7 Ultimate Westerns on Netflix That Will Make a Perfect Watch for You and Your Family

It has been nearly a century since Westerns ruled the silver screen, yet like a weathered gunslinger with unfinished business, the genre refuses to fade into the dust. Once the crown jewel of Hollywood, Westerns flooded theaters much like superhero films dominate today. Though their heyday passed, their spirit endures, especially on Netflix. Whether one seeks classic standoffs, gritty reinventions, or stylish hybrids, Netflix offers a rich vein of Western gems. The frontier may have closed, but its legends ride on in glorious, streaming fashion.
With the Western genre riding back into the spotlight, here is a roundup of 7 gripping titles on Netflix that fans can saddle up and binge without looking back.
The Highwaymen (2019)
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Released in 2019, The Highwaymen is a gripping period crime thriller directed by John Lee Hancock, starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as retired Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault. Tasked with hunting down Bonnie and Clyde, the film flips the infamous tale on its head, showing the pursuit from the law's perspective.
With gritty performances and atmospheric tension, it delivers a fresh Western-inspired drama. Though it holds a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its compelling narrative earned it a Satellite Award nomination and lasting intrigue among true-crime fans.
Thar (2022)
Released in 2022, Thar is a gripping Indian Hindi-language Western action thriller directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary and produced by Anil Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor. Set against the haunting landscapes of 1980s Rajasthan, the film follows a cryptic city man whose arrival in a remote village coincides with a string of grisly murders.
Blending noir tension with classic Western grit, Thar features real-life father-son duo Anil Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor. Considered an essential piece of modern Indian cinema, it holds a 63% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its style, performances, and blood-soaked mystery.
Concrete Cowboy (2020)
Released in 2020, Concrete Cowboy is a powerful American drama directed by Ricky Staub, inspired by Greg Neri’s novel Ghetto Cowboy and the real-life Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club in Philadelphia. Blending fact and fiction, the film stars Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, with real members of the riding community adding authenticity.
It explores themes of identity, fatherhood, and resilience within an often-overlooked urban subculture. With its heartfelt performances and striking visuals, Concrete Cowboy holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning praise for its unique storytelling and emotional depth.
Netflix's expansive library hides several other Western gems that once captivated fans worldwide, critically acclaimed tales packed with gripping plots, timeless themes, and sky-high Rotten Tomatoes scores.
The Furnace (2022)
Released in 2022, The Furnace delivers a bold spin on the Western by trading dusty American frontiers for the raw beauty of the Australian outback. It follows two cameleer brothers caught in a tense pursuit after unknowingly stealing gold, highlighting the overlooked struggles of Middle Eastern migrants during the gold rush.

Directed by Roderick MacKay and starring Ahmed Malek, Baykali Ganambarr, and David Wenham, the film blends a gripping story with stunning cinematography. It boasts an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, earning praise for both its visuals and historical depth.
The Harder They Fall (2021)
Released in 2021, The Harder They Fall is a vibrant and electrifying tribute to spaghetti Westerns, bursting with style and attitude. The film follows Nat Love, played by Jonathan Majors, who gathers his crew to exact revenge on the ruthless Rufus Buck, portrayed by Idris Elba. Regina King also stuns as the formidable Trudy Smith.
Directed by BAFTA winner Jeymes Samuel, this genre-defying epic earned an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and stands out for its sharp storytelling, bold visuals, and powerhouse performances.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Released in 2018, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a darkly witty Western anthology by the Coen Brothers, showcasing six gripping frontier tales laced with their trademark humor and grit. With standout performances from Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, and Liam Neeson, the film earned three Academy Award nominations for music, screenplay, and costume design.
It made an estimated $45,000 during its limited theatrical run, despite Netflix prioritizing streaming. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating, this uniquely crafted film remains a sharp, cinematic blend of folklore, violence, and deadpan brilliance.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Released in 2021, The Power of the Dog is a haunting psychological Western directed by Jane Campion, based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel. Set in Montana but filmed in New Zealand, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. With a slow-burn intensity, the film explores toxic masculinity and repressed emotion, earning critical acclaim.
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It grossed an estimated $160,000 during its limited theatrical run and scored 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Winning multiple awards, including Best Director at the Oscars, it remains one of the most acclaimed films of the decade.
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Are you excited to explore these 7 Western movies on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
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Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra
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