Best Cavalry Movies
1. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)
John Ford’s classic follows a retiring cavalry captain on his last patrol.
Why it’s great:
- John Wayne‘s nuanced performance as Captain Nathan Brittles
- Ford’s masterful direction and use of Monument Valley scenery
- Vivid Technicolor cinematography by Winton Hoch
2. Fort Apache (1948)
Another John Ford cavalry film, this one explores tensions between a rigid new commander and his more experienced officers.
Why it’s great:
- Strong performances from Henry Fonda and John Wayne
- Exploration of military duty and the treatment of Native Americans
- Ford’s expert staging of cavalry maneuvers and battles
3. The Horse Soldiers (1959)
John Ford directs John Wayne in this film based on a true Civil War cavalry raid.
Why it’s great:
- Wayne’s strong performance as Colonel Marlowe
- William Holden as the conflicted army surgeon
- Spectacular cavalry charge sequences
4. They Died with Their Boots On (1941)
While historically inaccurate, this biopic of George Armstrong Custer remains a classic cavalry film.
Why it’s great:
- Errol Flynn‘s charismatic performance as Custer
- Olivia de Havilland as Elizabeth Bacon Custer
- Impressive battle sequences, particularly the finale
5. Sergeant Rutledge (1960)
John Ford’s film follows the court-martial of an African-American cavalry sergeant accused of rape and murder.
Why it’s great:
- Woody Strode’s powerful performance as Sergeant Rutledge
- Exploration of racial issues in the post-Civil War army
- Ford’s expert direction balancing courtroom drama and flashbacks.