- The Gunfighter (1950)
- The Left Handed Gun (1958)
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
- The Missouri Breaks (1976)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- The Professionals (1966)
- The Informant (2013)
- The Appaloosa (1966)
The Wild West, a time of lawlessness and adventure, often featured characters who walked the fine line between loyalty and betrayal. This curated list of 10 Western films focuses on informants, those who navigate the treacherous waters of trust and deceit. These films not only entertain but also provide a unique perspective on the moral complexities of the era, making them a must-watch for fans of both Westerns and intricate storytelling.

The Gunfighter (1950)
Description: A legendary gunfighter becomes an informant to escape his past, only to find that his reputation follows him.
Fact: Gregory Peck's performance was praised for its depth, portraying a man weary of his own legend.


The Left Handed Gun (1958)
Description: Billy the Kid's story is reimagined with him as an informant, leading to his tragic end.
Fact: Paul Newman's portrayal of Billy the Kid was one of his early roles, showcasing his versatility.


The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: A lawyer becomes an informant to protect a town from an outlaw, leading to a legendary tale of heroism and truth.
Fact: The film's famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend," has become a cultural touchstone.


The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: Cable Hogue, after being left to die, becomes an informant to exact revenge, turning the tables on his former partners.
Fact: Sam Peckinpah directed this film, which is often considered one of his more personal works.


The Missouri Breaks (1976)
Description: A tale of a cattle rustler who becomes an informant to save his life, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with a relentless regulator.
Fact: This film marks one of the few collaborations between Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson.


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: While not strictly about an informant, Josey Wales becomes an informant of sorts, sharing information to survive and seek justice.
Fact: Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this film, which became one of his most iconic roles.


The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: Robert Ford's betrayal of Jesse James makes him an informant of sorts, leading to one of the most infamous acts in Western history.
Fact: The film was critically acclaimed for its cinematography and performances, particularly by Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.


The Professionals (1966)
Description: A group of mercenaries, including an informant, are hired to rescue a woman from a revolutionary, showcasing the complexities of loyalty.
Fact: The film was one of the first to feature a diverse cast in a Western setting.


The Informant (2013)
Description: Set in the late 19th century, this film follows a former outlaw turned informant, who must navigate his past and present to bring down a notorious gang.
Fact: The film was shot in authentic Western locations, providing a gritty realism to the setting.


The Appaloosa (1966)
Description: A man's quest to retrieve his stolen horse leads him to become an informant against a ruthless bandit.
Fact: The film features Marlon Brando in one of his lesser-known but critically acclaimed roles.
