This Is the Silent Gunslinger Who Redefined the Western Genre

The Western genre has been around since before the film industry began. It is a genre that began with Wild West reenactments, progressed to silent short-reels in the later part of the 19th century, and eventually gave way to the narrative films that we know today. Films have come a long way since the 1903 film, "The Great Train Robbery," and audiences have embraced these movies that depict life on the old frontier.

Westerns are a huge part of American culture, and their popularity has seen highs and lows. According to Screen Rant, a media site that provides reviews, news, and analysis, Westerns were probably the most popular genre in American cinema for the best part of seventy years. They saw a decline in the later part of the 20th century, but as time went on, the Western was reignited – and reinvented – to appeal to today's tastes.

The shows and movies set in the 1800s depicted a certain type of lifestyle that fascinated people. The themes depicted – lack of laws, the ability to make a name for yourself, and the idea of freedom – allowed people to escape from the realities of everyday life. (If you'd rather see real events happening now, visit the Tomorrowland Music Festival on YouTube.)

Some films were based on real outlaws, like the 1993 film, "Tombstone," that depicted events involving Butch Cassidy and Doc Holliday and their respective gangs. 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."

To compile a list of the greatest Western characters in movie history, 24/7 Tempo consulted entertainment-related sources like IMDb, an online database that contains information about movies, television shows, and additional media-related content, Rotten Tomatoes, an online guide and resource for entertainment content, and ScreenRant.

For more Westerns, click here to read about the 25 best films of this genre released in this century.

• Movie: "Fistful of Dollars," "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly," "For a Few Dollars More"
• Portrayed 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. The poncho and cowboy hat combo was true to how cowboys dressed back in the day. He's been called Joe, Manco, and Blondie at different points during the trilogy. This is one of Eastwood's best works in film.

• Movie: "Tombstone"
• Portrayed 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.

• Movie: "The Outlaw Josey Wales"
• Portrayed by: Clint Eastwood

Josey Wales was a farmer who 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. He became a fan favorite because he was determined to avenge his bloodline.

• Movie: "True Grit"
• Portrayed by: John Wayne

Rooster Cogburn is a character that has 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, but it's his pursuit of justice that keeps fans wanting more. The way Cogburn was portrayed to showcase "true grit" in his day-to-day life made him a respectable fellow.

• Movie: "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"
• Portrayed by: Paul Newman

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.

• Movie: "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"
• Portrayed by: Robert Redford

Butch Cassidy's partner throughout his adventures is the Sundance Kid, a character who is now known for his sense of humor and attention to detail. He always kept a close eye on what was going on around him. Redford and Newman had such great chemistry on set as Cassidy and "Kid" that it helped translate into on-screen success.

• Movie: "Lonesome Dove"
• Portrayed 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.

• Movie: Gunsmoke Franchise
• Portrayed 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 no matter what, fans always saw that his heart was always in the right place.

• Movie: "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance"
• Portrayed by: John Wayne

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 like 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.

• Movie: "Tombstone"
• Portrayed by: Kurt Russell

In real life, Wyatt Earp was known for his willingness to do anything to protect the law and is best known for his shootout at the O.K. Corral (he was also known for his gambling). It was only right to include Earp in "Tombstone," alongside some of the most notorious gangsters in Western cinema. While dozens have assumed the role of Earp throughout the years, it was Russell's portrayal that stood out.

• Movie: "Unforgiven"
• Portrayed by: Clint Eastwood

Eastwood 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. Munny had to figure out what to do, to fight back against his circumstances, 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.