The Western genre has been a staple in the industry for about a century now. With its tales of adventure and exploitation on the legendary frontier, and through the challenges and triumphs of their protagonists, the movies have given new life to the unforgiving spirit of the American West.
Perhaps no cinematic technique has the ability to enhance the genre’s atmosphere quite like the contrasts of black and white. While color films use vivid hues to highlight the rugged realities of the Wild West, monochrome Westerns are more subtle. They use light and shadow to create a mood that’s distinct, evocative, and pioneering.
Many of the most influential works in the Western genre have emerged from the golden age of the 1930s to the 1960s. Directors at the time innovated what would become landmarks and tropes most synonymous with the genre. From John Ford’s Stagecoach to Howard Hawks’ Red River, the movies constantly resurrected and reshaped the Western genre’s conventions through the clarity of black and white cinematography. Here are the 20 best B&W Westerns worth revisiting.
20 Blood on the Land (1966)
Blood on the Land is a Greek Western movie directed by Vasilis Georgiadis. It takes place in the early part of the 20th century and centers around the rivalry between the two sons of a wealthy and powerful squire. Both Odysseas and Rigas are volatile and proud men, but their views on sharing the same land that the peasants shed their sweat, tears, and innocent blood to make it thrive, differ greatly. It does not help that they also fall in love with the same woman.
Offers a Glimpse into the Unforgiving West
A largely overlooked film that offers a thought-provoking, ahead-of-its-time perspective at land ownership and frontier conflict, Blood on the Land is a tense movie. It is also violent and dangerously tense in portraying the bitterly silent social turmoil at the center of its narrative. Shot in black-and-white to highlight justice and solidarity, the movie was a commercial success and it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. Stream on Pluto TV
19 The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
A darkly comedic masterpiece, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance starts with U.S. Senator Stoddard returning to the frontier town of Shinbone to attend the funeral of Tom Doniphon. However, Stoddard’s arrival also leads to the truth behind his iconic story from the past where he was a famous lawyer who single handedly dunned down the notorious outlaw, Liberty Valance, is also revealed. Turns out it was actually Doniphon, a local rancher who killed him.
Lessons in Politics and Media
John Ford’s entertaining and melodramatic movie sees the director at the peak of his craft. He is aided by the legendary duo of John Wayne and James Stewart, whose contrasting characters represent the film’s core – ambiguity between fact and myth. Into a story that defines its main character’s political trajectory and America’s romanticized image of self, Ford infuses social commentary and an insightful study of media manipulation. Stream on Paramount+
18 The Misfits (1961)
The Misfits tells the story of 30-year-old Roslyn Tabor who, shortly after filing her divorce, meets aging cowboy-turned-gambler Gay Langland and a WWII aviator, Guido Racanelli. After sharing a few cocktails, the three decide to move in together in Guido’s unfinished house. While she finds solace and purpose in their company, another ex-rodeo rider named Perce Howland joins the trio and they make a living out of capturing wild horses.
Features a Trio Like No Other
Director John Huston adapts Authur Miller’s thoughtful script into a marvelous Western. With its bleak frontier setting and an aura of melancholy, The Misfits explores ideas of mortality, lost purpose, and dignity. The characters, played by Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift, are flawed yet proud, sincere yet complex. And the chemistry they share grows increasingly bittersweet. While not received well at the time of its release, The Misfits emerged as a landmark in the genre. Stream on Hoopla
17 3:10 To Yuma (1957)
Another classic black-and-white Western, 3:10 To Yuma is set in the Arizona Territory of the 1880s. It follows a rancher named Dan Evans, who is struggling to support his family. When Evas gets the opportunity to make two hundred dollars by escorting captured outlaw Ben Wade to Contention City to catch a train, he takes it. However, as they set out, Wade tests Evans; conscience using psychological games and puts more than just his life at stake.
Character-Driven Thriller
Expertly directed by Delmer Daves using sharp and striking black-and-white cinematography, which was crucial to bring out the intensity and subtlety of the plot. Filled with suspense and plot twists at every turn, the movie examined the psychology of good versus evil. Glenn Ford and Van Heflin are perfectly cast as adversaries. Moreover, while 3:10 To Yuma was remade by director James Mangold with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, it was pale in comparison to this unforgettable, character-driven classic. Stream on Prime Video
16 The Lawless Rider (1954)
The story of The Lawless Rider concerns a U.S. Marshall Johnny Carpenter, who arrives to help Texas Rose Bascom, her girlfriend and owner of Bascom Ranch, after an outlaw gang threatens to steal cattle off her ranch. Turns out, Texas Rose’s own brother is a member of the gang, which is operated by Freno Frost. Carpenter’s disguise as Rod Tatum is put to an end when the actual gunman arrives and confusion arises.
Black-and-White Tale of Justice
Actor-producer Johnny Carpenter, who is associated with a bunch of Westerns, delivers top-notch performance in his double role as himself and the man he is pretending to be. The supporting cast, Douglas Dumbrille, Kenne Duncan and Frankie Darro offer their talents in making the movie stand out. Filmed on breathtaking vistas in black-and-white, it uses Western staples like cattle rustling as a canvas to examine the atmosphere and storytelling.
15 High Noon (1952)
Will Kane, Marshal of Hadleyville territory, has decided to retire and leave New Mexico to work as a storekeeper and raise a family. On the day of his wedding to Amy Fowler, the sheriff learns that Frank Miller, the criminal he put away years ago, is returning on the high noon train seeking revenge. When the townspeople refuse to help Kane and suggest he leave his badge behind, Kane prepares as best he can for a showdown with Miller.
Relies on Tension and Suspense
High Noon disappointed fans and critics at the time of its release because they were expecting grand shootouts, spectacular scenery and thrilling chases. However, what director Fred Zinnemann had in mind for the movie was a beautiful and emotional play on morality, the price of sacrifice and responsibility. The result was a taut thriller, a masterwork of suspense. Beyond its unbearable tension and edge-of-your-seat elements, the movie also set a new bar for Westerns with its complex storytelling. Stream on Hoopla
14 The Gunfighter (1950)
In The Gunfighter, legendary gunslinger Jimmy Ringo arrives in the town of Cayenne to reunite with his estranged girlfriend and son. Known as the fastest draw in the West, Ringo has repeatedly tried leaving his violent past behind, but his notoriety follows him everywhere he goes. His ride into town is met with challengers preparing to make their names. Among those wanting to kill Ringo are local thug Hunt Bromley and three other vengeful brothers.
Nostalgic Black-and-White Cinematography
Despite being filmed in black-and-white, this Western stands the test of time as a highly entertaining, violent, clever and insightful movie. Henry King brings psychological depth to the aging gunman’s character, which is portrayed by Gregory Peck. He is perhaps at the peak of his career as the compelling Ringo. Moreover, cinematographer Arthur C. Miller transforms the frontier into a character itself, which makes you nostalgic for the 1950s. Stream on Peacock
13 Blood on the Moon (1948)
A psychological Western laced with noir elements, Blood on the Moon follows Jim Garry, a drifter who tries avoiding conflict when possible. However, events are set in motion bringing a long-standing friendship to the surface as Tate Riling seeks his help to mitigate a cattle dispute. Garry meets hostility from the townsfolk and soon realizes that his smooth-talking friend’s intentions are not in the right place, leaving him to pick a side.
Realistic and Well-Acted
With Blood on the Moon, director Robert Wise brings a realistic and emotionally complex story to vivid life. It addresses the end of an era through the eyes of its heroes, who thrust themselves into the staggering landscape and fight for what they believe is right. Both Robert Mitchum and Robert Preston are outstanding in their roles. Lauded by critics as “picture [that] has a sound, sensible story to tell and, besides, is well acted,” this black-and-white Western is an ode to the beloved genre. Rent on Apple TV
12 Red River (1948)
A critical and commercial success, Red River follows headstrong Thomas Dunson, who has worked hard to establish himself as a powerful Texas rancher. He’s gotten help from his trail hand, Groot, and his adoptive son, Matt Garth. Now in need of some money, he prepared to drive thousands of head of cattle north to Missouri. However, when Dunson’s iron-fisted leadership and merciless behavior is challenged by his independent-minded son, the film leads to a dramatic power struggle.
A Masterwork of Power Place
Set on the perilous and rugged Chisholm Trail, this gorgeous Western helped cement the genre as elevated American art. And as years have passed, it has only grown beloved for its epic scope and character intimacy. Speaking of which, John Wayne and Montgomery Clift give award-winning performances as two strong-willed men pushed to the verge of confrontation. Director Howard Hawks’ idea of using monochrome colors only enhances the themes of power and change. Stream on Tubi TV
11 Fort Apache (1948)
Fort Apache is the first movie in director John Ford’s “Cavalry Trilogy.” Set in the post-Civil War era, it sees Lt. Col. Owen Thursday arriving with his daughter, Philadelphia, at the remote and troublesome titular territory. He is met with hostility and frustration from respected veteran Captain Kirby York. When Thursday aims to push reckless policies for his own glory despite York warming him otherwise, the fragile peace he’d created falls apart and tensions rise.
John Ford At His Lyrical Best
Not only is Fort Apache an expertly-crafted black-and-white Western, but it is also one of the earliest ones to present a sympathetic view of Native Americans. While Ford dissects the tension between Thursday (played by Henry Fonda) and the Apaches with his trademark visual poetry and realism, the movie examines a changing era through a subtle and intelligent lens. John Wayne and Shirley Temple are also quite impeccable in their roles. Rent on Apple TV
10 My Darling Clementine (1946)
Based on the biography Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal by Stuart Lake, My Darling Clementine is a highly regarded Western that documents the period leading up to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It stars Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, who arrives in the frontier town of Tombstone with his brothers hoping to start fresh. But the lawlessness of the town reaches an apex, and a notorious outlaw gang murders Wyatt’s brother. The Earps are then forced to bring order and justice to Tombstone.
An Exquisite Fable Laced with Romance
One of the few Westerns to have a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this John Ford-directed movie plays out like a Shakespearean tale. Its sublime fusion of atmospheric tension, pulse-pounding action, B&W cinematography, a romantic subplot, and themes of frontier morality make it Ford’s most poetic work of all time. Other than Fonda, who fully embodies Wyatt, My Darling Clementine also stars Victor Mature, Linda Darnell, Walter Brennan, Tim Holt, Cathy Downs and Ward Bond. Rent on Apple TV
9 Singin’ in the Corn (1946)
In Singin’ in the Corn, Broadway actress and singer Judy Canova plays the role of a fortune teller working in a circus and Allen Jenkins plays her partner. News of Judy’s grandfather’s passing arrives along with the promise of a sum of $250,000 he’s left for her as inheritance money. But the catch is, Judy must return the town of McCoy’s Gulch to the Native Americans who originally owned the land.
Western Set in a Ghost Town
Under the impeccable director of Del Lord, this little Western truly emerges as an underrated and delightful comedy. Bursting with moments of humor and the razzle-dazzle of life on the frontier. Low and action and bloodshed but ripe with laughter, the movie stands out among the rest. It also features some of Hollywood’s actors like Guinn “Big Boy” Williams, Alan Bridge, Charles Halton and Robert Dudley, and the ghost town element is just a cherry on top.
8 The Ox-Bow Incident (1943)
After a rancher is found murdered in a small Nevada town, the townspeople get suspicious of drifters Art Croft and Donald Martinof, who just just rode into town. They somehow manage to convince people otherwise and along with other cattle ranchers, form a posse to hunt the alleged killers. They stumble upon three men in possession of stolen cattle, and both the drifters and ranchers demand swift and unforgiving justice.
Wake Up Call About Justice
Lauded by critics as “one of the most important westerns in the history of American cinema,” The Ox-Bow Incident is a neo-Western movie starring Henry Fonda and Dana Andrews. Both actors deliver deeply haunting performances as ordinary men tested by difficult times. Considered ahead of its time not for its lyrical B&W cinematography but for its examination of how fragile justice can be, the movie has rightfully earned its place as a masterpiece. Rent on Apple TV
7 The Westerner (1940)
Set against the backdrop of a small town in Texas, The Westerner stars Walter Brennan as Judge Roy Bean, a self-appointed hanging judge who calls himself “the only law west of the Pecos.” He succeeds in using corrupt methods to make a living almost every time. When former ranch hand Cole Harden is accused of stealing cattle and taken to Judge Bean, he manages to escape the death penalty. But it leads to a clever game of cat-and-mouse between Harden and Bean.
Wyler Crafts a Stunning Western
While William Wyler’s disciplined direction and sophisticated storytelling are crucial to the movie’s success, there are a bunch of elements that confirm the Western as a brilliant piece of work. Starting with Brennan’s role as Judge Roy Bean, which earned him his record-setting third Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The witty and delectable script, Gary Cooper’s effortless charm, the escalating feud leading to a final showdown, Gregg Toland’s stunning B&W photography as well as the biting social commentary on corruption. Stream on Prime Video
6 The Mark of Zorro (1940)
Adapted from the novel The Curse of Capistrano by Johnston McCulley, which was first published as a series of magazine columns, The Mark of Zorro tells the story of Don Diego Vega who returns to Alta California from his military studies abroad to find that the common people in his town are mistreated by a corrupt leader. Don secretly transforms into a cunning masked outlaw, goes by the name Zorro, and fights the tyrannical reign of his oppressor.
A Masked Hero Out for Vengeance
The Mark of Zorro is led by Tyrone Power, who excels in the dual role of a coward and an outlaw. Helmed by Rouben Mamoulian, this swashbuckling is just as entertaining as it is violent. From the breathtaking stunt work to a melodramatic story at its heart, every element of the movie taps into real world issues like abuse of power and appeal for dignity. Eight years later, The Mark of Zorrocontinues to provide escapism to viewers. Stream on Hoopla
5 Dead Man (1995)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch, Dead Man is an unconventional neo-western and also one of the few recent Westerns to be shot in black-and-white. It is set in the late 1800s and follows accountant William Blake on the run and seeking to start a new life after murdering a man. He encounters a Native American spirit-guide who calls himself Nobody and takes him on a journey through Indian Territory. With him, Blake enters a surreal world of art and spirituality.
An Introspective Contemporary Western
Jarmusch, who describes his movie as a “Psychedelic Western,” tries to understand and uphold notions of civilization through his protagonist. Blake’s journey is one of drastic change, and his experiences as he drifts further from society lead to a dreamlike exploration of themes of culture and identity. Johnny Depp delivers a breathtaking performance as a man facing existential questions, with Gary Farmer perfectly cast as Nobody. Overall, Dead Man is proof that we’re not yet done with the genre. Stream on Max
4 Stagecoach (1939)
Both intelligent and influential, Stagecoach has long been recognized as one of the greatest Westerns of all time. Looking at its plot, we follow a stage driver and four passengers boarding a stagecoach heading to Lordsburg. Because the Apaches have already sparked fears of raids across the Arizona Territories, the passengers know the journey will be dangerous. But never once did they expect it to become a wild adventure. Add Ringo Kid to the mix and they become prey to the Native Americans.
Ford’s Earliest Triumph
While the movie’s depiction of Native Americans as simplistic savages was criticized back in the day, there is no denying that Ford’s movie innovated the Western genre forever with its intimate and evocative cinematography. It was the first movie ever to be shot in a lush Monument Valley. The characters, which included John Wayne as Ringo Kid, Thomas Mitchell as drunken Doc Boone and Claire Trevor as Dallas, paved the way for one-dimensional portrayals. An instant classic, Stagecoach’s influence in cinema still persists. Stream on Max
3 Destry Rides Again (1939)
In the lawless cattle town of Bottleneck, Destry Rides Again follows Kent, a violent, manipulative and power-hungry boss who controls all cattle ranchers and uses his influence to make sure law and order never take hold. When the local sheriff questions him, Kent has him killed. He then appoints the town drunk, Washington Dimsdale, as the new sheriff. However, Dimsdale summons Tom Destry Jr. for help. The otherwise soft-spoken Destry uses unconventional methods to enact justice.
A Western That Blends Biting Satire
George Marshall’s iconic Western has several elements that director John Ford would pick in the future and shape the genre. A reluctant peacemaker trying to outwit the villains, a cautionary way of pointing to morals, a glamorous love interest, and supporting independent-minded eccentrics of the frontier. Yet, Marshall’s film stands out due to his expert farcical touch and an indelible performance from Marlene Dietrich as bar singer Frenchie. Rent on Apple TV
2 The Last Round-Up (1934)
An outstanding pre-Code Western film directed by Henry Hathaway, The Last Round-Up centers around Jim Cleve, who is one of the several men volunteering to keep the US-Mexican border safe for American settlers. While his work earns him the status of a hero, his glory does not last long due to the introduction of the movie’s villain, outlaw leader Jack Kells. After a series of draws and explosions, Kells sacrifices his own life to let Cleve have the life he wants.
Adventures on the Frontier
The Last Round-Up is ripe with Hathaways signature flair – there is fast-paced action and pulse-pounding entertainment, a romance subplot and gorgeous scenery. Randolph Scott, Monte Blue, and Barbara Fritchie deliver charismatic performances in their early roles. Critically praised for capturing the sweeping nature of the West and its rousing score, the movie is a prime example of why Hollywood classics still pack a punch.
1 Jesse James Under the Black Flag (1921)
Written and directed by Franklin B. Coates, Jesse James Under the Black Flag is based on the true story of the legendary outlaw Jesse Woodson James, who was raised in Western Missouri. In the movie, his son Jesse James Jr. plays the titular character, and we follow him joining a guerrilla force and fighting in the Civil War against union sympathizers under their banner. When the war is over, he returns home in search of a life devoid of violence and meets and falls in love with a woman named Zee.
A Foundational Early Western
Coates delivered one of the earliest “true to life” Western by dramatizing the exploits of the storied outlaw. He executed both the tense action as well as the atmospheric locations in steely black-and-white. Meanwhile, he humanized James as a vigilante treated right by society. Jesse James Jr. plays dual roles – in the present day, he’s himself, and when the story shifts to the past, he plays his father. Overall intriguing and high-quality, considering it’s a pre-Code film, Jesse James Under the Black Flag is a historically invaluable Western.
