Best Westerns on Netflix: 10 Pistol-Packing Standouts, Ranked
There’s no denying that Netflix has lassoed a herd of westerns for anyone craving tales of outlaws, lawmen, and the untamed frontier. From classic stories to modern twists on the genre, here are 10 pistol-packing standouts you can stream right now, ranked from high noon to sunset.
1.Godless (2017) – This limited series takes the top spot with its raw storytelling and breath-taking cinematography. Revolving around a town mysteriously made up almost entirely of women, “Godless” offers intricate characters and a fresh perspective on western tropes.
2.The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) – The Coen brothers deliver a six-part anthology that combines dark humor with poignant storytelling. Each chapter presents unique narratives filled with quirky characters that echo the spirit of traditional western folklore.
3.Hell on Wheels (2011-2016) – Set against the backdrop of the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, this series delves into the chaos and lawlessness of settlement camps in post-Civil War America, with compelling characters fighting for survival and fortune.
4.Longmire (2012-2017) – A contemporary crime thriller set in Wyoming, “Longmire” follows a stoic sheriff unraveling major crimes while navigating both his personal life and the tensions between his community and a nearby Native American reservation
5.Django Unchained (2012) – Tarantino’s brutal yet visually striking depiction of slavery and vengeance takes a bold spot on this list with its memorable performances and unapologetic bluntness in handling themes both new and familiar to the genre.
6.The Hateful Eight (2015) – Another Tarantino entry crammed with thick tension, as eight travelers snowbound in a remote cabin discover they may not make it to their destinations alive due to hidden secrets and deceptive intentions.
7.The Magnificent Seven (2016)– A modern remake of the 1960 classic revisits the story of seven gunslingers defending a village from ruthless bandits. While less innovative, it packs entertaining action sequences and a diverse cast.
8.Hostiles (2017) – An unsettling journey through the American frontier, “Hostiles” confronts themes of redemption and reconciliation as it follows a U.S. Cavalry officer escorting an old enemy—a Cheyenne war chief—back home to die.
9.Dead Man’s Burden (2012) – Lower budget but high stakes in performance, this tale captures family drama and land-grabbing intrigue against the post-Civil War backdrop with an intimate feel rarely captured in bigger productions.
10.The Outsider (2019)– Injecting an eastern flair into western traditions, this film features a railroad worker entangled in conflict after avenging his friend’s death during America’s 19th century westward expansion—offering unique cultural juxtapositions within its scenes.
Each holds its own flame to the rich legacy of western storytelling—whether your preference edges toward stark realism or stylized myth-making, Netflix’s corral awaits your adventurous spirit.