- The Gunfighter (1950)
- The Magnificent Seven (1960)
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- The Wild Bunch (1969)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- Unforgiven (1992)
- The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- The Professionals (1966)
The Western genre has always been a fertile ground for stories of justice, revenge, and the lawless frontier. This curated list of films delves into the darker side of the Wild West, focusing on tales of hired guns and assassins. These films not only showcase the rugged landscapes and iconic showdowns but also explore the complex moralities of characters who live by the gun. Whether you're a fan of classic Westerns or looking for something with a twist, this collection offers a thrilling journey through the eyes of those who kill for a living.
The Gunfighter (1950)
Description: Jimmy Ringo, a notorious gunslinger, tries to escape his past as a hired killer but finds that his reputation follows him, leading to an inevitable confrontation.
Fact: The film was one of the first to portray the gunfighter as a tragic figure rather than a hero.
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The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Description: Although primarily about a group of gunslingers hired to protect a village, the film features characters who are essentially professional killers, making it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: It was remade in 2016 with a diverse cast, but the original remains a classic.
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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: While not strictly about hired killers, it features a pivotal moment where a man must decide whether to take up the gun against a notorious outlaw, exploring themes of justice and the law.
Fact: The film famously includes the line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
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