- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- Maverick (1994)
- The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- The Claim (2000)
- The Proposition (2005)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- The Sisters Brothers (2018)
- The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)
The Wild West was a place where deals could mean the difference between life and death, fortune and ruin. This curated list of 10 Western films focuses on the pivotal role that deals play in shaping the narrative, offering viewers a unique perspective on the genre. From high-stakes poker games to land grabs, these films showcase the cunning, betrayal, and sometimes honor that come with striking a deal in the untamed frontier. Whether you're a fan of classic Westerns or looking for something with a twist, this collection provides a thrilling ride through the dusty trails of cinematic history.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: This film revolves around a deal between a lawyer, a rancher, and a notorious outlaw, exploring themes of justice, honor, and the myth of the West.
Fact: John Wayne and James Stewart both starred in this film, making it one of the few times they appeared together on screen.


The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: A man left for dead in the desert strikes a deal with a stagecoach company, turning his newfound water source into a profitable venture.
Fact: Sam Peckinpah directed this film, which is often considered one of his most personal works.


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: A Confederate soldier makes a deal with a Union officer to end the war, but his journey is far from over as he seeks revenge and redemption.
Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred in but also directed this film, which was a significant departure from his spaghetti Western roles.


Maverick (1994)
Description: A charming gambler navigates through a series of deals and cons to enter a high-stakes poker game, showcasing the lighter side of Western deal-making.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1950s TV series of the same name, and Mel Gibson was originally considered for the lead role.


The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Description: A mysterious woman enters a town where a deadly quick-draw contest is the only way to settle scores and make deals.
Fact: Sharon Stone was trained by renowned gun expert Thell Reed for her role as a gunslinger.


The Claim (2000)
Description: A man who sold his wife and daughter for a gold claim years ago must confront the consequences of his deal when they return.
Fact: The film is loosely based on Thomas Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge."


The Proposition (2005)
Description: A deal is struck between an outlaw and a ruthless lawman, setting off a chain of events that explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the harshness of the Australian outback.
Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback, providing an authentic backdrop for its gritty narrative.


The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: This film explores the complex relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford, culminating in a deal that leads to betrayal and murder.
Fact: The film's title is taken directly from the headline of a newspaper article published after James's death.


The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Description: Two brothers, hired killers, navigate through a series of deals and betrayals as they track down a prospector with a secret formula.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Patrick deWitt and features an ensemble cast including John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix.


The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)
Description: This film details the infamous James-Younger Gang's botched bank robbery, which was essentially a deal gone wrong.
Fact: The film was one of the first to portray Jesse James in a less romanticized light.
