Western movies are a huge part of American culture. The shows and movies that take place in the 1800s depict a certain type of lifestyle that plenty of people are fascinated by. The lack of laws, the ability to make a name for yourself, and the timeless montages are just a few reasons Americans might love these movies and shows.
It’s interesting to think about how fictional Western storylines could have easily happened in the real world. Doc Holliday and Butch Cassidy were two very real outlaws back in the day. “Tombstone” was released in the 1990s, based on events that involved the two men and their respective gangs. However, not every Western is based on a true story with the real names of men to incorporate. One of the most iconic actors who frequently starred in Western films was Clint Eastwood. Some of his best work came as William Munny in “Unforgiven.”
A common trope that’s been used for decades in Westerns is characters going by first names or mysterious names only. For example, Man with No Name (played also by Eastwood) changed his name for every movie starting with “A Fistful of Dollars” and beyond. Despite that, Man with No Name has become one of the most well-known characters in all Westerns ever made. That’s partly because the franchise consists of three movies. For more Westerns, click here to read about the 25 best films of this genre released in this century.
To compile this list of the greatest Western characters, 24/7 Tempo consulted entertainment-related sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and ScreenRant.
Man With No Name
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 05: Actor Clint Eastwood looks on from the 18th hole during the 3M Celebrity Challenge prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on February 05, 2020 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
- Movie: Fistful of Dollars Franchise
- Played by: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood took on the role of anti-hero in the Fistful of Dollars franchise using awful tactics to get what he wanted. His cigar hanging out of his mouth in multiple scenes has become part of classic cinema. The poncho and cowboy hat combo was true to how cowboys back in the day dressed. He’s been called Joe, Manco, and Blondie at different points during the trilogy. This is one of Eastwood’s best works in film.
Doc Holliday
WESTWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 08: Val Kilmer attends the Monster Energy K Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion on July 08, 2019 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
- Movie: “Tombstone”
- Played by: Val Kilmer
There aren’t many outlaws whose names are as noteworthy as Doc Holliday. The real-life outlaw became infamous for his robberies, gambling, and murders. The movie “Tombstone” in the 1990s showcased him and other outlaws during their lives together. Holliday is played by Val Kilmer in this movie, where the legend of the true character became immortalized in the minds of viewers around the world.
Josey Wales
Clint Eastwood aiming two pistols in a scene from the film 'The Outlaw Josey Wales', 1976. (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)
- Movie: “The Outlaw Josey Wales”
- Played by: Clint Eastwood
Another Clint Eastwood character that’s beloved by fans around the world is Josey Wales. The farmer wanted to live a peaceful life on his ranch – until his family was brutally murdered. Rather than sit back and do nothing, Wales took it upon himself to find the men who did it to get revenge on them. He became a fan favorite because of his determination to avenge his bloodline.
Rooster Cogburn
1969: John Wayne, in his Oscar winning performance as Rooster Cogburn, in scene from the movie 'True Grit' directed by Henry Hathaway in 1969. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
- Movie: “True Grit”
- Played by: John Wayne
Rooster Cogburn is a character from the True Grit movie series. He’s been played by both John Wayne and Jeff Bridges for multiple film adaptations. The character is best known for being an alcoholic Marshall for the United States. His pursuit of justice is what keeps fans wanting more of him. The way Cogburn was portrayed to showcase “true grit” in his day-to-day life made him a respectable fellow.
Butch Cassidy
Paul Newman standing in a scene from the film 'Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid', 1969. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images)
- Movie: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
- Played by: Paul Newman
It’s tough to find movies that have a legend like “Butch Cassiday and the Sundance Kid.” Paul Newman played Butch Cassidy in the film where he was a train robber with his partner. Cassidy is widely known as an anti-hero, thanks to his willingness to do what’s right from time to time. Western fans have long maintained Cassidy as one of the best characters throughout the genre’s history.
The Sundance Kid
Robert Redford leans on wall holding gun in a scene from the film 'Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid', 1969. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images)
- Movie: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
- Played by: Robert Redford
Butch Cassidy’s partner throughout his adventures is the Sundance Kid. Portrayed by Robert Redford, the character is now known for his sense of humor and attention to details. He always kept a close eye on what was going on around him. He and Cassidy had such great chemistry on set together, which helped translate into on-screen success. The legend of those two will live on forever due to great casting.
Gus McCrae
- Movie: “Lonesome Dove”
- Played by: Gus McCrae
It’s rare to find a hardened Western character with emotional depth like Gus McCrae. The character from the miniseries “Lonesome Dove” made his mark with this depth, while also showcasing humor and a traditional cowboy mindset. He was friends with everyone who came in contact with him. Over the years, Western fans have grown to truly love and appreciate all McCrae has to offer on screen while rewatching “Lonesome Dove.”
Marshal Matt Dillon
LOS ANGELES - 1969: Actor James Arness of TV's 'Gunsmoke' poses for a photo 1969 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
- Movie: Gunsmoke Franchise
- Played by: James Arness
The Gunsmoke franchise has become one of the most revered by fans over the years, thanks in part to characters like Marshal Matt Dillon. He was one of the first men in the Western genre to lay down the hammer of justice during the run of the series. He helped showcase what elements a top-notch Western show should have. Dillon made sure fans saw that his heart was always in the right place, no matter what drama was going down.
Tom Doniphon
American actor John Wayne (1907 - 1979), circa 1950. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
- Movie: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”
- Played by: John Wayne
Another John Wayne character who impresses film buffs minds is Tom Doniphon. Like many Western characters, Doniphon didn’t care about anything other than the pursuit of justice. He didn’t mind if someone else got the credit for his work, as long as the criminal was persecuted.
Doniphon was selfless and acted how small town sheriffs back in the day would. Wayne’s portrayal of different Western characters during his career is why he’s so beloved as an actor by diehard fans.
Wyatt Earp
- Movie: “Tombstone”
- Played by: Kurt Russell
In real life, Wyatt Earp was known for his willingness to do anything to protect the law. He’s best known for his shootout at the O.K. Corral. It was only right to include Earp in “Tombstone,” alongside some of the most notorious gangsters in Western cinema. Earp also was known for his gambling. Dozens have played against the real Earp throughout the years, and Kurt Russell did a great job taking on the role of Earp in the movie.
William Munny
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Director-producer Clint Eastwood attends the 20th Annual AFI Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 03, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for AFI)
- Movie: “Unforgiven”
- Played by: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood played another legendary Western character named William Munny. He took on the role of Munny in the movie “Unforgiven.” Munny was a character who had a tough past that eventually caught up to him. Rather than sulk in the past, he decided it was time to move on and make things better.
It became challenging for him when his past caught up to him, but he fought back against his circumstances. Munny had to figure out what to do and how to leave it all behind. His perseverance is why fans love him. For more Western content, click here to read about the 30 best films of this genre ever made.