10 Western Movies with Cult Following

While some Western movies may not be as impressive as others, they have still managed to attract a dedicated following due to their charm and appeal to audiences. Some Westerns may feature stunning visuals, while others may be criticized for weak performances, direction, and reliance on overused Western clichés. Surprisingly, some Westerns have actually gained popularity among viewers because of these perceived flaws.

Audiences have been treated to a wide variety of Western films, from those with unexpected plot twists to those that blend different genres. These projects have successfully challenged the traditional Western formula, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. The key to a film, regardless of its genre, gaining a cult following or receiving acclaim despite its flaws is its ability to remain endearing even if it falls short in certain areas. Whether they were released in the 20th Century or more recently, there are Western movies that manage to be enjoyable despite their mixed reception.

The Rowdy Girls (2000)

Rowdy Girls' B-movie feel makes the content easy to engage with.

Shannon Tweed as Velvet McKenzie, Deanna Brooks as Sarah Foster, and Julie Strain as Mick in a promotional still for The Rowdy Girls. - Rowdy Girls' B-movie feel makes the content easy to engage with. - The Rowdy Girls (2000)

The Rowdy Girls stars Shannon Tweed as Velvet McKenzie, a former prostitute turned nun seeking revenge with gunslinger Sarah to get back her stolen fortune from the ruthless gang led by Mick. This low-budget independent Western embraces its B-movie charm, with three strong female leads bringing charm and humor to the otherwise forgettable film.

From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter (1999)

The third entry in the From Dusk Till Dawn trilogy attempts to flesh out the series' lore.

Marco Leonardi as Johnny Madrid in From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter. - The third entry in the From Dusk Till Dawn trilogy attempts to flesh out the series' lore. - From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter (1999)

Nominated for "Best Home Video Release" at the 26th Saturn Awards, From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter is a straight-to-video film that wraps up the From Dusk Till Dawn series. Although it lacks the original characters and the fun vibe of the first movie, it still manages to carry on the legacy of the franchise. Marco Leonardi's portrayal of Johnny Madrid adds a charming touch to the film.

The Villain (1979)

The Villain features a charming performance from a young Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as Handsome Stranger in The Villain. - The Villain features a charming performance from a young Arnold Schwarzenegger. - The Villain (1979)

The Villain is a Western parody that combines the comedic style of Wile E. Coyote with the satirical humor of Blazing Saddles. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Handsome Stranger, the movie may have received negative reviews for its slapstick and juvenile jokes, but its dedication to being ridiculous makes it a funny and entertaining watch. Schwarzenegger's thick Austrian accent adds to the humor as it contrasts with the wild west setting, creating a silly and self-aware comedy experience.

Bad Girls (1994)

The all-female Western provides a unique take on the usually male-dominated genre.

Madeleine Stowe as Cody, Mary Stuart Masterson as Anita, Andie MacDowell as Eileen, and Drew Barrymore as Lilly in Bad Girls. - The all-female Western provides a unique take on the usually male-dominated genre. - Bad Girls (1994)

Bad Girls follows the journey of four ex-sex workers standing up against the oppressive forces of a small Western town before heading to Oregon. The movie is packed with drama and highlights themes of friendship and women empowerment. What sets Bad Girls apart is its fresh approach to the Western genre. The chemistry between the lead characters shines brightest when they are together, creating enjoyable interactions. Despite sticking to some traditional Western elements and a somewhat predictable storyline, Bad Girls offers a unique viewpoint on the American frontier.

Jonah Hex (2010)

The Josh Brolin-led Jonah Hex was an early attempt at blending comic book sensibilities with a Western setting.

Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex grimaces in a scene from Jonah Hex. - The Josh Brolin-led Jonah Hex was an early attempt at blending comic book sensibilities with a Western setting. - Jonah Hex (2010)

Starring Natalie Portman and Joel Edgerton, "Jane Got a Gun" is a 2015 Western film that follows the story of a woman seeking help from her ex-lover to defend her family against a gang of outlaws. Despite facing production challenges and changes in cast and crew, "Jane Got a Gun" manages to deliver strong performances from Portman, Edgerton, and Ewan McGregor as the menacing villain. The film's focus on the themes of redemption, loyalty, and the strength of the human spirit adds depth to the typical Western storyline, making it a compelling watch.

Natalie Portman's Jane Got a Gun has a strong female protagonist and beautiful visuals.

Jane Got a Gun - Natalie Portman - Natalie Portman's Jane Got a Gun has a strong female protagonist and beautiful visuals. - Jane Got a Gun (2015)

In A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014), the film follows the story of a cowardly sheep farmer named Albert, played by Seth MacFarlane, who finds himself in a dangerous and deadly Wild West town. Despite the humorous tone of the movie, the plot is predictable and lacks depth. However, the film does offer some laughs with its clever humor and witty dialogue. While the overall storyline may not be groundbreaking, the strong comedic performances from the cast, including Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson, make it an entertaining watch for fans of slapstick comedy.

Seth McFarlane's signature brand of humor works surprisingly well within a Western context.

Charlize Theron as Anna Barnes-Leatherwood and Seth MacFarlane as Albert Stark in A Million Ways to Die in the West. - Seth McFarlane's signature brand of humor works surprisingly well within a Western context. - A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

A Million Ways to Die in the West serves as Seth MacFarlane's second directorial project, offering a clever satire of Western films akin to the classic Blazing Saddles. The movie features a delightful performance from MacFarlane himself and Charlize Theron's strong presence on screen. By poking fun at traditional Western themes, A Million Ways to Die in the West resonates with modern audiences. The film also includes appearances from top industry talent, adding to its appeal with a touch of Family Guy humor.

Cowboys & Aliens' ambitious storytelling provides a unique blend of science fiction and Western action.

Harrison Ford as Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde in Cowboys & Aliens. - Cowboys & Aliens' ambitious storytelling provides a unique blend of science fiction and Western action. - Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

Based on Scott Mitchell Rosenberg's 2006 comic book of the same name, Cowboys & Aliens tells the story of a mysterious man who joins forces with a wealthy cattleman and the residents of a small town to fight off an alien invasion. Despite some ups and downs in Jon Favreau's direction throughout the 118-minute science fiction Western, the performances by Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford keep the action engaging and the dynamic between the two characters interesting. Cowboys & Aliens may not have won over critics, but it stands as an early example of blending sci-fi with the American frontier.

As seen in Favreau's later successful work like The Mandalorian, the combination of Western and science fiction genres can be a winning formula with strong material. While Cowboys & Aliens struggled at the global box office, the sci-fi and Western elements each stand strong on their own. Unfortunately, the failure to seamlessly merge the two genres, along with studio interference, prevented Cowboys & Aliens from getting a sequel. Despite this, the solid acting performances and entertaining action sequences make Cowboys & Aliens a fun watch for audiences.

The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

The Ridiculous 6's over-the-top humor makes the Netflix movie accessible for various audiences.

Adam Sandler as Tommy in The Ridiculous 6. - The Ridiculous 6's over-the-top humor makes the Netflix movie accessible for various audiences. - The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

The Ridiculous 6 showcases a cast and characters that could only come from the mind of Adam Sandler. With exaggerated and stereotypical personas, the movie leans heavily into its silly and over-the-top humor. While the plot may rely on star power, the film excels in its commitment to being ridiculous and creating larger-than-life characters. Despite not being a top Sandler film, The Ridiculous 6 shines with its self-aware jokes, the chemistry among the actors, and impressive production values.

Wild Wild West (1999)

Will Smith's charm and gusto work exceptionally well in a Western setting.

Will Smith as James "Jim" West in Wild Wild West. - Will Smith's charm and gusto work exceptionally well in a Western setting. - Wild Wild West (1999)

Wild Wild West is often criticized for focusing more on style than substance in its storytelling, lacking chemistry between its stars, and featuring an offensive sense of humor. The movie's financial performance was also disappointing, only grossing $222.1 million on a budget of around $240 million. It even won five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Screen Couple. However, despite these shortcomings, Will Smith's 90s charm, gusto, and charisma still stand out, showcasing his dominance in Hollywood blockbusters during that decade.

Despite the forgettable plot and unconvincing special effects, Smith's portrayal of James "Jim" West in Wild Wild West is still considered one of his underrated characters. Jim brings a sense of fun to the otherwise humorless spectacle, especially with his corny one-liners and action-packed scenes in a Western setting. Smith's performance in the movie may not make it a great Western, but it definitely stands out as the movie's saving grace.

Editor's P/S:

This article highlights a diverse range of Western films that have gained popularity despite their flaws. Some of these films, like "The Rowdy Girls" and "The Villain," embrace their B-movie charm and offer entertainment through their quirky characters and humorous plots. Others, such as "Bad Girls" and "Jane Got a Gun," provide a fresh perspective on the genre by focusing on strong female characters and themes of empowerment.

While some of these films may not be considered cinematic masterpieces, they have managed to captivate audiences with their unique blend of action, humor, and drama. The fact that they have gained cult followings despite their shortcomings is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Western genre and the ability of filmmakers to find success even in the face of adversity.