The western genre has seen a remarkable resurgence in the 21st century, with filmmakers reimagining and reinventing the classic tropes of the Old West. From gritty neo-westerns to stylized homages, the best western movies since 2000 have showcased the enduring appeal and versatility of this quintessentially American genre. Here’s a look at 25 of the finest westerns released in the past two decades.
1. Open Range (2003)
Directed by Kevin Costner, this timeless western pays homage to the genre’s rich style and themes as it explores honor, justice, and the sacrifices made to combat injustice in the American Old West of the late-1800s. With breathtaking scenery and stunning cinematography, Open Range stands as one of the finest contemporary westerns.
2. The Proposition (2005)
John Hillcoat‘s gritty western, written by Nick Cave, captures the harshness of the Australian frontier as it revolves around the notorious Burns brothers gang. With graphic violence transformed into breathtaking artistic expression, The Proposition presents an unconventional western that shatters traditional notions of heroes and villains.
3. 3:10 to Yuma (2007)
James Mangold‘s riveting remake stars Christian Bale as a struggling rancher and Russell Crowe as the notorious outlaw he must escort to justice. With exceptional performances and nail-biting tension, 3:10 to Yuma is a must-see for any fan of the genre.
4. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
This visually stunning film follows the final years of the infamous outlaw Jesse James, played brilliantly by Brad Pitt. With a deliberately paced, introspective narrative, it offers a fresh take on the mythologized figure and the price of fame in the Old West.
5. No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen Brothers‘ neo-western masterpiece is a dark, atmospheric tale set in 1980 West Texas. Based on Cormac McCarthy‘s novel, it presents a stark, unforgiving portrayal of the American Southwest and the unstoppable force of evil that inhabits it.
6. There Will Be Blood (2007)
Paul Thomas Anderson‘s epic explores the ruthless pursuit of wealth and power in the early 20th century oil boom. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a tour-de-force performance as the ambitious, morally bankrupt oilman Daniel Plainview in this sprawling, intense character study.
7. Appaloosa (2008)
Ed Harris directs and stars alongside Viggo Mortensen in this traditional western about two lawmen hired to protect a small town from a ruthless rancher. With its old-fashioned sensibility and strong performances, Appaloosa is a satisfying entry in the genre.
8. True Grit (2010)
The Coen Brothers‘ remake of the classic John Wayne film stars Jeff Bridges as the grizzled, hard-drinking U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn. With its blend of dark humor, stunning visuals, and memorable characters, True Grit is a worthy update of the beloved story.
9. Meek’s Cutoff (2010)
Kelly Reichardt‘s slow-burn western follows a group of settlers navigating the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. With its minimalist approach and focus on the hardships faced by women in the Old West, Meek’s Cutoff offers a unique perspective on the genre.
10. Rango (2011)
This animated western features Johnny Depp as the voice of a chameleon who becomes the unlikely sheriff of a desert town. With its clever homages to classic westerns and stunning visuals, Rango is a delightful, family-friendly entry in the genre.
11. Django Unchained (2012)
Quentin Tarantino‘s stylized, bloody revenge tale stars Jamie Foxx as a freed slave who teams up with a bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner. Set in the pre-Civil War South, Django Unchained is a bold, provocative take on the spaghetti western.
12. The Lone Ranger (2013)
This big-budget action-adventure stars Armie Hammer as the iconic masked lawman and Johnny Depp as his Native American sidekick, Tonto. While divisive among critics and audiences, The Lone Ranger offers a fun, if flawed, update of the classic characters.
13. The Homesman (2014)
Tommy Lee Jones directs and stars in this unconventional western about a frontier woman who enlists a claim jumper to help transport three mentally ill women across the plains. With its focus on the challenges faced by women in the Old West, The Homesman is a thought-provoking entry in the genre.
14. Slow West (2015)
This offbeat, darkly comedic western follows a young Scottish man searching for his lost love in the American frontier. With its quirky characters, beautiful cinematography, and surprising bursts of violence, Slow West is a fresh, unconventional take on the genre.
15. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino‘s chamber piece western traps a group of nefarious characters in a remote stagecoach lodge during a blizzard. With its stellar ensemble cast, sharp dialogue, and shocking twists, The Hateful Eight is a tense, bloody thriller that showcases Tarantino’s love for the genre.
16. Bone Tomahawk (2015)
This horror-western hybrid follows a group of men on a mission to rescue captives from a tribe of cannibalistic cave dwellers. With its slow-burn pacing, strong performances, and shocking bursts of violence, Bone Tomahawk is a unique, unsettling entry in the genre.
17. The Revenant (2015)
Alejandro González Iñárritu‘s survival epic stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a frontiersman seeking vengeance after being left for dead in the wilderness. With its brutal violence, stunning cinematography, and immersive storytelling, The Revenant is a visceral, unforgettable experience.
18. Hell or High Water (2016)
This neo-western crime drama follows two brothers on a bank-robbing spree across West Texas. With its smart script, strong performances, and commentary on modern economic struggles, Hell or High Water is a gripping, thought-provoking thriller.
19. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Antoine Fuqua‘s remake of the classic western assembles a diverse cast of gunslingers to defend a small town from a ruthless industrialist. While not as iconic as the original, this updated version offers plenty of action and charisma from its ensemble cast.
20. Hostiles (2017)
Scott Cooper‘s grim, contemplative western stars Christian Bale as an Army captain tasked with escorting a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their tribal lands. With its exploration of racism, violence, and the toll of war, Hostiles is a somber, thought-provoking entry in the genre.
21. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
The Coen Brothers‘ anthology film presents six distinct stories set in the Old West, each with its own tone and style. From darkly comedic to poignant and tragic, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs showcases the filmmakers’ mastery of the genre and its many facets.
22. The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Jacques Audiard‘s darkly comedic western follows two assassin brothers on a journey that challenges their relationship and morality. With its blend of humor, violence, and heart, The Sisters Brothers offers a fresh take on the genre and its archetypal characters.
23. The Kid (2019)
Vincent D’Onofrio‘s directorial debut tells the story of a young boy who witnesses the legendary confrontation between Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. With its mix of coming-of-age drama and traditional western elements, The Kid is a solid, well-acted entry in the genre.
24. News of the World (2020)
Paul Greengrass‘s post-Civil War drama stars Tom Hanks as a traveling newsreader tasked with returning a young girl to her family. With its themes of healing and hope in the aftermath of war, News of the World is a moving, beautifully shot western.
25. The Harder They Fall (2021)
Jeymes Samuel‘s stylish, action-packed western features an all-star cast of Black actors in a tale of revenge and rivalry. With its dynamic soundtrack, colorful characters, and fresh take on classic tropes, The Harder They Fall is an exciting, modern spin on the genre.
These 25 best western movies since 2000 demonstrate the enduring appeal and versatility of the genre in the 21st century. From traditional tales of honor and justice to subversive, genre-bending experiments, the western continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes, iconic characters, and the mythic allure of the American frontier. As filmmakers continue to put their own spin on the genre, we can expect to see even more great westerns in the years to come, ensuring that this quintessential American art form remains as vital and relevant as ever.
