5 Best Western Movies on Netflix This Week

If you’re a fan of the Wild West, gripping shootouts, and the rugged charm of the frontier, you’re in for a treat. We’ve curated a list of the 5 must-watch Western movies available on Netflix this week.

From classic showdowns to modern takes on the genre, these films promise to transport you to a world of dusty trails, saloon brawls, and epic quests.

Keep reading to explore the top 5 Western movies on Netflix this week for a thrilling cinematic experience.

1. Title: The Power of the Dog 

Release: 2021
Director: Jane Campion
Runtime: 2 hr 6 min

Jane Campion, a filmmaker from New Zealand, both wrote and directed The Power of the Dog. It’s a movie based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 book. Set in 1925 Montana, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Phil Burbank, a tough yet captivating rancher. His control wavers when his brother George (Jesse Plemons) introduces him to Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). This psychological Western compels Phil to confront his past, deal with his manliness, and accept his losses. The film is up for 12 Oscars, with nominations for Best Picture, Director, and Actor, recognizing the main stars’ performances.

2. Title: Hatfields & McCoys 

Release: 2012
Director: Bill Kerby, Ted Mann
Runtime: 4h 50m

Hatfields & McCoys, a short series with three episodes, stars Kevin Costner (known for Yellowstone) and the late Bill Paxton. They play leaders of rival families. Set after the Civil War, the show portrays a dramatized version of a real feud between neighbors, almost sparking a war between Kentucky and West Virginia. The cast includes Jena Malone and Mare Winningham alongside Costner and Paxton. This series, named the most famous family feud in American history, gained huge popularity when it first aired. It could be seen as a forerunner to the rise of gritty Western dramas.

3. Title: The Highwaymen 

Release: 2019
Director: John Lee Hancock
Runtime: 2 hrs 12 min

The Highwaymen, featuring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, is a crime drama about ending the crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the movie tells the hidden true tale of ex-Texas Rangers (Costner and Harrelson) who tracked and halted the violent duo. Kathy Bates and John Carroll Lynch also star. The film gives a fresh angle, showcasing the determined law enforcers’ intricate pursuit, a project that took decades. With an intelligent thriller vibe, The Highwaymen presents an exhilarating version of the legendary outlaws’ story.

4. Title: Concrete Cowboy 

Release: 2020
Director: Ricky Staub
Runtime: 1 hr 51 min

Concrete Cowboy, a modern American western directed by Ricky Staub, weaves a compelling tale. Co-written by Staub and Dan Walser, the film follows a spirited boy (Caleb McLaughlin) spending summer with his dad (Idris Elba) in Pennsylvania. Based on a novel by Greg Neri and inspired by real Black cowboys in Philadelphia, it features Jharrel Jerome, Clifford “Method Man” Smith, and Lorraine Toussaint. The movie gives roles to actual members of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, lending authenticity and addressing important issues. A profound film that merges fiction with reality, Concrete Cowboy captivates with its well-rounded cast and storytelling.

5. Title: Cowboy Bebop 

Release: 2021
Director: Christopher L. Yost
Runtime: Seasonal

Cowboy Bebop, the live-action version of the beloved space western anime, tracks an oddball group of heroes saving the universe. These unlikely bounty hunters work together to catch space criminals. Christopher L. Yost’s adaptation delivers a stylish vision, nodding to Cowboy Bebop fans while not confusing new viewers. John Cho, Mustafa Shakir, and Daniella Pineda star, grounding their eccentric characters in a blend of sincerity and fantastical scenarios. Regrettably, the live-action Cowboy Bebop only lasted one season, but the full story can still be enjoyed in anime form.