While the Western genre is known for its rugged landscapes, gunslingers, and tales of justice, there's a quirky niche within it that features an unlikely protagonist: the chicken. This collection of films showcases the humorous, adventurous, and sometimes poignant roles that chickens play in the Wild West. From comedic capers to heartfelt stories, these films offer a fresh perspective on the classic Western, proving that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact on the big screen.
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Description: In this iconic film, there's a humorous moment where one of the seven gunslingers is seen chasing a chicken, providing comic relief amidst the action.
Fact: The film was remade in 2016 with a diverse cast, but the original remains a beloved classic.
Watch Now
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: A classic Western with a scene where a chicken is used to illustrate a point about cowardice, adding a layer of symbolism to the narrative.
Fact: This film is often cited for its exploration of the myth versus reality of the West, with John Wayne and James Stewart delivering memorable performances.
Watch Now
The Cowboys (1972)
Description: In this John Wayne classic, there's a memorable scene where the young cowboys learn to handle chickens, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise serious plot.
Fact: This was one of the last films John Wayne made before his death, and it features a young Robert Carradine in his first major role.
Watch Now
The Rooster Cogburn (1975)
Description: While not directly about chickens, the film features a character named Rooster, and there are several humorous scenes involving chickens, making it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: This film is a sequel to "True Grit" and features John Wayne reprising his role as Rooster Cogburn.
Watch Now
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: While primarily a revenge tale, there are moments where Josey Wales interacts with chickens, adding a lighter note to the film's darker themes.
Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred in but also directed this film, which became one of his most iconic roles.
Watch Now
The Frisco Kid (1979)
Description: Gene Wilder's character, a Polish rabbi, ends up in the Wild West and has several comedic encounters with chickens, blending humor with cultural clash.
Fact: The film was directed by Robert Aldrich, known for his work on "The Dirty Dozen" and "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"
Watch Now
Maverick (1994)
Description: This film, starring Mel Gibson, includes a scene where the protagonist uses a chicken in a card game, showcasing the quirky side of Western gambling.
Fact: The film is based on the 1950s TV series of the same name, with Gibson's character being a direct homage to James Garner's original portrayal.
Watch Now
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Description: This film features a scene where a character uses a chicken to test his shooting skills, blending humor with the tension of a Western duel.
Fact: The film was directed by Sam Raimi, known for his work on the "Evil Dead" series and "Spider-Man."
Watch Now
Chicken Run (2000)
Description: Although not a traditional Western, this Aardman Animation film is set in a chicken farm run like a prison camp, with the chickens plotting an escape reminiscent of classic Western jailbreaks.
Fact: This was the first feature-length film by Aardman Animations, known for Wallace and Gromit. It was also the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film until "Coraline" in
Watch Now
The Ballad of Little Jo (1993)
Description: This film includes a subplot where the protagonist, disguised as a man, raises chickens, which plays into the themes of identity and survival in the West.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Josephine Monaghan, who lived as a man in the Old West.
30 Days Free
