Summary
Plenty of Westerns came out in the 1980s, but some are more underrated than others. Western films often take on personalities of their own, with an incredibly wide range of story tropes that all fit under the genre. In this way, they offer something for everyone, even those who may not consider themselves fans.
More than other genres, Westerns are often heavily influenced by the period they are released in.The 1980s are said to be the worst decade for Westernsas far as earnings go, but that doesn’t discount the many interesting, action-packed films that came out at the time. From Western comedies likeRustlers' Rhapsodyto dramas likeHard Country, there are plenty of underrated Westerns of the ’80s that deserve a spot on your watch list.
The 25 Best Westerns Ever Made Ranked
The best Western movies of all time range from the likes of High Noon in the 1950s to The Revenant in the 2010s, but each one is timeless.
Directed By Fred Schepisi
Barbarosa’s appeal comes from how unexpected many of its elements may be to those who haven’t heard of the movie before. For one,it stars music icon Willie Nelsonas the title character, alongside Gary Busey as Karl Westover. That pairing is worth the price of admission alone, asBarabarosais quite different from what you’d probably expect from either of the two men.
Additionally, Fred Schepisi is not a typical American Western director. He actually comes from Australia and brings a fresh perspective to the genre as a result, withBarbarosahis first American movie. Schepisi’s other work also makes a pretty solid case for checking outBarbarosa. Though it’s one of his early films, he went on to direct plenty of other well-known and critically beloved features includingRoxannewith Steve Martin andSix Degrees of Separation, featuring Stockard Channing, Will Smith, and Donald Sutherland.
9Rustlers' Rhapsody (1985)
Directed By Hugh Wilson
Rustlers' Rhapsodystars Tom Berenger as Rex O’Herlihan, a good-natured singing cowboy who is taken from his usual surroundings and transported to a future of sorts. There, Rex has an awareness of the Western genre that others don’t. He often references traditional tropes, leading to some hilarious and deeply meta moments
Rustlers' Rhapsodyreceived largely negative reviews at the time it was released, perhaps because it is trying to do a lot – at once commenting on the genre while also trying to be a part of it. However, director Hugh Wilson’s fondness for Westerns shines through, and in many ways,it serves as a love letter to the classic filmsthat defined the genre several decades earlier. For those who feel Westerns take themselves too seriously at times,Rustlers' Rhapsody’s self-aware humor may be the perfect antidote.
Directed By Robert Day
The Quick and the Deadis a made-for-TV movie starring Sam Elliott as the main character, Con Vallian. The film has largely been forgotten, perhaps because it didn’t have a traditional theatrical release. Not helping matters: there are several movies with the same name, including 1995’sThe Quick and the Dead, which starred Sharon Stone and was directed by Sam Raimi.
Still, the 1987The Quick and the Deadis worth checking out. For one, with his deep voice and signature mustache,Elliott was practically made for the Western genreand, indeed, has starred in several films in that vein. It’s a joy to watch Elliott so at home in a story, and his take on Con Vallian is incredibly believable. While it’s understandable whyThe Quick and the Deadhas slipped under the radar, that should be rectified.
7Bronco Billy (1980)
Directed By Clint Eastwood
Like Elliott,Bronco Billydirector and starClint Eastwood is well-known for his work in Westerns. Between that and his extensive list of films in other genres, it’s a given that any Eastwood movie will have at least some merits. Still,Bronco Billydidn’t make much of a splash when it was released and has largely been forgotten since.
Beyond Eastwood’s involvement being a major selling point,Bronco Billyhas a fun meta qualitysimilar toRustlers' Rhapsody. Eastwood’s character is the leader of a Wild West Show that isn’t very successful, leading him to bring on an assistant played bySondra Locke. As both an actor and director, Eastwood makes the most of this premise, with his deep knowledge and appreciation for the Western genre shining through.Bronco Billyalso gives Eastwood one of his funniest roles, which makes it worth checking out.
6Comin' At Ya! (1981)
Directed By Ferdinando Baldi
Comin' At Yais not a very well-known Western, so many people today might not be familiar with it. However, the movie was a big deal when it first released due to the factit was made in 3-D. This was quite rare for the time period, andComin' At Yais credited with leading the charge for that style of film in the ’80s, with several other movies following suit in later years. It was also a bit unconventional to utilize 3-D in the Western genre.
For those reasons alone,Comin' At Yais worth watching. It serves as a fascinating evolution of filmmaking at the time as well as a look at what the Western genre was capable of when creatives thought outside the box. Of course, director Ferdinando Baldi was incredibly experienced at the time, asComin' At Yawas one of his final films. His confidence comes through in the movie’s direction and contributes to the project’s appeal.
5Hard Country (1981)
Directed By David Greene
Hard Countrytells the story of Jodie (Kim Basinger), an ambitious young woman who wishes to pursue her dreams. However, she has the realization that she can only do so if she moves out of Texas, and her boyfriend, Kyle (Jan-Michael Vincent), stops her from leaving. Despite director David Greene’s extensive filmography, not many people rememberHard Countrytoday.
Female-led Westerns were pretty rare in the ’80s, andHard Countryis worth watching for that reason alone. Notably, it’s also Basinger’s film debut, which provides another solid argument for checking it out. She’s gone on to have a massive career, starring in films likeBatmanand8 Mile, and it’s fun to look back on her very first role. In addition,Hard Countryhas a nice authenticity to it, bolstered by a performance from beloved country star Tanya Tucker.
4Cattle Annie and Little Britches (1981)
Directed By Lamont Johnson
Cattle Annie and Little Britchesfollows the two wild teenagers, Jennie and Cattle Annie, tracking their involvement with the Doolin-Dalton gang in a fairly inventive story. At the time the movie was released, some critics felt it had merits, celebrating the actors' performances in particular. However, the relatively mixed response, with few outright loving the film means it’s faded into obscurity in the years since it came out.
Still, critics made a good point about the actors – perhapsthe biggest draw is a 16-year-old Diane Laneand a similarly young Amanda Plummer, who show they’re more than capable of leading the film against their older cast members. LikeHard Country,Cattle Annie and Little Britchesis also a rare ’80s Western focused on young women and their ambitions. It doesn’t hurt that the movie is funny, too.
3The Man from Snowy River (1982)
Directed By George T. Miller
The Man from Snowy Riveris an Australian Western that was fairly well-received when it first came out. It was considered a box office success in its home country but is not as widely known in the United States. This is a shame, as it brings a lot to the table.
For one, it tells a beautiful and heartfelt story, focusing on Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson), who has lived his life on his father’s farm in the mountains. He travels to the lowlands after his father’s death to earn money to save the farm.Aside from that quality premise,The Man from Snowy Riverups the intrigue with itsinclusion of Kirk Douglas in a dual role. It lets the beloved actor show off his skills in a unique way and certainly adds to the argument thatThe Man from Snowy Riveris worth watching.
2Tom Horn
Directed By William Wiard
Tom Hornis a Western full of action that boasts an impressive cast including Steve McQueen, Linda Evans, Richard Farnsworth, Billy Green Bush, and Slim Pickens. The movie was not well-received upon its debut, and part of its appeal isn’t so much what happens on screen but rather the story behind it.
Tom Hornwas a notoriously tumultuous production, partly due to McQueen’s behavior. Several directors were brought in and then departed, and McQueen wanted to direct the film himself. Since the DGA did not allow this at the time, William Wiard was brought on instead. While Wiard was well-known for his work in TV,Tom Hornis a somewhat surprising blip in his career. At its core, the movieprovides a fascinating look at what happens when a lot of creatives are involved in a film and how that isn’t always for the best.
1Heaven’s Gate (1980)
Directed By Michael Cimino
Heaven’s Gateis a gritty western that follows James Averill, a Harvard graduate and sheriff in Jackson County, Wyoming. A battle soon begins between immigrants in poverty and the wealthy cattle farmers of the area who are politically connected to mercenary Nathan D. Champion. Despite this rich premise,Heaven’s Gatewas a box office bomb that also received universally negative reviews when it was released.
However, the movie has been reevaluated in recent years, and some are already starting to recognize its merits. For one,the cast is incredibly stacked, featuring Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, John Hurt, and Isabelle Huppert. This absolutely adds to the film’s appeal. Additionally,Heaven’s Gate’s culture clash, which also involves income inequality, remains prevalent today. Although not successful upon release, the epic western with romance, drama, and action is still worth looking back on.
