"The Great Train Robbery" (1903)
The clerk at the train station is assaulted and tied up by four men, who then rob the train, taking all the money and shooting a passenger while attempting to run away. A little girl discovers the clerk and notifies the sheriff who, along with his men, sets off after the robbers. The film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1990.

"In Old Arizona" (1929)
The first major sound Western, director Raoul Walsh not only incorporated dialogue in this film, but he also went to great lengths to record outdoor sounds. The film is also significant for its introduction of music as an integral part of the Western. Warren Baxter won the Best Actor Oscar for this film. It also received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Irving Cummings), Best Cinematography (Arthur Edeson) and Best Writing, Achievement (Tom Barry and Winfield R. Sheehan).

"Cimarron" (1931)
The most successful Western epic of the early sound era, "Cimarron" won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Screenplay and Art Direction and received nominations for director (Wesley Ruggles), cinematography (Edward Cronjager), actor (Richard Dix), and actress (Irene Dunne). The film depicts the tumultuous opening of the Oklahoma Territory and the years leading up to statehood. Although somewhat dated by contemporary standards, the film features some wonderful outdoor sequences (particularly an impressive land rush sequence).

"Viva Villa" (1934)
In this fictionalized biography, young Pancho Villa (Wallace Beery) takes to the hills after killing an overseer to avenge his father's death. A fortuitous meeting with visionary Francisco Madero transforms Villa from an avenging bandit to a revolutionary general. As 'La Cucaracha,' plays in the background his armies thunder across Mexico. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Screenplay, and Sound and won the Oscar for Best Assistant Director (John Waters). Trivia buffs will be interested to note that although Jack Conway gets solo credit as the primary director for this film, the material shot in Mexico was directed by Howard Hawks.

"Ruggles of Red Gap" (1935)
When an American couple touring Europe teaches an English nobleman the finer points of poker, he ends up losing his valet to them. The clash of cultures that results when they bring the butler back to the wild west to gentrify their image is hysterical. The film is a hoot and features a classic performance from Charles Laughton, as Ruggles, the valet. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.

"Destry Rides Again" (1939)
Marlene Dietrich and Jimmy Stewartstar in this definitive version of the classic western. The story is a familiar one -- an unimposing man who doesn't carry a gun seeks to bring order to a rough, lawless town. This film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1996. The film featured a career reviving performance from Marlene Dietrich as Frenchie the chanteuse. Her performance in this picture was probably the inspiration for Madeline Kahn's character, Lili Von Schtupp in Blazing Saddles.

"Stagecoach" (1939)
A classic western, Stagecoach was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1995. True connoisseurs of the Western film genre were undoubtedly not surprised by this, as the film is a frequent choice for critics' top ten lists. The film received multiple nominations and Academy Awards. It was nominated for Best Picture (Walter Wanger), Best Director (John Ford), Best Art Direction (Alexander Toluboff), Best Cinematography (Bert Glennon), Best Film Editing Otho Lovering and Dorothy Spencer). It won the Academy Award for Best Musical Score and Best Supporting Actor for Thomas Mitchell as the drunken town doctor.

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"The Ox-Bow Incident" (1943)
Two cowboys, Gil Carter (Henry Fonda) and Art Croft (Henry Morgan), are passing through a Western town when news comes in that a local farmer has been murdered and his cattle stolen. The townspeople, joined by the two, form a posse to catch the perpetrators. When they find three men in possession of the cattle, they are determined to see justice done on the spot. A classic psychological western, the film's darkness (which was augmented by the stylized sets) is further enhanced by its eloquent plea for justice and understanding. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

"My Darling Clementine" (1946)
This superior retelling of the saga of the Shoot-out at the OK Corral features outstanding performances by the redoubtable Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, Victor Mature as Doc Holliday and Walter Brennan as Old Man Clanton. The film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1991.

"Duel in the Sun" (1946)
Long a critics' favorite, the film received two Academy Award nominations, one for Best Actress (Jennifer Jones) and one for Best Supporting Actress (Lillian Gish). This story of Pearl Chevez (Jones, in an extraordinary performance), a half-breed who goes to live her distant relatives in Texas beautifully depicts the escalation of already existing family tensions which are exacerbated by her presence.

"Pursued" (1947)
Robert Mitchum is convincing in this atypical role, a sympathetic character, as a rancher haunted by an unknown event from the past that makes him the blood enemy of the people he loves. Although the setting is the Old West, director Raoul Walsh's unusual structure is pure film noir.

"Fort Apache" (1948)
John Ford's premeditated embellishment of the Custer myth is a classic example of Hollywood's reinterpretation of the mythic American West. In Ford's capable hands the Cavalry becomes a symbolic representation of an idealized America, a place where all previous disagreements are effectively put aside in order to achieve a common purpose or good, in this case the protection of the frontier. Although the film's heroes are ultimately defeated, the message is undeniably positive. The film's all star cast features John Wayne as Captain Kirby York, Henry Fonda as Lieutenant Colonel Owen Thursday, and Shirley Temple as Philadelphia Thursday.

"She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" (1949)
This critical favorite invariably shows up on people's top ten Westerns lists. This film was actually the second in John Ford's trilogy about the American Cavalry. John Wayne turns in a compelling performance as Captain Nathan Brittles, experiencing emotional conflict on the verge his impending retirement. The stress escalates when he receives his final orders - to take out a last patrol to stop an imminent Indian attack. The film won the Oscar for Best Color Cinematography (Winton C. Hoch).

"Red River" (1948)
Another critical favorite, Howard Hawks' "Red River" is a quintessential Western. Not only does the film feature John Wayne and Walter Brennan in classic cowboy mode, it also boasts a first-class story line - the first cattle drive down the Chisholm Trail. Replete with familial conflict (Wayne is at his best here turning in a complex characterization that is simultaneously atypical and mesmerizing) that focuses on a father son conflict that makes Captain Bligh and Fletcher Christian look like rookies. The film, which was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1990, was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Film Editing (Christian Nyby), and Best Writing (Borden Chase).

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"Winchester 73" (1950)
In a marksmanship contest, Lin McAdam (Jimmy Stewart) wins an extremely valuable Winchester rifle, which is immediately stolen by the runner-up, Dutch Henry Brown (Stephen McNally), who coincidentally, murdered McAdam's father. Throughout the course of the film the gun passes through many hands, with all the owners of the weapon considering it to be their prized possession. It is more than a little ironic that virtually all of them meets a violent death soon after acquiring it. McAdam and Brown chase each other and the gun throughout the film, until a final climactic showdown and shoot-out on a rocky mountain precipice. The film is notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which was its exceptional cinematography (William H. Daniels), and the fact that it facilitated the great revival of westerns in the 1950s. Watch for the novel casting of Rock Hudson as the Indian chief, Little Bull. Directed by Anthony Mann and Fritz Lang (some scenes - uncredited).

"Wagon Master" (1950)
John Ford's sweeping saga of the settlement of the wild West features an all star cast including Ben Johnson (Travis Blue), Joanne Dru (Denver), Harry Carey Jr. (Sandy), Ward Bond (Elder Wiggs), James Arness (Floyd Clegg), and Jim Thorpe (Navajo).

"High Noon" (1952)
A must see movie, "High Noon" is one of the best psychological Westerns ever produced. The story begins as Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) is preparing to marry Amy (Grace Kelly), a Quaker who's non-violent beliefs seem to conflict with his law and order past. As the couple prepares to leave they are informed that Kane's old nemesis, Frank Miller is arriving in town on the noon train intent on exacting his revenge on Kane for sending him to prison. Kane feels unable to leave the town without a marshal and stays over the protests of his wife. The townspeople turn their backs on him, fearing retribution.
Films are often a reflection of the societies in which they are made and "High Noon" is certainly a case in point. The movie is a scathing indictment of Hollywood's response to the McCarthy hearings and the resulting black listing of numerous Hollywood performers and crew members.
The film won numerous Academy Awards, Best Actor (Gary Cooper), Best Film Editing (Harry W. Gerstad and Elmo Williams), Best Music, Scoring (Dmitri Tiomkin), Best Music, Song (Dmitri Tiomkin (music), Ned Washington (lyrics) - For the song "High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin')". It also received multiple nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Fred Zinnemann), and Best Screenplay (Carl Foreman). The film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1989.

"Rancho Notorious" (1952)
Directed by master film maker Fritz Lang, "Rancho Notorious" is based on Silvia Richards's novel, Gunsight Whitman Vern Haskell (Arthur Kennedy), an agreeable rancher, sets out to avenge his fiancé's death when she is murdered during a robbery. His revenge leads him to Chuck-a-luck, Altar Keane's (Marlene Dietrich) ranch established to conceal criminals, where he encounters more than he bargained for. The film features a notable cast including Mel Ferrer (Frenchy Fairmont), Gloria Henry (Beth Forbes), William Frawley (Baldy Gunder), and Jack Elam (Geary).

"Shane" (1953)
Shane: "A gun is a tool, Marion, no better or no worse than any other tool, an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that." George Stevens' meticulous exercise in myth making is as visually stunning as it is emotionally moving. What can I say -- a boy, his dog, his loving family and the man he worships. Rent it - in letterbox as soon as possible. The film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography (Loyal Griggs) and received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (George Stevens), Best Supporting Actor (for both Brandon De Wilde and Jack Palance) and Best Screenplay (A.B. Guthrie Jr.). The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1993.

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"Johnny Guitar" (1954)
Based on Roy Chanslor's novel Johnny Guitar, Director Nicholas Ray (Rebel Without a Cause), this is the story of a cowboy who packs a guitar instead of a pistol and believes that "when you boil it all down, all a man needs is a good smoke and a cup of coffee."

"Bad Day at Black Rock" (1955)
Spencer Tracy leads a first-rate cast that includes Robert Ryan, Anne Frances, Dean Jager, Walter Brennan, Ernest Borgnine, and Lee Marvin in this suspenseful contemporary western. Tracy turns in an impressive performance as a one-armed visitor to a small town who unwittingly exposes a local secret, which places him in impending danger. Directed by John Sturges ( "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral", "The Old Man and the Sea" and "The Magnificent Seven") the film is an exhilarating study of mob mentality and the courage required to oppose it. The film received three Academy Award nominations for Best Director (John Sturges), Best Actor (Spencer Tracy), and Best Screenplay (Millard Kaufman).

"The Searchers" (1956)
John Ford's classic Western is a remarkable fable of all that was good and bad about the American West. The film depicts a frontier that served alternately as spawning ground for codes of honor and moral depravity. John Wayne turns in an exemplary performance as an Indian fighter so twisted by hatred that he is plunged over the edge when his brother's family is massacred and of his niece is captured by a warring tribe. The film reportedly inspired Martin Scorcese's Taxi Driver. The film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1989.

"Gunfight at the OK Corral" (1957)
One of the best depiction's (My Darling Clementine not withstanding) of the infamous gunfight between Doc Holliday-Wyatt Earp and the Clanton gang. The film features Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming, Earl Holliman , Dennis Hopper and DeForest Kelley. The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Film Editing (Warren Low) and Best Sound (George Dutton).

"Run of the Arrow" (1957)
This precursor to Dances With Wolves features Rod Steiger as a soldier who has become disgusted by the Civil War who eventually finds love and redemption among a Sioux tribe. The most accessible of director Samuel Fuller's westerns, the film features a sympathetic treatment of the Indians, who are seen as cultured rather than primitive.

"310 to Yuma" (1957)
A rancher, Dan Evans (Van Heflin), agrees to take a captured outlaw, Ben Wade (Glenn Ford), to Yuma for trial. In return, he will receive the money he needs to obtain the water and supplies he needs to care for his drought stricken land. This psychological western beautifully contrasts Ford's likable but lethal scoundrel with Heflin's disturbed farmer who can not comprehend the failure of his society to take its social responsibilities seriously.

"Man of the West" (1958)
Director Anthony Mann's most ambitious film and is almost Shakespearean in nature. Link Jones (Gary Cooper) must kill his father, Dock Tobin (Lee J. Cobb) or become him, he has no other options. All of the film's characters are stripped of all but their elemental natures. The film's climactic ending is of biblical proportions, featuring an explosive confrontation between Cooper and Cobb. Watch for Julie London as Billie Ellis and Jack London and John Dehner as Coopers brothers.

"Rio Bravo" (1959)
The western was never more fun! Howard Hawks directs John Wayne (John T. Chance), Dean Martin (Dude), Ricky Nelson (Colorado), and Walter Brennan (Stumpy) as a marshal and his deputies waiting for the jail to be stormed. Mostly, they just sit around and bicker - which is the best part.

"The Alamo" (1960)
At times this film's patriotism is overwhelming, at one point John Wayne's character remarks "Republic, I like the sound of that word." None the less, the film's strong cast and dramatic situation make for enjoyable viewing. Although he is uncredited, Wayne was ably assisted by John Ford and second unit director Cliff Lyons. The film only won one Academy Award (Best Sound - Fred Hynes and Gordon Sawyer) It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Cinematography (William H. Clothier), Best Film Editing (Stuart Gilmore), Best Musical Score (Dmitri Tiomkin), Best Song (Dmitri Tiomkin and Paul Francis Webster - For the song "The Green Leaves of Summer"), Best Supporting Actor (Chill Wills)

"The Magnificent Seven" (1960)
This highly influential Western was actually an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's classic film, "Seven Samurai" (1952). The film presents us with a group of professionals who come together to support an impossible cause as a method of displaying their talents. This identification of a character with a specific skill / talent became a central element in "Spaghetti Westerns". It is the film's cameo performances that that made it so successful. John Sturges directs an all star cast including Yul Brynner (Chris Adams), Eli Wallach(Calvera), Steve McQueen (Vin), Charles Bronson (Bernardo O'Reilly), Robert Vaughn(Lee), Brad Dexter (Harry Luck), and James Coburn (Britt). The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Musical Score (Elmer Bernstein)

"Heller in Pink Tights" (1960)
George Cukor directs this story of a theatrical troupe traveling through the Old West. A delightful romantic comedy the film is loosely based on the career of Adah Isaacs Menken who brought the culture of the footlights to the frontier in the mid to late 1800's. Cuckor and screenwriter Dudley Nichols devote most of their time to creating loving portraits of the social misfits that make up the troupe. Sophia Loren and Anthony Quinn star in this adaptation of the Louis L'Amour, novel, Heller With A Gun.

"One-Eyed Jacks" (1961)
Marlon Brando directs himself (not to mention a slew of classic character actors in this story of familial retribution. Charles Lang received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Cinematography for his work on this picture.

"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962)
Director John Ford's blistering expose is a biting satire of the lies that have become accepted as the history of the West. The film takes a scathing look at the price America paid in turning the wild west into the garden of civilization. John Wayne stars as Tom Doniphon, a loner whose violent actions become the legendary cornerstone in the career of a crooked politician (James Stewart).

"Ride the High Country" (1962)
Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott star in their final major film (Scott never made another one), a classic western that made Sam Peckinpah famous. The film contrasts the embittered Puritanism and idealism of McCrea against the worldly pragmatism of Scott. The plot of the film is unimportant, as the real heart of this narrative is its characters, who are captivating. The film was inducted into National Film Registry in 1992.

"How the West was Won" (1963)
This sweeping saga of the old west includes everyone who was anyone in Hollywood. The film is a sprawling epic that depicts the development of the West throughout the adventures of one family. The film is notable if only because it was the first to use the Cinerama system. The film won 3 Academy Awards, for Best Film Editing (Harold F. Kress), Best Sound (Franklin Milton), Best Original Screenplay (James R. Webb) and was nominated for five others Best Picture, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Music, Score. The film was added to the National Registry in 1997.

"Cheyenne Autumn" (1964)
John Ford's last western was a sprawling history of the Cheyenne Nation's 1,500-mile pilgrimage from the desert Southwest to their northern native land. The film features numerous excellent performances, particularly by Richard Widmark, Carroll Baker, Karl Malden, and Edward G. Robinson. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography, Color (William H. Clothier)

"Cat Ballou" (1965)
When Cat Balou's family farm is threatened with destruction by the railroad, she recruits the legendary gunfighter Kid Shelleen, to help her defend it -- only to discover that he is probably the drunkest gunfighter in the West. When her father is murdered by the railroad mogul's hired killer, she turns outlaw to avenge her father's murder. Jane Fondasparkles in the lead role in this wonderful western spoof, but it's Lee Marvin who walked away with an Oscar for his performance in dual roles as the film's villain and the washed-up, alcoholic gunman who is forced out of retirement to hunt him down.

"Sons of Katie Elder, The" (1965)
When the Elder boys return to Clearwater, Texas for their mother's funeral. They discover that their father has been murdered and that, prior to her death, their mother Katie was swindled out of the family ranch. It is at this point that the four sons determine to seek vengeance. The film stars John Wayne, Dean Martin, Earl Holliman, and Michael Anderson Jr. as the Elder brothers.

"The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" (1966)
No list of suggested westerns would be complete without at least one classic spaghetti western. And no list of spaghetti westerns would be complete without the inclusion of at least one film from the master of that genre, Sergio Leone. "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" or "Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il," as it was known in Italy, is one of Leone's best and stars the best known of all of the stars of this sub-genre, Clint Eastwood as The Man With No Name. The film also boasts a marvelously memorable score by Ennio Morricone. The film is Sergio Leone at his violent best as he chronicles the story of three former enemies who have now become untrustworthy allies in their quest to recover a hidden payroll at the conclusion of the Civil War.

"Support Your Local Sheriff" (1968)
An excellent comedy-western starring James Garner who, when he passes through an unruly town temporarily takes the job of sheriff. Garner is delightful, and it's a pleasure to watch him handle the town's gunfighters with ease. Jack Elam, Harry Morgan, Walter Brennan, and Bruce Dern are all wonderful in supporting roles.

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969)
The film won four Academy Awards including Best Cinematography (Conrad L. Hall), Best Original Score (Burt Bacharach), Best Song (Burt Bacharach and Hal David - For the song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"), and Best Original Screenplay (William Goldman). It also received additional nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (George Roy Hill), and Best Sound (David Dockendorf and William E. Edmondson).

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"True Grit" (1969)
John Wayne received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the crusty, hard drinking federal marshal named Rooster Cogburn in this saga of revenge in the old West. The film also stars Kim Darby as Mattie Ross the young woman who recruits Cogburn and La Boeuf (Glen Campbell ) to help her avenge her father's death.

"The Wild Bunch" (1969)
Director Sam Peckinpah's violently existential western launched the beginning of what some film historians have come to call the esthetic of violence. A landmark in film making, this film became one of the most controversial in history and features memorable performances from William Holden, and Ernest Borgnine. The film was nominated for Best Music (Jerry Fielding) and Best Screenplay (Walon Green, Sam Peckinpah, and Roy N. Sickner)

"The Cheyenne Social Club" (1970)
A cowpoke (James Stewart) inherits a Wyoming social club that turns out to be a notorious house of ill repute. Directed by Gene Kelly, the film also features stellar performances by Henry Fonda, and Shirley Jones.

"Little Big Man" (1970)
Dustin Hoffman is nothing short of marvelous as the 121-year-old Jack Crabbe who, during the course of the film, recounts his experiences with General George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickock, and relates how he was captured and raised by Indians. Director Arthur Penn manages to infuse this epic western with both comedy and touches of drama. This would never have been possible without the film's perfect cast that includes Faye Dunaway, Chief Dan George, and Martin Balsam. Chief Dan George earned Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.

"McCabe and Mrs. Miller" (1971)
Robert Altman directs this revisionist western and Warren Beatty stars as McCabe, a gunfighter attempting to retire to a dingy mining town running a whorehouse. Mrs. Miller (Julie Christie) is the woman he wants to run it for him. Christie is wonderful in this film and received a much deserved Best Actress nomination for her role.

"The Great American Cowboy" (1973)
This Academy Award winner for best documentary was directed by Kieth Merrill and narrated by Joel McCrea.

"Blazing Saddles" (1974)
The most politically incorrect film ever, and possibly the funniest. Mel Brooks rips racism (and the western genre) to shreds when a black sheriff (Cleavon Little) comes to defend a town of Howard Johnsons from invaders. Gene Wilder is The Waco Kid and Madeline Kahn (Lili Von Shtupp) does a wicked spoof of Marlene Dietrich.

"The Outlaw Josey Whales" (1976)
Prior to the Civil War, Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) was content to cultivate his land and care for his devoted wife and son. Unfortunately, a wandering gang of renegades stumbles onto his farm, eventually looting and destroying his home and brutally slaying his wife and child. With everything that he ever loved now gone, he reclaims his gun and devotes himself to vengeance. The film is less about Josey's revenge than it is about his eventual healing and redemption.

"Dances With Wolves" (1990)
This film revitalized (or at least re-popularized) the Western while simultaneously cleaning up at the Academy Awards. The movie won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Kevin Costner), Best Cinematography (Dean Semler), Best Film Editing (Neil Travis), Best Music, Original Score (John Barry), Best Sound (Bill W. Benton, Jeffrey Perkins, Gregory H. Watkins, and Russell Williams), and Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Michael Blake).Lt. John Dunbar (Costner) attains hero status after he inadvertently leads Union troops to a victory during the Civil War. He is subsequently posted to a remote outpost in the wilderness in the Dakota Territory where he encounters a wolf he names "Two-socks" and the local Sioux tribe who name him "Dances with Wolves" because of his relationship with this animal. He eventually earns the respect of these native people and repudiates the white man's ways. The film features stellar performances from Kevin Costner (aa) as Lieutenant Dunbar, Mary McDonnell (aa) as Stands With a Fist, Graham Greene (aa) as Kicking Bird and Rodney A. Grant as Wind in His Hair.

"Unforgiven" (1992)
Clint Eastwood got justice (and an Oscar) with this stirring return to his western glory days. The cast is outstanding (Gene Hackman turns in one of his most human performances ever) and the message is surprisingly anti-violent. The film received numerous Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Clint Eastwood), Best Film Editing (Joel Cox), and Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman) as well as numerous additional nominations including those for Best Actor (Clint Eastwood), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Janice Blackie-Goodine, Henry Bumstead), Best Cinematography (Jack N. Green), Best Sound, and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (David Webb Peoples).

"Tombstone" (1993)
Tombstone is an extremely photogenic tale of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp's tenure in the shoot-'em-up town of Tombstone, Arizona. Of course, the film chronicles the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral - this is, after all, Tombstone we are talking about - and this is a well handled sequence. The film features plenty of gun play and an all star cast including Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and a cast of credible supporting players. But the film belongs to Val Kilmer who turns in a mesmerizing performance as the sickly acerbic Doc Holliday (he should have been nominated for an Academy Award). All in all a solid contemporary western full of the extraordinary cinematography and lethal action that modern audiences have come to expect.