Western movies are a lot of fun to enjoy, especially classics. Generally, these films are filled with love, adventure, and sometimes even revenge. One of the best parts of Western films though is the epic showdowns. There is just something so alluring about watching the main character, or characters, get into a battle of the quickest with the opposing party. Who can forget the epic battles seen in Western films like “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Magnificent Seven.”
Although dramatized, there is some truth to these showdowns. During the wild wild west, gunfights were common. A famous gunfight is the Luke Short-Charlie Storms Gunfight, which was held between Luke Short and Charlie Storms. During this epic showdown, Charlie Storms was messing with and underestimating Luke Short. Before this, the two men didn’t know each other. By the end, which was quick, Storms was shot dead with a 45 caliber.
Not all showdowns are this fast though. In some films, they are portrayed as slow, with both shooters taking turns, instead of shooting at once. Whoever is the fastest, and has the best aim, wins.
The Wild West has a lot of outlaws and incredible stories of gunfighters. After this article on the most epic showdowns in Western films, check out our article on the 26 Wild West outlaws who became legends.
24/7 Tempo consulted numerous entertainment and history sources. Some of these sources include Screen Rant, IMDb, and Britannica to compile a list of the most epic showdowns in Western films. We also consulted forums like Quora and Reddit, focusing on some lesser-known films.
“For a Few Dollars More” (1965)
One of the best showdowns in Western films is in “For a Few Dollars More.” This iconic and classic 1965 film is a favorite for many and stars actors like Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Gian Maria Volonté. The movie did fantastic, with a budget of $600,000 and a gross of $25.5 million worldwide. The praise for this movie is understandable. “For a Few Dollars More” final duel scene is hard to forget.
“Tombstone” (1993)
You don’t have to love films to have heard of or seen “Tombstone.” This incredible Western film was released on December 25, 1993, in the United States and was an immediate hit. Although loosely based on real events like the Earp Vendetta Ride, much of the film is fiction. The film stars movie stars like Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, and Sam Elliott. So, which epic showdown makes our list from this movie? It’s definitely the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
“High Noon” (1952)
Western films were super popular starting from the 1940s and ending during the 1960s. They are set during the 1850s to the early 1900s. One of the best Western films with an excellent showdown is “High Noon,” which was released on July 24, 1952. The film grossed an astonishing $12 million and only had a budget of $730,000.
“Young Guns” (1988)
Next on our list of the best showdowns in Western films is the intense final battle in “Young Guns.” This movie was released on August 12, 1988, in the United States and starred Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Charlie Sheen. Although the peak of Western films was during the 1950s and 1960s, this Western action movie was very popular. While the film had a budget of $11 million, it grossed $56 million.
“Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968)
Another great Western film with one of the best showdowns in cinema history is “Once Upon a Time in the West.” This fan favorite was released on December 21, 1968, in Italy. Western film lovers purchased over 40 million tickets to see this film, and for good reason. The locations are stunning and the cast are great at their roles. This film stars Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, and Charles Bronson.
“Django Unchained” (2012)
Not all great Western films and showdowns are old. One of the more recent excellent Western movies is “Django Unchained.” It was directed by Quentin Tarantino and stars Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie tells the story of a freed slave who becomes an incredible bounty hunter while looking to rescue his wife. Possibly the best scene in the film is the shootout at Candyland.
“The Shootist” (1976)
Back to older movies, “The Shootist,” is an entertaining Western Thriller. It was released on July 21, 1976, and has a runtime of about 100 minutes. “The Shootist” starred amazing actors like John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, and James Stewart. The final fight in the film is phenomenal, understandably earning a spot on our list. This movie was John Wayne’s last.
“The Magnificent Seven” (2016)
Who can forget the town shootout scene in “The Magnificent Seven?” It’s hard to keep track of just how many people are effortlessly taken out. The rest of the movie is just as eye-capturing. “The Magnificent Seven” was released on September 23, 2016 in the United States. The film made back its budget and then some with a gross of $162.4 million worldwide. Actors in “The Magnificent Seven” include Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and Vincent D’Onofrio.
“3:10 To Yuma” (2007)
Directed by James Mangold, “3:10 to Yuma” has one of the best epic showdowns in American Western film history. “3:10 to Yuma” was released on September 7, 2007, in the United States. It stars Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, and Gretchen Mol. There isn’t just one showdown or shooting scene in “3:10 to Yuma,” which makes it hard to just choose one as the best.
“True Grit” (2010)
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)
Also on our list is a scene from the film, “True Grit.” This American Western was released on December 22, 2010, in the United States and was a box office hit. With a budget of $35 to 38 million, the movie grossed an astonishing $252.3 million. One of the best scenes with shooting is the final shootout. It’s dramatic and tense as you watch Mattie struggle. “True Grit” starred Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, and Hailee Steinfeld.
“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962)
Continuing our list of the most epic showdowns in Western films is from the iconic “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” This old Western movie was released on April 22, 1962, in the United States. It’s based on a short story of the same name by Dorothy M. Johnson. The best showdown scene in this film is when Tom Doniphon shoots Liberty Valence. It’s satisfying to watch and made even better by the talent in the film. “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence” starred John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin, and Edmond O’Brien.
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
A few years after “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” was released, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” came to the theater. “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was released on September 24, 1969, in the United States and is a true classic. It blew away the competition at the box office, grossing $102.3 million in America, against a measly budget of $6 million. This film tells the story of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, two outlaws that go on many adventures.
“The Wild Bunch” (1969)
The 1960s were a great time for Western movies, including “The Wild Bunch.” This American epic revisionist Western film is about an aging outlaw gang on the Mexico–United States border. Unlike other Western films, it’s set in the early 1900s (1913), as opposed to the 1800s. During this movie, the aging outlaws attempt to get used to the modern world. It’s a violent film, but a favorite for many. The best showdown in the film has to be the Battle of Bloody Porch. The effects for the time are phenomenal and it’s hard to keep your eyes away from the scene.
“The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” (1966)
We can’t talk about Western films without mentioning one of the best Western movies ever made, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Although an Italian film, many of the actors are American, including Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef. Although mostly an Italian film, much of the movie was shot in Spain. Like many Western movies, the best showdowns and epic shootouts are during the final moments of this movie, and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” is no exception. The intense stares in the showdown are everything.
“Appaloosa” (2008)
Released in 2008, “Appaloosa” is a unique and interesting American Western movie that is hard to look away from. It’s filled with many twists and turns and is based on the 2005 novel “Appaloosa.” This movie starred Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Renée Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, and Timothy Spall. Although only moderately successful at the box office, “Appaloosa” is considered a hidden Western gem. One of the best and most underrated moments is the bar scene.
“Death Rides a Horse” (1967)
Next on our list of the most epic showdowns in Western films is the final shootout in “Death Rides a Horse.” This Italian Spaghetti Western has a great revenge story as Bill tries to avenge the deaths and brutal crimes against his family, fifteen years later. The movie stars Lee Van Cleef, John Phillip Law, Luigi Pistilli, and Anthony Dawson.
“Shane” (1953)
One of the oldest showdown scenes and Western films on our list is “Shane.” This movie was released on April 23, 1953, in the United States. It’s another hidden gem that doesn’t get the love it deserves. This film had a budget of $1.5 million but grossed $9 million at the box office in both the U.S. and Canada. “Shane” starred Hollywood stars like Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, and Brandon deWilde. While the showdown scenes in “Shane” are remarkable it’s the cinematography that makes people fall in love with the film.
“Unforgiven” (1992)
Nearing the end of our list is “Unforgiven” which was released on August 7, 1992, in the United States. It was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Gene Hackman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett, and Morgan Freemen. “Unforgiven” had a budget of $14.4 million, but grossed a whopping $159.2 million at the box office. The shootout scene is unforgettable. It’s not the shooting or the fast-pacedness of the scene that makes it remarkable, but the cruel and cold lines.
“The Outlaw Josey Wales” (1976)
Clint Eastwood aiming two pistols in a scene from the film 'The Outlaw Josey Wales', 1976. (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)
Last but not least is a scene from “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” specifically the Union Camp massacre. It starts with a pledge, but quickly turns into a shootout. It’s hard to consider this epic scene a showdown though since both parties weren’t ready. The intensity of the scene continues with lines like, “They were decently fed, and then they were decently shot.” The Outlaw Josey Wales was released on June 30, 1976, in the United States and was successful at the box office. (Are you interested in learning more about Western films? Click here to read about John Wayne’s best and worst movies outside the Western Genre.)