15 Modern Westerns That Deserve More Hype

Westerns have evolved beyond dusty shootouts, blending classic grit with fresh stories and bold visuals. Modern takes on the genre tackle complex themes, yet many fly under the radar despite their brilliance.

I’ve picked 15 recent Westerns that deserve more love, each offering unique spins on the genre with strong performances and striking settings. These films prove the Western is alive and worth celebrating.

The Sisters Brothers (2018)

Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly play sibling assassins in ‘The Sisters Brothers,’ chasing a prospector in 1850s Oregon. Jacques Audiard’s film mixes dark humor with gritty drama.

The brothers’ complex bond and lush visuals elevate this character-driven tale. Rewatching reveals subtle emotional beats, making it a standout that’s often overlooked.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

‘Bone Tomahawk’ follows Kurt Russell’s sheriff leading a rescue mission against a cannibalistic tribe. S. Craig Zahler’s film blends Western tropes with brutal horror.

Its slow-burn tension and raw performances, especially Russell’s, grip you tight. A second watch highlights the grim atmosphere, deserving more buzz for its bold genre mix.

The Homesman (2014)

Tommy Lee Jones directs and stars in ‘The Homesman,’ where a spinster, Hilary Swank, escorts three troubled women across the frontier. It’s a stark look at survival and sacrifice.

Swank’s fierce performance and the film’s bleak beauty shine through. Rewatching uncovers its feminist undertones, making it a hidden gem that needs more praise.

Hell or High Water (2016)

Two brothers, Chris Pine and Ben Foster, rob banks to save their ranch in ‘Hell or High Water.’ David Mackenzie’s neo-Western tackles economic despair with taut drama.

Jeff Bridges’ weathered sheriff and the Texas backdrop add gritty charm. A second viewing reveals layered social commentary, earning it a spot among modern classics.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Brad Pitt’s Jesse James and Casey Affleck’s Robert Ford clash in this slow-burn epic. Andrew Dominik’s film explores fame and betrayal with haunting depth.

Affleck’s nervous energy and Roger Deakins’ gorgeous cinematography linger. Rewatching shows the psychological nuance, making this masterpiece worth more attention.

Slow West (2015)

Kodi Smit-McPhee’s young dreamer searches for love in ‘Slow West,’ guided by Michael Fassbender’s drifter. John Maclean’s film blends whimsy with brutal Western realities.

Its compact story and vivid visuals pack an emotional punch. A second look highlights the tragic undertones, proving this indie deserves a bigger spotlight.

The Proposition (2005)

Guy Pearce’s outlaw faces a moral dilemma in ‘The Proposition,’ set in 1880s Australia. John Hillcoat’s gritty Western dives into loyalty and violence with raw intensity.

Nick Cave’s script and stark desert visuals create a haunting vibe. Rewatching reveals its moral complexity, a gem that’s too often ignored by Western fans.

Hostiles (2017)

Christian Bale’s hardened captain escorts a dying Cheyenne chief in ‘Hostiles.’ Scott Cooper’s film explores redemption and prejudice in a brutal frontier setting.

Bale’s quiet intensity and the film’s stark visuals hit hard. A second viewing uncovers emotional depth, making it a powerful Western that needs more love.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

The Coen Brothers’ ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ is an anthology of quirky Western tales. From Tim Blake Nelson’s singing gunslinger to Zoe Kazan’s tragic traveler, it’s wildly inventive.

Each story’s distinct tone and sharp writing shine on rewatch. This Netflix gem’s eclectic mix deserves more hype for its bold take on the genre.

True Grit (2010)

The Coens’ ‘True Grit’ follows Hailee Steinfeld’s determined teen seeking justice with Jeff Bridges’ gruff marshal. It’s a faithful yet fresh take on the classic novel.

Steinfeld’s fiery performance and Bridges’ charm elevate the dusty tale. Rewatching reveals the subtle humor, making it a modern Western that’s underappreciated.

Django Unchained (2012)

Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’ stars Jamie Foxx as a freed slave turned bounty hunter. Its bold mix of spaghetti Western flair and slavery-era drama crackles with energy.

Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio’s performances steal the show. A second watch highlights Tarantino’s sharp dialogue, deserving louder praise for its audacity.

The Revenant (2015)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s trapper seeks revenge in ‘The Revenant,’ a brutal survival tale. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s film uses stark visuals and raw physicality to redefine the Western.

DiCaprio’s grueling performance and Emmanuel Lubezki’s icy cinematography stun. Rewatching reveals survival themes, making this epic worth more fanfare.

Meek’s Cutoff (2010)

Kelly Reichardt’s ‘Meek’s Cutoff’ follows settlers, led by Michelle Williams, lost on the Oregon Trail. Its minimalist pace and stark visuals capture frontier desperation.

Williams’ quiet strength anchors the tense, slow-burn story. A second viewing highlights its feminist lens, a subtle masterpiece that deserves wider acclaim.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a menacing rancher clashing with his brother’s new family. Its slow unraveling explores toxic masculinity.

Cumberbatch’s chilling performance and the Montana vistas grip you. Rewatching reveals hidden tensions, cementing this as a Western needing more buzz.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

The Coen Brothers’ ‘No Country for Old Men’ pits Josh Brolin against Javier Bardem’s unstoppable killer in a bleak Texas tale. It’s a Western with modern fatalism.

Bardem’s haunting Anton Chigurh and the sparse dialogue build dread. A second watch uncovers its philosophical depth, a classic that still needs more love.

Which modern Western hooked you the most, or is there another under-the-radar gem I missed? Share your picks in the comments!