- A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- Django (1966)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- The Wild Bunch (1969)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- Unforgiven (1992)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- True Grit (2010)
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
The Wild West is often romanticised as a land of heroes and justice, but it's the villains who often leave the most lasting impressions. This curated selection of ten western films focuses on the darker characters, the outlaws, the gunslingers, and the morally ambiguous figures who challenge the very notion of good versus evil. Each film provides a unique perspective on villainy, showcasing the complexity of human nature against the backdrop of the untamed frontier. These films not only entertain but also offer a deeper look into the psyche of those who live outside the law, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in the darker side of the American West.
A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Description: The Man with No Name uses the rivalries between two families to his advantage, showcasing a morally ambiguous character who can be seen as both hero and villain.
Fact: This film was an unofficial remake of Akira Kurosawa's "Yojimbo."
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Description: While Tuco (the Ugly) is a villain in his own right, the film's portrayal of Angel Eyes (the Bad) as a ruthless killer adds depth to the villainous theme.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, not Italy, despite being an Italian production.
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Django (1966)
Description: Django, a drifter with a mysterious past, uses his coffin-dragging gimmick to navigate through a town filled with outlaws and corrupt officials.
Fact: The film was banned in the UK for its graphic violence until
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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Description: While the protagonists are outlaws, the film also features a relentless posse that embodies the villainous pursuit of justice.
Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning four.
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The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: This film portrays a group of aging outlaws who plan one last heist, showcasing the brutal reality of their lives and the moral ambiguity of their actions.
Fact: The film was highly controversial for its graphic violence, which was groundbreaking at the time.
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The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: This film follows Josey Wales, a Confederate guerrilla who becomes an outlaw after his family is murdered. His journey from vengeance to redemption is filled with encounters with various villains, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred in but also directed this film, which was his first directorial effort in a western.
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Unforgiven (1992)
Description: William Munny, a retired gunslinger, is drawn back into violence by a bounty on two outlaws. The film explores the complexity of morality, with Munny himself embodying both hero and villain traits.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Clint Eastwood.
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: This film delves into the psychological complexity of Jesse James and his eventual betrayal by Robert Ford, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Fact: The film's title is taken from a popular dime novel of the time.
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True Grit (2010)
Description: Rooster Cogburn, a U.S. Marshal with a reputation for being both a hero and a villain, hunts down Tom Chaney, a cold-blooded killer.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1969 film, with Jeff Bridges taking on the role originally played by John Wayne.
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Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Description: Featuring a cast of memorable villains, this epic western by Sergio Leone explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and the ruthless expansion of the railroad.
Fact: The film was originally much longer, with Leone's cut being over three hours.
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