If you're looking for a Western movie to watch this weekend, consider pulling your remote out of your holster (or couch cushion) and booting up Netflix. The streaming service has literally thousands upon thousands to choose from, including more than a few great Westerns. Some of these are modern classics, others are just classics, but I've found three that are a must-watch right now if you're feeling the urge to go west.
Now, full disclosure, just because these are all great Westerns doesn't mean they're the three best Westerns of all-time. I'm not looking for a showdown at High Noon in the comments over the movies not on this list, especially since "High Noon" isn't on this list (you'll need MGM Plus to watch that classic). But these are the three best I found on Netflix, at least in this author's humble opinion.
Malcolm has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. Every week, he hunts down the top shows and movies to watch on Netflix.
Netflix Western movies to stream right now
‘The Hateful Eight' (2015)
I'll be honest, I haven't seen this film since I saw it in 70mm during its opening week back in 2015. But that's not because I didn't like it. Yes, this may actually be Quentin Tarantino's worst movie, but when you've made some of the best movies in the history of cinema, even your worst is still pretty darn good.
"The Hateful Eight" stars Samuel L. Jackson as bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren. He ends up caught in a blizzard and is rescued by John Ruth "The Hangman" (Kurt Russell), who takes him to the friendly confines of Minnie's Haberdashery. There, they, Ruth's prisoner Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and the town's sheriff (Walton Goggins) meet the lodge's keeper, Señor Bob (Demián Bichir), as well as the town's hangman Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), a cowboy (Michael Madsen), and former Confederate General Sanford "Sandy" Smithers (Bruce Dern).
Westerns are known for three things: sprawling vistas, incredible scores, and violence. This surprisingly lacks the first of those; most of the movie is set in the Haberdashery. But it nails the other two, particularly the score, which won legendary composer Ennio Morricone his first Oscar. Yes, "The Hateful Eight" may be flawed, but I promise you, it's a must-watch and well worth giving a chance.
Watch "The Hateful Eight" on Netflix now
‘The Power of the Dog' (2021)
Speaking of Oscar winners, "The Power of the Dog" was long expected to be Netflix's first Best Picture winner. In the lead-up to the 94th Academy Awards, it was a front-runner for the award. But instead, the night belonged to "CODA," and this Western became infamous for losing 11 of its 12 nominations, which tied an Oscars record.
Still, just because this dark, dramatic Western failed to capture the top prize doesn't mean it shouldn't capture your attention. Adapted from Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same name, "The Power of the Dog" stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons as Phil and George Burbank, wealthy brothers with a Montana ranch. Their relationship is strained when George starts to court a widow, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), whom Phil believes to be solely after George's money. Complicating things further is Rose's son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), whom Phil at first derides but ultimately comes to develop a complex relationship with.
This movie looks gorgeous. The Jonny Greenwood score is expertly crafted. But it's director Jane Campion and the performances she coaxes from her cast that make this a must-watch. Cumberbatch, in particular, is incredible as Phil, and this may be the best performance of his career.
Watch "The Power of the Dog" on Netflix now
‘High Plains Drifter' (1973)
"The Hateful Eight" and "The Power of the Dog" are modern Westerns, and the latter may even one day prove to be a modern classic. But this last Netflix Western is about as classic as you get before going all the way back to John Ford's prolific career.
"High Plains Drifter" stars Clint Eastwood as an unnamed stranger who wanders into the desert mining town of Lago. He quickly draws the attention of some local gunmen, who almost just as quickly find themselves riddled with the Stranger's bullets.
This movie is not for the kids. Also directed by Eastwood, it's a revenge story with a twist that earns its R-rating with plenty of violence and sex. That said, it's entertaining, and if you're looking for a must-watch Western, it's tough to do much better, at least on Netflix.
Watch "High Plains Drifter" on Netflix now
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