Top 10 Western Career Films

Description: A group of gunmen are hired to protect a small Mexican village from bandits. Their careers as mercenaries and their personal growth are central to the film's narrative.

Fact: The film was a remake of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai." It was one of the first Westerns to feature a diverse cast.

Description: This film explores the myth-making and the reality behind the career of a man who becomes a legend for killing a notorious outlaw, delving into themes of truth, justice, and the American Dream.

Fact: John Ford's last great Western, it features a famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."

Description: The film chronicles the lives of two outlaws, focusing on their career as bank and train robbers, their friendship, and their eventual flight to Bolivia.

Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Original Screenplay.

Description: This epic tells the story of a mysterious harmonica-playing stranger and his involvement in the land grab of the Old West, highlighting the rise and fall of various characters' careers.

Fact: Sergio Leone's masterpiece was initially a box office disappointment but has since been recognized as one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

Description: This film follows an aging group of outlaws as they plan one last big heist, reflecting on their careers and the changing times that threaten their way of life.

Fact: Known for its graphic violence, it was one of the first films to depict the end of the Old West era. It was also Sam Peckinpah's most famous work.

Description: Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer, turns to a life of vengeance and eventually leadership after his family is murdered. His career as an outlaw and then a leader of a diverse group of outcasts is central to the narrative.

Fact: This was one of the first films to be released in the U.S. with a PG rating. It was also one of the first Westerns to explore themes of Native American rights.

Description: This film follows William Munny, a retired outlaw turned farmer, who is lured back into his old ways by a bounty. It's a study in the career trajectory of a gunslinger, showing the harsh realities of a life defined by violence and the quest for redemption.

Fact: Clint Eastwood won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The film was also nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four.

Description: Focused on Wyatt Earp's later career as a lawman, this film captures his legendary showdown at the O.K. Corral, highlighting his struggle to maintain law and order while dealing with personal demons.

Fact: Val Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday is often cited as one of the best performances in the film. The movie was originally intended to be directed by Kevin Jarre, but he was replaced by George P. Cosmatos.

Description: This film delves into the complex relationship between Jesse James, a notorious outlaw, and Robert Ford, his young admirer who ultimately kills him. It's a poignant exploration of fame, betrayal, and the career of an assassin.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Canada and the U.S., using a mix of real and recreated historical settings. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck received widespread acclaim for their performances.

Description: A young girl hires the tough, aging U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down her father's murderer. The film showcases Cogburn's career as a lawman, his methods, and his personal code.

Fact: Jeff Bridges was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Rooster Cogburn. The film was a remake of the 1969 film of the same name.