Best of the Best Lists
Best Indian War or Indian Westerns
1. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Kevin Costner‘s epic follows a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a Lakota tribe.
Why it’s great:
- Sweeping cinematography of the American frontier
- Thoughtful portrayal of Lakota culture
- Strong performances from Costner and Mary McDonnell
2. Little Big Man (1970)
Arthur Penn‘s film follows a 121-year-old man recounting his life among Native Americans.
Why it’s great:
- Dustin Hoffman’s tour-de-force performance as Jack Crabb
- Blend of comedy and tragedy in depicting frontier life
- Revisionist take on familiar historical events
3. Broken Arrow (1950)
James Stewart stars as a scout attempting to broker peace with the Apache.
Why it’s great:
- Sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans for its time
- Stewart’s nuanced performance as Tom Jeffords
- Delmer Daves‘ sensitive direction
4. Ulzana’s Raid (1972)
A young lieutenant and an experienced scout pursue a band of Apache warriors.
Why it’s great:
- Burt Lancaster’s gritty performance as McIntosh
- Unflinching depiction of frontier violence
- Complex exploration of cultural conflict
5. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Michael Mann’s adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel is set during the French and Indian War.
Why it’s great:
- Daniel Day-Lewis’s intense performance as Hawkeye
- Spectacular action sequences and cinematography
- Sweeping score by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman.