Westerns have one of the deepest and more storied cinematic histories of any genre, producing timeless classics that can be endlessly rewatched. Tales of old-school frontier conflicts, visuals of dusty landscapes, and a catalog of the best Western villains, heroes, and morally complex characters who envelop the ideals of the old West. Over time, filmmakers seek to make use of these tried and tested tropes and plot remakes of some old favorites to put a fresh spin or new idea on a traditional story.
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It’s these overarching themes that make Western filmmakers have a penchant for remakes, with films like Stagecoach and 3:10 to Yuma providing perfect narratives and premises to build and create a fresh perspective and feel. From robberies and character studies to showdowns and revenge, adding new techniques, advances in technology, and modern filming and production practices to use in works that pay tribute but also differentiate themselves from the original classics.
10 High Noon (2000)
Remake Of High Noon (1952)
High Noon is a made-for-TV Western remake of the classic 1952 film of the same name that featured the legendary Gary Cooper in the starring role. The 2000 version follows the same plot of a small-town Marshal called Will Kane (Tom Skerritt), who is put in a precarious predicament when an ex-convict he jailed is coming back for revenge. He must decide whether to stay at his post and uphold the law, protecting his town and the justice system, or leave town with his new wife, but consequently turning his back on the law and the place he resides.
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Related 10 Western Movies That Just Fall Short Of Classic Status
There are several Western movies that don’t quite live up to the title of “classic”, but still deserve recognition for their greatness regardless.
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Both films play out in real time, which adds a unique twist to the narrative and places the viewer alongside the Marshal in his agonizing wait and decision. Though the film never reached the heights or acclaim of the original, it puts a more modern and grittier spin on the tale, which works well in its updated setting with a tenser atmosphere and brighter visual style. Overall, it does lack the polish of the 1952 film, but it is still an incredible story that stands the test of time and is well worth a watch.
9 The Outrage (1964)
Remake Of Rashomon (1950)
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The Outrage DramaCrimeWestern
The Outrage is a Western drama directed by Martin Ritt, featuring Paul Newman as the outlaw Juan Carrasco. Released in 1964, the film centers on a trial concerning murder and rape, with characters providing conflicting testimonies, leading to varying interpretations of the events.
Director Martin Ritt Release Date October 7, 1964 Cast Laurence Harvey , Paul Newman , Claire Bloom , Edward G. Robinson , William Shatner , Howard Da Silva , Albert Salmi , Thomas Chalmers , Paul Fix , Jeffrey Darwin Bowman Runtime 96 minutes
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The Outrage is an exceptional remake of Akira Kurosawa’s iconic 1950s film Rashomon, this time directed by Martin Ritt and starring the one and only Paul Newman. The film tells the captivating story of outlaw Juan Carrasco (Newman), who was tried and convicted for the murder of a Southern aristocrat and the sexual assault of his wife. It follows four different accounts from four different witnesses who take to the stand during the trial, told in a series of sequences and flashbacks to provide the versions that all contradict one another.
The film which
The Outrage
is remade from,
Rashomon
, is itself based on stories by Japanese writer Ryūnosuke Akutagawa.
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Ritt swaps the dense, jungle-like forest of Kurosawa’s setting for the more Westernized American frontier, which changes the location but not the heart and soul of the story. The narrative’s fragmented and interweaving versions of events are masterfully paced and directed, with the audience not knowing which one is true, which casts doubt on every person and every event in the film. Newman is electric as the charismatic ‘villain,’ and the morally ambiguous nature of the story leaves many questions up to interpretation, creating a very solid retelling of an iconic film.
8 Ned Kelly (2003)
Remake Of Ned Kelly (1970)
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Ned Kelly RActionAdventureBiographyCrimeHistoryWestern
Ned Kelly follows the legendary Australian outlaw and his gang as they evade authorities and navigate the consequences of a trumped-up charge by Constable Fitzpatrick. Under intense scrutiny and with a bounty on their heads, the Kelly Gang seeks to clear their names while remaining fugitives.
Director Gregor Jordan Release Date March 22, 2003 Writers Robert Drewe , John Michael McDonagh Cast Heath Ledger , Orlando Bloom , Geoffrey Rush , Naomi Watts , Joel Edgerton , Laurence Kinlan , Philip Barantini , Kerry Condon , Kris McQuade , Emily Browning , Kiri Paramore , Rachel Griffiths , Geoff Morrell , Charles Tingwell , Saskia Burmeister , Peter Phelps , Russell Dykstra , Nick Farnell , Russell Gilbert Runtime 110 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
Ned Kelly is the retelling of the life of one of Australia’s most infamous outlaws, based on and adapted from the 1970 film starring Mick Jagger as Kelly. The 2003 film stars Heath Ledger, perhaps more sensibly compared to Jagger, in the titular role as the iconic bushranger with a focus more on his personal relationships – such as with his brother – and his defiance against police brutality. The film really captures the serene and beautiful qualities of the Aussie outback, and the narrative is constantly evolving throughout the piece.
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Related 10 Movie Westerns With Absolutely Gorgeous Cinematography
Westerns are typically a genre filled with gorgeous cinematography, and this trend goes way back to the birth of the genre in the ‘40s and ‘50s.
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The remake stands apart from the original for many reasons, not the least Ledger’s incredible control over the central character and his ability to convey an outlaw who is both ruthless and also vulnerable at times. Both films feature plenty of action and excellent cinematography, but the modern take on the story is definitely the one most captivating as you see more of the human side of the man, not just the legend. Ledger’s impeccable depiction and a more polished overall look to the film make it a remake that is certainly worth any Western fan’s time.
7 3 Godfathers (1948)
Remake Of Hell’s Heroes (1929)
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3 Godfathers
Robert (John Wayne), Pete (Pedro Armendáriz) and Abilene (Harry Carey Jr.), the three outlaws on the run, risk their freedom and their lives when they come across a woman in labor who is about to die. Promising to carry the woman’s newborn to safety, the criminals struggle to reach a village.
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*Availability in US Director John Ford Release Date January 13, 1949 Cast John Wayne , Pedro Armendáriz , Harry Carey Jr. , Ward Bond , Mae Marsh , Mildred Natwick , Jane Darwell , Guy Kibbee Runtime 106 minutes
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The epic Western 3 Godfathers is a remake of the 1929 Black and White sound film Hell’s Heroes, directed by William Wyler, which starred Charles Bickman, Raymond Hatton, and Fred Kohler. The 1948 adaption starred John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, and Harry Carey Jr in the titular roles as three hard-nosed outlaws who end up making a promise to a dying woman to be the caregivers for her infant child. This version, directed by John Ford, sees a masterful upgrade in pacing, story, and star power that takes the film to the next level.
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Ford is nearing the top of his powers as he places his talented touches across all areas of the production, creating a remake that feels like an original, unique cinematic work. The film retains the emotional core of the story, with truly exceptional performances from the three leads, Wayne, Armendáriz, and Carey Jr., all portraying tough yet sensitive gangsters. The film’s jump to color also mirrors the elevation of quality in terms of acting, score, and cinematography, ensuring its status as an underrated Western gem.
6 Maverick (1994)
Remake Of Maverick (1957-1962)
Richard Donner’s Maverick is the film remake of the successful and acclaimed TV series of the same name that spanned from 1957-1963 and starred James Garner – who also has a major role in this film. The film follows the same premise as the series, showing the journey of high-stakes poker player and con man Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson) as he schemes to enter an exclusive game. The narrative also shows his life away from the tables, blending romance, action, and comedy into a unique and engaging Western tale.
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Related 10 Best Western Movie Villains, Ranked
The most compelling, entertaining, and wicked villains that various eras of the genre have to offer, from corrupt lawmen to trigger-happy gunslingers.
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There has been some debate over Garner’s role in the movie, as some claim he is playing the same role as in the series, while others say he is playing a relative of his old character. Either way, Gibson, Garner, and Jodie Foster all share a special connection, with fantastic performances, creating a Western that leans into more comedic and lighthearted themes that make it an easy watch. It’s hard to compare the succinctness of a film with the expansive abilities of a series, but overall, the film captures the essence of the show and creates its own unique version.
5 The Alamo (2004)
Remake Of The Alamo (1960)
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In a remake of the classic Western The Alamo, which starred John Wayne, Richard Widmark, and Laurence Harvey, this 2004 version sees Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton take on the legendary roles of Sam Houston and Davy Crockett, respectively. The film recounts the same historical conflict, The Battle of The Alamo, during the revolution in Texas in 1836, featuring larger-than-life characters who fought tooth and nail for each side. The film provides a more layered look at the battle, with updated techniques and technology that helps add to this version’s realism.
|
The 10 Best Underrated Western Remakes On This List: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
High Noon (2000) |
5.3/10 |
|
The Outrage (1964) |
6.2/10 |
|
Ned Kelly (2003) |
6.4/10 |
|
3 Godfathers (1948) |
7.0/10 |
|
Maverick (1994) |
7.0/10 |
|
The Alamo (2004) |
6.8/10 |
|
The Magnificent Seven (2016) |
6.9/10 |
|
3:10 to Yuma (2007) |
7.6/10 |
|
Stagecoach (1966) |
7.8/10 |
|
A Fistful of Dollars (1964) |
7.9/10 |
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While recreating any Western that Wayne stars in is going to have its own obvious pitfalls, following up against the most iconic and beloved actor in the genre’s history, the 2004 version of The Alamo does a convincing job. The film focuses more on the character development and intimate details of the conflict, rather than trying to outdo the original in terms of all-out action. Though it may fall a little short in terms of the grandeur and gravitas of the original, Thornton and Quaid give a couple of stand-out performances, and the extra quality up and down the production really helps elevate the remake overall.
4 The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Remake Of The Magnificent Seven (1960)
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The Magnificent Seven PG-13WesternAction
The Magnificent Seven is a new remake of the 1960 western action film that follows a group of seven warriors from different walks of life who join forces to liberate a town from an oppressive gold miner. When Bartholomew Bogue takes control of the town of Rose Creek, the beleaguered residence find themselves at his mercy. One woman seeking revenge and freedom finds U.S. Marshal Sim Chisholm, and convinces him to join their cause, as he recruits several gunmen, outlaws, and assassins willing to risk it all for a good deed.
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*Availability in US Director Antoine Fuqua Release Date September 23, 2016 Studio(s) Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , Columbia Pictures , Village Roadshow Pictures Distributor(s) Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Writers John Lee Hancock , Nic Pizzolatto Cast Haley Bennett , Chris Pratt2 , Ethan Hawke , Sean Bridgers , Vinnie Jones , Matt Bomer , Byung-hun Lee , Denzel Washington , Peter Sarsgaard , Vincent D’Onofrio , Cam Gigandet Runtime 132 minutes Expand
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Antoine Fuqua’s 2016 remake of the classic Western of the same name, directed by John Sturges, that starred Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen in leading roles, is a faithful homage in many ways. The film sees the same premise play out, with a wealthy industrialist looking to seize control over a small town in order to mine gold, with the locals hiring a group of eclectic gunslingers to defend the town and save their businesses and their lives. The film’s narrative tension builds until an ultimate showdown sees the seven face off and fight for more than just dollars and cents.
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This film is interesting for a few reasons; mainly, it is actually a remake of a remake, as Sturges’ film is a remade version of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film Seven Samurai. The films see the same story take place, though with vastly different settings and characters, with the 2016 film being a faithful adaption featuring an ensemble cast with stars like Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt delivering excellent performances. Though the film may lack a bit of the style and substance of the original, the stunning visuals and high-octane action sequences make up for this deficiency in a big way.
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3 3:10 To Yuma (2007)
Remake Of 3:10 To Yuma (1957)
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8.3/10 3:10 to Yuma RAdventureCrimeDramaWestern
A struggling rancher volunteers to escort a notorious outlaw to the train that will take him to prison. As the journey unfolds, both men engage in a psychological battle of wills, testing their morals and resolve while facing relentless danger from the outlaw’s gang and the harsh frontier.
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*Availability in US Director James Mangold Release Date September 6, 2007 Writers Halsted Welles , Michael Brandt , Derek Haas , Elmore Leonard Cast Russell Crowe , Christian Bale , Logan Lerman , Dallas Roberts , Ben Foster , Peter Fonda Runtime 122 minutes Main Genre Western Expand
In one of the finest Western remakes in recent memory, 3:10 To Yuma, directed by James Mangold, is an updated version of the film of the same name from 1957. The remake stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, with Bale playing a disabled Veteran turned rancher who is given the lucrative task of taking a notorious outlaw (Crowe) to justice by placing him on a train to Yuma. As to be expected, the journey is not a simple one, with vigilantes, Apaches, and Wade’s gang all descending on the area, causing violence and mayhem throughout the film.
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On the surface, the two films are very similar, with the same plot and a similar overall look and feel to the locations and characters, however the remake excels in several different areas. The acting and chemistry of Crowe and Bale are second to none, with the two both giving tour de force performances, combined with a more in-depth and intricate character study of the two, with a more emotional overarching theme to creating a better version of the original. The mix of wild action and genuine moments of reflection and sincerity make it one of the best Western remakes ever.
2 Stagecoach (1966)
Remake Of Stagecoach (1939)
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Stagecoach, directed by Gordon Douglas, is a remake of John Ford’s classic 1939 film of the same name that sees big stars like Ann-Margret and Bing Crosby lead in starring roles. The film’s plot follows a group of strangers who board an eastbound stagecoach, with each one either running from or to something featuring a myriad of colorful, unique, and intriguing characters. Both films share the same larger perspectives and themes, with an in-depth study of human relationships and social prejudices that are still relevant to this day.
Both the remake and the original are brilliant character studies that see a real development of the roles throughout the journey, with the remake putting in extra effort to make the characters more relatable and three-dimensional.
Douglas offers a fresh lens on the classic narrative that sees an ensemble cast all play their part with precision and with excellent interplay and back-and-forth throughout. Both the remake and the original are brilliant character studies that see a real development of the roles throughout the journey, with the remake putting in extra effort to make the characters more relatable and three-dimensional. Overall, it can be argued which version is better, both are absolutely superb Westerns in their own right, with action and a compelling narrative driving the films forward.
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1 A Fistful Of Dollars (1964)
Remake Of Yojimbo (1961)
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A Fistful of Dollars pg-13WesternDrama
A Fistful of Dollars is a spaghetti Western film from director Sergio Leone starring Clint Eastwood. A Fistful of Dollars is notable for being Clint Eastwood’s big break in Hollywood and also for being the beginning of the “Dollars Trilogy.” The film was followed by For a Few Dollars More in 1965 and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly in 1966.
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*Availability in US Director Sergio Leone , Monte Hellman Release Date January 18, 1964 Studio(s) United Artists Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Ryûzô Kikushima , Akira Kurosawa , A. Bonzzoni , Víctor Andrés Catena , Sergio Leone , Jaime Comas Gil Cast Clint Eastwood , Marianne Koch , Gian Maria Volonte , Wolfgang Lukschy , Sieghardt Rupp , Joseph Egger Runtime 99minutes Expand
In the best and perhaps the most infamous remake in all of Western cinema, Sergio Leone’s iconic A Fistful of Dollars film from 1964 was an unofficial remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo from 1961. Leone’s work sees Clint Eastwood star as the legendary ‘The Man with No Name,’ the gritty gunslinger who would go on to star in two other film collaborations with the director to create ‘The Dollars Trilogy.’ The film’s plot sees the rugged anti-hero pit two warring families against each other so he can benefit from the chaos in a town torn apart by jealousy and greed.
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The fact the film was an unlicensed remake of Kurosawa’s work saw the studio that released Yojimbo successfully sue and obtain monetary compensation for the infringement. Leone’s interpretation of Kurosawa’s film – lawsuits and controversy aside – sees him create one of the finest spaghetti Westerns of all time and one that put the subgenre on the map, receiving global critical and commercial success. The masterful direction, artful cinematography, and iconic performances weaved together with Ennio Morricone’s gorgeous score make it easily the best Western remake of all time.
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