This year I’m sharing some of my favorite films in the Western Genre, counting down a new selection each Friday. Periodically throughout the year I’ll be sharing them in batches. Next up is my No. 10 to No. 1 selections. They appear in ascending order. You can keep up with the countdown weekly on my blog.

No. 10: Tombstone (1993)
About: We’ve seen the story of Wyatt Earp told a number of times. I like the way this film puts it together with Kurt Russell in the role and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday. I like the action sequences here and the ensemble cast.

No. 9: Let Him Go (2020)
About: This one got lost a little in the COVID shuffle, but it’s a more modern Western with Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as a couple committed to freeing their grandson after their son dies and his wife takes their grandson to be with her controlling family. This is a moving action film that was one of my favorites of the year.

No. 8: 1883 (2021)
About: This Western mini-series comes from Taylor Sheridan and is a prequel to his popular Yellowstone. It has a great cast and an interesting story. It’s heart-breaking, but it’s a great long-form story in the genre.

No. 7: Legends of the Fall (1994)
About: Some might not consider this a Western, and I get it. It’s not a classic version of the genre, but it has a great cast and a very moving story. It’s depressing at times, but it is epic in its sweep and remains a personal favorite.

No. 6: The English (2022)
About: Another mini-series, this time from writer/director Hugo Blick. It features Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer in a beautifully written and compelling mini-series for Prime Video. If you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out!

No. 5: A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
About: This one comes from Seth MacFarlane and is certainly not a serious entry. But it is a lot of fun and boasts a great cast, that includes Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson. I love the humor and the story here. It always makes me laugh.

No. 4: Silverado (1985)
About: This is one of my Dad’s favorite films, and one that he introduced to me. I’ve loved it since I first saw it. The film boasts a great cast and a sprawling story that is full of action, drama, humor, and some rich characters. This is a great Western and a great example of the genre.

No. 3: Young Guns (1990)
About: We’ve seen plenty of stories about Billy the Kid, too. This one features Emilio Estevez in the role along with a crew of up-and-coming actors. This is probably a more modern style of a Western, but I’ve always enjoyed the story and the production. This one has some great action sequences, too.

No. 2: Serenity (2005)
About: This is another unconventional choice. It’s a Space Western, and the continuation of a series from Joss Whedon. This puts a cap on their journey, but it is also a great standalone film. In fact, I’d never heard of the series when I saw this film. I love the cast, the characters, and the fun story here. This is a personal favorite.

No. 1: No Country For Old Men (2007)
About: Perhaps another unconventional choice but leave it to the Coen Brothers to deliver a stirring drama I consider the best in this genre. Those who follow me know this is an all-time personal favorite film as well. Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem are exceptional here.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.