10 Greatest Western Movie Masterpieces of the 21st Century, Ranked

While there's no denying that the best, most powerful, and certainly the most memorable Westerns were made in the 20th century, the new millennium has brought about some exciting features that still deserve some high praise. From action-packed shoot-'em-up adventures to slow-burn, meditative explorations of the Old West, the genre has found a resurgence in recent years. It's for that reason that we've put together this list of 21st century Western masterpieces that live up to the expectations set by the heavies that paved the way.

While there are plenty of great Westerns and neo-Westerns alike that have been released since the year 2000, we're sticking with the more traditional ideals of the Old West. No Hell or High Water or No Country for Old Men here. No, we've collected 10 Westerns that are distinctly set during the 19th century period that made the genre famous, even if they were made in the 21st.

10 'The Magnificent Seven' (2016)

Remakes can be terribly hit or miss, but as far as Antoine Fuqua's adaptation of The Magnificent Seven is concerned, it's certainly on the better end. With plenty of fast-paced gunplay and electric action sequences that prove the titular warriors are worth their mettle, this remake may not exactly improve on the original, but it certainly matches the expectations. Starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and Vincent D'Onofrio, among others, this is one thrilling adventure worth the taking.

The blockbuster-like action sequences alone are particularly notable, with an extremely well-choreographed final shootout that seals the deal. The Magnificent Seven may not be an instant classic the way the 1960 picture was, but it's one of those horse operas that sticks with you long after the remaining members of the Seven ride off. Fuqua's unique directorial style (and his excellent choice in cast) fits perfectly with the vision of the West presented here.

9 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' (2007)

A bit of a controversial film, Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a slow-burn take on the genre that doesn't feature the same level of intense action as some of the other pictures on this list. In fact, the film has been criticized by some for its snail's pace in presenting the conflict between the titular outlaws, played by Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck respectively. But what Dominik's film lacks gunsmoke, it more than makes up for in masterful characterization as it builds upon the rift between these men.

More than that, cinematographer Roger Deakins is at his absolute best here, with striking visuals that look like something out of a Western painting. Pitt and Affleck are also exceptional, with the former delivering an understated performance that is perfect for any thoughtful outlaw. As one critic for The Star-Ledger put it, this is an "epic film that's part literary treatise, part mournful ballad, and completely a portrait of our world, as seen in a distant mirror."

8 'Slow West' (2015)

Living up to it's name, Slow West is a slow-burn by first-time director John Maclean as he offers a revisionist take on the West. As Jay Cavendish (Kodi Smit-McPhee) travels across the wild frontier in search of his long-lost love, he encounters Irish bounty hunter Silas Selleck (Michael Fassbender), who he hires to see him to his destination. With spectacular visuals and strong performances from its leads, this is one Western adventure not to be ignored.

What makes Slow West particularly interesting is that it's as much a coming-of-age tale as it is a casual stroll through the untamed wilderness that was the American West. With a "quirky" 84-minute runtime that goes by quite quickly for a film that genuinely takes its time to move along, Slow West was largely forgotten after it premiered at Sundance in 2015, though it should've been an instant classic. Fassbender in particular is a bright spot here.

7 'Appaloosa' (2008)

As arguably one of the most underrated Westerns of recent times, Appaloosa is a masterclass in horse operatic style and substance. Directed by its leading star, Ed Harris, the picture offers some of the greatest on-screen chemistry between two leading Western heroes since the days of Newman and Redford. Featured opposite Viggo Mortensen's Everett Hitch, Harris' lawman Virgil Cole is a force to be reckoned with as he seeks to keep the peace around the titular New Mexican town.

In some ways, Cole and Hitch are two peas in a pod, but in another, they challenge each other with their opposing views regarding how the law ought to be upheld. These longtime partners work together to stop the cattle baron Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons) from terrorizing the good people of Appaloosa, and the results, well, they speak for themselves. Harris' directorial power is on full display here, as he paints a picture of the American West that one will not so easily forget.

6 'Django Unchained' (2012)

Speaking of painting a clear Western picture, Quentin Tarantino crafts his own with his ode to the Spaghetti Westerns of the '60s and '70s with Django Unchained, an entry in his filmography that would exceed the expectations of many. Starring Jamie Foxx as the title slave-turned-freeman, the film follows Django and his ally Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) as they seek the whereabouts of the former's long-lost wife. A Western filled to the brim with violence and profanity, this one isn't for the faint of heart — though the technical mastery is admirable.

With plenty of surprise twists and fun nods to the Westerns of yesteryear — including a great cameo from Franco Nero, who played the original Django back in '66 — Django Unchained delivers a wild ride of a modern-made Western that echoes the Italian-made pictures of the past. Even if you're like this author and Tarantino isn't your favorite filmmaker, the story of the title bounty hunter is enough to get one ready to embark on horseback oneself. It has some great lines too.

5 'The Revenant' (2015)

Perhaps not your traditional Western yarn, The Revenant still fits the bill of a 19th century frontier tale with high genre stakes and historical ties to the American West. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as fur trapper Hugh Glass, the Alejandro G. Iñárritu-helmed picture is a brutal, meditative, and spiritually complex tale of survival, redemption, and revenge. After Glass is left to die following a near-fatal bear attack, he climbs out of his grave to see that the man responsible gets what he deserves.

In terms of cinematic artistry, The Revenant is on another level. Iñárritu outdoes himself by evoking an Oscar-winning performance from DiCaprio that pushes this unconventional Western into the spotlight. It's an exceptional film that raises the bar for what the genre can do, all while exploring the lives of the mountain men and trailblazers who laid the foundation for the West.

4 '3:10 to Yuma' (2007)

The second remake on this list, 3:10 to Yuma is a reimagining that actually surpasses the original adaptation of Elmore Leonard's famed short story. Here, James Mangold expands on the motivations of hard-working rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale) and the notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), who he is tasked with seeing to the titular train. With stunning performances from the two leads, this remake features a brutal robbery sequence, breathtaking character arcs, and a stunning third act that subverts all expectation.

While there's no doubt that the original 1957 film is a genuinely underrated classic that exemplifies its source material well, the 2007 remake is a powerful take that goes the extra mile. With Mangold at the helm, we can see how his love of the genre exudes throughout every stylish frame. Bale and Crowe are at their best here too, stealing the show throughout.

3 'Open Range' (2003)

A truly underrated Western masterpiece, Open Range is Kevin Costner's epic follow-up to Dances with Wolves that tackles another portion of the West that deserves higher praise than it received at the time. With remarkable character work between Costner's Charley Waite and Robert Duvall's "Boss" Spearman, the whole cast delivers on this romantic and traditional take on the horse opera. It's a solid picture with more than enough gusto to keep one thoroughly engaged — especially in that final shootout.

Open Range reminds the viewer that Costner is just as capable as a filmmaker as he is a Western star, and he tells a tale well worth the effort long before he helped revive the genre on television with Yellowstone. The chemistry between Costner and Duvall is among some of the best work since the latter's in Lonesome Dove, and the sprawling landscapes and cinematic prowess is quite engaging. This is one you won't want to miss, truly deserving of the "masterpiece" label.

2 'True Grit' (2010)

The third and final 21st century remake of a 20th century classic to burrow into this list is the Coen Brothers' inspired take on True Grit. Taking more cues from the original Charles Portis novel than the 1969 John Wayne flick, the 2010 film is a knockout tale of redemption and revenge with a star-studded cast and powerful vision. Jeff Bridges stars as U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, who aids young Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) in her quest to get justice for her father, who was killed by the outlaw Tom Cheney (Josh Brolin).

With help from Matt Damon's Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, the pair travel across Indian Territory looking for the man responsible. As Matt Goldberg wrote in his official review of the film for Collider, "The Coen Brothers have a certain pace to their writing that, when performed correctly, absolutely sings." That really hits the nail on the head, as this is one 21st century triumph that simply stuns the viewer, right to that understated end.

1 'Hostiles' (2017)

Arguably one of the most underrated and yet seriously impressive Westerns made in the last 20-something years, Hostiles bridges the gap between a Union cavalry captain and a Cheyenne elder who had previously been at war. When Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale) is tasked with leading Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his kin to their new reservation land in Montana, both men are forced to confront their own prejudice and violent tendencies as they learn to depend on one another.

With an excellent cast and a remarkable vision by director Scott Cooper, Hostiles pushes all the comfortable boundaries that we may have with more traditional takes on the genre. A film that takes a clear look at both sides, criticizing the white man and the Native American for their bloodthirst, this picture doesn't sugarcoat anything — so it's not exactly for the squeemish. Dealing with issues of grief, violence, war, and doubt, it's not exactly an easy film to get through, but it's a profound slow-burn worth the trek.