The vast frontier may have faded from living memory, but the spirit lives on in the form of movies and television, with the genre becoming increasingly popular in recent years. , in particular, is a goldmine for Westerns. While the platform is rightfully known for churning out buzzworthy TV series, it has also stocked up on Westerns to get accustomed to the changing tastes of audiences.

True fans of the genre know that it’s not just about six-shooter showdowns and sweeping backdrops; Westerns have evolved with time and filmmakers continue to subvert tropes and deliver movies across all mediums. This list looks at some overlooked epics on Netflix that pack a substantial amount of entertainment, as well as the grit and grandeur of the Old West.

When looking into American criminal history, few names loom larger than Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous outlaw duo whose bloody rampage across multiple states during the Great Depression became the subject of national curiosity. follows former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, who are pulled out of retirement for one last mission – to track down Bonnie and Clyde. They chase the criminals by relying on old-school detective work and sheer grit.

Directed with a moody, deliberate style by John Lee Hancock, The Highwaymen is unlike other Bonnie and Clyde movies. It shifts the focus from their trail to the men hunting them and offers a grounded, slow-burn thriller that highlights the toll of law enforcement in an era when outlaws were glorified. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson deliver nuanced performances as the weary lawmen grappling with their own morality amidst the violence surrounding them.

Based on the true story of Montford T. Johnson, played incredibly well by Martin Sensmeier, tells the story of a determined Chickasaw cattleman who builds a ranching empire along the Chisholm Trail despite facing many hardships. From prejudice and land disputes to the looming threat of war, he navigates the brutal frontier as his life depends on it and stays true to his heritage.

Frontier stories are either about unbridled violence or unbelievable grit. This one is about the latter. With resilience and patience, Montford fights against oppression and betrayal to carve out his legacy in the American West. The movie itself, directed by Nathan Frankowski, detaches itself from known tropes like gunfights and opts for a more intimate, character-driven approach. Sensmeier’s performance, paired with that of Dermot Mulroney and Tommy Flanagan, shines light on an overlooked chapter of history.

Set in 1851, follows the notorious outlaw duo of Eli and Charlie Sisters as they pursue a prospector named Hermann Warm, who holds a secret formula for gold extraction. Along the way, they team up with an ally, John Morris, and their mission takes an unexpected turn, which forces them to confront their own fractured brotherhood and the shifts in the Western landscape.

Jacques Audiard’s movie is definitely underrated, but it deserves a watch for several reasons. The movie unfolds at an interesting pace, blending dark humor and violence while defying genre expectations at every turn. It’s also visually stunning and emotionally complex, with John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix sharing a magnetic chemistry. Despite strong performances, the movie struggled at the box office and did not find a mainstream audience.

Caleb McLaughlin’s first leading role in a feature film, after gaining fame for playing Lucas Sinclair in Netflix’s Stranger Things, sees him as a fifteen-year-old Cole, who is sent to live with his estranged father in North Philadelphia. Struggling to fit in, he ends up discovering a vibrant community of Black cowboys and learns more about their rich tradition and of horseback riding. Cole grows closer with his father and the local riders and finds a new sense of belonging.

Unlike traditional Westerns, by introducing an urban environment and having the main character learn new ways, embrace an unfamiliar life, and leave his previous path of rebellion behind. Director Ricky Staub delivers a movie that is thought-provoking, uplifting, and lesser-known. Its themes of family, culture, heritage, and redemption are at the center of the narrative, with Idris Elba and McLaughlin’s father-son duo delivering truly praiseworthy performances.

Originally titled O Matador, is a Brazilian Western written and directed by Marcelo Galvão. It takes place in the lawless badlands of early 20th-century Brazil, through the eyes of Shaggy, an assassin who was raised in isolation by a bandit named Seven Ears. When the bandit disappears, Shaggy takes it upon himself to venture into town and look for him. He ends up in a place ruled by Seven Ears’ previous employer, the tyrannical Monsieur Blanchard.

Galvão’s underrated Western . The lush cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the Brazilian landscape, while the complex narrative delves into themes of identity and revenge. Diogo Morgado is a graceful lead who adds to the movie’s appeal. And yet, The Killer remains underappreciated outside Brazil.

is a heartfelt documentary that revolves around Robin Wiltshire, a famous horse trainer who turned his life around after finding peace and purpose in the iconography of Hollywood Westerns. Robin grew up with a troubled past, but after he discovered the art of horse training, his life transformed for good. The movie chronicles his journey from childhood to becoming a renowned horse trainer for movies and TV.

Directed by Tyler Greco, My Heroes Were Cowboys . It is a movie about passion and dedication, about one man’s quest to find meaning through his love for horses. The gorgeous cinematography and the touching tone highlight Robin’s journey and his deep bond with his horses. The short runtime does nothing to diminish the timeless spirit of the West.

Directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary and starring Harshvardhan Kapoor in the lead role, transports you to the desolate Thar Desert of Rajasthan. It follows Siddharth, a mysterious antique dealer, who arrives in a remote village plagued by brutal killings, and crosses paths with veteran cop Surekha Singh, who has been diligently investigating these murders. Soon, Surekha realizes that Siddharth is seeking to avenge a personal tragedy.

Thar is a visually striking and criminally underrated movie on Netflix.. The ominous landscapes and the reflections into each character’s psyche create a haunting atmosphere until the very end, when a simmering showdown occurs. Anil Kapoor and Fatima Sana Shaikh deliver magnetic performances opposite Harshvardhan’s standout lead. Although somewhat predictable, Thar deserves recognition for its dialogue, cinematography, and tense action.

Before their recent resurgence, Westerns went out of mainstream popularity decades ago, and yet, certain modern stories continue to stand out because of their reimagining of conventional tropes that make the genre so beloved. is one such tale of Nat Law, an outlaw seeking revenge against Rufus Buck, who murdered his parents. When he discovers that Buck is being released from prison, Love assembles a gang of outlaws to take him and his ruthless gang down.

Unlike other films on the list, The Harder Than Fall is filled with shootouts, betrayals, and a climactic showdown that neatly wraps the tense plot twists. Under Jeymes Samuel’s careful direction, and with a predominantly Black cast, . Magnetic performances from Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, and more, elevate the story to new standards, almost making it feel like a Sergio Leone classic.

follows the titular disgraced one-eyed U.S. Marshal, played by John Wayne, as he tries to find redemption from his violent past by stopping a group of bank robbers. Rooster finds a surprise ally in Eula Goodnight (Katharine Hepburn), whose father was killed by the gang, and a young indigenous boy whose family was also victimized by the gang.

is unlikely to make the 'best of' list of any Western fans of the iconic John Wayne. However,. This pairing allowed John Wayne to present a softer side of himself in his performance. At the same time, the movie still has those action sequences and beautiful visions of the Western landscape that will please fans of the genre.

The Rodrigo Prieto-directed film follows Juan Preciado, who travels to the ghost town of Comala to fulfill his dying mother’s request to confront his estranged father, the tyrannical Pedro Páramo. Here, he encounters ghosts of the past that show him his father's brutal past, which leads Juan to struggle with his family's legacy. As the pieces are put together, Juan witnesses his father's downfall.

Pedro Páramo stretches the definition of Western. Incorporating aspects of Charro aesthetics to immerse viewers in a familiar genre timeline, the movie is a mix of drama, fantasy, horror, and magical realism. The result is a unique, artistic experience that will sweep viewers up or leave them scratching their heads. Regardless, the movie offers a chilling depiction of brutality complemented by moments of lush beauty, making for a unique experience.