A List Of Burt Lancaster Western Movies

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Updated April 22, 2024 26.4K views 14 items

List of Western movies/films with performances by Burt Lancaster, listed alphabetically with movie trailers when available. These Burt Lancaster Western roles include starring, supporting and cameo appearances. You can sort these Burt Lancaster Western movies for additional information as well, such as who directed the films and when they were released. Over the years Burt Lancaster 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 movies range from Vera Cruz to The Professionals.

This list answers the questions, "What Western movies has Burt Lancaster been in?" and "What are the best Burt Lancaster 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}
  • Apache

    Apache

    Burt Lancaster, Jean Peters, John McIntire

    For Fans Of: Western, Historical Drama, War
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: In this classic western, Lancaster takes on the challenging role of Massai, a defiant Apache warrior fighting against the oppression of his people. His impressive physicality and dedication to portraying the character's emotional depth make this performance one of his most memorable. The intense conflict between Massai and the relentless U.S. Cavalry showcases Lancaster's undeniable talent as an actor.

    Adapted from the 1936 novel "Bronco Apache," this groundbreaking Western casts a sympathetic eye on the struggles of Native Americans in the post-bellum West. Massai (Burt Lancaster), the only Apache warrior still fighting after the surrender of Geronimo, is arrested and placed on a train headed for a Florida prison. After a daring escape, he begins the trip back home to his lover, Nalinle (Jean Peters), on foot -- but the journey is long and treacherous, and the authorities are closing in.
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  • Buffalo Bill and the Indians

    Buffalo Bill and the Indians

    Paul Newman, Burt Lancaster, Joel Grey

    For Fans Of: Western, Biography, Comedy, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: As the legendary Wild West showman Ned Buntline in this satirical take on American myth-making, Lancaster delivers a charismatic performance that highlights his impeccable comedic timing. His sharp wit and magnetic screen presence bring levity and energy to every scene he is in, making it a must-watch movie for fans of the actor. Additionally, his nuanced portrayal of a man caught between fact and fiction adds depth to an otherwise light-hearted film.

    By 1885, beloved cavalryman Buffalo Bill Cody (Paul Newman) has hired a publicist and producer to help shape and promote his traveling Wild West show, which presents historically inaccurate reenactments of conflicts between U.S. troops and Native Americans. Cody hires Chief Sitting Bull (Frank Kaquitts) to play himself, as a villain, in stagings of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. But, to Cody's dismay, star performer Annie Oakley (Geraldine Chaplin) and spectators both take to Sitting Bull.
  • Cattle Annie and Little Britches

    Cattle Annie and Little Britches

    Diane Lane, Burt Lancaster, Rod Steiger

    For Fans Of: Western, Biography, Adventure, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: Stepping behind the camera as both producer and star, Lancaster gives life to aging outlaw Bill Doolin in this underrated gem of a western. His nuanced portrayal captures both the vulnerability and sheer grit required to survive as an outlaw during this tumultuous time in history. Paired with vibrant performances from Amanda Plummer as Cattle Annie and Diane Lane as Little Britches, this film is a treasure trove for any fan of Lancaster's work.

    Cattle Annie and Little Britches is a 1981 American film starring Burt Lancaster, Rod Steiger, Diane Lane, and Amanda Plummer, based on the lives of two adolescent girls in the late 19th century Oklahoma Territory, who became infatuated with the Western outlaws that they had read about in Ned Buntline's stories and left their homes to join the criminals. It was scripted by David Eyre and Robert Ward from Robert Ward's book and directed by Lamont Johnson.
  • Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

    Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

    Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming

    For Fans Of: Western, History, Biography, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: In one of his most iconic roles, Lancaster stars as Wyatt Earp alongside Kirk Douglas' Doc Holliday in this seminal retelling of one of America's most famous shootouts. Their electric chemistry elevates each scene they share, creating a dynamic duo that remains etched into cinematic history forevermore. Lancaster's stoic, principled portrayal of the legendary lawman is a masterclass in screen acting.

    Lawman Wyatt Earp (Burt Lancaster) and gunfighter John "Doc" Holliday (Kirk Douglas) find themselves together again in Tombstone, Ariz., despite the tumultuous history between them. Earp comes to Arizona on a mission to bring the Clayton clan to justice. Meanwhile, Holliday becomes incensed with the decision of Kate Fisher (Jo Van Fleet) to turn him down in favor of another gunfighter (John Ireland), ultimately leading Holliday to join Earp's side in a confrontation with the Claytons.
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  • Lawman

    Lawman

    Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Lee J. Cobb

    For Fans Of: Western, Crime, Drama, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: As the dogged, uncompromising Marshal Jared Maddox, Lancaster delivers a commanding performance that showcases his range as an actor. His ability to embody the character's unwavering pursuit of justice while hinting at an underlying moral complexity makes this film a compelling watch for fans of the actor. The tense confrontations and morally ambiguous situations throughout the movie keep viewers enthralled from start to finish.

    During a drunken spree in the small Wild West town of Bannock, one of a half-dozen workers from a nearby ranch accidentally shoots an innocent man. Bannock's marshal, a righteous man named Jered Maddox (Burt Lancaster), comes to the larger town of Sabbath bearing the dead body of one of the revelers and demands the surrender of the remaining five from sheriff Cotton Ryan (Robert Ryan) and ranch owner Vincent Bronson (Lee J. Cobb), starting a confrontation that threatens to engulf them all.
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  • The Hallelujah Trail

    The Hallelujah Trail

    Burt Lancaster, Lee Remick, Jim Hutton

    For Fans Of: Western, Comedy, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: This comedic western finds Lancaster at his most charming as he portrays cavalry officer Colonel Thaddeus Gearhart with an infectious enthusiasm. The humor and wit he brings to the role are perfectly balanced by his authoritative presence, making for a captivating performance that is equal parts amusing and compelling. The madcap adventures that ensue as Gearhart endeavors to protect a whiskey shipment from various factions provide ample opportunity for Lancaster to showcase his uncanny comedic timing.

    As the winter of 1867 approaches, Denver inhabitants led by chronic drunk Oracle Jones (Donald Pleasence), who has visions when inebriated, realize with horror that their supply of whiskey will run out before the snows melt. Oracle devises a plan to bring cases of whiskey from a distillery, but is thwarted at every turn. A temperance leader (Lee Remick), three Sioux Indians, and the U.S. Cavalry become interested in the shipment, and a sandstorm and quicksand add to the difficulties.
  • The Kentuckian

    The Kentuckian

    Burt Lancaster, Dianne Foster, Diana Lynn

    For Fans Of: Western, Adventure, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: In addition to starring as frontiersman Elias Wakefield, Lancaster also made his directorial debut with this sweeping tale of adventure and romance set in 1820s Kentucky. His commitment to both roles shines through in every frame, making this film an essential watch for those interested in exploring all aspects of his talent. Furthermore, his tender portrayal of Wakefield's struggle between past loyalties and future dreams adds depth and emotionality to the story.

    Upstanding widower "Big Eli" Wakefield (Burt Lancaster) decides to move from Kentucky further west to Texas. He undertakes the journey with just his young son "Little Eli" (Donald MacDonald), but en route they pick up friends like indentured servant Hannah (Dianne Foster) and schoolmarm Susie (Diana Lynn), a potential love interest. This motley crew's path is difficult, and they face many obstacles, not the least of which is nasty frontiersman Stan Bodine (Walter Matthau).
  • The Professionals

    The Professionals

    Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale

    For Fans Of: Western, Action, Adventure, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: As explosives expert Bill Dolworth in this action-packed western, Lancaster effortlessly exudes charisma and swagger while navigating thrilling chase sequences and daring rescue missions with ease. His magnetic presence alongside costars Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan, and Woody Strode creates an ensemble for the ages and showcases the undeniable star power that Lancaster possessed. The film's blend of high-stakes action and heartfelt camaraderie is a testament to his prowess as an actor.

    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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  • The Scalphunters

    The Scalphunters

    Burt Lancaster, Shelley Winters, Ossie Davis

    For Fans Of: Western, Comedy, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: This humorous yet insightful western stars Lancaster as trapper Joe Bass who becomes entangled in a series of misadventures involving slaves and scalphunters. His boisterous performance is filled with energy and charisma, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of adventure that dominates the film. The unlikely friendship between Bass and Ossie Davis' runaway slave provides ample opportunity for both actors to shine, showcasing their onscreen chemistry and range.

    Illiterate fur trapper Joe Bass (Burt Lancaster) is coerced by some Kiowa Indians into trading his haul for a well-educated, escaped slave named Joseph Lee (Ossie Davis). Bass seeks to track the Indians and recover his treasure, while Joseph wants to travel to Mexico, where slavery is illegal. Their plans are complicated by the arrival of a band of scalphunters, led by Jim Howie (Telly Savalas), who want to kill the Indians, claim the furs and resell the black man.
  • The Unforgiven

    The Unforgiven

    Burt Lancaster, Audrey Hepburn, Lillian Gish

    For Fans Of: Western, Drama, Romance
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: In this dramatic western directed by John Huston, Lancaster stars as Ben Zachary, whose family faces mounting tension when dark secrets from their past resurface. His brooding intensity imbues every scene with emotional weight, making it clear why he was one of his generation's most revered actors. With Audrey Hepburn starring as his adopted sister opposite him, their combined performances create a powerful exploration of family loyalty and betrayal that should not be missed.

    The Zachary family live quietly on a cattle ranch in post-Civil War Texas. A stranger (Joseph Wiseman) appears and disturbs their bucolic existence by spreading a malicious rumor that their adopted daughter, Rachel (Audrey Hepburn), is a Kiowa Native American. Soon, the Zachary brothers (Audie Murphy, Burt Lancaster) and their mother (Lillian Gish) must defend themselves from both racist whites and vengeful Kiowa.
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  • Ulzana's Raid

    Ulzana's Raid

    Burt Lancaster, Bruce Davison, Jorge Luke

    For Fans Of: Western, Action, Adventure, War
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: As the grizzled scout McIntosh in this gritty, brutally realistic western, Lancaster effortlessly demonstrates his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. The film presents a harrowing depiction of frontier life and conflict between settlers and Native Americans, allowing Lancaster to showcase his acting prowess in a more somber and thought-provoking context. His performance as a man torn between worlds adds emotional resonance to this intense survival story.

    When word arrives that Apache warrior Ulzana has assembled a war party and left the reservation, the United States Army pegs veteran tracker McIntosh (Burt Lancaster) and Apache Ke-Ni-Tay (Jorge Luke) to lead a young, prejudiced lieutenant's (Bruce Davison) troops to find Ulzana. Outmaneuvered and unfamiliar with the terrain, the cavalry struggles to stop the long-mistreated and raging Apaches from destroying everything in their path in what initially seem like senseless acts of violence.
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  • Valdez Is Coming

    Valdez Is Coming

    Burt Lancaster, Susan Clark, Jon Cypher

    For Fans Of: Western, Action, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: This gripping western finds Lancaster in the role of Bob Valdez, a Mexican-American lawman seeking justice for an innocent man who was wrongly killed. His powerful portrayal reflects both the determination and vulnerability of the character, making it one of his most compelling performances. The film's exploration of racial prejudice and its impact on communities allows audiences to appreciate the depth and range that Lancaster brought to his roles.

    When rancher Frank Tanner (Jon Cypher) hoodwinks local lawman Bob Valdez (Burt Lancaster) into shooting an innocent man, Valdez is remorseful and tries to take up a collection for the widow. Tanner won't hear of it, however, and punishes Valdez by driving him into the desert with a cross strapped to his back. Valdez is freed by one of Tanner's henchmen (Richard Jordan) and, after convalescing, begins waging a one-man war against Tanner, picking off his men with his trusty Sharps rifle.
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  • Vengeance Valley

    Vengeance Valley

    Burt Lancaster, Robert Walker, Joanne Dru

    For Fans Of: Western, Action, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: In this classic tale of sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of Colorado's cattle ranching industry, Lancaster stars as Owen Daybright, a loyal adoptive son caught between warring brothers. His earnest performance conveys the moral dilemmas faced by his character while maintaining an engaging screen presence throughout the film. The beautiful scenery and tense confrontations make it an enjoyable watch for fans eager to see more of Lancaster's early work.

    Adopted by the wealthy rancher Arch Strobie, orphan Owen Daybright (Burt Lancaster) grows to be a respectable foreman on Strobie's ranch. Strobie's natural son, Lee (Robert Walker), is jealous of Owen and finally finds a way to undermine his upstanding brother. When Lee conceives an illegitimate child with Lily Fasken (Sally Forrest), who refuses to name him as the father, he tells her revenge-minded brothers that Owen is to blame, hoping they'll take his half-brother out of the picture.
  • Vera Cruz

    Vera Cruz

    Gary Cooper, Burt Lancaster, Denise Darcel

    For Fans Of: Western, Adventure, War, Romance.
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Burt Lancaster: Teaming up with Hollywood legend Gary Cooper in this swashbuckling adventure set during Mexico's tumultuous post-Revolutionary period, Lancaster shines as Joe Erin, an unscrupulous adventurer vying for fortune at any cost. Their chemistry is electric as they navigate political intrigue and double-crosses while trying to stay alive. Lancaster's charismatic and devious portrayal of Erin makes for an exciting and entertaining addition to his filmography that should not be missed.

    Following the American Civil War, veteran Benjamin Trane (Gary Cooper) and gunslinger Joe Erin (Burt Lancaster) are just two of many men who head to Mexico as mercenaries. When Emperor Maximillian (George Macready) recruits their services, they reluctantly work together, since the price is right. Trane and Erin are to escort Countess Marie Duvarre (Denise Darcel) to Vera Cruz -- but when they find a wealth of gold hidden in the stagecoach, the original plan no longer applies.
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