Since you include the new Last of the Mohicans, the list should have Drums Along the Mohawk (1939). Also, I would include She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.

By Greg Schmidl on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:29 am

I think the one missing that should be on is “The Cowboys”. Watching those boys turn into men, then still driving the cattle on after John Wayne is killed, and riding proudly into town with the herd. I cry just thinking about it.

By Kelly on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:16 pm

Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

By w ziegler on Dec 5, 2008 at 1:24 pm

El Dorado!! John Wayne at his best. Although nothing more than a remake of Rio Lobo I have always thought it to much better than Rio Lobo. With Robert Mitchum, James Caan, It was a great cast that was entertaining and lively. I have watched probably 100 times in itself and have alway thought it was one of John Waynes best movies and ranks #1 to me.

By Miley T on Dec 5, 2008 at 1:31 pm

3 films missing, the west was not always on the otherside of the Allegheny Mountains. Drums along the Mohawk (1939), Northwest Passage (1940) & Black robe (1992)

By Darryl Raby on Dec 5, 2008 at 5:05 pm

If you have Fort Apache on the list, you should also have the other two films in this John Ford trilogy – Rio Grande and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Also, Son of the Morning Star should also have been included.

By Ed Ruane on Dec 6, 2008 at 12:19 am

Monte Walsh (with Lee Marvin & Jack Palance) showed the sad approaching demise of the cowboy way of life.

By Gary Bechtel on Dec 7, 2008 at 11:06 am

I don’t know how you could have 100 top westerns without “Cheyenne Autumn” in it. Though “The Last of the Mohicans” is a great movie, I don’t consider it a western.

By Bill McKinley on Dec 7, 2008 at 11:07 pm

1. Shane
2. Cheyenne Social Club
3. Sons of Katie Elder
4. McClintock
5. Shenandoah
6. The Rare Breed
7. The Big Country

By Dlach on Dec 8, 2008 at 4:57 pm

Where the hell is the greatest of all times…..Lonesome Dove????

By oldcoot on Dec 8, 2008 at 5:04 pm

Big Jake
The Cowboys
McClintock

All three are classics of the Western genre.

By Sam on Dec 8, 2008 at 5:39 pm

LONESOME DOVE

By Walt on Dec 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Silverado!
And I do Agree
Yellow Ribbon and Rio Grande should be listed

By MKPA on Dec 8, 2008 at 8:12 pm

Sabata… the man with gunsight eyes! The 1969 Italian Spaghetti Western directed by Gianfranco Parolini and starring Lee Van Cleef!

By Damien on Dec 8, 2008 at 10:33 pm

How could you forget SILVERADO

By Erlyne Toney-Alvarez on Dec 9, 2008 at 1:03 am

A second for “Silverado”. ‘Cat Balou” hasn’t aged very well and 2004’s “The Alamo”? Really?

By Todd on Dec 10, 2008 at 11:38 am

*Pekinpah’s The Wild Bunch
*and I unhesitatingly second an earlier choice of “the Lonesome Dove” which though , strictly speaking, IS TV should make an excellent 3 hours long movie.

By Omar Ibrahim on Dec 10, 2008 at 11:39 am

The Grey Fox
not a popular shoot em up movie, however the movie was period-correct for costumes, character mannerisms and firearms. The movie stayed pretty close to real story of Bill Miner (as well as Richard Farnsworth closely resembling him).

By Joe on Dec 10, 2008 at 3:42 pm

I really enjoyed this magazine and was happy to see most of my personal favorites included on the list. There are only a few of the movies I haven’t seen, and I have to agree with Erlyne’s sentiment that some of these movies haven’t stood up well.
I agree that Monty Walsh (1970), Silverado, and The Cowboys deserve inclusion. I also like Clint Eastwoods’ remake of Shane, Pale Rider.
Although Blood Simple is one of my favorite films, I don’t see it as a Western. I also think including Bad Day at Black Rock and El Mariachi as westerns seems to be reaching for “almost fits” in order to round out the list.

By Don on Dec 10, 2008 at 5:04 pm

River of No Return made around 1954 with Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe should definitely be included.

By DennisB on Dec 11, 2008 at 8:55 am

The John Ford Cavalry trilogy is a must on such a list.
Well, any of Wayne’s westerns should be on the list.
Here’s one for you!
TIM HOLT!
His westerns are excellent. They may be considered B Westerns but they were done in A Western style. Very well made. His westerns should be on the list.
I also enjoy Audie Murphy’s westerns. A real American hero playing a hero of the West? Can’t go wrong there. I’d put his westerns on the list.

By John on Dec 11, 2008 at 5:51 pm

In no particular order

They Call Me Trinity
My Name is Nobody
Big Jake
The Sons of Katie Elder
For A Few Dollars More
The Long Riders

By Paul B on Dec 11, 2008 at 6:24 pm

how can a movie in Australia be about the old west. Cat Balou?

Westerns left off the list, Lonesome Dove, Wyatt Erap, Silverrado, The Sacketts, Tom Horn

By Mark Slaughter on Dec 11, 2008 at 9:38 pm

There are three westerns that should be included in your 100 greatest.
First is “Warlock”, of 1958 or 1959, Henry Fonda, Anthony Quinn, Richard Widmark. This is a paraphrase of Wyatt Earp, Tombstone, with Anthony Quinn playing a Doc Holliday kind of role that is maybe darker than Dock himself. Great story, one of the best of tne ’50’s. Next is Joe Kidd, with Clint Eastwood and Robert Duvall, telling the story of the land title troubles in New Mexico in the 19th century. And last but not least is “The Long Riders”, the James Brothers, The Youngers and the Fords, with brothers Keach, Carradine, Quaid playin the principal roles. These are three fine westerns that are easily included in your list. Thank YOU

By David Ortega on Dec 11, 2008 at 9:57 pm

I was glad to see that others felt that “Monte Walsh”should have been included.I also thought about Steve McQueen in “Tom Horn”. But I’m still surprised that nobody but me has brought up “The Missouri Breaks” being absent from your list.

By Dave on Dec 12, 2008 at 8:10 pm

Okay, I see some that I missed, such as McClintock, The Rare Breed, The Cowboys, and The Long Riders. What happed to the original Marlon Brando The Appaloosa and the more recent Hidalgo???

By Debbie on Dec 13, 2008 at 8:35 pm

The Long Riders
The Cowboys
Bite The Bullet
The Missouri Breaks
Tom Horn
Monte Walsh

Silverado would easily get my vote for #1 only if you had a category for the worst westerns ever produced…

Shenandoah is a War Between the States movie and totally set in Virginia–however, if you can stretch the definition of “western” to include The Last of the Mohicans, as you did, I suppose Shenandoah belongs in there also…

I didn’t disagree with everything: totally agree with The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance at #3, also really appreciate that you included The Professionals–one of my all time favorite westerns.

By Tarheel on Dec 13, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Big Jake and Silverado

By Jose Mimoso on Dec 14, 2008 at 11:28 am

Big jake, The cowboys, for a few dollars more, the long riders, she wore a yellow ribbon!!! Blatant misses if you ask me. And last of the mohicans is not a western!

By Adam Turnquist on Dec 15, 2008 at 11:30 am

Monte Walsh is an excellent story about day-to-day life of the cowboy. Both the theatrical and television versions were excellent.
The Ride Back (1957) stars William Conrad as a sheriff sent to Mexico to bring back murder suspect Anthony Quinn.
Hell’s Hinges (1916) How could a list of “Best” Westerns not include William S. Hart?
Tumbleweeds (1925) William S. Hart’s final film features the Oklahoma Land Rush.
Cowboy (1958) Tenderfoot Jack Lemmon signs up for a traol drive led by Glenn Ford. Based on a true story.
The Last Command (1955) Jim Bowie at the Alamo. Not as “accurate” as the 2004 Alamo but better storytelling.

By Eric Jamborsky on Dec 15, 2008 at 3:06 pm

The Stalking Moon

Valdez Is Coming

The Fastest Gun Alive

By Jerry on Dec 16, 2008 at 9:29 am

The following clasic films should have been listed on your 100 Greatest WESTERNS list: Dodge City, The Plainsman, Pursued, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, Rio Grande, Angel and the Bad Man and The Mark of Zorro (1940 – Remake). Some titles I don’t think belong on this list: The Great Silence, Blood Simple, Heartland, Deadman, and Lone Star. This is one reason I don’t like lists, never will. Classic Westerns that should be on the list are not, and titles one would never consider to be in the Western genre are. I’m happy that Ulzana’s Raid, Quigley Down Under, Geronimo: An American Legend, Hombre, and Yellow Sky are on your list; they have never been on anybody’s list, ever!!!

By Chester Nishisaka on Dec 17, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Another for “Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” and how about “Paint Your Wagon”?

By Ron on Dec 18, 2008 at 4:33 pm

If you are going to stretch the list to include “moderns” why not-”No country for old men” classic western themes set in the 20th century. As an Oklahoman I also have to nominate “Far and Away” The land run scene is done well. For fun lets throw in “A river runs through it” flyrods instead of winchesters-even a big showdown,with a trout towards the end!
Loved the list -good job- looks like a follow up “second 100″ coming?

By Doug from Norman Ok on Dec 18, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Sergeant Rutledge

By Robb on Dec 18, 2008 at 5:17 pm

Duel at Diablo

Violent and intense, with numerous cross-currents underlying the basic story. A gem.

By Richard on Dec 18, 2008 at 9:41 pm

Once upon a time in the west.
Still my fav.
Also They Call Me Trinity
My Name is Nobody

By Roger on Dec 19, 2008 at 1:25 am

I would include ‘Hour of the Gun’

By JKF on Dec 19, 2008 at 7:26 am

The best:

Silverado
The Plainsman
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Tom Horn
Angel and the Bad Man
Shenandoah
McClintock
Northwest Passage
The Wild Bunch
The Long Riders

By David M. (TEXAN) on Dec 19, 2008 at 11:12 am

I CAN’T BELIEVE I FORGOT RED RIVER

By David M. (TEXAN) on Dec 19, 2008 at 11:14 am

To name a few:

Last Train From Gun Hill

The Tin Star

The Desperadoes

Alvarez Kelly

The Horse Soldiers

Big Jake

Nevada Smith

The War Wagon

North To Alaska

By Vagabond on Dec 19, 2008 at 3:29 pm

One that was missed was “Whispering Smith” with Alan Ladd.

By Clare on Dec 19, 2008 at 3:50 pm

I haven’t seen anyone say anything for “Paint your Wagon.” A musical set in the mining fields of California circa 1849, it’s worth it to see Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood sing. Both not so great, but creditable.

By Dann M. on Dec 20, 2008 at 12:51 pm

Missing:
1. – Firecreek
2. – Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean
3. – The Long Riders
4. – When Legends Die
5. – J.W. Coop
6. – Culpepper Cattle Company
7. – The Last Hard Men
8.- Monte Walsh (70’s version)

Thanks for the recognition (Long Overdue) of the Scott-Boetticher-Kennedy collaberation.
Is Elmore Leonard and myself the only two people in the country that believe that The Searchers is the most overrated movie evermade? Great Scenery and horrible acting. A plot that does not make sense and a movie that cannot decide whether it is suppose to be dark or funny. I believe it ranks as the 8th best Western – THAT JOHN FORD MADE.

By Ralph-Colorado Springs on Dec 20, 2008 at 7:37 pm

“Now I don’t want to kill you and you don’t want to be dead.” one of the best lines from any western. How could Silverado not make the list? And what about McLintock!

By Joseph on Dec 21, 2008 at 2:04 pm

Soldier Blue

Red Sun

Valdez Is Coming

Culpepper Cattle Company

Bite The Bullet

Big Jake

Lonesome Dove

The Cowboys

The Stalking Moon

By Lori ( Nevada ) on Dec 23, 2008 at 1:48 am

This is an old film and not mentioned on anyone’s list. This film probably did a lot to shape my personality (i.e., outdoor activities, hunting, camping and, love of Western History). The film features Clark Gable and is “Across the Wide Missouri”. It’s fanciful at times, but the costumes are pretty authentic and, most of all, it’s a great story. Some of it was filmed near Monttrose, Colorado.

It’s my favorite (can’t find a DVD of it, though), followed by: “Dances with Wolves”, “The Wild Bunch”, “Rio Grande” (plus the other Ford trilogy cavalry films), “The Westerner” (also not mentioned), and “Jeremiah Johnson”. “Ride with the Devil” is a favorite also.

By Jack (Montana) on Dec 24, 2008 at 12:40 pm

A few movies I thought should be on the list. Nevada Smith-Viva Zapata-Western Union-Ride the High Country-Vera Cruz- The Gunfighter-My Darling Clementine 46-The Lone Ranger-Union Pacific-Cimarron-Duel In The Sun-The Outlaw-Buffalo Bill

By rtresso on Dec 24, 2008 at 11:25 pm

Two westerns:

1) Duel at Diablo (1966)

2) Valdez Is Coming (1971)

By L. Bookman on Dec 26, 2008 at 1:19 pm

The following movies make my favorite list that were not included in your list:

High Plains Drifter
Two Mules for Sister Sara
Shenandoah
Warlock
Wichita
At Gunpoint

By Jack on Dec 26, 2008 at 11:27 pm

I think you overlooked Spaghetti Westerns in your list…
Some italian gems you should add…

Cemetery Without Crosses [1969]
Django [1966]
A Genius, Two Partners and a Dupe [1975]
My Name is Nobody [1973]
Sabata [1969]
Take a Hard Ride [1975]

and on the American side…

The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid [1972]
Wild Bill [1995]
Young Guns [1988]

By Johnny on Dec 28, 2008 at 1:51 am

Lonesome Dove

By David on Dec 30, 2008 at 8:40 am

The Long Riders.
Shenandoah.
Pat garret and Billy the kid.
For a few dollars more.
Django.

By alan butcher on Dec 30, 2008 at 3:22 pm

Warlock starring Anthony Quinn and Henry Fonda.It is a classic western.

By alan butcher on Dec 30, 2008 at 3:24 pm

No list revolving around western movies cannot be complete without the best one ever, Lonesome Dove. It may originally might have a been a mini-series but has been out for a while as a full movie.

By Jeff Crane on Dec 30, 2008 at 4:13 pm

“Fargo”.

Westerns should reflect the changing nature of the West, which Fargo does with black comedy, cogent philosophy,and a fairy tale ending.

By Mary Donnelly on Dec 30, 2008 at 6:49 pm

Tumbleweeds
North to Alaska
Tell Them Willie Boy is Here
Giant
Shane
Duel In the Sun
The Furies

By Bob on Dec 30, 2008 at 11:36 pm

Liked your magazine and list of western movies, but think these should be mentioned:
The stalking moon
Silverado
The long riders
Valdez is coming
Would like you to do another magazine “200 Greatest Westerns”

By Al Sus on Dec 31, 2008 at 5:45 pm

She Wore A Yellow Ribbon = The Alam0 (1960) – Rio Grande

By Louis Kern on Dec 31, 2008 at 10:02 pm

This list can’t be complete without “Paint Your Wagon” and “River of No Return”.

By Tony on Dec 31, 2008 at 10:48 pm

How can you omit ‘She wore a Yellow Ribbon’? It’s in my top 5. Also, ‘The Fastest Gun Alive’, ‘Silverado’, ‘The Violent Men’ and ‘Pale Rider’. I love ‘Big Jake’ as well, but how many you remove? More: ‘Death of Gunfighter’, ‘Warlock’, ‘Tin Star’, ‘Dodge City’, (you’ve got to have at least one Errol Flynn!), ‘The Law and Jake Wade’.

By Greg H on Jan 1, 2009 at 1:37 pm

All Wayne westerns should be on the list.He was an American Icon.And the Lonesome Dove saga as well.

By bulldog on Jan 3, 2009 at 10:00 am

All Wayne westerns should be on the list.He was an American Icon.And the Lonesome Dove saga as well.Last of the Mohicans sould’nt be there because it was’nt the American west but the east.Ride with the devil was a civil war movie,and Treasure of the Sierra Madre was a movie of 1940’s greed ,nothing western about it.

By bulldog on Jan 3, 2009 at 10:03 am

I realize that you cannot put in every western picture
but to include Bad Day at Black Rock as a western
you might as well include Gidget!!!

Also included was Pat Garret and Billy the Kid not only was
innacurate but torture to watch. on the plus side great
magazine with interesting editorials and great pictures
Keep up the good work

By Ray on Jan 3, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Thoroughly enjoyed your list and the discussion it prompted. Would agree that while it was a TV mini-series, “Lonesome Dove” could hold its own amongst this 1oo.

Also would vote for the aforementioned “Monte Walsh”, “Cowboy” and “Grey Fox”, in keeping with your thesis about “dreams and nightmares…who we think we are and how we got here.” As well, “Man of the West” – as good as Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” in depicting the struggle to break with a violent past – and “Hour of the Gun” – an excellent treatment of the post OK Corral Earp story.

If you are opening the door to modern westerns, why not “Hud”?

And while a man does gotta do what a man’s gotta do, it is 2009 and it would seem only fair that the women have at least one more representation besides “Cat Ballou”. How about “A Big Hand for the Little Lady” or “Cattle Annie and Little Britches”?

After they issued a compendium of Elvis Presley’s ‘ number one hits, they followed it up with a silver collection – great tunes that didn’t crack the top spot. Maybe next year the silver 100 westerns?

By David Barlow on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:22 am

Just a few that I cant believe are not on the list.
The Hanging Tree : Gary Cooper, Carl Malden, George C. Scott
The Garden of Evil: Gary Cooper, Richard Widmark, Susan Hayward, Camron Mitchell
Open Range : Robert Duvall Kevin Costner
Wounderful Country: Robert Mitchem
Honky Tonk ; Clark Gable
Hondo :John Wayne
Four Faces West: Joel Mc Crea
They Came to Codora :Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth,Richard Conti,
Van Hefflin

By Al Demetrius on Jan 6, 2009 at 5:20 pm

“The Long Riders” from 1980 belongs on the list. It features the several sets of brothers playing the lead characters in this Jesse James story. It’s well done dramatically and historically.

“Valdez is Coming” from 1970 also deserves consideration. Burt Lancaster does a great job in a good movie.

Sorry, but comedies like “Blazing Saddles”, “Way Out West”, and “The Paleface” are neither westerns nor funny.

(Loved your book!)

By Tom Lisec on Jan 7, 2009 at 4:23 pm

It may not be considered a ‘movie’ but like others I believe that the original LONESOME DOVE is by far the best story and depiction of the old west. It is not over the top Hollywood meeting a demand for western fantasy but a real, honest to goodness, believable presentation of the time. The cast and acting is superb.

If it cannot top or even make your list well, hell, lets make another list.

Should also consider Life & Times of Judge Roy Bean and the classic Shenandoah.

By Colin on Jan 8, 2009 at 7:16 am

Silverado is in the top 5 also the yellow ribbon and el dorado

By Mike on Jan 11, 2009 at 9:23 pm

How about:
- Django (ahead-of-its-time violent Terminator style Western and, in particular, influential though unrealistic with the Gatt in the coffin, but spawned many, many sequels, covering/mixing many sub-genres too)
- For A Few Dollars More (superior to Fistful of Dollars, so why not replace that in this list?)
- Back to the Future 3 (science fiction stupidness meets the West; meet ‘the yellowbelly Clint Eastwood’!! if Laurel & Hardy get on the top 100 list for comedy, why not this?)

I liked many of the films in the top 100 list.

By Marco on Jan 12, 2009 at 6:10 am

I think that you all have hit the button on many of the top 100 and some of the extra posts would be included as well, IMHO. One I have not seen for years….and would like to see again (top 100 or not) is WATERHOLE #3….even if just for the Roger Miller tunes. That was fun!!

By Gary on Jan 17, 2009 at 7:58 pm

I can’t believe you could compile a list of the best 100 Westerns and not include “Lawman” starring Burt Lancaster, I am glad to see “Ulzana’s Raid ” on the list, it should have been closer to the top.

“Shane” should have been in the top five, maybe even number one.

I would not have included any of Clint’s Spaghetti Westerns, I always thought they were awful, even though they brought him back into the making of some great Westerns later.

“The sons of Katie Elder” should be in the list as well as “the Cowboys” Even though they were “B” Westerns at least one of “Audie Murphy’s” Westerns should be on the list.

By Barry Giovannetti on Jan 18, 2009 at 4:02 pm

Big Western fan. Big Jake, Eldorado and the Sons of Katie Elder should be ont the list.

By Dennis on Jan 19, 2009 at 12:15 pm

Vera Cruz…. A great stroy, locations, and action! Gary Cooper is excellent as always and Burt Lancaster is at his iconic best.

Glad to see Virginia City is included, but what about Dodge City! A better Errol Flynn film, in my opinion.

Other honorable mentions….. Garden of Evil, Last Train from Gun Hill, The Son’s of Katie Elder, Rio Grande, Hondo

By Scott on Jan 19, 2009 at 5:27 pm

Lots of good movies listed here. I vote for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon one that really deserves to be on this list.

By Bob on Jan 20, 2009 at 1:05 pm

I agree with most other suggestions here, including dropping Cat Ballou for Paint Your Wagon

Paint Your Wagon

The Cowboys

Monte Walsh

Valdez is Comming

By Larry Cagle on Jan 21, 2009 at 6:59 pm

I believe that Silverado, Pale Rider, The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Long Riders, Shennandoah, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon should be included (if Shennandoah is a Western). Also, Shane should be in the top 10; it is one of my favorites.

By Shane Mann on Jan 25, 2009 at 10:59 am

I forgot How could you leave Nevada Smith off the list. That movie showcased Steve McQueen at his very best.

By Shane Mann on Jan 25, 2009 at 11:04 am

How could they leave out the uncut version of WILD ROVERS with William Holden and Ryan O’Neal??? How could they leave out MONTE WALSH with Lee Marvin and Jack Palance???? How could they leave out LONESOME DOVE????

By Moe Wadle on Feb 6, 2009 at 12:27 am

one of my favorites is THE FASTEST GUN ALIVE with Glenn Ford
and Broderick Crawford.

By gary williamson on Feb 9, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Without making it personal, all of these should have been on the list if any funny or unwestern movie made it.

McClintock
Palerider
Lonesome Dove,
Monte Walsh
Silverrado
The Sacketts
The Shadow Riders
Tom Horn
Crossfire Trial
They call me Trinity
Trinity was my name

By Mike Sink on Feb 10, 2009 at 7:20 am

The western, “Warlock”, starring Henry Fonda, Richard Widmark, Anthony Quinn and Dorothy Malone should definitely have made the list. Also “Mackenna’s Gold” starring Gregory Peck,
Omar Sharif, Telly Savalas and a host of other stars, should have made the list.

By Chuck on Feb 11, 2009 at 9:19 pm

Where’s High Noon?
Shane is my favorite

By Kevin on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:51 am

Enjoyed the magazine and some of the suggestions that didn’t make the list. I enjoyed the inclusion of some movies that perhaps won’t be considered westerns, but at the same time same time perhaps they might have been mentioned as an afterword or something.

Perhaps not classic, but worth mentioning:
Welcome to Bad Times

Pursued–a cross between film noir/ and a western

Little Big Horn: Its plot — presumably based on fact but really the purest fiction — concerns a small troop of cavalry who are trying to warn Custer before he reaches the site of the celebrated massacre. The cast is dense with tough pros, like Lloyd Bridges and John Ireland and King Donovan and Reed Hadley and, as the Woman They Left Behind, the inimitable Marie Windsor. It’s black-and-white and shot on a thin budget, but anyone familiar with the period will nod his head with a knowing smile when you mention its name.

Its musical score was composed by Paul Dunlap, who hoped that people would remember him more for his concerto than for the many independent westerns he scored. Frankly, I never heard any of his formal pieces, but I can still hear in my mind, with pleasure, the closing theme of this picture and the themes of Stranger on Horseback and Hannah Lee.

One of my favorite lesser viewed Western films is “The Stalking Moon” from the very late 60’s, starring a very tough Gregory Peck. Filmed seemingly like a horror film, the film builds the tension to an almost unbearable degree, and makes very strong use of location filming in the Badlands of South Dakota. Also, “Rio Conchos”, probably my favorite Richard Boone film! I’m old enough to have watched “Have Gun Will Travel” back in the day, and its amazing how morally complex the hero on that show really was. He was a precursor to Tony Soprano and Vic Mackie, and is deserving of an examination of the far-thinkingness and ingenuity of that show.

The Wonderful Country with Robert Mitchum and Julie London and Pedro Armendariz and Gary Merrill and a supporting cast of terrific character actors. It’s flavorful and evocative and it stays with you.

Red Sun is one such long forgotten gem that gave me just about everything I could want from a western. Beautiful big sky locations, loads of well-staged action, sultry women, a train robbery, a dirty dealing double crosser, Indian attacks, revenge, camaraderie, humor, etc. Some of it will feel like a dusty trail well traveled, but the unlikely intersection of 3 international icons of the 60s/70s elevates the material.

City Slickers–if you’re going to include comedy weseters, I think this one fits nicely–sort of dispelled their romantic notions.

All The Pretty Horses–fits in with the “modern Western” genre I think

My “way out there pick” would be the TV series Firefly, a western in the stars, I don’t agree with the concept, but an enjoyable sereis if you enjoy a mix of western & SF.

By Dave W on Feb 15, 2009 at 3:02 pm

Soldier Blue Cant find one mention of this great film

By Anthony wells on Feb 18, 2009 at 2:31 pm

I didn’t see Assassination of Jesse James (2007) on there and it was very well done, and ignored in too many places. Also agree with Silverado, a movie that wears well with every viewing.

By Monette Bebow-Reinhard on Feb 21, 2009 at 11:10 am

How about Santee, from 1973. Glenn Ford’s last starring role in a major motion picture Western. I was glad to see the modern version of Apaloosa make it to the list at #67. Ed Harris & Viggo Mortensen with his 8 gauge shotgun were fantastic. Loved the magazine ! Thanks !

By Surgetankian on Feb 21, 2009 at 10:29 pm

How could you forget Silverado?? Also, Stalking Moon, Scalp Hunter, Lawmen, The Bravadoes, Valdez and Comino, Cheyenne Autumn, Pursued, Relentless, Fort Bravo, Hour of the Gun, Northfield Minnisota Raid, Rawhide, and Rustlers Rhapsody.

By Edward on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:04 pm

Steve McQueen in Nevada Smith is a must in this top 100, it has the traditional revenge story, three great bad guys, a beautiful set of women, and a moral. Nevada Smith also spawned the movie “The Carperbaggers”
For a fist full of dollars, but For a few dollars More was much better and deserved to be in the Top 100.

Also, Blazing Saddles and Bob Hope have no business in this setting.

One more thing, Shane is totally number 1.

really got bored waiting for something to happen in High Noon, in my openion a real yawner as the badguys were not bad enough, the good guy was too damn old.

By MARVIN Schexnider on Mar 1, 2009 at 12:33 pm

Two that I think are definitely missing from the list are Silverado (’85) and the Long Riders (’79?). I also would include Young Guns (’88?)

By Jimbo on Mar 4, 2009 at 12:38 pm

I concur with most of the posts that inclusion of the “modern” westerns (I agree they are good films) and slapstick comedies diminishes the value of your listings. Of course, ranking of films is totally subjective and with any list of 100 one will always find disagreement.
Regardless of the fact that the Lonesome Dove series were TV specials they absolutely should qualify as classic western films on any western fan’s list.
I do scratch my head that the following films were overlooked:
Warlock
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
The Cowboys
Cowboy
The Stalking Moon
3:10 to Yuma (the original)
Hondo
Lawman
MacKenna’s Gold
The Bravado’s
Now, having carped about a few points I would close by thanking you for having published a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the side bar fact notes.

By Jack Copland on Mar 4, 2009 at 5:35 pm

MY TOP 6 ALL-TIME WESTERNS ARE:

1. Lonesome Dove
2. The Outlaw Josey Wales
3. Wild Bill
4. Thombstone
5. The Long Riders
6. Open Range

Ray Griffin

By Ray Griffin on Mar 8, 2009 at 3:40 pm

u people are nuts shendhoa micitlock blazing sadles pale face is not westerns at all i cant belive u would think of them as westerns. and u forgot about a man called horse 1/2 .savage papmas with robert taylor . or how about the dersrter u people need to watch a real westerns before u make a list again if u want funny westerns then put them in a differnt catagorie not with real westerns pleaseeeeeeeeeeee .

By jason on Mar 19, 2009 at 3:22 pm

I Thought of two more missing from the list: “Tall Men Riding”, and “Vera Cruz” with Gary Cooper.

By Tom Bushman on Mar 21, 2009 at 10:24 pm

These movies need to be on the list
The Desparate trail with Sam Elliott
Cattle Annie and little Britches with Burt Lancaster a great movie about the Bill Doolin Gang
Young Guns 1 & 2
Death Hunt with Bronson and Lee Marvin and excellant movie
The quick and the Dead with Sam Elliott
Tom Horn with Steve McQueen
The Tracker with Kris Kristofferson
The Last outlaw with Mickey Rourke
Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner

By Dale Hunter on Mar 27, 2009 at 12:35 pm

Wyatt Earp

The Long Riders

Any John Wayne western

By Jamie on Apr 1, 2009 at 2:43 pm

The Cowboys w/ John Wayne and a bunch of kids.

By Jon Dunn on Apr 3, 2009 at 5:48 pm

Dennis on Jan. 19,

THANK YOU for mentioning Vera Cruz. It was one of the best Westerns ever made, and this was the second 100 Greatest Westerns list I’ve seen without it. It has got to be the most under-rated movie of all time.

By Frey on Apr 13, 2009 at 1:34 am

How about OPEN RANGE Starring the great Robert Duval and also Broken Trail.

By George Hall on Apr 25, 2009 at 1:21 pm

american outlaws, all john wayne movies and all Louie Lamour movies but all in all a pretty good list

By Ronnie on Apr 27, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Tell them valdez is coming
Burt Lancaster
Thanks for giving me a say
God Bless

By jesusordeath on May 14, 2009 at 11:01 pm

BUCK AND THE PREACHER…that is all!

By Willie Holmes on May 23, 2009 at 2:35 pm

the GREATEST movie of all time is missing, LONESOME DOVE!!!

By chris gateley on May 28, 2009 at 9:11 pm

Great article and Photos, WOW.

How about the Richard Widmark movie “The Last Wagon”?
Great outdoor photography and along with “The Naked Spur” one of the westerns to be shot almost entitely out doors, exceopt for a brief courtroom scene at the end. This movie paints the Indians in a realistic light. Very much like “Broken Arrow”. Well, it was just a thought.

How about including “Man Without a Star”? Wonderful picture showing realistically day by day activities of working and running ranches. Very interesting approach to the old Range War theme. Great cast Kirk Douglas, not too histrionic. Richard Boone as a “thoughtful,” villain. Much like his character in the “Tall T”.
Well thanks for listening and also for the original article

By ALBERT M. GOTTO on Jun 5, 2009 at 11:09 am

The OBVIOUS omissions from the list are:

1. The Plainsman (1936)

2. The Long Riders (1980)

3. A Gunfight (1971)

4. Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

5. Wild Bill (1995)

6. Pale Rider (1985)

By Greg Follis on Jun 5, 2009 at 8:02 pm

Valdez is Coming was great & you also left out The Mountain Men
with Charlton Heston & Briean Keith.

By Charlie on Jun 14, 2009 at 4:19 am

Pale rider
Texas Rangers
Seraphim falls
Girls on outlaws
High Plain drifter

By sid poad on Jun 15, 2009 at 8:10 pm

Should be on your list……………….
Angel and the Badman
The Searchers
Cheyenne Autumn
Horse Soldiers
anything with Randolph Scott
Albuquerque

By Steven DiGaetano on Jun 24, 2009 at 7:41 pm

broken trail Robert duval

By de gucinski on Jul 18, 2009 at 6:09 pm

broken trail Robert duval lonesome dove cannot compare thank you

By de gucinski on Jul 18, 2009 at 6:12 pm

Nevada Smith
High Plains Drifter
The Appaloosa

By Bobby C on Jul 30, 2009 at 2:27 pm

I think one you have forgotten about is John Wayne’s last film
” The Shootist” (1976). I first watched this movie with my dad,
and seriously we were both fighting tears at the conclusion of
the movie! I will never forget it as long as I live. An American
Classic Western and is definately worthy of mention here.

This may sound a little corny to some of you, but I also enjoyed
watching some of the Lone Ranger movies such as The Lone
Ranger and the Lost City of Gold! I grew up with the masked man
and there will always be a place in my heart for The Lone Ranger
and Tonto!

By Russell Miller on Aug 10, 2009 at 3:15 am

#1 Red River #2Cowboy#3 Tell Them Willie Boy is here should merit some considertion .Although Hearts of the West isn’t a western in the classical sense ,I was pleased to see it listed in someone’s top 100 films.

By tom on Aug 13, 2009 at 5:40 pm

The movie Bravados with Gregory Peck & Joan Collins might be a good addition to the list.

By Cliff Hitchcock on Aug 14, 2009 at 9:47 am

Shanghai Noon

By jlhns on Aug 14, 2009 at 10:29 am

I agree with a number of the other people who made their comments.
Should have been on:
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon (1949) a real western
The Horse Soliders (1959)
John Wayn’s Version of the Alamo
The War Wagon Kirk Douglas and John Wayne
Northwest Mounted Police(1940) S.Dakota and Western Canada
The Early West of Our Country——–
Northwest Passage with Spenser Tracy Robert Young (Excellent
Drums Along The Mohawk w/ Henry Fonda
Lost Horizon (Lewis and Clark w/Charleton Heston Fred McMurray and Donna Reed Excellent movie)

Remove list
Support Your Local Sheriff comedy set in the west
Blazing Saddles great movie but not a western
Laruell & Hardy Out West funny not a true western
Maverick good James Garner Jodi Foster not a true western
.Shane I never care about the movie it was boring

By Tim on Sep 2, 2009 at 10:25 pm

Silverado should be a top 25.
Red River
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon
The Shadow Riders
McClintock

If Lonesome Dove was a movie it would make the list.

Blazzing Saddles a great movie, doesn’t belong on this list.

By glenn V on Sep 11, 2009 at 4:09 pm

I don’t know why Tombstone always makes these lists when Wyatt Earp that came out at the same time is so much better.

Several people mentioned it but Tom Horn should be on here.

Appaloosa had probably just come out when this post started but one of the most seeminly realistic westerns ever.

Lastly, if we stretch the definition of western to include Last of the Mohicans, one of my favorites of all time, than I would include Charles Bronson’s Death Hunt on the list.

By Steveo on Sep 14, 2009 at 9:54 pm

big country – best ever

By ed watson on Sep 18, 2009 at 3:31 pm

The Sons of Katie Elder, The Cowboys, McKennas Gold, Tombstone, Big Jake, She wore a Yellow Ribbon,

By Bob on Sep 26, 2009 at 4:14 am

I’ve compiled a list of the 100 most critically-acclaimed Westerns (theatrical releases), as research for a book on Western movies. (See my site, thomasafoster.blogspot.com)

Of the top 50 on my list, 14 were missing from the mag’s top 100. Many of those were hybrids, such as 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Hud, Glory, Giant, and Friendly Persuasion. Also missing were some already mentioned in above posts: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Northwest Passage, Drums Along the Mohawk, and The Grey Fox. The other MIA Westerns: The Mark of Zorro (1940, Tyrone Power) and 3 de-glamorized Westerns from the 1970s: Bite the Bullet, The Emigrants, and Bad Company.

By Thomas A. Foster on Sep 26, 2009 at 10:34 am

The QUICK AND THE DEAD (HBO SAM elliott),JACKbull, The Sacketts,once upon a time in the west,

By mark neal on Nov 14, 2009 at 7:00 am

The QUICK AND THE DEAD (HBO SAM elliott),JACKbull, The Sacketts,once upon a time in the west,Tom HORN…..The list is missing several great westerns …although I am glad to see ;;The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, the greatest western of all time in my opinion. The Missouri Breaks, with Jack Nicolson and Marlon Brando should also be considered for this list.

By mark neal on Nov 14, 2009 at 7:07 am