Best Westerns Ranked: 11 with Over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
The Rotten Tomatoes scores that define modern movie criticism can sometimes miss the mark. While the majority of genuinely great and terrible films are easily identifiable, there are instances when the esteemed Tomatometer displays a notable divide between critics’ opinions and audience perceptions. A high score is often celebrated as a badge of honor, while an impossibly low score resembles a wanted poster, dooming the film to obscurity. It is fitting, therefore, that Rotten Tomatoes frequently gets classic Western films right, showcasing their enduring legacy.
Despite lower-than-expected ratings for iconic films like Tombstone (74%) and Young Guns (33%), the vast majority of classic Westerns have received recognition from both critics and audiences as truly deserving of high praise. The allure of cowboys, outlaws, and the Old West has captivated viewers since the dawn of cinema, with exceptional Westerns continuously produced for over a century. Some of these films are not only cherished but celebrated universally, with more than 90% of critics acknowledging their outstanding and enduring qualities.
11 Discover the Brilliance of ‘True Grit’ (2010)
95% – Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
In the original 1969 film, Western legend John Wayne won an Oscar for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn, but it is the Jeff Bridges adaptation from the 2010 remake that resonates with contemporary audiences. Directed by the visionary brothers Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, and featuring a star-studded cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin, True Grit emerges as one of the most exceptional remakes in cinematic history, effectively modernizing this classic revenge narrative for today’s viewers while retaining its original charm.
The Coen brothers have consistently resonated with themes of vengeance, violence, and nihilism, painting a darker, less idealized portrait of the Old West. In this adaptation, Bridges takes the character of Rooster Cogburn and makes it distinctly his own, arguably surpassing even John Wayne in presenting a deeply tragic and sympathetic figure. True Grit garnered 10 Academy Award nominations that year, including nods for Bridges, the Coen Brothers, and a remarkable recognition for Hailee Steinfeld, who was just 13 years old at the time. Crafting a truly remarkable Western remake is no easy feat, yet True Grit has rightfully secured acclaim from the majority of critics and viewers alike.
True Grit
- Release Date
- December 22, 2010
- Director
- Ethan Coen , Joel Coen
- Runtime
- 110
10 Experience the Impact of ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ (1964)
98% – Directed by Sergio Leone
A Fistful of Dollars marks the inaugural film in Sergio Leone’s renowned Dollars Trilogy, which has profoundly shaped the depiction of Westerns in popular culture. This groundbreaking film features Clint Eastwood in his debut as the iconic Man with No Name, a character defined by Eastwood’s reserved yet magnetic performance. Notably, Eastwood’s decision to revise the film’s script and minimize his character’s dialogue contributed significantly to the film’s unique charm and impact. This initial collaboration between Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone remains one of the highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes, celebrated for its lasting influence on the genre and the groundwork it laid for future Westerns.
Drawing heavy inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s classicYojimbo, A Fistful of Dollars tells the gripping story of a drifter (Eastwood) who stumbles into a town embroiled in conflict between rival factions. Keeping his identity and motives shrouded, the Man with No Name inserts himself into this violent turf war, gradually undermining both sides while striving to enhance the lives of the innocents caught in the crossfire. The film masterfully balances its protagonist’s calm demeanor with Leone’s stylish direction, showcasing a surprising depth of empathy for the everyday individuals struggling to survive in the harsh realities of the Old West. Even after nearly 60 years, A Fistful of Dollars remains a spellbinding cinematic experience, rich in flair, action, and emotional resonance.
