Saddle up, folks! We’re taking a trip back in time to the dusty plains of the Wild West. But this ain’t your granddaddy’s cowboy flicks. We’ve rounded up 10 underrated Western movies from the ’60 – 90s that’ll have you craving for more gun-slinging action and heart-pounding adventure. From cult classics to lesser-known gems, get ready to discover some cinematic treasures that deserve more recognition.
So grab your Stetson hats and strap on those spurs, it’s time to ride into the sunset with these unforgettable films!
Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is one of the most underrated Western movies of the ’90s. The film tells the story of an aging gunslinger named William Munny (Eastwood) who is recruited by a young sheriff (Jaimz Woolvett) to help track down and kill a group of cowboys who brutally murdered a prostitute.
While the film was not a commercial success at the time, it has since gone on to earn critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the best Westerns ever made. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and beautifully shot Western, Unforgiven is definitely worth checking out.
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Director Sam Raimi takes a break from his Spider-Man franchise to bring us this wild west tale of revenge starring Sharon Stone, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The story follows a woman (Stone) who arrives in a small town seeking revenge against the man who killed her father. She finds herself in the middle of a gunfight tournament and must use her skills to survive.
Tombstone (1993)
A lot of people think that westerns are a thing of the past, but there are plenty of underrated western movies from the ‘s that are definitely worth watching. One such movie is Tombstone, which is set in the town of Tombstone, Arizona in the late 1800s. The movie follows the story of Wyatt Earp and his friends as they try to keep the peace in a town full of outlaws and criminals. While the movie does have its fair share of violence, it also has a lot of humor and heart. If you’re looking for a western that’s a little different from the norm, then Tombstone is definitely worth checking out.
3:10 to Yuma (1957) and (2007)
The 2007 remake of “3:10 to Yuma” is a modern western classic. The original film, released in 1957, starred Glenn Ford and was directed by Delmer Daves. The story follows two men who are hired to transport a prisoner from Arizona to California by train. However, the prisoner is a dangerous outlaw, and the men must deal with the consequences of their actions.
The 2007 version of “3:10 to Yuma” stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. The film is set in the modern day and was directed by James Mangold. The story follows two men who are hired to transport a prisoner from Arizona to California by train. However, the prisoner is a dangerous outlaw, and the men must deal with the consequences of their actions.
Both versions of “3:10 to Yuma” are excellent examples of the Western genre. They both deal with complex characters and situations, and they both have unique perspectives on the American West. If you’re a fan of Westerns, then you should definitely check out both of these films.
Young Guns (1956)
After he’s continually harrassed and bullied by his town’s citizens, the orphaned teenage son of a notorious gunslinger takes flight and joins a gang of youthful outlaws. Director Albert Band’s 1956 western stars Russ Tamblyn, Gloria Talbott, Perry Lopez, Scott Marlowe, Rayford Barnes, Chubby Johnson, Ray Teal, Walter Coy, Dabbs Greer and Myron Healey.
The Long Riders (1980)
This film tells the story of the notorious James-Younger gang, a group of criminals who terrorized the Midwest in the late 1800s. The cast includes several real-life brothers who play brothers in the movie, including David Carradine and Keith Carradine.
Hombre (1967)
A classic western starring Paul Newman as John Russell, a white man who was raised by Apache Indians. Russell tries to start a new life as a rancher, but finds himself drawn back into violence when he is forced to defend his land against ruthless bandits.
Open Range (2003)
This 2003 film starring Kevin Costner is set in the late 1800s and follows a group of cowboys who are driving their cattle across the open range. When they stop for the night at a small town, they get into a fight with some local ranchers. The next morning, they find that their cattle have been stolen and they set out to track down the thieves.
Wild Bill (1995)
As the sun sets on the American frontier, a new sheriff rides into town. His name is Wild Bill, and he’s not your typical lawman. He’s a former gunslinger who has been hired by the town’s mayor to clean up the place.
Wild Bill (Jeff Bridges) is a tough but fair sheriff, and he quickly starts making a difference in the town. He arrests the local outlaws and brings them to justice. He also starts to win the hearts and minds of the townspeople.
However, not everyone is happy with Wild Bill’s methods. The mayor’s daughter, Alice, doesn’t approve of his violence. And when Alice is kidnapped by an outlaw gang, Wild Bill has to put everything on the line to save her.
Wild Bill is an action-packed western that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a great western movie, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Wyatt Earp is a 1992 American Western biographical film directed by Lawrence Kasdan and based on the life of Old West gambler and lawman Wyatt Earp. The screenplay was co-written by Kasdan and his brother Mark. The film stars Kevin Costner in the title role, with Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, Michael Madsen, Bill Paxton, Joanna Going, Tom Sizemore, and Isabella Rossellini in supporting roles.
The film chronicles Wyatt’s adult life up to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral (which is only briefly shown in the film). The story focuses on his relationships with his first wife Mattie Blaylock (Rossellini) and his second wife Josie Marcus (Going), as well as his friendship with Doc Holliday (Madsen).
The film was a commercial success, grossing $25 million at the domestic box office. Reviews were generally positive, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 61% “Fresh” rating.
Conclusion
The Wild West continues to fascinate us, and the ‘90s brought us a new wave of western movies that often got overlooked. Nowadays, thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, it’s easier than ever for people to find these gems and add them to their collection. If you’re looking for some truly original takes on the traditional Western genre, then we highly recommend checking out these 10 underrated western films from the ’90s. We guarantee they won’t disappoint!
