The vast frontier may have faded from living memory. Still, the Western spirit lives on in the form of movies and television, with the genre becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Netflix, in particular, is a goldmine for Westerns. While the platform is rightfully known for churning out buzzworthy TV series, it has also stocked up on Westerns to get accustomed to the changing tastes of audiences.
True fans of the genre know that it’s not just about six-shooter showdowns and sweeping backdrops; Westerns have evolved with time, and filmmakers continue to subvert tropes and deliver movies across all media. This list looks at some overlooked epics on Netflix that pack a substantial amount of entertainment, as well as the grit and grandeur of the Old West.
‘The Highwaymen’ (2019)
When looking into American criminal history, few names loom larger than Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous outlaw duo whose bloody rampage across multiple states during the Great Depression became the subject of national curiosity. The Highwaymen follows former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, who are pulled out of retirement for one last mission – to track down Bonnie and Clyde. They chase the criminals by relying on old-school detective work and sheer grit.
Meditative and Character-Driven Western
Directed with a moody, deliberate style by John Lee Hancock, The Highwaymen is unlike other Bonnie and Clyde movies. It shifts the focus from their trail to the men hunting them and offers a grounded, slow-burning thriller that highlights the toll of law enforcement in an era when outlaws were glorified. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson deliver nuanced performances as the weary lawmen grappling with their own morality amidst the violence surrounding them.
‘Concrete Cowboy’ (2020)
Caleb McLaughlin’s first leading role in a feature film, after gaining fame for playing Lucas Sinclair in Netflix’s Stranger Things, sees him as a fifteen-year-old Cole, who is sent to live with his estranged father in North Philadelphia. Struggling to fit in, he ends up discovering a vibrant community of Black cowboys and learns more about their rich tradition and horseback riding. Cole grows closer with his father and the local riders and finds a new sense of belonging.
Takes a Gallop in a New Direction
Unlike traditional Westerns, Concrete Cowboy offers a unique take on the genre by introducing an urban environment and having the main character learn new ways, embrace an unfamiliar life, and leave his previous path of rebellion behind. Director Ricky Staub delivers a movie that is thought-provoking, uplifting, and lesser-known. Its themes of family, culture, heritage, and redemption are at the center of the narrative, with Idris Elba and McLaughlin’s father-son duo delivering truly praiseworthy performances.
‘The Killer’ (2017)
Originally titled O Matador, The Killer is a Brazilian Western written and directed by Marcelo Galvão. It takes place in the lawless badlands of early 20th-century Brazil, through the eyes of Shaggy, an assassin who was raised in isolation by a bandit named Seven Ears. When the bandit disappears, Shaggy takes it upon himself to venture into town and look for him. He ends up in a place ruled by Seven Ears’ previous employer, the tyrannical Monsieur Blanchard.
A Slow-Burn Worth Discovering
Galvão’s underrated Western stands out for its intense storytelling and the ability to make an unique premise so engrossing to watch. The lush cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the Brazilian landscape, while the complex narrative delves into themes of identity and revenge. Diogo Morgado is a graceful lead who adds to the movie’s appeal. And yet, The Killer remains underappreciated outside Brazil.
‘My Heroes Were Cowboys’ (2021)
My Heroes Were Cowboys is a heartfelt documentary that revolves around Robin Wiltshire, a famous horse trainer who turned his life around after finding peace and purpose in the iconography of Hollywood Westerns. Robin grew up with a troubled past, but after he discovered the art of horse training, his life transformed for good. The movie chronicles his journey from childhood to becoming a renowned horse trainer for movies and TV.
A Heartwarming Tale of Redemption
Directed by Tyler Greco, My Heroes Were Cowboys captures what goes on behind the making of the most glorious Westerns. It is a movie about passion and dedication, about one man’s quest to find meaning through his love for horses. The gorgeous cinematography and the touching tone highlight Robin’s journey and his deep bond with his horses. The short runtime does nothing to diminish the timeless spirit of the West.
‘Thar’ (2022)
Directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary and starring Harshvardhan Kapoor in the lead role, Thar transports you to the desolate Thar Desert of Rajasthan. It follows Siddharth, a mysterious antique dealer, who arrives in a remote village plagued by brutal killings, and crosses paths with veteran cop Surekha Singh, who has been diligently investigating these murders. Soon, Surekha realizes that Siddharth is seeking to avenge a personal tragedy.
Looks at the Western Genre Through an Indian Lens
Thar is a visually striking and criminally underrated movie on Netflix. Its deft combination of Western and noir genres is evident in the slow unraveling of the truth and depiction of harsh desert life. The ominous landscapes and the reflections into each character’s psyche create a haunting atmosphere until the very end, when a simmering showdown occurs. Anil Kapoor and Fatima Sana Shaikh deliver magnetic performances opposite Harshvardhan’s standout lead. Although somewhat predictable, Thar deserves recognition for its dialogue, cinematography, and tense action.
‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021)
Before their recent resurgence, Westerns went out of mainstream popularity decades ago, and yet, certain modern stories continue to stand out because of their reimagining of conventional tropes that make the genre so beloved. The Harder They Fall is one such tale of Nat Law, an outlaw seeking revenge against Rufus Buck, who murdered his parents. When he discovers that Buck is being released from prison, Love assembles a gang of outlaws to take him and his ruthless gang down.
Bold, Stylish, and Star-Studded
Unlike other films on the list, The Harder They Fall is filled with shootouts, betrayals, and a climactic showdown that neatly wraps the tense plot twists. Under Jeymes Samuel’s careful direction, and with a predominantly Black cast, the dynamic story envelops you in an atmosphere of revenge and violence. Magnetic performances from Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, and more elevate the story to new standards, almost making it feel like a Sergio Leone classic.
‘Pedro Páramo’ (2024)
The Rodrigo Prieto-directed film follows Juan Preciado, who travels to the ghost town of Comala to fulfill his dying mother’s request to confront his estranged father, the tyrannical Pedro Páramo. Here, he encounters ghosts of the past that show him his father’s brutal past, which leads Juan to struggle with his family’s legacy. As the pieces are put together, Juan witnesses his father’s downfall.
A One-of-a-Kind Visual and Narrative Experience
Pedro Páramo stretches the definition of Western. Incorporating aspects of Charro aesthetics to immerse viewers in a familiar genre timeline, the movie is a mix of drama, fantasy, horror, and magical realism. The result is a unique, artistic experience that will sweep viewers up or leave them scratching their heads. Regardless, the movie offers a chilling depiction of brutality complemented by moments of lush beauty, making for a unique experience.
‘Gold Rush Gang’ (2025)
Gold Rush Gang follows Ko-Wah Thungsong (Petchtai Wongkamlao), resembling a “Thai Robin Hood” who gathers a ragtag group of outlaws and misfits for a heist. The target: a Japanese army train carrying gold. The goal: steal the money and distribute it among the needy. However, with such a high-stakes operation, the mission is a dangerous one that tests the loyalty of the crew.
Robin Hood in the Wild West
Gold Rush Gang is one of those over-the-top comedies that touch on a lot of different genres: Western, heist, action, drama, and even a bit of romance thrown in. Yet, all of it works thanks to a talented cast and a fast and exciting pace that keeps the movie plowing forward and consistently entertaining. For those who want to expand their cinematic horizons, the series also presents a piece of Thai folklore in the character of Ko-Wah Thungsong.
‘Murder at Yellowstone City’ (2022)
A boomtown potentially in decline gets a boost of interest in the wrong way when a prospector is murdered after striking gold after a long lull in any discoveries. Suspicion soon falls on Cicero (Isaiah Mustafa), a recently freed slave who has recently appeared in the area. While Sheriff Ambrose (Gabriel Byrne) is quick to target Cicero, preacher Thaddeus Murphy (Thomas Jane) and his wife Alice (Anna Camp) start to dig a bit deeper, believing the conviction is wrong, and unravel a web of secrets and grudges in the community.
A Town’s Secrets Rise to the Surface After a Gristly Murder
Offering a slow-burn mystery, Murder at Yellowstone City offered abundant suspense as the lives of many got dragged into a violent case. Moreover, Richard Gray’s film immersed itself in a small boomtown, with an attention to detail for the culture of the era, all backed by a strong cast (Gariel Byrne is particularly phenomenal here). While panned by critics, 24% on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was received better by fans, offering a twist-filled ‘good old-fashioned’ Western experience.
‘Broke’ (2025)
Bareback bronc rider True Brandywine’s (Wyatt Russell) career seems to be coming to an end, with injuries and personal problems plaguing him. When he finds himself trapped in a winter storm and having to fight for his life, True begins to reflect on his life in the rodeo as well as the strained relationships he has, particularly with his father, George (Dennis Quaid). Through flashbacks and facing the danger in front of him, True tries to carve out a path to redemption by reflecting on the past and aiming for a better future.
A Cowboy Is Forced To Face His Past
Praised for its honest exploration of the rodeo lifestyle and the challenges that come with it, Broke offered an endearing portrayal of a man worn down but still willing to fight, embodying that quintessential cowboy spirit. The complex character of True Bradywine would give Wyatt Russell the best performance of his career, bringing an emotional depth to a troubled character who remains the sole focus of the film from start to finish. Visually, Broke is also highly polished, with the harsh blizzard offering a contrast of beauty and danger. An unforgettable story of a search for redemption, Broke climbed the Netflix charts, but it is still deserving of a larger audience.
