory Peck, examines racism and injustice in a small Southern town while demonstrating the endurance of integrity in country life.
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28
Waitress
Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines
24 votes
Keri Russell stars in this heartfelt comedy-drama about a diner waitress grappling with love and ambition amid her passion for pie-making and her dreams of escape from a small town.
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29
Honeysuckle Rose
Willie Nelson, Dyan Cannon, Amy Irving
22 votes
Willie Nelson portrays an aging country music star whose tumultuous career and love life take the forefront in this touching portrayal of the cost of fame and the power of music.
30
Sweet Dreams
Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Ann Wedgeworth
129 votes
Jessica Lange delivers a powerful performance in this biographical drama about the life and tragic death of beloved country singer Patsy Cline, reminding viewers of her immense talent and enduring legacy.
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Sweet Dreams