Is there anything better than a good Western? Though most associate the American frontier with tense stares, duels at high noon, and more cowboy hats than you can count, there's a lot more to this interesting genre than you might've previously thought. With an extensive history dating back to 1903, Westerns have evolved and changed with the cultures that create them, reinventing the genre and its conventions with every passing decade. Nowadays, you can find a Western made anywhere, tackling any kind of subject or time you can imagine.

The free ad-supported streaming service Tubi has been a haven for all kinds of Western films in the past few years, carrying everything from the most exemplary of modern films to the most obscure of Spaghetti Westerns. If you've ever had the slightest inkling of interest in the genre, it's a fantastic means to get your Western fix. If you're unsure about what to watch from what's available, we've compiled 23 of the best Westerns you can watch on Tubi right now, encompassing a variety of periods, genres, and settings.

Updated on May 7, 2024, by Rachel Johnson: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

23 Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969)

James Garner continued dominating the Western world when he headlined the comedy Support Your Local Sheriff!, a parody of the fan-favorite genre that follows the cocky and highly-skilled gunslinger Jason McCullough as he inadvertently becomes a lawless Colorado mining town's de facto sheriff after he dazzles the locals with his exceptional marksmanship. McCullough and his quirky new sidekick Jake (Jack Elam) must duke it out with a dangerous outlaw gang, leading to an explosive showdown in the town.

Garner's Gamble Pays Off

After an initially lackluster turnout at the box office that caused the studio to nearly pull the film, Garner lobbied for the farce to remain in theaters an additional week by challenging United Artists to match a $10,000 stake to keep it playing. The tactic worked and Support Your Local Sheriff! ended up earning $5 million and becoming the 20th-most popular film of the year in the United States. Garner's playful and charismatic performance was raved about by audiences and critics, and the actor returned in a similar role in 1971's Support Your Local Gunfighter.

22 Red River (1948)

Among the few Westerns with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Red River tells the story of a headstrong rancher, Thomas Dunson, who has worked hard his entire life to get where he is. Now determined to accomplish greater things, he leads a cattle drive all the way from Texas to Missouri. However, he has a bitter falling out with his adopted son, Matt Garth, who objects to Dunson’s tyrannical behavior and harsh methods.

Enduring Story About Father-Son Conflict

Never before has the changing American frontier looked more glorious than under the excellent craftsmanship of Howard Hawks. He directs Red River in a way that trades action for rich character studies. John Wayne and Montgomery Clift deliver once-in-a-lifetime performances as characters wrestling between tradition and modernity. The movie is also appreciated for its visual and narrative grandeur and for the way it revolutionized the Western genre by infusing it with intense emotion.

21 The Big Country (1958)

For the 19th-century American West, former sea captain James McKay is a new arrival. While his aim is to reunite with his fiancée Patricia and spend a little time at her father’s ranch, James finds himself getting embroiled in a bitter feud between two rival families. As their battle over local water escalates into violence, James learns more about the ranchers, their fierce code, and their modes of operation in the vast world.

Timeless Tale Of The American West

An epic Western starring Gregory Peck, Carroll Baker, Burl Ives and Charles Bickford, The Big Country documents the change in masculinity as the world becomes newer and harsher. Director William Wyer has a keen eye for detail, so he tries to make the characters solid instead of flawed, the music dashing, and the narrative steady. While receiving a couple of Oscar nods, the movie truly wins for its photography, with Franz Planer's shots of Texas being simply breathtaking.

20 They Call Me Trinity (1970)

A classic meshing of Italian Spaghetti Western and comedy becomes a trendsetter with the legendary Terence Hill and Bud Spencer pairing in They Call Me Trinity. This fun and inspiring cult show follows two brothers who are forced to convert to protect a group of Mormons from Mexican Bandidos. Harriman is a land-hungry major who sends his bullies to harass the Mormons so that they can give up their fertile valley. Trinity and Bambino save the day by sending the guys packing with slapstick humor instead of using excessive violence.

Stars Hill and Spencer Show Off Perfect Chemistry

Director Enzo Barboni grabs your attention with a wonderful opening and then keeps it with a clever mix of action, plot, and comedy. The iconic pairing of Terence Hill and Bud Spencer makes this classic fun romp even more legendary. The chemistry between the two is magnetic, as it unleashes a dose of sibling rivalry.

19 McLintock! (1963)

Silver screen icon John Wayne was able to show off his light-hearted side when he starred in the Western comedy McLintock!, a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew that features the Hollywood legend as wealthy rancher and bachelor George Washington "G.W." McLintock as he attempts to keep peace in the titular town by juggling his many friendships and allies including the local sheriff, a group of Native Americans, and his own money-hungry sons.

Wayne's Crucial Blockbuster Win

When McLintock's estranged socialite wife Kate (Maureen O'Hara) returns after a two-year absence looking for a divorce, the cattle baron realizes he has his hands full and must confront his feelings for the spirited woman. McLintock! was a much-needed blockbuster success for Wayne, who desperately needed a big screen hit after his previous film The Alamo proved to be a money pit that couldn't recoup its hefty costs. The comedy brought in over $14 million and helped reestablish the actor as a hot commodity in cinema.

18 Three Amigos (1986)

Comedy greats Chevy Chase, Martin Short, and Steve Martin teamed up to star in the underrated '80s gem Three Amigos, a side-splitting take on the Western that centers on struggling silent film stars Dusty, Ned, and Lucky as they portray a trio of savvy gunfighters known as The Three Amigos in Hollywood pictures, and are subsequently mistaken for genuine heroes by a rural Mexican village. The townspeople invite the actors to help protect them from a ruthless bandit known as El Guapo, with hilarious hijinks naturally ensuing.

Chase, Short, & Martin Deliver Big Laughs

Each of the charismatic funny men was in fine form in the farce, which was directed by revered comedy director John Landis; the film was initially going to star Martin, John Belushi, and Dan Aykroyd but underwent major cast changes over the years it took to finally be made. Full of zany humor, eccentric performances by its talented leads, and a sharp screenplay, Three Amigos is now regarded as a bona fide cult classic and brilliantly showcases the gifted comedians' distinct style of comedy.

17 Blackthorn (2011)

A fascinating take on the fate of the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy, Blackthorn starred Sam Sherpard as an older version of the iconic gunslinger. The film subverts the legend that Cassidy was killed by Bolivian soldiers after he crossed the border seeking refuge there. In this portrayal, it seems he survived and hid out there, posing in a secluded village as a man named James Blackthorn. Now, an old man, wanting to see a son he's never met, Cassidy decides to make a perilous journey back to the US for the first time in 20 years.

Mateo Gil's Take on Butch Cassidy

Made by the talented Spanish director, Mateo Gil, Blackthorn won four Goya Awards amid 11 nominations, including the award for Best Cinematography. Favorably reviewed, the film was wonderfully shot and driven by Shepard's no-nonsense performance, which provided added gravitas to the character's already legendary reputation. As an added treat, it also featured a great supporting role from Steven Rea, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jamie Lannister from Game of Thrones) as a young Cassidy in the film.

16 Dances with Wolves (1990)

Kevin Costner made his stellar directorial debut when he helmed and starred in the epic Western Dances with Wolves, an adaptation of the Michael Blake novel of the same name that takes place in the American Frontier in 1863 and focuses on Union Army Lieutenant John J. Dunbar as he develops a profound bond with a neighboring Sioux tribe and given the endearing eponymous nickname. When Dunbar falls in love with a white woman who was raised by the compassionate tribe, he begins to question where his true loyalty lies.

Costner's Western Makes Cinema History

Lauded for revitalizing the Western genre and for Costner's exceptional contributions both in front of and behind the camera, Dances with Wolves brought in over $424 million at the box office and made history during the awards season. The poignant picture was nominated for a whopping 12 Academy Awards and became one of just four Westerns to win the Oscar for Best Picture, while Costner also won the prestigious accolade for Best Director. Dances with Wolves was also named one of the Top Ten Films of the Year by the National Board of Review and remains a beloved trailblazing Western.

15 Brimstone (2016)

With a fiery performance from Dakota Fanning spearheading it, Brimstone is a compelling film from the popular Western horror subgenre. In it, Fanning plays a persecuted woman who vows revenge against a powerful and malicious apostle. The antagonist is played by Guy Pearce and the acclaimed actor is once again on point with his intense performance in the film.

Horror and Western Tropes Are Well-Matched

Blending typical Western tropes with some atypical tension and a religious-horror underpinning, the film is a dark and frightening one. Although steeped in supernatural elements, its story still harks all too realistically back to the religious persecution many women of the age faced in the pursuit of the piety they were expected to live with.

14 Forsaken (2015)

Forsaken follows the exploits of John Henry Clayton, who fought in the Civil War, but later went adrift and hadn't returned home for years. When he eventually does return, he learns that his mother has passed on, and he now has an estranged relationship with his father. When their town is besieged by a gang terrorizing ranchers who refuse to sell their land, Clayton must decide if he wants to truly leave behind his previous life, or turn to violence one last time.

A Grounded Civil War Story

Featuring both Donald and Kiefer Sutherland, in addition to great performances from likes of Brian Cox and Demi Moore, Forsaken is a great Western that had its premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. With themes of family, violence, and community, this Western is rooted in ideas that stretch beyond its genre. It's light on frills and heavy on story, which works well for this well-acted tale.

13 The Proposition (2005)

Before he would become attached to a Blood Meridian adaptation, John Hillcoat cut his teeth in the Western genre with The Proposition. Released in 2005, this fantastic Australian film sees Guy Pearce playing the role of Charlie Burns, a member of a gang who finds himself in a terrifying pickle. After the rest of his gang is slaughtered, he's given an ultimatum by Morris Stanley (Ray Winstone). Should Charlie execute his older brother, Arthur Burns (Danny Huston), the life of his younger brother, Mike Burns (Richard Wilson), will be spared. Charlie has nine days to do the deed, with the death of either brother looming over him throughout.

A Thrilling and Gut-Wrenching Ride

This is a Western that doesn't pull any punches. Its unrelenting brutality is matched only by its weighty story, with a slim hope of redemption lying in wait for a malicious outlaw. Combined with the unique setting in the Australian outback, The Proposition is easily one of John Hillcoat's best films, as well as being a stand-out Western from the mid-2000s. The twisted premise makes for a different kind of story, one that is more related to the horror genre than usual Westerns.

12 ​​​​​A Man Called Horse (1970)

A classic western from the turn of the '70s, A Man Called Horse featured the timeless talents of Richard Harris. Playing an English aristocrat, Lord John Morgan, who goes hunting in the Dakotas, he's captured by a Sioux tribe and faces a potentially deadly situation. While his guides are killed, Morgan's life is fortunately spared by the Chief.

Interesting Stylistic Choices Set this Apart

He faces abuse and mockery in the beginning, but endures it all and slowly becomes enamored by the tribe's lifestyle over time. After falling in love with the Chief's beautiful daughter, Morgan finds himself embracing his new home, and later even begins harboring ambitions of becoming its Chief himself. A Man Called Horse's visual style stands out among its peers as it features interesting psychedelic '70s montages, which are not what you'd typically expect from a Western.

11 My Name is Nobody (1973)

Terence Hill and Henry Fonda were the ultimate dream team when they appeared opposite one another in the comedy spaghetti Western My Name Is Nobody, following the titular gunfighter as he makes it his mission to get his beloved idol and hero Jack Beauregard to take on the violent gang of dangerous outlaws known as the Wild Bunch. Beauregard, once the most feared and admired gunslinger in the Old West, wants nothing more than to spend his final days retired in Europe, but evading the determined Nobody will be hard to do.

Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

My Name Is Nobody was famously based on an original idea by legendary spaghetti Western director Sergio Leone and marked Fonda's final appearance in the rip-roaring genre. Like Red River, the comedy is one of the rare Westerns to receive a highly-coveted 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, with The New York Times praising director Tonino Valerii's vision and master execution of the savvy screenplay, declaring it "the kind of Western that only an immensely appreciative and witty Italian filmmaker could make."

10 Day of Anger (1967)

Lee Van Cleef is another recognizable name in the Spaghetti Western subgenre, with his 1967 Western Day of Anger being one of his best outings. Directed by Tonino Valerii, who initially got his start working on Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars, this intriguing Western sees Cleef playing a legendary gunslinger named Frank Talby. When Talby takes on a young pupil named Scott (Giuliano Gemma), the two form a partnership that quickly turns down an unexpected path.

If You're Looking for a Spaghetti Western...

As always, Cleef does a terrific job of portraying a grizzled cowboy, with the supporting cast painting a world stained with shades of gray morality. There are no clear heroes and villains here, as everyone's motivations and actions are inherently personal. It's a terrific Western that will keep you on your toes.

9 The Mercenary (1968)

Franco Nero returns in Sergio Corbucci's The Mercenary, a Western film released in 1968. Nero plays Sergei Kowalski, a man whose greed is matched only by his spare ammunition. Set amid the Mexican Revolution, Kowalski finds himself teaming up with Paco Roman (Tony Musante) and Columba (Giovanna Ralli) as they liberate Mexico village by village. However, their efforts draw the ire of the nefarious Curly (Jack Palance), whose bid for revenge will clash with spent gunpowder in the desert sands.

Scored by the Great Ennio Morricone

Having previously directed the infamous Django, Corbucci's return to the frontier is as violent as it is entertaining. Ennio Morricone, the composer of numerous Sergio Leone films, provides the score for The Mercenary, painting a familiar yet effective soundscape for the film's setting. Of course, if you loved Django's infamous machine gun, you'll be happy to know that a similar weapon reappears in this bullet-laden Western.

8 Broken Arrow (1950)

Sensational leading man James Stewart once again delivered a captivating performance when he portrayed real-life United States Army scout and Native American ambassador Tom Jeffords in Broken Arrow. It chronicles the efforts of Jeffords to help negotiate a peace treaty between American settlers and the Apache, who are fighting over Arizona territory. During the process, the former soldier begins to sympathize and bond with the tribe and understand their profound grievances.

A Groundbreaking Western Triumph

Broken Arrow was based on the Elliot Arnold novel that detailed the peace treaty between Apache leader Cochise and the U.S. Army and was one of the first major Hollywood Westerns following World War II that portrayed Native Americans in a tolerant and sympathetic manner. The compelling picture had a prominent effect on the way Native Americans were subsequently depicted on the silver screen, with Chronicle of the Cinema retrospectively stating, "Based on verifiable fact, it faithfully evokes the historical relationship between Cochise and Jeffords, marking a historical rehabilitation of Indians in the cinema."

7 And God Said to Cain (1970)

Two years before Klaus Kinski and Werner Herzog collaborated for Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Kinski made a name for himself in the Spaghetti Western subgenre. Though you may recognize him more from his role in For a Few Dollars More, he would also lead the 1960 revenge Western And God Said to Cain. Kinski plays Gary Hamilton, a man who is freed from incarceration after being framed for a crime. After losing ten years of his life, Hamilton is left with nothing but a burning desire for revenge against those who wronged him.

A Horror-Inflected Revenge Flick

And God Said to Cain veers more in a horror-tinged direction. The director, Antonio Margheriti, previously dabbled in delivering scares with films like Castle of Blood and The Long Hair of Death. His Gothic horror sensibilities make And God Said to Cain feel especially unique, compounded by a comparatively subdued performance from Kinski.

6 Sweet Country (2017)

Warwick Thornton turned heads when he directed 2017's Sweet Country. This Australian Western is loosely based on real events, telling a harrowing story set towards the end of the 1920s. Hamilton Morris plays Sam Kelly, an Aboriginal farmer in Australia's Northern Territory following the Great War. However, when his employer hands Sam and his family over to a reclusive veteran, an escalating series of abusive incidents forces Sam to do the unthinkable. Left with nowhere else to turn, all Sam can do afterward is run.

A Dive Into the Aboriginal Experience

Sweet Country is more than just a typical Western film. Though it incorporates some traditional Western elements, its focus on Australian history is easily its biggest strength, implementing the historical context of the war and the treatment of Aboriginals in a compelling denouncement of racism. If anything, you'll come to love the beautiful vistas and stunning landscapes featured in Sweet Country's cinematography.

5 Breakheart Pass (1975)

Along with making a name for himself with the Death Wish franchise, Charles Bronson also starred in a handful of Western films. Breakheart Pass is easily one of Charles Bronson's best films, being one that starts as a "whodunnit" mystery before kicking things into high gear. A train carrying a variety of passengers is heading towards Fort Humboldt deep in Nevada, with its cargo containing supplies to deal with a deadly disease. Bronson plays John Deakin, a man supposedly facing a murder trial, as each of the train's passengers starts disappearing one after another.

A Murder Mystery-Western Crossover Moment

Breakheart Pass is a surprising Western that goes in unexpected directions. Before its compelling murder mystery is solved, you'll discover that something even more nefarious is lying in wait, putting Bronson's character to the ultimate test. If you want a bit of intrigue with your snowy Western film, Breakheart Pass may be the one for you.

4 Lone Star (1996)

The neo-Western mystery Lone Star marked one of Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey's earliest major film roles and centers on small Texas town sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) as he investigates a 40-year-old skeleton found in the remote desert, prompting him to look closely at the community's dark history and his own family history. McConaughey appears as Sam's late father Buddy Deeds, the town's former sheriff who was adored by its residents and quickly becomes the murder case's prime suspect.

McConaughey Showcases His Range

Lone Star delves into the checkered pasts of Buddy Deeds and the community's colorful townsfolk as the murder mystery unravels, and Sam makes stunning realizations about his father that alter everything he thought he knew. The Western is full of juicy twists and turns and features a brilliant performance by McConaughey, who up until that point had only appeared in Dazed and Confused. Lone Star earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and is widely considered to be director John Sayles' cinema masterpiece.