10 Must-Watch Neo-Western Films

      Casey Chong presents ten exceptional neo-Western films that you should definitely watch…

      Although the classic John Wayne era of Westerns has faded, it remains a significant part of cinematic history. While the Western genre no longer guarantees box office success like it once did, it still holds a prominent place in modern cinema, especially through the neo-Western subgenre. This form revitalizes traditional Western themes and archetypes, often changing settings and combining elements from action thrillers, crime dramas, horror, and even comedy. Here are ten notable neo-Westerns to explore if you haven't already…

      **Extreme Prejudice (1987)**

      This high-octane film, directed by Walter Hill, is a classic yet underrated title. It presents a gritty action thriller centered around the War on Drugs, featuring neo-Western elements. The film stars Nick Nolte as Jack Benteen, a Texas Ranger determined to confront his childhood friend turned drug dealer, Cash Bailey, portrayed by the slick Powers Boothe. The situation gets complicated with the introductions of Major Paul Hackett, played by Michael Ironside, and his dubious Zombie Unit soldiers. While the narrative may take time to connect the dots between Jack's rivalry with Cash and the Zombie Unit’s mission, Hill's robust direction maintains the excitement through gripping action sequences, notably echoing Sam Peckinpah’s celebrated shootout scenes.

      **Last Man Standing (1996)**

      Another Walter Hill film, Last Man Standing, surprisingly exceeded expectations despite its poor box office performance. Drawing heavily from Akira Kurosawa’s classic Yojimbo, Hill blends elements of neo-Western and gangster films in this Prohibition-era tale featuring a mysterious drifter, John Smith (played coolly by Bruce Willis), who finds himself in the midst of a war between the Irish and Italian mafias. The film stands out for its stylish action sequences reminiscent of John Woo’s filmmaking and incorporates slow-motion violence akin to Peckinpah’s work. John Smith bears similarities to Clint Eastwood’s iconic character from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but distinguishes himself by wielding two pistols. Additionally, Ry Cooder’s jazzy score enhances the film's atmosphere while Lloyd Ahern’s cinematography captures the unsettling aesthetics of a foreboding town.

      **Vampires (1998)**

      Despite its generic title, John Carpenter’s adaptation of John Steakley’s 1990 novel melds neo-Western and vampire horror genres. Featuring James Woods as the stern leader of a vampire hunting team, the film offers a fun, B-movie experience. The engaging opening sequence introduces Woods's character, Jack Crow, leading his team on a raid against vampires in an abandoned New Mexico residence, while the character Jan Valek, played by Thomas Ian Griffith, adds a compelling antagonist. Although Vampires performed modestly at the box office, it inspired two direct-to-video sequels.

      **No Country for Old Men (2007)**

      No list of neo-Westerns would be complete without referencing No Country for Old Men, which secured the Coen Brothers an Oscar for Best Picture, along with additional awards, including Javier Bardem’s unforgettable portrayal of the relentless hitman Anton Chigurh. Bardem's chilling performance brings a sense of foreboding as Chigurh decides his victims' fates by flipping a coin. His icy demeanor and apathetic nature render him a memorable villain. The Coen brothers provide a cynically engaging take on the neo-Western genre, challenging traditional good-versus-evil narratives.

      **Wind River (2017)**

      Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River showcases his fascination with the contemporary American frontier by blending neo-Western themes with a murder mystery and crime procedural. The film emphasizes character development and slow pacing, featuring strong performances from Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. Sheridan faces tough subjects such as sexual assault and violence head-on, while the unforgiving Wyoming landscape complements the film's dark themes. The narrative explores the harsh realities faced by Native Americans, and Sheridan’s directorial skills shine through, especially during the intense finale in a Mexican standoff scenario.

      **The Last Stand (2013)**

      Despite its lackluster box office performance, The Last Stand marks the Hollywood debut of renowned South Korean director Kim Jee-Woon, known for A Tale of Two Sisters. A contemporary reimagining of Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo, this neo-Western action-thriller sees Arnold Schwarzenegger returning to the big screen as Sheriff Ray Owens, leading a team to thwart the escape of a drug kingpin (Eduardo Noriega). Notably, the movie features a thrilling 30-minute showdown in the Arizona town of Sommerton Junction that showcases Schwarzenegger’s enduring star power and charming wit.

      **The Way of the Gun (2000)**

      Before his Mission: Impossible fame, Christopher McQuarrie made his directorial debut with The Way of the Gun, following two petty criminals (Ryan Phillippe and Benicio del Toro)