A List Of Jack Palance Old Cowboy Western Movies

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Updated April 24, 2024 19 items

List of Western movies/films with performances by Jack Palance, listed alphabetically with movie trailers when available. These Jack Palance Western roles include starring, supporting and cameo appearances. You can sort these Jack Palance Western movies for additional information as well, such as who directed the films and when they were released. Over the years Jack Palance has become known for playing characters in Western movies, so this list is the perfect resource for finding some you haven't already seen.

List ranges from Shane to City Slickers and more.

This list answers the questions, "What Western movies has Jack Palance been in?" and "What are the best Jack Palance Western roles?"

You can't vote on this list, but if you want to re-order it you can re-rank the list to put your favorites at the top. {#nodes}
  • Arrowhead

    Arrowhead

    Charlton Heston, Jack Palance, Brian Keith

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Western, Romance
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: In this gritty and action-packed western, Jack Palance embodies the character of a ruthless and cunning Apache scout named Toriano. His impassioned performance as a villainous figure in the midst of conflict between Native Americans and white settlers showcases his unmatched ability to portray complex characters with depth.

    Arrowhead is a 1953 western film directed by Charles Marquis Warren and starring Charlton Heston and Jack Palance. The film is based on the novel Adobe Walls by W.R.Burnett. The screenplay was also by Charles Marquis Warren.
  • Chato's Land

    Chato's Land

    Charles Bronson, Jack Palance, Richard Basehart

    For Fans Of: Action, Western, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: As an ex-Confederate captain tasked with hunting down a vengeful Apache warrior, Palance brings intensity and gravitas to his role in this tense, 1972 western classic. His magnetic screen presence and formidable acting chops keep viewers invested in the film's thrilling cat-and-mouse chase.

    Half-Apache Pardon Chato (Charles Bronson) finds himself in a bar fight with a bigoted sheriff and kills the man to save his own life. The locals won't accept this defense, though, and angry Civil War veteran Quincey Whitmore (Jack Palance) rounds up a gang of toughs to track down Chato, who is forced to flee the scene. But when the posse finds Chato's family and brutalizes them, the escapee decides it's time to stop running and start taking revenge on the lynch mob.
  • City Slickers

    City Slickers

    Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Western, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: This beloved comedy-adventure film features Palance's Academy Award-winning turn as Curly, a grizzled cowboy who imparts wisdom on three city-dwelling friends during their cattle drive vacation. The iconic actor injects humor, wit, and charm into his unforgettable performance that has since become synonymous with the legendary cowboy archetype.

    City Slickers, a comedy-western film, follows the life of Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal), a radio ad salesman. On his 39th birthday, he and his two friends, Phil Berquist (Daniel Stern) and Ed Furillo (Bruno Kirby), embark on a two-week cattle drive from New Mexico to Colorado. This adventure is designed to help them escape their city lives. Along the way, they encounter Curly Washburn (Jack Palance), an intimidating cowboy who won an Academy Award for this role. The combination of humor, friendship, and self-discovery makes this movie a must-watch.
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  • City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold

    City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold

    Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Jon Lovitz

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Western, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: Though primarily remembered for the first installment, the sequel presents fans with another opportunity to enjoy more of Palance's outstanding work as Curly – this time playing Curly's brother Duke. His humorous interactions with returning cast members create delightful chemistry and make for light-hearted entertainment.

    Two years after a momentous cattle drive under the guidance of cowboy Curly (Jack Palance) in the first "City Slickers," Curly has passed away, and Mitch (Billy Crystal) discovers the dead man's treasure map, which shows the location of a hidden cave containing the stash. With his brother Glen (Jon Lovitz) and best friend Phil (Daniel Stern), Mitch sets out to find Curly's gold. On the trail, the trio once again battle danger, this time with the help of Curly's twin brother, Duke (Palance).
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  • Compañeros

    Compañeros

    Jack Palance, Franco Nero, Fernando Rey

    For Fans Of: Action, Western, Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: This spaghetti western gem is elevated by none other than Jack Palance taking on the role of John, an eccentric arms dealer who adds tension and dark humor throughout the film. Displaying both strong physical prowess and his ability to generate laughs, it’s impossible not to enjoy Palance's presence in this action-packed tale.

    Compañeros is a Zapata Western directed by Sergio Corbucci in 1970. The film, an Italian-Spanish co-production, stars Franco Nero, Tomas Milian, Jack Palance and Fernando Rey. The soundtrack for the film was written by Ennio Morricone, and the orchestra was conducted by Bruno Nicolai. Compañeros is one of Corbucci's best-known westerns, as well as one of the best-known spaghetti westerns altogether. The film has been compared to Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo, as it intertwines the paths of several characters in the middle of a conflict, but takes place during the Mexican Revolution instead of the American Civil War. Due to the setting and Nero's and Milián's characters, it is similar also to Corbucci's earlier Zapata western, Il mercenario, which was released two years earlier. Alejandro Ulloa was the cinematographer for both films. Compañeros is the only film in which the two stars of Italian genre films, Franco Nero and Tomás Milián, acted together. Nero later complained that Corbucci concentrated too much on Milian, and refused to act in ¡Viva la muerte... tua!, if Corbucci was to direct it.
  • God's Gun

    God's Gun

    Lee Van Cleef, Jack Palance, Sybil Danning

    For Fans Of: Western, Action
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: In a dual role portraying both the sinister outlaw Sam Clayton and his kind-hearted brother, Jack Palance exhibits incredible range as an actor within this 1976 western film. The contrast between the two roles highlights the depth of emotions Palance is able to convey onscreen, making it a must-watch for fans of his work.

    When Sam Clayton's (Jack Palance) menacing rabble of outlaws descends upon Juno City, all semblance of law and order quickly disappears. As they shoot their way through town, brave priest Father John (Lee Van Cleef) attempts to discourage them and gets shot dead for his trouble. A young boy (Leif Garrett) relays what's happened to the priest's twin brother, a former bounty hunter named Lewis (also Van Cleef), who decides to come out of retirement and avenge the murder.
  • It Can Be Done Amigo

    It Can Be Done Amigo

    Jack Palance, Bud Spencer, Francisco Rabal

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Western
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: As gunslinger Sonny Bronston, Jack Palance adds another unforgettable character that showcases his talent for embodying tough-as-nails, yet charming figures in western films. His captivating performance combined with a lively script make this film an enjoyable ride with plenty of laughs along the way.

    It Can Be Done Amigo is a 1972 Spanish / Italian / French film directed by Maurizio Lucidi. The film is also known as Saddle Tramps
  • Monte Walsh

    Monte Walsh

    Lee Marvin, Jeanne Moreau, Jack Palance

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama, Romance
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: Set against the backdrop of a changing American West, this poignant drama sees Jack Palance deliver an emotional performance as Chet Rollins, an aging cowboy grappling with his uncertain future. The heartfelt story and authentic acting allow admirers of Palance's work to revel in his undeniable mastery of emotive storytelling.

    At the end of the Wild West era, cowboys Monte Walsh (Lee Marvin) and Chet Rollins (Jack Palance) arrive in the town of Harmony, where they reconnect with their old friend Shorty Austin (Mitch Ryan). The former wanderers do their best to settle down: Chet gets married and finds work, while Monte pursues saloon girl Martine (Jeanne Moreau) to a nearby township. But when the doldrums of sedentary life set in, they begin falling apart and find themselves embroiled in robbery, murder and vandalism.
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  • Shane

    Shane

    Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: This classic 1953 western features one of cinema's most legendary performances by Jack Palance as the menacing gunfighter, Wilson. Showcasing his trademark intensity and ability to command attention on screen, it is no surprise that this role catapulted him into stardom and solidified him as a true force in Hollywood.

    Enigmatic gunslinger Shane (Alan Ladd) rides into a small Wyoming town with hopes of quietly settling down as a farmhand. Taking a job on homesteader Joe Starrett's (Van Heflin) farm, Shane is drawn into a battle between the townsfolk and ruthless cattle baron Rufus Ryker (Emile Meyer). Shane's growing attraction to Starrett's wife, Marian (Jean Arthur), and his fondness for their son Joey (Brandon de Wilde), who idolizes Shane, force Shane to realize that he must thwart Ryker's plan.
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  • Sting of the West

    Sting of the West

    Jack Palance, Lionel Stander, Eduardo Fajardo

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Western
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: Fans will relish seeing their favorite actor take on yet another striking role in this Italian comedy-western film where he plays Tedeum, a wily outlaw who teams up with a hapless gunslinger to find hidden gold. His magnetic screen presence, impeccable comedic timing, and unmatched skill in embodying various roles ensure that this film is an entertaining addition to his body of work.

    Tedeum is a 1972 Italian spaghetti western film directed by Enzo G. Castellari. The title role was initially offered to Tomas Milian, who eventually refused.
  • The Desperados

    The Desperados

    Jack Palance, Vince Edwards

    For Fans Of: Western, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: In this action-filled western, Palance takes on the role of Parson Josiah Galt, a vengeful preacher-turned-outlaw leading a gang of ruthless criminals. As the intense and morally complex protagonist, Palance showcases his incredible ability to give depth to seemingly villainous characters and engage viewers with his powerful performance.

    The Desperados is a 1969 western film directed by Henry Levin. The film stars Vince Edwards and Jack Palance.
  • The Godchild

    The Godchild

    Jack Palance

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: Displaying his versatility once again, Palance stars as Kiefer, an army captain leading a group of misfits in their quest to return an orphaned child to its family. His commanding presence and nuanced acting make this film a standout among the many entertaining westerns in his illustrious career.

    The Godchild is a 1974 western film directed by John Badham.
  • The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang

    The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang

    Randy Quaid, Larry Wilcox, Bo Hopkins

    For Fans Of: Western, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: This television movie allows fans of Jack Palance to witness yet another captivating portrayal, this time as bounty hunter Ike Slant navigating the exploits of the notorious Dalton Gang. His charismatic performance adds another layer of intrigue and excitement within this thrilling retelling of real-life events.

    The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang is a 1979 action western TV movie written by Earl W. Wallace and directed by Dan Curtis
  • The Lonely Man

    The Lonely Man

    Anthony Perkins, Jack Palance, Lee Van Cleef

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama, Action
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: Co-starring alongside Hollywood legend Anthony Quinn, Palance delivers a sincere and compelling performance as gunman Riley Wade in this emotionally charged western drama. Exploring themes such as redemption and father-son relationships, it's impossible not to be drawn into the story thanks in part to Palance's deeply emotive acting skills.

    The Lonely Man is a 1957 western film directed by Henry Levin.
  • The McMasters

    The McMasters

    Jack Palance

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: As the main antagonist Kolby in this racially-charged western drama, Jack Palance brings intensity and grit that only he could deliver. Fans will appreciate how his menacing persona adds tension and complexity throughout the film while still managing to evoke sympathy for his character's plight.

    The McMasters is a film directed by Alf Kjellin released on August 1, 1970.
  • The Mercenary

    The Mercenary

    Franco Nero, Tony Musante, Jack Palance

    For Fans Of: Western, Action, Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: In this action-packed spaghetti western, Palance plays the relentless and cunning Curly, a man determined to settle old scores. The film showcases his ability to portray ruthless villains with such charisma and depth that viewers can't help but be enthralled by his performance.

    Sergei Kowalski (Franco Nero), a mercenary only out for himself and a few dollars, joins up with a Mexican peasant-turned-revolutionary, Paco Roman (Tony Musante), when the price is right. No longer content to toil for the rich and powerful, Roman plans to bring a new order to Mexico by force with his small ragtag group. While Roman and Kowalski are outnumbered facing the Mexican army, they also have to contend with Curly (Jack Palance), a vengeful killer out for blood.
  • The Professionals

    The Professionals

    Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale

    For Fans Of: Action, Adventure, Western
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: This star-studded 1966 classic features Jack Palance as Jesus Raza, a revolutionary leader who draws the ire of a group of skilled mercenaries. His intense portrayal adds emotional weight to the film's thrilling action sequences and makes for an engaging ride from start to finish.

    Four soldiers of fortune are hired by a wealthy rancher to rescue his beautiful young wife who has been kidnapped by a villainous Mexican bandit. When they finally find her, after fighting their way across deserts and mountains, they discover she is not being held against her will. This causes friction within the band as to whether they should honor their agreement.
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  • Welcome to Blood City

    Welcome to Blood City

    Jack Palance, Samantha Eggar, Barry Morse

    For Fans Of: Western, Sci-Fi, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: As bloodthirsty outlaw Lewis, Jack Palance brings an unforgettable sense of menace and danger in this dystopian sci-fi western adventure. His powerful screen presence, coupled with the film's intriguing premise, will keep fans of the actor glued to their seats.

    Welcome to Blood City is a 1977 film directed by Peter Sasdy. It stars Jack Palance, Keir Dullea and Samantha Eggar.
  • Young Guns

    Young Guns

    Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips

    For Fans Of: Action, Western, Drama.
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Jack Palance: Although playing a supporting role in this modern classic as cattle baron Lawrence Murphy, Jack Palance leaves an indelible impression on audiences through his captivating performance. Watching him share the screen with a talented young ensemble cast of future Hollywood stars is reason enough for any fan of his work not to miss this entertaining western romp.

    John Tunstall (Terence Stamp), a distinguished British gentleman, employs downtrodden youths to tend his herd on the New Mexican frontier. When Tunstall is gunned down by the crooked Lawrence G. Murphy (Jack Palance), a ragtag group of cow hands -- including Doc Scurlock (Kiefer Sutherland), Richard Brewer (Charlie Sheen) and young William "Billy the Kid" Bonney (Emilio Estevez) -- ride forth in search of bloody vengeance for the death of their beloved mentor.
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