Since the early days of film, the Western genre has been a staple of the cinema world. Audiences around the world love tuning in for these stories of the West, often featuring cowboys, outlaws, and the sprawling settings of the American frontier. Of course, because of these factors, violence is often a very prominent element of these films. Many Western fans love when the dramatic showdowns between good and evil culminate in violent gunfights, explosions, and all-around calamity. However, it is essential to note that these aspects of the genre are not everyone’s cup of tea.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of enjoyable Westerns that don’t rely on these explosive elements. From beloved classics to modern stories, many films highlight the essential characters and settings of the genre without diving too deep into the violent side of life on the frontier. After all, even the most dedicated Western fans need a feel-good story once in a while. These films provide fun, lighthearted takes on the Western genre, effectively capturing the iconic atmosphere while avoiding any unnecessary violence.
10 The Sheepman (1958)
Directed by George Marshall
George Marshall’s 1958 feature, The Sheepman, is an entertaining example of how seamlessly the genres of Western and comedy can be blended. This off-the-wall film follows a gambler named Jason Sweet, who wins an unusual prize during a game of poker: an entire flock of sheep. Sweet then wrangles the sheep and moves them to a small town where cattle is the top commodity.
Things get hairy for Sweet when the residents of the town object to his herd of sheep, but he refuses to stand down without putting up a fight. The Sheepman may have a bit of a cheesy premise, but it is undeniably entertaining and stuffed with all the trademarks of the Western genre.
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Thanks to its charming cast led by Glenn Ford, Shirley MacLaine, and Leslie Nielsen, The Sheepman is as humorous as it is exciting. While the film does include a climactic life-or-death showdown, it certainly does not lean too heavily on violence, instead relying more on the humorous side of its premise, making it a great option for all types of Western fans.
9 Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969)
Directed by Burt Kennedy
Burt Kennedy’s 1969 comedy, Support Your Local Sheriff!, acts as a hilarious spoof of classic Western films. The film follows Jason McCullough, a skilled gunfighter who steps up to be the sheriff of the town of Calendar, filling the vacancy while the town is overrun by the boorish Danby family.
Of course, restoring order to the town is no easy feat, and McCullough soon finds that he has his work cut out for him. Support Your Local Sheriff! may lack the gripping dramatic elements at the core of many Westerns, but it makes up for it with its consistently hilarious comedy.
It is essential to realize that
Support Your Local Sheriff!
is not simply poking fun at Westerns, but rather paying tribute to them
With a cast led by James Garner and Joan Hackett, the film never takes itself too seriously, allowing for a nice, lighthearted exploration of life on the American frontier. It is essential to realize that Support Your Local Sheriff! is not simply poking fun at Westerns, but rather paying tribute to them, offering an entertaining story that truly encapsulates what so many audiences love about the genre.
8 Maverick (1994)
Directed by Richard Donner
Based on the ’50s television series of the same name, Maverick highlights one key element found in many classic Westerns: gambling. Directed by Richard Donner, this 1994 comedic Western stars Mel Gibson as Bret Maverick Jr., a con man looking to collect enough money to enter a high-stakes poker game for a chance to win a fortune.
This Academy Award-nominated film also stars Jodie Foster and James Garner, as well as including cameo appearances by numerous iconic Western actors. Maverick pays a fitting tribute to countless Western films without having to rely on the use of excessive violence.
Instead, the film dedicates more time to fleshing out its characters and telling a captivating, twist-filled story. The comedic tone serves as the satisfying cherry on top, giving the film a lighthearted feel that any audience could enjoy. Maverick can certainly be appreciated by casual Western fans, but its frequent cameo appearances make it an exciting who’s-who for dedicated fans of the genre.
7 Cat Ballou (1965)
Directed by Elliot Silverstein
A schoolteacher turns outlaw to avenge her father’s murder, assembling a ragtag team, including an eccentric drunken gunslinger, to take on a corrupt railroad tycoon. Filled with comedy, action, and musical interludes, the film blends Western adventure with lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek performances from its cast.
- Director
- Elliot Silverstein
- Release Date
- June 24, 1965
- Writers
- Walter Newman , Frank Pierson , Roy Chanslor
- Cast
- Jane Fonda , Lee Marvin , Michael Callan , Dwayne Hickman , Nat ‘King’ Cole , Stubby Kaye , Tom Nardini , John Marley
- Runtime
- 97 Minutes
The 1965 comedic Western, Cat Ballou, puts a funny spin on a classic Western setup. The film stars Jane Fonda as Catherine “Cat” Ballou, a courageous woman determined to protect her father and their ranch. Her plan quickly goes awry, though, when it is revealed that the legendary gunfighter she hired for assistance is hardly more than a miserable alcoholic, unable to shoot accurately unless he is drunk.
Though it definitely has some tense moments, its comedic overtones give the film a consistent feel-good quality. Cat Ballou was very well-received, and ranks among the greatest feel-good Westerns of all time. The film was nominated an impressive five times at the 38th Academy Awards, with Lee Marvin even securing a win for Best Actor thanks to his portrayal of multiple characters. With a rousing ending and tons of well-executed humor throughout, Cat Ballou is a blast for fans of the Western genre, or of comedies in general.
6 Back to the Future Part III (1990)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
The final entry in Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale’s timeless trilogy, Back to the Future Part III wraps up Marty McFly and Doc Brown’s adventures through time when Marty travels to 1885’s Wild West to save his mentor, meeting Biff Tannen’s ancestor “Mad Dog” and almost changing the course of history once again along the way.
- Director
- Robert Zemeckis
- Release Date
- May 25, 1990
- Studio(s)
- Universal Pictures
- Distributor(s)
- Universal Pictures
- Runtime
- 118minutes
While Westerns have been fused with numerous other genres many times over the years, science fiction and Western seem like two genres that would be mutually exclusive. Robert Zemeckis proved this idea wrong, however, with his 1990 feature, Back to the Future Part III. This final entry in the iconic trilogy sends Marty McFly and Doc Brown all the way back to the 1880s, dropping them right in the middle of a Wild West landscape.
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Together, the pair must navigate the dangers of the American frontier, and find their way back to their proper place in time. Like the other entries in the trilogy, Back to the Future Part III maintains a fun, lighthearted, adventurous feel that’s fun for viewers of any age. Although the previous films in the series were not Westerns, Part III welcomes the genre with open arms, eagerly embracing its newfound settings and characters. The choice to tackle this new genre was bold, but proved to be worthwhile, as the film was very well-received, and highly successful at the box office.
5 Rango (2011)
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Rango is an animated comedy that stars Johnny Depp as a pampered pet chameleon named Rango, who finds himself lost in the desert when he falls out of his family’s truck. Rango accidentally stumbles into the role of a sheriff for a town under control by a greedy baron who limits access to water for his citizens to make more money. When Rango meets a young woman that catches his fancy, he’ll utilize his acquired knowledge of Hollywood westerns to assume the role of a Sheriff to win her heart and save the town – if he isn’t found out first.
- Director
- Gore Verbinski
- Release Date
- March 4, 2011
- Studio(s)
- Nickelodeon Movies , Blind Wink Productions , GK Films
- Distributor(s)
- Paramount Pictures
- Writers
- John Logan , Gore Verbinski , James Ward Byrkit
- Cast
- Johnny Depp , Isla Fisher , Timothy Olyphant , Abigail Breslin , Ned Beatty , Alfred Molina , Bill Nighy , Stephen Root , Harry Dean Stanton , Ray Winstone , Ian Abercrombie , Blake Clark
- Runtime
- 107 Minutes
For a feel-good, fun-for-the-whole-family Western, a viable option for audiences is the 2011 animated feature, Rango, directed by Gore Verbinski, who gained fame for his work in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Rango tells the story of a pampered pet chameleon who must adopt a new, rugged persona when he is unwittingly thrust into the role of sheriff in the small desert town of Dirt.
Backed by a star-studded voice cast (including Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, and Bill Nighy), the film is a fun, exciting experience for any viewer. When imagining Western movies, many people would not even consider animated films based solely on that one particular element. However, it is impossible to deny Rango‘s status as a Western.
Rango
grossed $245 million at the box office in 2011.
This Oscar-winning film perfectly encapsulates the Wild West setting, as well as the types of characters typically highlighted in Western films (sheriffs, townsfolk, outlaws, etc.). Additionally, the story of a humble individual having to step up to defend a small town from forces of no-good is practically as old as the genre itself. Rango offers a modern, animated take on the genre that prioritizes its stunning visuals over violence.
4 Calamity Jane (1953)
Directed by David Butler
Calamity Jane, released in 1953, stars Doris Day as the titular character, a brash, rootin’-tootin’ frontierswoman. Set in the American Old West, the musical follows Calamity as she navigates her rugged lifestyle, her boisterous personality clashing with social expectations, and her unexpected romances. Howard Keel co-stars as Wild Bill Hickok, adding to the film’s lively dynamic and memorable musical numbers. Directed by David Butler, the film remains a vibrant portrayal of American Western folklore.
- Director
- David Butler
- Release Date
- November 4, 1953
- Writers
- James O’Hanlon
Another example of the Western genre being able to mesh with other genres is David Butler’s 1953 feature, Calamity Jane, which offers a dazzling spectacle that is equal parts Western and musical. This exciting film presents a fictionalized version of the Wild West icon, Calamity Jane, with Doris Day starring in the titular role.
In the film, Jane travels to Chicago to convince a well-known singer to perform at her saloon, only for the plan to go awry when she accidentally recruits the singer’s maid after failing to recognize her. Calamity Jane is packed from beginning to end with touching love stories, big laughs, and just about every element that makes the Western genre what it is today.
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Of course, it may not be as gritty and dramatic as many classic Westerns, but it provides a thoroughly entertaining experience nonetheless. With exciting musical numbers and a stunning all-around performance by Doris Day, Calamity Jane is a Western that anyone can enjoy.
3 Destry Rides Again (1939)
Directed by George Marshall
Destry Rides Again
Tom Destry Jr., the son of a famous and deceased lawman, is called in by the Bottleneck sheriff to be a second-in-command in the hope that he will bring order to the town in the same way that his brave father did, but the son has his own methods.
- Director
- George Marshall
- Release Date
- December 29, 1939
- Cast
- Marlene Dietrich , James Stewart , Mischa Auer , Charles Winninger
James Stewart may not be best known for his roles in various Westerns (although he did star in plenty over the years), but he certainly knew how to dominate the screen whenever he appeared in one. This was clear from his very first introduction to the genre, starring alongside Marlene Dietrich in Destry Rides Again, directed by George Marshall.
In the film, Stewart plays Tom Destry Jr., a peaceful man who is ridiculed for his strong opposition to gun use. Stewart and Dietrich both shine in Destry Rides Again, propelling the film to consistently positive reviews and even earning a spot in the National Film Registry.
Destry provides an interesting answer to the question of whether a hero in the Wild West really needs to rely on violence and guns in order to win his battles. Regardless of his opinions on firearms, Destry exemplifies the genre in a moral sense, taking a stand for what he believes is right, regardless of what others may think.
2 Blazing Saddles (1974)
Directed by Mel Brooks
Written and directed by Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles stars Cleavon Little as Bart, a black sheriff appointed in a small frontier town by Hedley Lamarr, a railroad man who believes Bart’s appointment will destabilize the town enough to drive everyone out and allow him to build a new railroad line through it. Instead, with the help of gunslinger Jim the Waco Kid, Bart works to thwart Lamarr’s schemes. Gene Wilder and Harvey Korman star alongside Little.
- Director
- Mel Brooks
- Release Date
- February 7, 1974
- Studio(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Cast
- Cleavon Little , gene wilder , Slim Pickens , Harvey Korman , Madeline Kahn , Mel Brooks
- Runtime
- 93 minutes
Directed by Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles is easily among the most well-known comedy-Westerns of all time. With a hilarious cast led by Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, the film effectively manages to spoof just about every trope of the genre imaginable, while also providing a unique Western story of its own.
The film follows a new sheriff who faces immense prejudice as he attempts to rally his townsfolk against a wealthy man who plots to take all the town’s land in order to construct a new railroad. Although the film certainly garnered some mixed opinions upon its release, Blazing Saddles is now widely hailed as a classic of the hybrid comedy-Western genre.
Its nonstop hilarity makes it an excellent choice for a lighthearted dive into the genre, one that anyone can appreciate, regardless of their level of experience with Westerns. Blazing Saddles does contain a handful of shootouts (in true tribute to its Western roots), but these scenes are played much more for comedy than violence.
1 Rio Bravo (1959)
Directed by Howard Hawks
Rio Bravo is a Western film directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne and Dean Martin. The 1959 release sees Wayne playing a local sheriff that must hold a local criminal in jail until a U.S. Marshall can arrive to pick him up.
- Director
- Howard Hawks
- Release Date
- April 4, 1959
- Studio(s)
- Armada Productions
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros
- Cast
- John Wayne , Dean Martin , Ricky Nelson , Angie Dickinson , Walter Brennan
- Runtime
- 141 Minutes
With the combined talents of John Wayne and Dean Martin, it should come as no surprise that Rio Bravo is a feel-good Western for the ages. Directed by Howard Hawks, this unique film follows a small town sheriff who arrests an outlaw for murder after witnessing him kill a bystander.
Combine their natural on-screen presence with a clever, inspiring story, and the product is a feel-good
Western
that doesn’t need to rely on unnecessary violence to entertain its audience.
The story is only just beginning once the killer is behind bars, however, as the man’s brother and his posse plan to break him out by any means necessary. This leaves the sheriff to assemble a brave battalion of unlikely heroes in a last-ditch effort to keep the prisoner where he belongs. Rio Bravo is certainly more of a straight-up Western than a comedy, but it nevertheless maintains a fun, lighthearted feel.
Rio Bravo
has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The ending in particular is sure to rouse any audience, and leave the viewers with an upbeat, triumphant feeling. After all, it is difficult to deny the talents and chemistry of Wayne and Martin. Combine their natural on-screen presence with a clever, inspiring story, and the product is a feel-good Western that doesn’t need to rely on unnecessary violence to entertain its audience.
