22 of the Best Westerns Available on Amazon Prime in 2020

1. True Grit
2. High Noon
3. Sweet Country
4. McLeod’s Daughters 
5. The Westerner
6. Appaloosa
7. Goodnight For Justice 1, 2 & 3
8. The Rider
9. The Horseman
10. John Wayne Hondo
11. Rio Grande
12. Django Unchained 
13. Five Fingers for Marseilles
14. The Timber
15. The Iron Orchard
16. Never Grow Old
17. Posse
18. The Burrowers 
19. Any Bullet Will Do
20. Far From Men
21. Dead Men
22. Horse Crazy

1. True Grit

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.6	96	Amazon Prime, Netflix

After Tom Chaney murders a 14-year old girl’s father, she hires a trigger happy lawman to find the killer and seek revenge. LaBoeuf, a Texas Ranger, also joins the trio to find Chaney for his own reasons. The three go on an unlikely and dangerous journey to seek justice. 

With its captivating cinematography, strong performances, and exciting storyline, the film is sure not to disappoint. Many say that this remake is even better than the 1969 original, giving it a tension-filled, modern western spin. 

2. High Noon

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.9	96	Amazon Prime, Starz

Will Kayne is about to leave the small western town of Hadleyville when he hears news that a local criminal has been set free and is coming back to seek revenge on the marshal that locked him up. Despite the warnings of his new bride (Grace Kelly), Will Kayne intends to face the group of criminals, even if he has to do it alone. 

Arguably the best western of all time, High Noon takes the genre in a new direction as it explores darker moral dilemmas throughout the film. On top of the award-winning script and directing, Gary Cooper’s Oscar-winning performance is something you can’t miss in this classic western. 

3. Sweet Country

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.9	96	Amazon Prime, Hoopla, Tubi

After killing a white man in self-defense, indigenous Australian man Sam Kelly goes on the run with his wife, Lizzie. Sergeant Fletcher has to face the dangers of the Australian territory as he chases Sam, contending with wildlife, the heat, and hostile natives. The film is set in the 1920s in the backdrop of a divided society between the European settlers and aboriginal Australians. 

Reviews rave about this film being set out from the rest with its distinctive stylistic decisions and beautiful cinematography. If you are looking for a western with a deeper, more thought-provoking message, then Sweet Country is the movie for you. 

4. McLeods Daughters

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.6	82	Amazon Prime, Tubi

After the death of her mother, Tess Silverman travels to South Australia to her sister and father, whom she hasn’t seen for over twenty years. After a hostile welcome from her sister, Tess intends to keep traveling when the death of their father leaves the sisters shaken. With only each other, the two sisters have to overcome challenges and learn to work together in order to survive. 

McLeods Daughters stands out from most westerns in regards to its heartwarming message. The film is perfect for moviegoers who want adventure, but also a meaningful story. With its captivating plot and believable performances, McLeods Daughters will keep you interested to the end. 

5. The Westerner

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.4	100	Amazon Prime

Cole Harden is put in front of the infamous Judge Roy Bean for being accused of stealing horses. After receiving a suspended sentence, Harden finds himself falling for an attractive homesteader. When the homesteader’s father is killed, Cole Harden intends to track down and find her father’s killer. 

The Westerner is a classic western made in the 1940s that still holds up today. With the stunning landscapes, award-winning performances, and added humor, this film is a perfect choice for a light-hearted western movie night. 

6. Appaloosa

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.7	76	Amazon Prime

Police friends Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch travel town to town to bring the law back into lawless societies for whoever hires them. They arrive in Appaloosa, which is run by Randall Bragg, a dangerous rancher who rules over the fear-stricken citizens. Complications arise when a young widow arrives in Appaloosa. The unconventional woman threatens to break the bond of the two lifelong friends. 

With its top-notch directing, writing, and performances, Appaloosa is a romantic western that will keep the whole audience entertained with its dramatic storyline. The films’ engaging dialogue and stunning locations also bring a sense of originality to the story. 

7. Goodnight for Justice 1, 2 & 3

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.2, 6.3, 6.3	66, 33, 40	Amazon Prime

The films follow John Goodnight, a circuit judge who travels the west as he protects innocents from injustice—seeing his family killed as a boy drives his need for justice in the lawless territories and pushes him to stick to his morals. The series follows him as he navigates the western territory in the 1880s and tries to survive the trickeries of con artists and the wraths of lawless men. 

The Goodnight for Justice series is more geared to the female audience, as it has less violence and grit than the rest of the genre and focuses more on the love story between the judge and a widow. If you are looking for an action-packed movie series for the family, then these western films will be a good pick. 

8. The Rider

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.4	97	Amazon Prime

After Brady Blackburn suffers a near-fatal head injury from a rodeo accident, he leaves behind the rodeo circuit to find a new purpose in life. With an alcoholic father, it is up to Brady to provide for his family. The film follows him on his new journey as he turns to different jobs to make an income. As he continues, the seizures caused by his head injury continue to both interrupt and threaten Blackburn’s newfound joy. 

The Rider is a poetic and inspirational story that showcases some unique directing choices. The film is more of a character study than anything else, making it easy for the audience to invest emotionally. With its praised script, this western is sure to have you invested through the whole film. 

9. The Homesman

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.6	81	Amazon Prime, Tubi

After Mary Bee Cuddy saves the life of claim jumper George Briggs, she persuades him to transport three frontier women who have been driven mad by frontier life to Iowa. As George Briggs starts to prove his ability, Mary Bee Cuddy grasps at the small sliver of hope and does what she can to keep the three women safe. Set in the 1850’s midwest, the film follows the five travelers as they face the many different threats of frontier life. 

If you are looking for a less conventional western, The Homesman will be a great choice for movie night. The top tier cast adds to the movie with their wonderful performances, while the dark and gritty themes maintain a steady level of tension. 

10. John Wayne Hondo

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.1	86	Amazon Prime, CBS All Access

When Hondo Lane comes across a mother and son in the middle of warring Apaches, he takes it upon himself to be their protector. When she refuses to go with him at first, he decides to stay with her and her son to help them out. Eventually, they start to grow a strong bond. The film follows the three as they try to survive in the face of the dangers of the Apaches. 

If you are looking for a classic western for movie night, this will be your pick. The film is an action-packed, tension-filled ride that will leave you wanting more of John Wayne and his antics. 

11. Rio Grande

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.1	77	Amazon Prime, Starz

A cavalry officer is posted at Rio Grande, where he faces the adventure of a lifetime. On duty, he encounters the raiding Apaches, his wife, who he had been separated from for years, and his son, who loves to take risks. The film follows him as he defends the settlers and launches raids as he tries to protect the citizens of Rio Grande. 

John Wayne brings all the cards to the table with his astounding performance. On top of it being an action-packed western, the film tackles intense emotional themes that resonate with the audience. If you are looking for more of a relationship-driven adventure, then Rio Grande is a great choice. 

12. Django Unchained

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
8.4	87	Amazon Prime, Netflix

The film takes place two years before the civil war, following a slave named Django, who accompanies a german bounty hunter (Dr. King Shultz) as they track down the most notorious criminals in the South. Eventually, their path leads them to a famous plantation where Django’s long-forgotten wife still works as a slave. The two intend to free her from Calvin Candies’ grasp, the owner of the plantation. 

Quentin Tarantino brings yet another brilliant movie with top tier actors, amazing performances, and clever writing. Every character is memorable in their own unique way, while the surprising action and frantic tension keep you on the edge of your seat. This film is perfect for anyone wanting an epic western doused with random spurts of blood and an amazing plot. 

13. Five Fingers for Marseilles

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.2	76	Amazon Prime

When Tau kills two corrupt policemen in a South African town, things take a turn for the worse. The town of Marseilles used to be run by the ‘Five Fingers’, a group who used to stand up to the corrupt police force. When new oppression and danger rise again, Tau, the pastor who only seeks a life of peace, has to stand up and wonders if the ‘Five Fingers’ will appear again as well against the new corruption plaguing the town. 

Five Fingers for Marseilles is a gripping, emotional story mixed with the tension-filled action of a western. If you are in the mood for a film that covers themes like injustice, oppression, and indignation, then this movie will keep you entertained.

14. The Timber

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
5.0	79	Amazon Prime, Hoopla, Tubi

Taking place in Alaska during the 1898 gold rush, two brothers go on an action-packed adventure to catch a bounty in hopes of saving their home. Along the way, they encounter the dangers of the Alaskan winter and try to survive as they lose vital supplies, face treacherous bandits, and face mental battles within themselves. 

The film offers gorgeous scenery, an exciting plot, and a captivating story of brotherhood and family. 

15. The Iron Orchard

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
5.6	28	Amazon Prime, Hoopla, Tubi

While the critic’s ratings were low on this one, The Iron Orchards has an 89% audience rating, and rightly so. The film takes place in 1939 in the Texas oil fields. As Jim McNeely tries to maneuver his way through the distinctive lifestyle, he encounters many challenges and hostile oil workers who square their ties with pickaxes. 

16. Never Grow Old

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
5.9	90	Amazon Prime

Dutch Albert and his gang of violent outlaws gun down a peaceful frontier town. Undertaker Patrick Tate experiences a battle between his selfish desires and love for his family as he must choose between fighting the vicious gang to save his family or to keep collecting blood money. When the death toll begins to rise steadily, Patrick Tate must do what he can to survive. 

Never Grow Old tackles mature themes for being in this particular genre, including tales of redemption and morality. If you are looking for a thought-invoking movie that is accompanied by the classic excitement a western will give you, then look no further. 

17. Posse

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
6.5	67	Amazon Prime

Texas Marshal Howard Nightingale gathers a posse of merciless law enforcers to track down notorious Jack Strawhorn. The marshal believes that in order to become a U.S. senator, he must be successful in his bounty chase. Tension rises as new complications appear when things seem to be going Howard Nightingale’s way. 

With a powerful script, a strong cast, and an adventurous storyline, Posse is sure to fill you with the exhilaration of a true western. 

18. The Burrowers

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
5.7	75	Amazon Prime, Tubi

The Burrowers is a very unique western as it mixes the beloved genre with the next most popular genre: horror. When a rescue party arrives at the small town that is being tormented by creatures living under the ground, the protagonists must fight the townspeople’s wrongful suspicions while trying to survive the brutal attacks of the creatures. 

For someone in the mood for both a classic western feel that will keep you reaching for the blankets to hide under, The Burrowers is a unique film to watch on your next movie night. 

19. Any Bullet Will Do

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
4.5	62	Amazon Prime, Hoopla, Tubi

Set in 1876, with the help of a young fur trapper, Hollis Ransom tracks down his brother as he fights to end slavery. The film takes place in Montana and follows the protagonist as he treks through Big Sky country. If you are in the mood for a classic tale of revenge, Any Bullet Will Do will keep you entertained. 

20. Far From Men 

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
7.2	84	Amazon Prime

The film follows Daru, a recluse French teacher who is burdened with the task of escorting a villager accused of murder, Mohamed, to trail at the French court. As they journey across the Atlas mountains alone, their two very different worlds crash together, making for a tense trip across the mountainside.  

Far From Men is a slow-burning western that dives deep into the characters played by Viggo Mortensen and Reda Kateb. Accompanied by landscapes with rich personalities and an enthralling script, this western is a solid choice for those who want an original story. 

21. Dead Men

IMDB	Rotten Tomatoes	Where to Watch
4.5	61	Amazon Prime

A young man who grew up in an Apache tribe sets out on a journey of revenge and justice as he strives to avenge his dead father and collect the land and gold that is rightfully his. Taking place in the Old West, the protagonist must fight for survival as he faces the life-threatening challenges of a lawless society.