Top 10 Modern Westerns
These are hot takes on a classic genre. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Modern Westerns. For this list, we're focusing on westerns released in the year 1990 or after, so you will not be finding any of Sergio Leone's iconic Spaghetti Westerns starring Clint Eastwood on this list. However, we DO recommend a binge-watch of those after viewing our list.
Special thanks to our users Conor Wade, Andrew A. Dennison and Ben Kays for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 10 Modern Westerns
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These are hot takes on a classic genre. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Modern Westerns. For this list, we’re focusing on westerns released in the year 1990 or after, so you will not be finding any of Sergio Leone’s iconic Spaghetti Westerns starring Clint Eastwood on this list. However, we DO recommend a binge-watch of those after viewing our list.
#10: “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007)
He’s one of the most notorious outlaws America has even seen, but it took an Australian director to provide a psychological portrait that made moviegoers see Jesse James in a new light. Arguably one of the most underrated films of modern times, Andrew Dominik’s character study produced jaw-dropping cinematography courtesy of the master Roger Deakins. While Brad Pitt brought his usual coolness to the lead role, it was Casey Affleck’s performance as the coward Robert Ford that pushed this modern western to the next level, albeit in a rather disturbing way.
#9: “The Quick and the Dead” (1995)
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Once upon a time in Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns, Clint Eastwood played a vengeful “Man with No Name.” This Sam Raimi production followed suit, but with a gender reversal featuring a sharpshooting woman known as “The Lady.” Brandishing Colt Peacemakers, Sharon Stone showed a few shooting techniques to a young Leonardo DiCaprio in a movie that also features Russell Crowe in his American cinema debut. Sure, “The Quick and the Dead” may be campy at times, but Raimi successfully managed to combine classic western themes with his own sense of modern aesthetics.
#8: “Slow West” (2015)
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Aesthetically beautiful and finely acted, it only takes a few minutes to recognize the artistry of this modern classic. Directed by musician John Maclean, “Slow West” requires patience from viewers, but the payoff is well worth it. As an entitled Scottish lad travels west to find a lost love, he comes across a few squirrely characters ready to teach a few lessons and a few tricks. With a vibrant palette of colors, stylized direction and enriching performances, “Slow West” has widely been recognized as one of 2015’s best independent films.
#7: “Dead Man” (1995)
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With this black and white surrealistic trip, Jim Jarmusch gave us a western like we’ve never seen before. After all, who doesn’t want to see a reincarnation of poet William Blake on a vision quest? Johnny Depp’s trouble-making character messes around and takes a bullet close to the heart, thus effectively sealing his fate as a dead man walking. But such an injury forces a man to decide if he’s going to get busy dyin’ or get busy livin,’ and the concept of this film worked brilliantly with Jarmusch’s crisp direction.
#6: “The Homesman” (2014)
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This Tommy Lee Jones’ directorial outing will initially leave you unsure how to feel, but that’s often the sign of a great film. Despite a lack of box office success, “The Homesman” has been praised for the ensemble cast led by Hilary Swank, who must guide a group of mentally ill women while coming to grips with her own desperation. With a focus on the female perspective, Tommy Lee Jones offered a new take on the western by addressing the psychological and geographic turmoil that can make one slowly drift away inside of one’s own mind.
#5: “Tombstone” (1993)
With a backstory steeped in controversy and violence, this film tackled one of the greatest tales of the Old West. Kevin Costner was initially set to collaborate with filmmaker Kevin Jarre on this film; however, fate would lead the actor to work on another Wyatt Earp project, while George P. Cosmatos took over as director. Even so, the casting of Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer worked wonders, as the great Robert Mitchum narrated their story of the law versus outlaws. Plus, the mood and tone make this western a joy to watch.
#4: “3:10 to Yuma” (2007)
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Based on the 1957 classic, this modern take adhered to classic genre styles with brutal realism. Christian Bale starred as a Civil War veteran hired to deliver Russell Crowe’s murderous outlaw on an afternoon train to the slammer. Any viewer should be advised that there WILL be blood, but in a highly stylized manner perfect for such a genre. With the steady hand of James Mangold directing the action, and acclaimed cinematographer Phedon Papamichael exploring the landscape, “3:10 to Yuma” was a harsh depiction of a rough and deceitful world.
#3: “Django Unchained” (2012)
Speaking of artistic violence, there’s no better director for that than Quentin Tarantino. For his stylized depiction of the 19th century Deep South, he once again refused to embrace accepted norms. “Django Unchained” featured Jamie Foxx as a slave hoping to reunite with his long-lost wife and also starred Leonardo DiCaprio as the heartless owner of the Candyland plantation. Tarantino’s film was polarizing on many levels, but regardless of your personal opinion on the subject matter, it remains an unforgettable western about the good, the bad and the ugly of American history.
#2: “Unforgiven” (1992)
If our list focused on the greatest westerns of ALL-TIME, the director and star of this cinematic classic would have a few here. After years of cold-blooded killing and buckets of booze, a grizzled outlaw retreats to a Midwestern pig farm – only to be offered one last job. You know the story, right? Well, not so fast, because “Unforgiven” transcends the average western due to Eastwood’s mastery of the genre. His psychological study of western ideals and flawed characters helped “Unforgiven” become only the third western to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “The Proposition” (2005) - “Maverick” (1994) - “Dances with Wolves” (1990) - “Appaloosa” (2008) - “Open Range” (2003)
#1: “True Grit” (2010)
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Just as westerns have made viewers cringe over the decades, the idea of a re-make often leads the general public to cringe even more. However, when the Coen Brothers signed on to update the 1969 John Wayne film, everybody seemed to understand that the final product would become a new Western classic. And so, as a 14-year-old girl enlists a gruff Deputy Marshall to track down her father’s killer, the Coen Brothers complemented the brilliant ensemble cast with their usual aesthetic skill and paid their respects to a beloved genre of film. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite modern western? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
