Best Cattle Drive Movies
1. Red River (1948)
Howard Hawks‘ classic follows a rancher and his adopted son on a cattle drive from Texas to Missouri.
Why it’s great:
- John Wayne’s powerful performance as the driven Thomas Dunson
- Montgomery Clift’s breakout role as Matthew Garth
- Epic scope capturing the challenges of the cattle drive
2. Lonesome Dove (1989)
While technically a miniseries, this adaptation of Larry McMurtry‘s novel is a defining cattle drive story.
Why it’s great:
- Outstanding performances from Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones
- Sweeping narrative covering thousands of miles
- Rich character development and memorable supporting cast
3. The Cowboys (1972)
John Wayne stars as a rancher who recruits schoolboys for a cattle drive when his men abandon him to join a gold rush.
Why it’s great:
- Wayne’s strong performance as the gruff but fatherly Wil Andersen
- Coming-of-age story blended with classic Western elements
- Beautiful cinematography of Western landscapes
4. Rawhide (1951)
While primarily known as a TV series, the1951 film version follows a stagecoach way station manager protecting a gold shipment.
Why it’s great:
- Tyrone Power and Susan Hayward’s strong performances
- Taut direction by Henry Hathaway
- Blend of Western action with noir-like suspense
5. City Slickers (1991)
This comedy follows three urban friends who join a cattle drive as a vacation adventure.
Why it’s great:
- Hilarious fish-out-of-water premise
- Jack Palance’s Oscar-winning performance as Curly
- Blend of comedy with genuine Western elements.