The Best Black Western Movies
- 1Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio
In Quentin Tarantino's captivating ode to the Spaghetti Western, Jamie Foxx takes on the iconic role of Django, a freed enslaved man turned bounty hunter, bent on saving his wife from an oppressive plantation owner. Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz co-star in this visceral, action-packed journey that tackles the horrors of slavery head-on whilst also subverting audience expectations through Tarantino's signature wit and characters.
More Django Unchained
- Dig Deeper...The 25 Best Movies Like 'Django Unchained', Ranked By Fans
- #98 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #598 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 2Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee
Sydney Poitier directs and stars alongside Harry Belafonte in this engaging 1972 classic. The film follows two con men who quit their hustling ways to become trail guides for ex-enslaved people heading west to forge new lives. As the duo faces the challenges of frontier life and enemies from their past, viewers are treated to a Black Western perspective too seldom seen on-screen during its time.
- 3Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo
Audiences are in for a wild ride when outlaw Nat Love (Jonathan Majors) reassembles his gang to seek vengeance upon Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) in this highly anticipated Netflix collaboration. With Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, and more rounding out the star-studded ensemble cast, this visually arresting, expertly choreographed thriller never misses a beat.
- 4Mario Van Peebles, Stephen Baldwin, Charles Lane
Assembled under the leadership of director Mario Van Peebles, Posse combines history, adventure, and action to provide a ruthlessly honest look into the story of outlaw Jesse Lee (Van Peebles), who fights back against the oppressive white power structure in post-Civil War western territory. Supporting performances from Billy Zane, Tone Loc, Tiny Lister Jr., and Blair Underwood lend depth to this important examination of Black American history often missing from other Western films.
- 5Jon Voight, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle
In an unsettling drama rooted in the tragic true events of a 1923 race massacre, Ving Rhames plays Mann, a World War I veteran involved in the fierce struggle against racism that tears apart a small Florida town with horrifying consequences. Director John Singleton masterfully captures the harrowing reality of racial tension in America during the era, making for an unforgettably poignant film.
More Rosewood- #7 of 9 onJohn Singleton: Movies Directed By John Singleton
- #13 of 35 onThe Best Movies Based on Real Murders
- #29 of 89 onThe Greatest African American Biopics
- 6Jim Brown, Lee Van Cleef, Fred Williamson
Stakes are high as Pike (Jim Brown) sets out to honor his late employer's wishes by safely delivering $86,000 to his family. With Lee Van Cleef and Fred Williamson at his side, this 1975 action-packed blend of traditional Western shootouts and martial arts stunts will have you on the edge of your seat.
- 7Vonetta McGee, Glynn Turman, Juanita Moore
With a romantic-turned-thief duo reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, this 1974 blaxploitation Western centers on the eponymous characters, played by Vonetta McGee and Max Julien, as they steal from the rich, give to the poor, and evade the law. Navigating themes of love, freedom, and justice with commendable panache, this film remains an evergreen cult classic deserving of a chance on your watchlist.
- 8Danny Glover, Clifton Powell, Bob Gunton
The heroic stories of the all-Black 10th Cavalry Regiment come to life in this 1997 made-for-TV film, illustrating both their incredible courage and skill on the battlefield during the Indian Wars and the harsh reality of segregation. Danny Glover shines as Sergeant Washington Wyatt, who leads his men through countless dangers and proves that their powerful legacy deserves to stand tall in the annals of American history.
- 9
Hell on the Border
David Gyasi, Ron Perlman, Frank GrilloThe remarkable story of Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy marshal west of the Mississippi River, comes vividly alive in this standout 2019 film. Featuring David Gyasi in the titular role, it is a true testament to the extraordinary resilience and courage of a towering figure who weathered extreme racial prejudice to make groundbreaking contributions to the Western frontier's history.
- 10Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh
This breathtakingly tense and often darkly comic mystery-thriller from Quentin Tarantino centers on eight strangers with vastly different motives and murky pasts as they collide in a snowed-in cabin during a dangerous blizzard. Led by an ensemble cast including Samuel L. Jackson as Major Marquis Warren, each character undergoes twisting turns of fate that provides both harrowing and rewarding experiences for the viewer.
More The Hateful Eight- #152 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #149 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #60 of 80 on80 Good Long Movies To Watch, Ranked
- 11Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris
Directed by Warwick Thornton and set in the Australian outback during the 1920s, this rich drama follows the plight of Sam (Hamilton Morris), an Indigenous man forced to go on the run after he kills a white man in self-defense. At its core, Sweet Country explores themes of racism, colonialism, and vengeance with unflinching honesty, making for a truly memorable film experience that resonates deeply.
More Sweet Country- #75 of 79 onGreat Period Movies Set in the 19th Century
- #76 of 95 onThe Best Western Movies on Amazon Prime
- #6 of 15 onUnderrated Movies Based On Real-Life Trials
- 12
Gallowwalkers
Wesley Snipes, Kevin Howarth, Riley SmithWith Wesley Snipes in the leading role, this atmospheric 2012 horror-Western hybrid presents his character Aman as he deals with the resurrection of the criminals he had slain—themselves now undead "gallowwalkers." Snipes superbly navigates the eerie world created by director Andrew Goth, weaving action, dread, and supernatural elements into one riveting package.
- 13Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn
Mel Brooks' iconic spoof of the classic Hollywood Western manages a compelling blend of biting satire, genre tropes, and outrageous gags rarely matched in comedic films. Starring Cleavon Little as Black sheriff Bart and Gene Wilder as his unorthodox deputy, this groundbreaking 1974 film remains as thought-provoking as ever, despite its age.
More Blazing Saddles- Dig Deeper...13 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Blazing Saddles'
- #32 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #133 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 14Jeffrey Hunter, Woody Strode, Constance Towers
In John Ford's esteemed 1960 classic, the impeccable Woody Strode stars as decorated Buffalo Soldier Sergeant Braxton Rutledge. The film unfolds through courtroom testimony with striking flashbacks, offering rich insight into race relations and prejudices that existed within the U.S. Army at the time.
- 15Simon Baker, Jacob Junior Nayinggul, Jack Thompson
Elevation is not just achieved through the breathtaking visual landscape in this exhilarating revenge saga set in Australia. As protagonist Gideon, Simon Baker is accompanied by Indigenous Australian tracker Gutjuk (Jacob Junior Nayinggul) in an emotionally charged story that weaves together themes of colonialism, family, and survival against all odds while showcasing a rarely explored side of Western history.
- 16
Joshua
Fred Williamson, Isela Vega, Brenda VenusFred Williamson makes his directorial debut and stars as a skilled gunman on an unrelenting quest to avenge his mother's murder in this gritty 1976 Blaxploitation Western. Navigating blood feuds, deception, and suspenseful shootouts, the film stays true to the essence of the Wild West while also exploring the depths of Williamson's versatility as an actor and filmmaker.
- 17Monica Calhoun, Stacey Dash, LisaRaye McCoy
Laden with explosive action, heart-pounding adventure, and emotional depth, this reinvention of the classic Western stagecoach robbery tale focuses on a group of diverse, fearless women led by the enigmatic Rachel (Monica Calhoun). Unafraid to show vulnerability beneath their tough-exterior personas, these female gunslingers prove that fierceness and sisterhood know no bounds.
- 18James Garner, Sidney Poitier, Bibi Andersson
This pulse-pounding 1966 film features Sidney Poitier as Toller, a former cavalryman-turned-horse wrangler whose life becomes irrevocably entwined with the survival of U.S. Army scout Jess Remsburg (James Garner) as they face formidable enemies in a battle to ensure the safe passage of arms to Apache territory. As they navigate life-and-death struggles against treacherous foes, their unwavering strength of spirit leaves viewers deeply invested in their journey.
- 19
Bull
Rob Morgan, Amber Havard, Yolonda RossFeaturing Marcus Rutherford in a star-making turn, this futuristic Spaghetti Western captivates audiences with its deft storytelling, visual flair, and edge-of-your-seat shootouts. When Rutherford's hyper-intuitive gunslinger sets out on a last-ditch mission to save his kidnapped sister and discover who's behind a spate of violent murders, the stakes become anything but predictable.
- 20David Carradine, Gabriel Casseus, Antwon Tanner
This unique survival story showcases the tremendous bond between Civil War veterans (portrayed by David Carradine and Gabriel Casseus) as they navigate a treacherous post-war landscape full of ruthless bounty hunters, vengeful criminals, and cunning law enforcement officers. It's action, adventure, and camaraderie at its finest.
- 21
Black Rodeo
Archie Wycoff, Clarence GonzalezThis groundbreaking 1972 documentary, narrated by Woody Strode, showcases the vibrant spirit and skill of Black rodeo cowboys, who have previously been vastly underrepresented in Western films. By spotlighting these talented athletes and celebrating their achievements, audiences are granted a fresh viewpoint on a traditionally white-dominated sport and its cultural impact.
- 22Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome
Starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, this captivating drama sheds light on the little-known subculture of modern-day urban Black cowboys living in North Philadelphia. Through heartfelt performances and an authentic exploration of both family bonds and the pursuit of freedom in unexpected places, this film highlights the resilience and importance of cowboy culture within the Black community today.
- 23
They Die By Dawn
Rosario Dawson, Giancarlo Esposito, Erykah BaduBoasting an all-star cast including Michael K. Williams, Isaiah Washington, and Erykah Badu, this riveting 2013 ensemble piece is packed with rich storytelling, unforgettable performances, and exhilarating action sequences that will leave fans clamoring for more. Perfectly balancing the gritty aspects of classic Westerns with a contemporary interpretation, it is a must-watch for fans of both the genre and the talented cast alike.
- 24Jim Brown, Raquel Welch, Burt Reynolds
In this action-packed 1969 film, Burt Reynolds and Jim Brown portray unlikely allies who work together to help Mexican Indian rebels combat an oppressive regime. With Raquel Welch by their side, the trio displays undeniable charisma and chemistry throughout, creating memorable heroes worth rooting for in this quintessential Spaghetti Western triumph.
- 25
Harlem Rides the Range
Herbert Jeffreys, Spencer WilliamsA rare combination of the Western, musical, and Black-period genres, this 1939 film boldly presents Spencer Williams as a cowboy sleuth uncovering corrupt schemes involving oil wells, booming cities, and long-lost family heritage. The film's innovation and charm serve as reminders of the monumental contributions that Black artists have made to cinema.
- 26
Two-Gun Man from Harlem
Herbert Jeffreys, Mantan Moreland, Spencer WilliamsIn this classic 1938 western, Black cowboy Herb Jeffries seeks vengeance disguised as a murderous bandit known as "The Deacon." With Ralph Cooper at the helm as the director, the film placed a much-needed spotlight on Black cowboy stories and featured outstanding performances by some of the biggest Black actors of the time.
- 27James Garner, Ed Asner, Louis Gossett
With James Garner and Louis Gossett Jr. at the helm, this 1971 comedy-western follows two con men who fake slavery scenarios to scam unsuspecting townsfolk out of their money. Entertaining and thought-provoking, the film explores complex themes like race, greed, and friendship through hilarity and fast-paced action.
- 28
Man and Boy
Bill Cosby, Yaphet Kotto, Henry SilvaBill Cosby takes a dramatic turn in this compelling 1971 Western, portraying a former slave who moves westward with his family to establish a new life as a homesteader. Blending heartwarming moments with high-stakes drama, the film provides a rare look at a Black family's trials and tribulations in the Old West.
- 29Will Smith, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh
Will Smith and Kevin Kline team up in this steampunk-infused western comedy reimagining the classic 1960s TV series. As they face dangerous villains, including Kenneth Branagh's Loveless, Smith and Kline deliver thrilling action sequences and comedic quips in equal measure, creating a unique entry in the pantheon of Black Western movies.
More Wild Wild West- #82 of 98 onThe Best Movies Based On TV Shows
- #65 of 79 onGreat Period Movies Set in the 19th Century
- #44 of 48 onThe Best Train Movies
- 30Stuart Whitman, Richard Boone, Anthony Franciosa
Set against the backdrop of the volatile Tex-Mex border, this tense 1964 adventure film stars Jim Brown as an ex-Civil War soldier turned gunslinger determined to foil an arms smuggling scheme. Alongside Richard Boone and Stuart Whitman, Brown shines through this tight fusion of action-packed fun and perilous intrigue that underlines the star's unparalleled presence within the genre.
