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 Tombstone to Pale Rider, 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. ‘Tombstone’
↔ 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.
2. ‘The Magnificent Seven’
↑ 72 vs. Prior Week
The Old West is not for the faint-hearted, and the people of Rose Creek learn this the hard way in the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven. As the ambitious industrialist Bartholomew Bogue seizes control of the town, Emma Cullen and other helpless residents are brought to their knees. Denzel Washington shines as Sam Chisolm, the ruthless bounty hunter called upon to liberate the town. Pulling together an intriguing ensemble of gunslingers, they face imminent doom as they prepare for a showdown with Bogue and his henchmen. This exhilarating cinematic ride explores more than just a fight for survival, but a battle for justice and dignity.
3. ‘The Virginian’
↓ 1 vs. Prior Week
Venture into the rugged landscapes of the 1880s Western frontier in The Virginian. This classic western movie will captivate you with its tale of romance and adventure. The story follows the tenacious Molly Wood (Barbara Britton), a spirited woman who forsakes her calm Vermont home for a gritty life as a schoolteacher in the rough-and-tumble cattle town of Bear Creek, Wyoming. She befriends a stern but generous ranch foreman, the Virginian (Joel McCrea), who seeks her love amidst the turmoil of wrangling with ruthless cattle thieves led by the nefarious Trampas (Brian Donlevy).
Capturing the thrill of the old West, The Virginian is not to be missed.
4. ‘Lawman’
↑ 2 vs. Prior Week
In the tense heartland of the Wild West, Lawman (1958) thrusts audiences into a perilous hunt for justice. When revelry turns lethal in the small town of Bannock, righteous Marshal Jered Maddox, delivered a career-defining performance by Burt Lancaster, goes on a relentless pursuit of the culprits to the bustling town of Sabbath. As he demands the surrender of the remaining five culprits from Sheriff Cotton Ryan (Robert Ryan) and the powerful ranch owner Vincent Bronson (Lee J. Cobb), a standoff ensues, gripping the town in an anxiety that threatens to erupt into chaos. This classic western navigates the harsh terrains of justice, exchange of power and the moral complexities in gritty frontier life.
5. ‘Daniel Boone’
↓ 1 vs. Prior Week
Daniel Boone, a captivating cinematic journey through the rugged terrain of Kentucky in 1964, skillfully weaves the epic tale of frontiersman Daniel Boone, played by the remarkable George O’Brien. As settlers press forward into the untouched wild, Boone must confront a renegade, portrayed by an exceptional John Carradine, who’s rallying tribes against the impending invasion. This raw and vivid depiction of the frontier era speaks volumes about survival, trust and the clash of cultures. Daniel Boone is a compelling historical drama filled with high stakes, featuring a narrative that delves into the often-unseen hardships of the frontier life.
6. ‘Kansas Pacific’
↑ 593 vs. Prior Week
Venture into the wild and treacherous terrains of the 1860s with the film Kansas Pacific, released in 1953. The movie revolves around the captivating character of Capt. John Nelson, played by Sterling Hayden, who’s tasked to construct a railway line that would serve as a crucial supply route during the Civil War.
However, the brooding presence of saboteurs who aim to halt progress looms around every corner. This feat of architecture and engineering is as suspenseful as it is captivating, taking you on a thrilling ride filled with action, intrigue and an unexpected romance. Prepare yourself for a journey where danger and opportunity run side by side.
7. ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’
↑ 223 vs. Prior Week
Embark on a journey back to 1969’s Wild West with Once Upon a Time in the West. Rail baron Morton, played by Gabrielle Ferzetti, is determined to secure the only parcel of land with water near Flagstone, a strategic move connected to the impending railroad. Henry Fonda portrays Frank, Morton’s ruthless henchman, who takes matters into his own hands and murders landowner McBain, deceitfully blaming local bandit Cheyenne, brought to life by Jason Robards.
As tensions escalate, an enigmatic gunslinger, played by Charles Bronson, with a personal vendetta enters the scene, as does McBain’s newlywed wife, Jill, a striking character portrayed by Claudia Cardinale. The web of deception, revenge and survival in this classic Spaghetti Western will keep you engrossed till the end.
8. ‘Gunfight at the O.K. Corral’
↑ 241 vs. Prior Week
Epic western drama, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral ramps up tension and action in 1957 as notorious lawman Wyatt Earp, expertly portrayed by Burt Lancaster, takes on a perilous mission to bring the ruthless Clayton clan to justice. Earp’s unexpected ally becomes infamous gunfighter, John “Doc” Holliday, played by the charismatic Kirk Douglas, adding a layer of complexity to the relationship with their stormy past. Holliday, spurned by his tempestuous lover Kate Fisher (Jo Van Fleet) for another gunfighter (John Ireland), takes up arms alongside Earp in a thrilling showdown. Drawing a rough outline of history, this gripping film is filled with gritty confrontations and emotional ambiguities, offering viewers a riveting exploration of loyalty and lawlessness.
9. ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’
↑ 56 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.
10. ‘Pale Rider’
↑ 98 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.
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.
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