Saddle up your horse, throw your cowboy hat on and get your lasso swinging, because these top 10 most popular western movies to watch right now certainly aren’t messing around.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest western movies so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Pale Rider to El Dorada, this list will help fans of the wild, wild west stay up to date on the most popular western films available.
What are you waiting for? Start watching classic westerns on DIRECTV now. Giddy up!
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
TOP 10 WESTERN MOVIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending western movies that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Pale Rider’
↑ 11 vs. Prior Week
A classic in the American Western genre, Pale Rider (1985) binds audience with its rich tale of courage, justice and determination. The brilliant Clint Eastwood plays the enigmatic Preacher, who lands in the fraught atmosphere of a small gold mining town. He stands firm against the hireling hooligans of Coy LaHood (Richard Dysart), aiming to protect the gold miners led by Hull Barret (Michael Moriarty). But when negotiations go south, LaHood calls upon the ruthless Marshal Stockburn (John Russell) to annihilate Preacher and his brigade. This quintessential cat-and-mouse game is a narrative gambit that will grip you till the last frame.
2. ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
From the epic vistas of the American Southwest to the tense standoffs of the Civil War period, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1967) is a timeless masterpiece in the Spaghetti Western genre. It features the iconic Clint Eastwood as the stranger, Joe, locked in an uneasy alliance with Mexican bandit Tuco. Their volatile relationship intensifies when Joe’s typically flawless rescue attempts go unexpectedly awry, resulting in Tuco’s vengeful quest for retribution. Amidst the chaos and violence of a war-torn nation, the duo once again unites under grudgingly mutual goals, embarking on a relentless treasure hunt for a hidden fortune.
3. ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’
↑ 121 vs. Prior Week
The Outlaw Josey Wales is a classic tale of grit and determination set in the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil War. Renowned actor Clint Eastwood brings the gruff yet honorable protagonist, Josey Wales, to life in this journey of vengeance and self-discovery. After his loved ones are brutally murdered by Union soldiers, Wales leaves behind his peaceful farming life and turns into an outlaw.
A stirring chronicle of resilience, betrayal and the quest for justice, this film is a riveting fusion of exhilarating action, complex personalities and a candid exploration of the human spirit during one of America’s most polarizing eras.
4. ‘McLintock!’
↑ 6 vs. Prior Week
Step into the boots of George Washington McLintock (John Wayne), a wealthy rancher wrestling with a multitude of mounting dramas in McLintock! (1963). This prosperous self-made man is in a constant tug-of-war with government officials, his ambitious sons and nearby Native Americans, all desiring a piece of his vast ranch. Just when it seems like balance is impossible to find, his wife, whom he hasn’t seen in two years, abruptly reappears. However, her return isn’t filled with reconciliation dreams-she’s back to lay claim to their daughter. The ensuing turmoil spins this captivating saga, full of intrigue and unexpected twists.
5. ‘For a Few Dollars More’
↑ 21 vs. Prior Week
Riding high on the success of its predecessor, For a Few Dollars More (1967) continues the thrilling journey through the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. Enter the bleak realm where El Indio (Gian Maria Volonté), a ruthless outlaw, inflicts terror, turning once peaceful towns into haunting shadows of their former selves. Standing against the storm are two bounty hunters, Monco (Clint Eastwood) and Col. Douglas Mortimer (Lee Van Cleef), who are drawn together by the irresistible bounty on El Indio’s head. Scroll this classic tale of alliances, rivalries, and relentless pursuit where the tension never dips, promising a cinematic experience as unforgettable as the west itself.
6. ‘A Fistful of Dollars’
↑ 17 vs. Prior Week
In this timeless 1964 classic, A Fistful of Dollars, the enigmatic gunslinger Joe, played by the legendary Clint Eastwood, drifts into the turbulent Mexican village of San Miguel. With Sheriff John Baxter and the barbarous Rojo Brothers vying for power, Joe becomes an unlikely key player in their rivalry. Hired by Esteban Rojo for a gold heist against a Mexican military outfit, Joe undertakes an audacious gambit; clandestinely pitting both sides against each other. An enduring piece of cinema history, this western serves up a masterful narrative loaded with suspense, action and strategic gamesmanship.
7. ‘Tombstone’
↑ 118 vs. Prior Week
Revisit the wild west in the action-packed and dramatic Tombstone. Step into the boots of Wyatt Earp, masterfully portrayed by Kurt Russell, in this riveting tale of blood feuds and brotherhood. Stand alongside his brothers and the inimitable Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) as they take on the lawless cowboy gang in the infamous town of Tombstone, Arizona.
This classic western, steeped in engrossing performances and high-stakes action, will have you on the edge of your seat, echoing the gunshots ringing through the wild frontier.
8. ‘Hang ‘Em High’
↔ vs. Prior Week
The classic 1997 Western-drama, Hang ‘Em High, stars an inimitable Clint Eastwood as the disturbed protagonist Jed Cooper. Falsely accused and left for dead, Cooper is saved by Marshal Dave Bliss (Ben Johnson) and Judge Adam Fenton (Pat Hingle), only to be offered an unexpected opportunity to serve justice himself. Circumstances may compel Cooper to follow the straight and narrow, but when he discovers his attackers are still making a mockery of the law, it’s time for some Old West vengeance. This captivating tale of revenge and redemption will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. The lines between right and wrong blur in this unforgettable cinematic journey.
9. ‘Unforgiven’
↑ 55 vs. Prior Week
Unforgiven is a critically acclaimed Western film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, showcasing the dark and gritty reality of the Old West. Set in the 1880s, the story follows William Munny (Eastwood), a reformed outlaw and widower, who reluctantly returns to his violent past for one last job—seeking vengeance against those who wronged a group of prostitutes in the lawless town of Big Whiskey. The film also stars Gene Hackman as the ruthless Sheriff Little Bill Daggett and Morgan Freeman as Munny’s loyal partner, Ned Logan. Unforgiven is a powerful exploration of morality, redemption and the brutal consequences of violence, solidifying its place as a modern Western masterpiece that challenges the genre’s traditional myths.
10. ‘El Dorado’
↑ 101 vs. Prior Week
In the 2000 Western epic, El Dorado, a vile tycoon, Bart Jason (Edward Asner), sets his greedy sights on the MacDonald family’s prime land. However, the town’s sheriff, J.P. Harrah, is lost in the land of alcoholism, rendering him useless in the face of the impending threat. Not willing to watch in silence, Harrah’s long-time friend, the ever-noble Cole Thorton (John Wayne), and his enthusiastic protégé, Mississippi (James Caan), gallop into town. Battling their personal demons and the town’s tormentor, they rally to bring law back to El Dorado, culminating in a pulse-pounding shootout against Jason’s cold-blooded henchmen. This film provides a stirring blend of classic western action and personal redemption.
And there you have it: the top 10 western movies to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
For those who aren’t DIRECTV customers, make the switch today! Get all the best channels, shows, movies and more. And with four unique packages, there’s something for everyone.
And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Top 10 Best Drama TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
- 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
- The Top 10 Historical Period Drama Pieces to Watch Now
- The Top Western TV Shows to Watch Right Now
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of Western movies?
Spaghetti Western, Comedy Western, neo-Western, Epic Western, Revisionist Western
Who are the most well-known Western film actors of all time?
Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Randolph Scott
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
