The Western genre has always been synonymous with, sweeping narratives that leave an audience captivated for hours. Some of the best Westerns feature grand cinematography, slow-burning tension, and generational storytelling that can’t be wrapped up in a typical 90-minute runtime. From extraordinary Western characters and their development to the complex moral dilemmas that usually form the basis of the plot, longer Westerns can create an immersive experience that goes beyond a simple film.
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Westerns like Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves need to break down intense conflicts and show the tentative bonding experience of Native Americans and a Union soldier in a beautiful, contemplative work. Other iconic Westerns, like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, pack in action throughout the film, with moments of contemplation and reflection only heightening the tension. Whether it’s a thought-provoking masterpiece or an explosive, epic battle, Westerns over three hours generally mean it’s a film that must be given undivided attention.
10 Heaven’s Gate (1980) – 219 minutes
Starring Kris Kristofferson And Christopher Walken
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Heaven’s Gate RWesternAdventureDrama
Sheriff James Averill tries to protect immigrant farmers from wealthy cattle barons in 1890s Wyoming. Conflict intensifies as Averill and a mercenary, Nathan Champion, both vie for the affection of Ella Watson, a local madam. The escalating tensions culminate in a brutal battle that questions their roles and the harsh realities of the American frontier.
Director Michael Cimino Release Date November 18, 1980 Studio(s) Partisan Productions Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Michael Cimino Cast Kris Kristofferson , Christopher Walken , John Hurt , Sam Waterston , Brad Dourif , Isabelle Huppert , Jeff Bridges , Joseph Cotten Runtime 219 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
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Famed director Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate is one of the most controversial and infamous films of his career. The film’s plot is loosely based on the Johnson County War, set in 1890s Wyoming, and follows the dispute between the wealthy land-owning elite and European immigrants in an epic tale of class struggles, resilience, and fierce resistance to perceived tyranny. Kris Kristofferson stars as a wealthy Marshal who helps the immigrant settlers in their epic battle, which is full of brutality and bloodshed from start to finish.
Related 10 Non-Violent Westerns That Are Still Fantastic
Though the Western genre is well known for including many violent scenes, there are many fantastic films that take a non-violent approach.
Famously, the production of Heaven’s Gate was marred with disasters and controversies, with multiple setbacks, huge cost overruns, scenes needing to be reshot, and rumors of a mismanaged and unhappy set. The film went almost four times over its budget, which might help explain the extra footage and lengthy runtime that pushes 219 minutes. Though at the time of release, the film was widely panned and criticized, in recent years, it has found more critical success.
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9 Wyatt Earp (1994) – 191 minutes
Starring Kevin Costner And Dennis Quaid
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12 7.3/10 Wyatt Earp (1994) PG-13WesternDramaActionAdventure
Wyatt Earp (1994) is a biographical Western film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Costner as the legendary lawman. The film chronicles Wyatt Earp’s life, focusing on his relationships with his brothers and his role in iconic events such as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The cast includes Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday and Gene Hackman as Nicholas Earp, providing a comprehensive exploration of Earp’s complex legacy.
Director Lawrence Kasdan Release Date June 24, 1994 Writers Lawrence Kasdan , Dan Gordon Cast Kevin Costner , Dennis Quaid , Gene Hackman , Jeff Fahey , Mark Harmon , Michael Madsen , Catherine O’Hara , Bill Pullman , Isabella Rossellini , Tom Sizemore , JoBeth Williams , Mare Winningham Runtime 190 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
In one of director Lawrence Kasdan’s finest works, Wyatt Earp sees Kevin Costner masterfully portray the titular character, one of the most infamous and legendary figures in American Western history. The plot follows his early years from a young Iowan farmhand to the feared and respected Lawman who commanded respect from everybody, up until his time in Tombstone, Arizona, with the conflict that led to the O.K. Corral gunfight. The film features an ensemble cast, featuring stars like Gene Hackman, Mark Harmon, and Bille Pullman alongside the leading Costner.
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Though there is no shortage of brilliant Westerns about Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, this film is no exception. At a 191-minute runtime, the pacing of the film does feel slightly labored in the first third as it delves deeply into Earp’s backstory and history. This is not without its merits, as it does provide a unique viewpoint of the legend and one that other films on the same topic fail to uncover. Costner’s impeccable performance is engaging and realistic, which makes it a longer film with an explosive end that can still captivate an audience throughout.
8 Giant (1956) – 201 minutes
Starring Elizabeth Taylor And James Dean
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In a film whose title is symbolic of the grandiose and epic scale through which its story is told, Giant follows the story of a wealthy Texan family and their trials and tribulations over multiple generations. It stars icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean in his last-ever film as a leading actor before his untimely passing in a car accident. The movie’s plot shows the family’s navigation and issues during the Texas oil boom and covers many themes, including race, wealth, and familial social dynamics.
Related 10 Great Westerns With Women In Leading Roles
Traditionally, the Western genre has been dominated by male actors, but there are many top-tier Westerns with a woman in the leading role.
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Coming in at an impressive 201 minutes, the narrative never feels drawn out or stagnant as the all-star cast commands the screen from minute one. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, and the family’s chemistry together, as well as their battles with outsiders, provides an excellent counterbalance that shows them at their best and their worst. With beautiful cinematography, social commentary, and engaging performances that all combine to make a film well over three hours feel like no time at all.
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7 Horizon: An American Saga (2024) – 181 minutes
Starring Kevin Costner And Sienna Miller
Horizon: An American Saga
“Horizon: An American Saga” is a series of epic Western films directed, produced, and co-written by Kevin Costner. The saga spans pre- and post-Civil War America, detailing the exploration and settlement of the American West over 15 years, and follows multiple storylines of fictional characters as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of this tumultuous period.
Movie(s) Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Created by Kevin Costner , Jon Baird , Mark Kasdan First Film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Latest Film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Upcoming Films Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 , Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3 , Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 4 Cast Kevin Costner , Sienna Miller , Sam Worthington , Giovanni Ribisi , Michael Rooker , Danny Huston , Jena Malone , Michael Angarano , Abbey Lee , Jamie Campbell Bower , Luke Wilson , Tatanka Means , Ella Hunt , Will Patton , Isabelle Fuhrman Character(s) Hayes Ellison , First Lt. Trent Gephardt
Summary
“Horizon: An American Saga” is a series of epic Western films directed, produced, and co-written by Kevin Costner. The saga spans pre- and post-Civil War America, detailing the exploration and settlement of the American West over 15 years, and follows multiple storylines of fictional characters as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of this tumultuous period.
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Directed and starring Kevin Costner, his talent behind and in front of the camera is on full display in this epic saga across the American frontier. Costner has a devotion and love for the Western genre, creating this epic four-part film series, whose first installment sees a family of settlers moving west across the country set against a pre-and-post Civil War backdrop. Similar to his iconic Dance with Wolves, Horizon: An American Saga features themes of war, clashing cultures, and settlers invading indigenous people and their customs.
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The three-hour run time is only the first of four planned parts, so the scale and grandeur that is to be expected for the entire series is truly on an epic level. The relaxed pacing and gorgeous sweeping sequences of the unforgiving landscape perfectly complement the action and hazards that the settlers and lead characters have to deal with daily. The storytelling feels authentic and complete, not just like a piece of a puzzle yet to be finished, which goes a long way to complement the character development and plot in this first segment.
6 Oklahoma! (1999) – 180 minutes
Starring Hugh Jackman And Maureen Lipman
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Oklahoma! Not RatedMusicalRomanceWestern
Oklahoma! (1999) stars Hugh Jackman and Josefina Gabrielle in this musical adaptation of the popular Rodgers and Hammerstein production. Directed by Trevor Nunn, the film recounts the romantic entanglements of a cowboy named Curly and a farm girl named Laurey, set against the backdrop of the Oklahoma territory during the early 20th century. The film features iconic songs and a compelling ensemble cast, capturing the spirit of the original Broadway show.
Director Chris Hunt Release Date September 26, 1999 Writers Trevor Nunn Cast Hugh Jackman , Josefina Gabrielle , Shuler Hensley , Peter Polycarpou , Maureen Lipman , Jimmy Johnston , Vicki Simon , David Shelmerdine , Rebecca Thornhill , Sidney Livingstone , Stuart Milligan , Warren Carlyle Character(s) Curly McLain , Laurey Williams , Jud Fry , Ali Hakim , Aunt Eller , Will Parker , Ado Annie Carnes , Ike Skidmore , Gertie Cummings , Andrew Carnes , Cord Elam , Jake Runtime 194 Minutes Main Genre Musical Expand
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The second, more modern film adaption, based on the wonderful musical of the same name by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Oklahoma! sees Hugh Jackman star in one of his first major roles. Jackman stars as enigmatic cowboy Curly McLain, who tries to win the affection of a farmer’s daughter while trying to fend off a rival suitor. Though not your typical gritty, gunslinging Western Oklahoma! still holds on to many of the most beloved tropes, such as family, love, betrayal, and farmland conflicts.
Related 10 Western Movie Tropes That Define The Genre
The style and aesthetics of Western movies have been built on repeated tropes, creating a recognizable cinematic language in the process.
The film is unique, bringing Western motifs and elements to a Musical format and pulling it off without hesitation in a way that many other films have failed to achieve. Jackman is electric, the narrative is compelling and constantly evolving, and the musical sequences are all expertly choreographed. The musical elements all feel like they are advancing the story along rather than just standalone scenes that hold things up, which is why the three-hour runtime feels much shorter, but it falls short of some of the more intense, complex plots of other films.
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5 The Hateful Eight (2015) – 187 minutes
Starring Samuel L. Jackson And Kurt Russell
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6.5/10 The Hateful Eight RMysteryThrillerDrama
Quentin Tarantino’s 2015 Western incorporates elements of the mystery and thriller genres. Set in 1877, The Hateful Eight follows eight strangers who seek refuge from a blizzard in an isolated stagecoach stopover. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, and Channing Tatum, The Hateful Eight was inspired by the Western TV shows of 1960s.
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*Availability in US Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date December 25, 2015 Studio(s) The Weinstein Company , Shiny Penny , Film Colony , Double Feature Films , Visiona Romantica Distributor(s) The Weinstein Company Writers Quentin Tarantino Cast Zoe Bell , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Michael Madsen , Tim Roth , Channing Tatum , Bruce Dern , Kurt Russell , Samuel L. Jackson , Walton Goggins , James Parks Runtime 188 Minutes Expand
In a film that is quintessentially Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight sees a complex group of eight eclectic characters seek refuge from a monumental blizzard storm in a stagecoach house set in a post-Civil War era. Like almost all of Tarantino’s movies, the cast is jam-packed with A-list talent, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Walton Goggins to name but a few. The story descends into madness as the violent and volatile strangers all interact and collide, with cabin fever starting to take over.
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|
The 10 Best Westerns Over Three Hours On This List: |
Run Time: |
|---|---|
|
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (1966) |
180 minutes (Extended Cut) |
|
Oklahoma! (1999) |
180 minutes |
|
Horizon: An American Saga (2024) |
181 minutes |
|
Dances With Wolves (1990) |
181 minutes |
|
The Hateful Eight (2015) |
187 minutes |
|
Wyatt Earp (1994) |
191 minutes |
|
Giant (1956) |
201 minutes |
|
The New Land (1972) |
204 minutes |
|
Heaven’s Gate (1980) |
219 minutes |
|
Lonesome Dove (1989) |
384 minutes |
To give some idea of the length and quality of the material in this movie, in 2019, Netflix commissioned an extended miniseries of the film spread out over four episodes. With all the usual Tarantino trademarks, the dialogue is sharp and witty, delivered exceptionally up and down the cast, the action is explosive and incredibly graphic, and the plot has many twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing. Though the film does feel its runtime, the amount of humor, action, and violence that Tarantino can pack in makes it well worth the watch.
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4 The New Land (1972) – 204 minutes
Starring Max Von Sydow And Liv Ullman
Jan Troell’s Swedish epic, The New Land, follows the story of a family of Swedish immigrants who travel to the United States and try to survive and thrive on the unforgiving American frontier. The film was based on the final two novels, The Settlers (1956) and The Last Letter Home (1959), in the four-part series about these poor Swedish immigrants. It offers a respectful and dutiful retelling of events that honors and elevates the original material.
The New Land
has an approval rating of a perfect 100% (9 reviews) on review site Rotten Tomatoes.
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Like many films based on books, the naturally slower, more contemplative pace that translates from page to screen is evident in the 204-minute runtime. It focuses on a deep character study of the family members and their dynamics together as they adapt to their new homeland in a poetic and expansive spotlight on a story many people would resonate with. The New Land delicately portrays the Native American Indians and the tentative relationships and bonds that are attempted to be formed between them and the settlers.
3 Dances With Wolves (1990) – 181 minutes
Starring Kevin Costner And Mary McDonnell
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19 8.7/10 Dances With Wolves PG-13AdventureDocumentaryDramaRomanceWestern
Dances With Wolves, directed by Kevin Costner, follows Civil War soldier John Dunbar, who is sent to a remote post on the Western frontier. There, he forms an unexpected bond with a Sioux tribe, challenging his own beliefs and understanding of culture and identity.
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*Availability in US Director Kevin Costner Release Date March 30, 1990 Writers Michael Blake Cast Kevin Costner , Mary McDonnell , Graham Greene , Rodney A. Grant , Floyd Westerman , Tantoo Cardinal Runtime 181 minutes Expand
Dances with Wolves, a film that Kevin Costner both directed and starred in, is one of the finest films of his lengthy career and one that changed how many people viewed longer-length films. The movie deeply explores the relationship between a conflicted Union soldier (Costner) and his relationship with a local Sioux tribe. Costner’s Lt. Dunbar fully engages in the Native American ideals and way of life, changing his narrow-minded worldview and forcing a conflict with his old military army and the clash of cultures between his old life and his new views.
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Related 10 Differences Between Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves & The Book
Kevin Costner’s multi-award-winning movie Dances With Wolves was strikingly similar to the book it is based on, but there are some differences
While films over three hours may have started to become more normalized in the modern age, back in 1990, it was still relatively rare for genre movies, and Dances with Wolves went a long way to show how it could be utilized effectively. It went on to dominate the Academy Awards that year, with 12 nominations and seven wins, showing that not just with audiences but critically, it was also hailed as a masterpiece. The intricate and sensitive portrayal of a soldier learning time-honored customs and philosophies was masterfully crafted, and the pacing of the film made every scene feel worthwhile and important.
2 Lonesome Dove (1989) – 384 minutes (4-part series)
Starring Robert Duvall And Tommy Lee Jones
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10/10 Lonesome Dove TV-14WesternAdventureDrama
Lonesome Dove is a television miniseries based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Larry McMurtry. It follows retired Texas Rangers Woodrow F. Call and Augustus McCrae, played by Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall, as they embark on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Directed by Simon Wincer, the series delves into themes of friendship, adventure, and the harsh realities of life in the Old West.
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*Availability in US Cast Robert Duvall , Tommy Lee Jones , Danny Glover , Diane Lane , Robert Urich , Frederic Forrest , D.B. Sweeney , Ricky Schroder Character(s) Augustus McCrae , Woodrow F. Call , Joshua Deets , Lorena Wood , Jake Spoon , Blue Duck , Dish Boggett , Newt Dobbs Release Date February 5, 1989 Seasons 1 Main Genre Western
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Though technically Lonesome Doves is marked as a mini-series, a consensus in the cinematic world sees it rightly portrayed as one epic film, sitting at over 380 minutes long. The episodes fit perfectly together and tell one cohesive story that is genuinely better watched as a film than an episodic series. It follows Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones as two older Texas Rangers who have long since retired and are tasked with leading a cattle drive across the wild frontier.
At the 1989 Emmy Awards, Lonesome Dove dominated the show with 18 nominations and seven wins.
With its immense runtime and epic narrative, the film covers many subplots, details, and characters that make up the entirety of the story. It showcases many sweeping scenes of incredible landscapes and poignant, intimate moments that linger on the brotherhood and camaraderie of the two stars. Duvall and Jones both give a timeless performance in one of the most successful Westerns ever shown on TV, with an estimated 26 million homes tuned in, an unheard-of number for a Western at the time.
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1 The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (1966) – 180 minutes (Extended Cut)
Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, And Lee Van Cleef
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The Good the Bad and the Ugly RWesternAdventureDrama
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone, scored by Ennio Morricone, and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach as three gunslingers who compete for a cache of Confederate gold during the American Civil War. The 1966 film is regarded as one of the greatest Westerns of all time.
Director Sergio Leone Release Date December 29, 1967 Studio(s) United Artists Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Luciano Vincenzoni , Furio Scarpelli , Agenore Incrocci , Sergio Leone Cast Aldo Giuffrè , Eli Wallach , Clint Eastwood , Lee Van Cleef , Luigi Pistilli Runtime 178 minutes Main Genre Western Expand
Known by many titles, including one of the best Westerns of all time, Sergio Leone’s The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a film that seemed destined to be what it became, whether it was 50 minutes or 500 minutes. In many ways, the famed director’s magnum opus, following the story of three equally charismatic and intriguing gunslinging outlaws, impeccably portrayed by Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef. The three form a begrudging partnership in numerous violent and adventurous escapades across the desert.
Related 10 Best Characters From Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns
From the Man with No Name to Once Upon a Time in the West’s Frank, Sergio Leone gave us some of the western genre’s greatest villains and antiheroes.
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Whether it’s Leone’s one-of-a-kind direction, the three lead performances, Ennio Morricone’s evocative backing soundtrack, or a combination of all three, the film never once feels like it stalls or drags. The action and story are spellbinding, and though it’s not as long as some of the others, the extended version sits at 180 minutes; it’s edited perfectly to craft one of the best Western ever. The best films make the viewer never feel like checking the time, and this is one that envelopes the audience from the start to one of the most epic shoot-out finales in history.
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