1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Sergio Leone‘s epic follows three gunslingers competing to find buried Confederate gold.
Why it’s great:
- Iconic performances from Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach
- Ennio Morricone’s legendary score
- Leone’s masterful direction and cinematography
2. Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood‘s revisionist Western follows an aging gunfighter taking on one last job.
Why it’s great:
- Eastwood’s nuanced performance as William Munny
- Thoughtful deconstruction of Western myths
- Gene Hackman‘s Oscar-winning turn as Little Bill Daggett
3. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Seven gunfighters are hired to protect a Mexican village from bandits.
Why it’s great:
- Stellar ensemble cast including Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen
- Elmer Bernstein’s iconic score
- Influential on subsequent Western and action films
4. Shane (1953)
A mysterious gunfighter defends a homestead family from a ruthless cattle baron.
Why it’s great:
- Alan Ladd’s iconic performance as Shane
- Exploration of the gunfighter’s role in civilizing the West
- Stunning Technicolor cinematography by Loyal Griggs
5. The Shootist (1976)
John Wayne’s final film follows an aging gunfighter dying of cancer in 1901Carson City.
Why it’s great:
- Wayne’s poignant performance as J.B. Books
- Meditation on the end of the Old West
- Strong supporting cast including Lauren Bacall and James Stewart.
