Over the years, the Western genre’s popularity has waxed and waned many times over, but love them or hate them, you can’t deny these movies are part of the very foundations of American cinema. With their sweeping vistas and rugged characters, these movies have entertained generations of moviegoers, evolving with the times to incorporate a wide range of subgenres.
It’s no surprise that Netflix has a great number of Western movies in its stable, including some of the most acclaimed films in the genre’s history. However, considering the sheer scale of the streamer’s library, it can be difficult to separate the best from the rest. That’s why we’ve done the work for you, rounding up the very best films in the genre that you can watch on the streaming service. Read on to discover our ranked selection of the very best Westerns streaming on Netflix right now, including both acclaimed hits and underrated gems.
Looking for more epic stories of the Wild West? Be sure to check out our lists of the best neo-Westerns on Netflix, the best Western shows on Netflix, the best Westerns on Netflix in general, and the best Western on every streaming service.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
6
‘The Killer’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59% | IMDb: 6.0/10
Written and directed by Marcelo Galvão, The Killer (Portuguese: O Matador) is a Brazilian Portuguese-language period Western set in the early 20th century. The movie follows Cabeleira, a notorious assassin raised in isolation by a local bandit. When his adoptive father disappears, Cabeleira goes looking for him and discovers a town ruled by a wealthy tyrant who previously employed his father as a hired killer. The film stars Diogo Morgado, Nill Marcondes, Deto Montenegro, Maria de Medeiros, and Étienne Chicot.
The Killer didn’t get much attention from critics when it premiered on Netflix in November 2017, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an enjoyable film. A gritty, violent Western that spans multiple decades, the movie’s plot may be somewhat lacking, but it makes up for those flaws with solid performances and an explosive ending. The Western genre may be largely dominated by American and European movies, but The Killer is an underrated entry in the genre that draws inspiration from its international counterparts while retaining a distinctly Brazilian identity.
5
‘Bone Tomahawk’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.1/10
A horror Western written and directed by S. Craig Zahler in his directorial debut, Bone Tomahawk revolves around a small town terrorized by a clan of cannibalistic Native Americans. Set in the 1890s, the film stars Kurt Russell as the town’s sheriff, who leads a posse to rescue three people who have been taken by the cannibals. Besides Russell, the movie’s ensemble cast also includes Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, Lili Simmons, Evan Jonigkeit, David Arquette, Zahn McClarnon, and Sid Haig.
Bone Tomahawk received highly positive reviews after its premiere at the 2015 Fantastic Fest. A gory, brutal movie that’s certainly not for the faint of heart, the film may be presented through the visual language of a Western, but it is very much a work of stomach-churning horror. The film’s experience is further elevated by its excellent performances, especially by Kurt Russell, not to mention the sharp writing and direction. Bone Tomahawk may not be one of the most well-known Westerns, but it is a must-watch for fans of gruesome Wild West horror.
4
‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.2/10
An anthology Western set in post-Civil War America, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs was written, directed, produced, and edited by Joel and Ethan Coen. The movie consists of six short films, each exploring a different aspect of life on the American frontier. The film features an ensemble cast led by Tim Blake Nelson as the title character, with Tyne Daly, James Franco, Brendan Gleeson, Zoe Kazan, Harry Melling, Liam Neeson, Jonjo O’Neill, Tom Waits, and more playing in significant roles.
An ambitious project years in the making, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs received highly favorable reviews when it premiered at the 2018 Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay. The movie went on to earn several more accolades, including three Academy Award nominations, and was named one of the top 10 films of the year by the National Board of Review. While some of its stories are arguably better than others, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a wildly entertaining, darkly humorous, and gorgeously visualized production that takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the Wild West.
3
‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Directed and co-written by Jeymes Samuel in his feature directorial debut, The Harder They Fall is a Western action drama featuring an all-Black lead cast playing characters inspired by real-life figures. Set in the 19th century, the movie stars Jonathan Majors as Nat Love, a cowboy whose parents are killed by an outlaw (Idris Elba). When said outlaw is released from prison, Love seeks vengeance with the help of his gang and legendary lawman Bass Reeves (Delroy Lindo). The movie was co-written by Boaz Yakin, and its ensemble cast also includes Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, and more.
The Harder They Fall had its world premiere at the 2021 BFI London Film Festival, receiving favorable reviews from critics. While the film’s story isn’t particularly original, its performances and masterful direction help make the familiar feel fresh and keep you engaged throughout its two-hour-plus runtime. The movie received several accolades as well, winning Samuel the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer and earning five NAACP Image Awards out of 10 nominations.
2
‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDb: 7.8/10
A revisionist thriller Western written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight is set a decade after the end of the Civil War and follows the story of eight strangers who find themselves stranded at a remote stagecoach stopover during a blizzard. As the strangers get to know each other and buried resentments from the war begin to resurface, it becomes clear that they’re all hiding some terrible secrets. The film features an ensemble cast led by Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell, with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Bruce Dern.
The movie also notably features the last original score composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone before his death in 2020. The Hateful Eight premiered on Christmas Day 2015 to highly favorable reviews. As with all Tarantino films, the movie has faced its share of criticisms for graphic violence and depictions of race relations, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a massive international hit. Praised by critics and audiences alike for its direction, writing, cinematography, music, and performances, the film earned three Academy Award nominations, winning Morricone his first and only Oscar for Best Original Score. An Extended Version, which re-edits the film into a four-episode miniseries, was released on Netflix in 2019.
1
‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Written and directed by Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog is a Western psychological drama inspired by Thomas Savage‘s eponymous 1967 novel. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as wealthy and domineering rancher Phil Burbank, who grows increasingly bitter when his brother George (Jesse Plemons) falls in love with widowed mother Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst). Phil mercilessly torments Rose and her young son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), but as time wears on, an unexpected bond begins to form between them.
The Power of the Dog premiered at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival to near-universal praise, winning Campion the Silver Lion for Best Direction. An intense, beautifully acted family drama, the film unfolds with a careful, natural pace that draws viewers ever deeper into the lives of its complex and layered characters. The Power of the Dog went on to receive several more accolades, including 12 Academy Award nominations, winning Campion her second nomination and first win for Best Director.