The Best Recent Westerns, Ranked
Photo: Shout! Studios / Quiver Distribution / Netflix

The Best Recent Westerns, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated April 9, 2024 26.7K views 18 items
Ranked By
2.6K votes
494 voters
Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite westerns that were released on or after January, 1 2021.

Venture into the gritty lands of the Wild West with our extensive array of new Western movies. This genre, celebrated for its gripping narratives and iconic imagery, persists in popularity by continually reinventing itself for the modern cinema landscape. 

Our list offers a dynamic collection of newer western tales, replete with gun-slinging outlaws and cowboys, internal conflicts, and dramatic landscapes, each one placing a unique spin on the classic Western recipe. From high-noon showdowns to intricate narratives that unravel the human spirit, these films embody the essence of the Western genre, brilliantly adapted for contemporary audiences. 

Every entry on our list provides not just a snapshot of the film's plot, but also dives into the underlying themes, the director's vision, the unfolding Western ambience, and the unforgettable performances. This depth of detail allows the reader to understand the relevance of each film within the context of modern Western cinema. 

Navigating your cinematic journey is made expeditious and uncomplicated with streaming service buttons neatly placed under each entry. Whether you are a subscriber to Hulu, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Max or Disney+, a simple click can transport you from exploration to the viewing experience. 

Crafted to provide a potent blend of audience preferences and erudite insight, our selection serves the film aficionado and casual viewer alike. Garner an understanding of the evolution of Western films in recent years, discover unfamiliar titles, relish in new releases, and vote for your favorites within this dedicated forum, curated specifically for enthusiasts of the genre. Step into the world of contemporary Western cinema and experience the captivating narratives that continue to shape this enduring genre.

Latest additions: Calamity Jane, Desperate Riders, Hostile Territory
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Recent Westerns, Ranked
  • Old Henry
    1
    Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, Gavin Lewis
    147 votes

    Old Henry, an artful tale of mystery and survival, enthralls audiences with Tim Blake Nelson's riveting portrayal of a weathered farmer protecting his homestead. Plunging into a vortex of deceit and danger, the film masterfully conjures an aura of suspense that permeates throughout. Fostering intrigue and awe, Old Henry transcends the traditional Western genre.

  • Terror on the Prairie
    2
    Gina Carano, Nick Searcy, Donald Cerrone
    10 votes

    Terror on the Prairie, a suspenseful Western thriller, captivates with a tale of survival and resilience interwoven into the cinematic tapestry of the North American frontier. Amidst menacing adversaries bringing chaos and bloodshed, the brave townsfolk, under the guidance of a valiant heroine, muster their courage and hold fast to their values. Poised to mystify audiences with its gripping storyline and memorable performances, Terror on the Prairie promises to impart a distinctive mark on the Western genre, leaving moviegoers yearning for more.

  • Dead for a Dollar
    3
    Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, Rachel Brosnahan
    7 votes

    Dead for a Dollar, the Western helmed by the eminent Walter Hill, boasts an all-star ensemble including acting titans Willem Dafoe and Christoph Waltz in a tale of treachery and deceit. The film immerses viewers in a merciless environment where a fierce bounty hunter encounters unexpected adversaries while on the hunt for an alleged murderer. Dead for a Dollar enthralled viewers with its infusion of rip-roaring action and complex character dynamics, cementing its presence in the upper echelons of the Western genre.

  • The Harder They Fall
    4
    Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo
    54 votes

    The Harder They Fall, a uniquely stylized wonder engineered by director Jeymes Samuel, boasts an all-star ensemble cast, including Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, and Zazie Beetz. The film's exhilarating narrative, laden with visceral action and profound character development, elevates the archetypical Western framework to exceptional heights. With distinctive imagery and entrancing storytelling, The Harder They Fall has swiftly garnered fan and critical acclaim.

  • Cry Macho
    5
    Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Dwight Yoakam
    41 votes

    Cry Macho, the brainchild of the venerable Clint Eastwood, authentically depicts a seasoned rancher endeavoring to reunite his boss's son with his father. Presenting a contemporary Southwest setting with a predominantly Hispanic cast, this film redefines the Western genre while maintaining its rugged appeal. A testament to resilience, Cry Macho entrenches itself as a poignant cinematic experience.

  • The Old Way
    6
    Nicolas Cage, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Clint Howard
    13 votes

    The Old Way, featuring modern Western luminary Nicolas Cage, promises a thrilling tale of vengeance and redemption through the eyes of a formidable gunslinger. As he battles the dark forces threatening his family and fellow townsfolk, this film transcends traditional Western conventions, evoking themes of desperation and moral fortitude. The Old Way's fusion of blistering action and piercing humanity cements its status as a formidable addition to the Western pantheon.

  • The Last Son
    7
    Sam Worthington, Heather Graham, Thomas Jane
    13 votes

    The Last Son, starring Sam Worthington and Colson Baker, follows the heartrending journey of an infamous gunslinger burdened by a deadly family curse. As vengeance pursues him through the unforgiving wilderness, he must battle fear, loss, and destiny in order to avert a tragic fate. The Last Son's blood-soaked plains and soul-stirring narrative make it an unforgettable addition to the Western genre.

  • Those Who Wish Me Dead
    8
    Angelina Jolie, Finn Little, Jon Bernthal
    29 votes

    Those Who Wish Me Dead, an adrenaline-fueled Western thriller spearheaded by Angelina Jolie and Finn Little, plunges viewers into a maelstrom of danger and suspense amid a deadly forest fire. As the flames encroach, their bond strengthens, warding off relentless assassins through a perilous odyssey. Directed by Taylor Sheridan, this action-packed survival drama masterfully blends classic Western tropes with modern cinematic flair.

  • The Power of the Dog
    9
    Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons
    58 votes

    The Power of the Dog, a haunting adaptation of Thomas Savage's novel, mesmerizes with its captivating performances by Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons. Jane Campion's masterful direction unravels a psychological tale of torment and obsession on a ranch in 1920s Montana. Lauded with critical acclaim and award nominations, this film elevates the Western genre to new frontiers with its evocative storytelling and striking imagery.

  • Apache Junction
    10
    Stuart Townsend, Trace Adkins, Scout Taylor-Compton
    14 votes

    Apache Junction, a stirring frontier tale led by Stuart Townsend and Trace Adkins, thrusts audiences into a maelstrom of lawlessness plagued by heroes and criminals alike. Brilliantly capturing the unforgiving essence of the Arizona desert, the film weaves a rich narrative embedded in the American Western fabric. With its searing performances and intricate plot, Apache Junction demands recognition.

  • No Man's Land
    11
    Frank Grillo, Andie MacDowell, George Lopez
    2 votes

    No Man's Land, a compelling neo-Western starring Jake Allyn and Andie MacDowell, explores the harrowing consequences of border disputes between Texans and Mexicans. As tensions boil over into tragedy, the film draws viewers into a web of moral ambiguity and haunting introspection, shedding light on pressing contemporary issues while adhering to classic Western themes. By thoughtfully blending the stark landscapes, gripping narrative, and intricate character arcs, No Man's Land swells as a perennial landmark in the ever-growing Western movie canon.

  • Spirit Untamed
    12
    Isabela Merced, Julianne Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal
    16 votes

    Spirit Untamed, an animated family adventure that journeys into the untamed West, tugs at the heartstrings with its moving tale of courage and friendship. The spirited young heroine, Lucky Prescott, voiced by Isabela Merced, discovers her true calling while befriending the wild stallion, Spirit. A delightful reinvention of the classic Western, this vibrant film captivates audiences of all ages with its charm and endearing characters.

  • Murder at Yellowstone City
    13
    Gabriel Byrne, Thomas Jane, Isaiah Mustafa
    0 votes
  • Desperate Riders
    14
    Trace Adkins, Drew Waters, Vanessa Lee Evigan
    0 votes
  • Hostile Territory
    15
    Brea Bee, Matt McCoy, Lew Temple
    0 votes
  • Montana Story
    16
    Haley Lu Richardson, Owen Teague, Gilbert Owuor
    0 votes
  • Outlaw Posse
    17
    Mario Van Peebles, William Mapother, John Carroll Lynch
    1 votes
  • Calamity Jane
    18
    Emily Bett Rickards, Tim Rozon, Stephen Amell
    1 votes