12 Best Neo-Western Movies Released in the Last Decade You Probably Missed

Neo-westerns breathe new life into the classic cowboy spirit, swapping dusty trails for modern settings while keeping the grit, moral ambiguity, and raw tension of the Old West. These films blend crime, drama, and rugged landscapes to explore what it means to be an outsider in today’s world. This list uncovers 12 of the best neo-western movies from the past decade that flew under the radar, offering fresh takes on a genre that’s as tough as ever. Each one delivers compelling characters and stories you likely haven’t seen yet.

From quiet indie dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers, these films reimagine western themes in unexpected ways. They tackle issues like family, justice, and survival, all while staying true to the genre’s rebellious heart. Let’s ride through these hidden treasures that deserve your attention.

12. The Keeping Room (2014)

Three women defend their home from rogue soldiers during the Civil War’s final days. Directed by Daniel Barber, ‘The Keeping Room’ stars Brit Marling and Hailee Steinfeld in a tense, feminist neo-western. The isolated farmhouse setting mirrors the lawless frontier, with survival at stake. It’s a gritty, overlooked drama.

The stark cinematography and sparse dialogue create a haunting vibe. The women’s resilience against brutal odds feels raw and empowering. I was struck by the film’s quiet intensity and strong performances. Perfect for fans of slow-burn survival tales.

11. Sweet Country (2017)

An Aboriginal man flees after killing a white settler in self-defense in 1920s Australia. Directed by Warwick Thornton, ‘Sweet Country’ stars Sam Neill and Hamilton Morris in a stark outback thriller. The harsh desert and racial tensions echo classic western standoffs. It’s a powerful, underseen gem.

The vivid landscapes and unflinching look at injustice hit hard. Morris’ stoic performance carries the emotional weight. I found the blend of history and western tropes gripping. A must-watch for fans of socially conscious dramas.

10. The World to Come (2020)

Two women form a forbidden bond in 1850s rural America, facing isolation and danger. Directed by Mona Fastvold, ‘The World to Come’ stars Katherine Waterston and Vanessa Kirby in a quiet neo-western romance. The snowy farmstead feels like a frontier outpost, amplifying their struggle. It’s a tender, haunting film.

The soft visuals and poetic dialogue create an intimate mood. The women’s defiance against societal norms mirrors the genre’s rebellious spirit. I was moved by the emotional depth and subtle tension. Great for fans of lyrical storytelling.

9. The Retrieval (2013)

A young Black boy is hired to betray a runaway slave during the Civil War. Directed by Chris Eska, ‘The Retrieval’ stars Ashton Sanders in a morally complex neo-western. The rural South, with its danger and betrayal, feels like the Wild West. It’s a small but impactful indie.

The muted colors and sparse score give it a gritty edge. Sanders’ conflicted performance anchors the tough choices. I was drawn to the film’s ethical dilemmas and quiet power. Ideal for those who love character-driven stories.

8. The Rider (2017)

A Lakota cowboy grapples with a career-ending injury in South Dakota. Directed by Chloé Zhao, ‘The Rider’ stars Brady Jandreau in a semi-autobiographical neo-western. The Badlands setting and rodeo culture evoke the fading cowboy myth. It’s a raw, heartfelt masterpiece.

The naturalistic visuals and real-life cast create an authentic feel. Jandreau’s understated pain hits deep, blending modern struggles with western ideals. I found its honesty and beauty unforgettable. A must for fans of intimate dramas.

7. Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

A smokejumper protects a boy from assassins in Montana’s wilderness. Directed by Taylor Sheridan, ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ stars Angelina Jolie in a tense neo-western thriller. The forest fire backdrop feels like a lawless frontier, with survival at stake. It’s a lean, underappreciated action flick.

The fiery visuals and fast pace keep you hooked. Jolie’s tough yet vulnerable performance grounds the chaos. I enjoyed the cat-and-mouse energy and rugged setting. Perfect for fans of Sheridan’s gritty style.

6. The Bygone (2019)

A cowboy uncovers a trafficking ring while searching for a missing Lakota woman. Directed by Graham and Parker Phillips, ‘The Bygone’ stars Shawn Hatosy and Graham Phillips in a dark neo-western. The oil fields of North Dakota mirror the genre’s desolate plains. It’s a raw, little-known thriller.

The moody lighting and sparse dialogue amp up the tension. The film’s focus on modern injustice feels urgent. I was gripped by the gritty action and moral stakes. Great for fans of crime-infused westerns.

5. The Furnace (2020)

A young Afghan cameleer teams with an outlaw in 1890s Australia to smuggle gold. Directed by Roderick MacKay, ‘The Furnace’ stars Ahmed Malek and David Wenham in a dusty neo-western. The outback’s harsh terrain and cultural clashes evoke classic westerns. It’s a bold, overlooked adventure.

The sun-baked visuals and tense standoffs create a vivid world. Malek’s quiet strength shines against Wenham’s grit. I loved the fresh perspective and historical depth. Ideal for fans of global western tales.

4. The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson (2021)

A pregnant woman protects her family from threats in colonial Australia. Directed by Leah Purcell, ‘The Drover’s Wife’ stars Purcell in a fierce neo-western. The isolated homestead and looming danger channel the genre’s lone hero trope. It’s a gripping, underseen drama.

The rugged landscapes and taut pacing build suspense. Purcell’s commanding performance carries the film’s emotional weight. I was moved by the feminist spin and intense stakes. A must-watch for fans of strong leads.

3. The Power of the Dog (2021)

A cruel rancher torments his brother’s new family in 1920s Montana. Directed by Jane Campion, ‘The Power of the Dog’ stars Benedict Cumberbatch in a slow-burn neo-western. The sprawling ranch feels like a psychological frontier, with toxic masculinity at its core. It’s a haunting, acclaimed gem.

The lush visuals and eerie score create a tense mood. Cumberbatch’s chilling performance dominates, with Kodi Smit-McPhee’s quiet strength as a foil. I was captivated by the subtle power struggles and dark tone. Perfect for fans of psychological dramas.

2. Bacurau (2019)

A Brazilian village fights mysterious attackers in a near-future dystopia. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles, ‘Bacurau’ stars Sônia Braga in a genre-blending neo-western. The remote town feels like a frontier outpost under siege. It’s a wild, underappreciated thrill ride.

The vibrant colors and eclectic score give it a unique edge. The community’s defiance mirrors the genre’s rebellious spirit. I loved the mix of social commentary and genre thrills. Great for fans of bold, unconventional stories.

1. The Nightingale (2018)

A young Irish convict seeks revenge in 1820s Tasmania. Directed by Jennifer Kent, ‘The Nightingale’ stars Aisling Franciosi and Sam Claflin in a brutal neo-western. The wild bushland and colonial violence evoke a lawless frontier. It’s a harrowing, masterful film that tops this list.

The stark visuals and unflinching violence create a visceral experience. Franciosi’s fierce performance anchors the story’s emotional core. I was shaken by its raw power and feminist lens. A must-see for fans of intense, meaningful thrillers.

Which of these neo-westerns are you eager to check out, or did I miss a hidden favorite of yours? Share your thoughts in the comments!