It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!
Today’s official topic is Non-book Freebie, to pick anything other than books for the list. I’m going with a list of movies, something I occasionally talk about here. This time, it’s a little different of a genre with a list of 10 Favorite Western Films.
Due to my parents and some influential uncles, I have been a fan of the western genre since I was a kid. I was watching John Wayne movies at the same time I was obsessed with Disney. I’m still a fan of the genre and enjoy discovering gems I haven’t seen, and I enjoy a well-written western book, too.
This list highlights my favorites — stars and stories. It covers quite a few decades, mostly beyond the peak of westerns on the big screen (50s and 60s). My list is reflective of my tastes and showcases story elements I still love in other genres of film AND books (friendships! justice! action and dynamic casts!). In chronological release order, here’s my list of…
(click the titles to learn more about each one)
10 Favorite Westerns
The middle film in 3 similar storied titles by director Hawks and star John Wayne, this one stands out for its script and pacing that feels most authentic. Plus it’s a lawmen-and-town-against-a-bully situation.
Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970)
Irony, humor, and Clint Eastwood trying not to be attracted to a nun.
A family saga with an estranged father back to retrieve his kidnapped grandson. This has some great moments recognizing the changing culture of the west into a modern state. And John Wayne’s own son, Patrick, plays his son in the movie — they have some fun dialogue and scenes that make them more interesting because of their real-life relationship.
A perfect western, and one of my very favorites on this list. It has a fantastic ensemble cast, great cinematography, and a corrupt sheriff storyline that feels fresh.
A Tom Selleck western set in Australia, it has some iconic moments and highly quotable lines. As many times as I’ve seen it, it never gets old. And, Alan Rickman is a villain!
I prefer this Earp biopic-imagining to the more popular Tombstone (though I still love Val Kilmer in that one!), mostly because it takes its time as a more thoughtful depiction of Earp’s life.
This is a movie adaptation of the beloved 1950s James Garner TV character. The plucky gambler is played here by Mel Gibson, but Garner does have a great part himself. This is a quintessential 90s movie with a humorous script done right.
Yes, this movie is about lawmen, justice, and has a little romance. But it’s a modern classic because of its depiction of loyalty and friendship (dare I say bromance?) between Viggo Mortensen’s and Ed Harris’ (who directs!) characters. Quality visual storytelling.
yes I prefer the remake! Denzel Washington and Christ Pratt leading a unique cast of avenging gunslingers in an over-the-top ending. Enough said.
The only miniseries I’ve chosen, this is a bit of a dark horse on my list. It’s a recent one I watched and enjoyed with Emily Blunt shouldering the story. I loved the cinematography and musical choices for the score. It’s a story that takes its time, sometimes slow at times, but one that brings every single detail full circle with meaning. (a side note: it definitely lives up to its “mature” content rating)
What did you choose for this week’s freebie topic? Are you a fan of westerns? Have you seen any on my list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
The Green Mockingbird 