The Enduring Theme of Revenge in Western Movies

The Timeless Theme of Revenge in Western Movies

Western movies about revenge include some of the best entries in the genre. The Old West is traditionally portrayed as a land of lawlessness and debauchery, and elements like betrayal and pain are familiar turning points in many Westerns. While films like Unforgiven and Tombstone use revenge as a plot point, there are many Western movies where the entirety of the story hinges on the act of revenge.

Burt Reynolds as Navajo Joe in Navajo Joe

The Western genre began over 100 years ago and kept up its popularity throughout the years. There are many great classic Western movies, like The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, and Unforgiven, that are still watchable today. One of the reasons why some of those movies still work today is because of timeless topics, such as revenge. Some of the most common tropes in Westerns, such as duels and shootouts, are easily incorporated into a revenge story. As many Western heroes are either outlaws or lawmen, it's easy to see why revenge would be such a prominent theme within the genre.

Gary Cooper as William Kane and Grace Kelly as Amy Kane in High Noon

Notable Western Movies Centered on Revenge

Navajo Joe: The Spaghetti Western Navajo Joe follows the titular Joe as he seeks revenge against the bandits who killed his tribe. Directed by Sergio Corbucci, Navajo Joe is one of many Spaghetti Westerns directed by the Italian. Although the European style of Western is very different from what American viewers are used to, the film still works today. Navajo Joe includes some good commentary on the prejudice Native Americans faced back in the Old West.

Jane Fonda as Cat Ballou in Cat Ballou

High Noon: Marshall William Kane just wants to live a quiet life with his new wife Amy when Frank Miller, an outlaw that Kane put in prison, is released. Kane is forced to make a decision when Amy declares they should leave, rather than have Kane stay and face Miller. It's a unique take on the revenge trope, and High Noon executes its premise very well. Rather than focusing on the act of revenge itself, the movie takes a more philosophical route as Kane weighs his moral obligations to the desires of his wife.

Raquel Welch as Hannie Caulder in Hannie Caulder

Cat Ballou: Starring Jane Fonda in the titular role, Cat Ballou follows a young schoolteacher who becomes an outlaw after her father's murder. Cat sets out to find her father's killer and bring him to justice. Cat Ballou is one of many Western movies that follow women seeking revenge, rather than men. Despite some misconceptions about the genre, women are prominently featured in many Western movies. Cat Ballou also has the unique aspect of Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye acting as a Greek chorus throughout the film.

Clint Eastwood as the Stranger and Mariana Hill as Callie Travers in High Plains Drifter

Unique Takes on the Revenge Trope in Western Movies

Hannie Caulder: In Hannie Caulder, Hannie's husband is murdered and she is assaulted by the Clemens gang. Seeking revenge, Hannie gets the help of bounty hunter Robert Culp to teach her how to gunfight. Throughout the movie, Culp warns Hannie that revenge won't make her feel better, but she ignores him. After killing the Clemens brothers, Hannie realizes that Culp was right, which is something that many revenge movies don't touch on. The aftermath of a revenge ploy is often ignored in movies, so it's refreshing to see a movie like Hannie Caulder address it.

Idris Elba in a town square in The Harder They Fall

High Plains Drifter: High Plains Drifter is one of Clint Eastwood's most bizarre Westerns. The revenge portion of High Plains Drifter is a slow-burn realization, but it's still an excellent story. Be aware of the dark nature of High Plains Drifter and any possible triggers. There are many upsetting scenes involving violence against women.

Idris Elba as Rufus Buck smirking in The Harder They Fall.

The Harder They Fall: One of the few Westerns with a predominately Black cast, The Harder They Fall is a tale of revenge inspired by real people from the American West. Nat Love's parents were killed when he was a child by Rufus Buck, so when Buck is released from prison twenty years later, Love jumps at the chance to get his vengeance. Although the storyline isn't historically accurate, The Harder They Fall showcases many real-life cowboys and outlaws in the movie that had been kept in the shadows. It is an ambitious film that hit the mark in many places.

Bill Pickett (Edi Gathegi) looks at the camera in a coyboy outfit in a promotional image for The Harder They Fall