As far as Westerns are concerned, the ‘80s are not their defining period. The defining period is from 1945 to 1965, with the ‘50s particularly dominating. The likes of John Wayne, Gary Cooper, James Stewart, and Randolph Scott were the faces of Westerns during this time.
The ‘80s were a weird time for the cowboy. This decade was moving from the gritty, character-driven films of the ‘70s to the high-concept, escapist (and franchise-driven) cinema. The 80’s movies embraced commercialism, technological advancements, and brighter, more colorful aesthetics. Heroes got beefier, action got super-powered, and the atmosphere was drenched in neon lights, with synthesizers becoming commonplace. In short, they moved away from the cynical, melancholic, and low-key tones of the past.
Some filmmakers, however, weren’t yet done with the Frontier. They still craved dusty trails and revolvers. But the “white hat” hero was no longer a viable option in the times of Rick Deckard, T-800, and John McClane. They still pushed on. Comparison between the “cowboy” and the “terminator” wasn’t destined to be kind, and it wasn’t.
It may not have turned out to be the best decade for the Westerns, but time has a funny way of making old leather look even better. There were a few big-budget epics and some quieter, indie darlings, but either way, these films proved that the ‘80s still had some frontier stories to tell.
The following eight Westerns of the ‘80s have stood the test of time.
The Best Westerns of the ‘80s
8. Heaven’s Gate (1980)
Written by: Michael Cimino | Directed by: Michael Cimino
Set during the Johnson County War in the 1890s, James Averill (Kris Kristofferson) does his best to protect immigrant settlers from a militia supported by wealthy cattle barons. The film wasn’t a success, but it’s on this list because of its bold ambition and an amazing level of detail. The film offers magnificent visuals of the wide, expansive landscapes and intricate set design. Today, critics and fans consider it a misunderstood masterpiece that serves as a sharp critique of the American Dream.
7. Young Guns (1988)
Written by: John Fusco | Directed by: Christopher Cain
In 1878 New Mexico, a British rancher mentors a group of six young men to become the “Regulators.” When he is killed, the leader of the Regulators, Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez), turns this justice-seeking group into a vengeful, lawless force, and in the process, becomes the target of a massive manhunt. This movie is a perfect example of Westerns trying to change for the younger audience. It has that “Brat Pack” energy. Young Guns unfolds at a frantic pace, and the violence—let’s say there are no holds barred. It might look flashy, a little over-the-top, but it still captures the reckless spirit of the youth of the ‘80s.
6. The Man from Snowy River (1982)
Written by: A.B. “Banjo” Paterson, Cul Cullen, John Dixon, Fred Cul Cullen | Directed by: George T. Miller
This one takes place in Australia. Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson), a young horseman, leaves the mountains to work on a lowland ranch to prove his worth. Things turn south, however, when he is unjustly accused of losing a prized stallion. The film is more romantic for a Western, but it still delivers technical excellence in the form of unbelievable horse-riding stunts. If you get around to watching it, don’t miss the downhill gallop sequence. It’s, without a question, one of the most impressive feats in cinema history. Also, this film gives the Western genre an international flavor.
5. Silverado (1985)
Written by: Lawrence Kasdan, Mark Kasdan | Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan
Four mismatched drifters—Emmett (Scott Glenn), a calm gunman; Jake (Kevin Costner), his hot-headed younger brother; Paden (Kevin Kline), a cheated-out gambler; and Mal (Danny Glover), a righteous cowboy—cross paths while all traveling to the town of Silverado. Despite their differences, they become allies and fight together to overthrow a corrupt sheriff and a ruthless ranching operation. This movie stands out in this list for being a high-energy tribute to the Golden Age of cinema. Its editing is fast-paced, and the background score is orchestral; together, they make the movie experience incredibly fun. Silverado also showed that a Western in the ‘80s could still shake the box office without compromising on the genre’s rugged, traditional soul.
4. Barbarosa (1982)
Written by: William D. Wittliff | Directed by: Fred Schepisi
A farm boy named Karl (Gary Busey) accidentally kills his brother-in-law and runs away. He meets Barbarosa (Willie Nelson), a hardened outlaw, who teaches Karl how to survive while helping him evade the vengeful family of the deceased. The movie has a unique “tall tale” vibe and is noted for the natural chemistry between the two leads. The film also managed to bypass a lot of Western clichés by focusing on the cycle of family feuds. Also, the film’s authentic, raw texture is credited to its dusty, sun-bleached visuals.
3. The Long Riders (1980)
Written by: Bill Bryden, Steven Smith, Stacy Keach | Directed by: Walter Hill
This is a biographical Western. It details the final years of daring robberies by the infamous outlaw James-Younger gang, led by Jesse James (James Keach) and Cole Younger (David Carradine). In one of the unique casting happenstances in cinema, the four sets of brothers in the movie are played by the real-life actor brothers—the Keaches, the Carradines, the Quaids, and the Guests. This definitely added a level of authenticity to the character dynamics. The film is also noted for its stylized, slow-motion violence and a folksy soundtrack, which together create a moody but memorable experience.
2. Pale Rider (1985)
Written by: Michael Butler, Dennis Shryack | Directed by: Clint Eastwood
A mysterious, gunslinging preacher (Clint Eastwood) arrives at a small town to protect struggling prospectors from a greedy corporate landowner. One of the more unique Westerns, in the sense that it has supernatural elements, Pale Rider perfectly captures the mystical and paranormal aura of its protagonist. Eastwood masterfully uses shadows and wide shots of mountains and landscapes to create a religious undertone. It almost revived the genre by making the silent hero feel legendary and untouchable again.
1. The Grey Fox (1982)
Written by: John Hunter | Directed by: Phillip Borsos
After serving 33 years for stagecoach robberies, a bandit, Bill Miner (Richard Farnsworth), is released into the modern world of 1901, where he cannot adapt. After watching one of the first films ever, The Great Train Robbery (1903), Miner gets an idea and reinvents himself to become a train robber. This film earns its spot because of its gentle, poetic pace and stunning Canadian landscapes. Farnsworth’s performance is understated and charming. The film also makes smart use of the natural light to depict the transition from the old frontier to the industrial twentieth century.