If you loved the gritty, tension-filled world of 'For a Few Dollars More' (1965), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that capture the same raw intensity, moral ambiguity, and thrilling action that made Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western a classic. Whether you're a fan of antiheroes, high-stakes duels, or atmospheric storytelling, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Description: A classic ensemble western about a group of gunslingers hired to protect a village from bandits. The film's themes of honor, sacrifice, and camaraderie are central to its appeal.
Fact: The movie is a remake of the Japanese film 'Seven Samurai.' The score by Elmer Bernstein is one of the most recognizable in cinema history.


The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Description: A classic spaghetti western with a focus on morally ambiguous characters, intense standoffs, and a gritty portrayal of the Old West. The film's visual style and use of silence to build tension are hallmarks of the genre.
Fact: The film's iconic score by Ennio Morricone was composed before filming began, which is unusual for movies. The famous three-way duel scene took over a week to shoot.


Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Description: This epic western features a slow-burning narrative, complex characters, and stunning cinematography that captures the vastness and brutality of the frontier. The film's use of long takes and minimal dialogue enhances its atmospheric tension.
Fact: The opening sequence, which lasts nearly 10 minutes, is famous for its use of sound and silence to build suspense. The film was initially a box office disappointment but has since been recognized as a masterpiece.


The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: A brutal and unflinching western that depicts the end of an era for outlaws. The film's graphic violence and themes of loyalty and betrayal were groundbreaking for its time.
Fact: The film's climactic shootout was one of the most violent scenes in cinema at the time. Director Sam Peckinpah used slow-motion extensively to emphasize the brutality of the violence.


High Plains Drifter (1973)
Description: A surreal and darkly atmospheric western that explores themes of vengeance and justice. The film's ambiguous protagonist and stark visual style create a haunting and memorable experience.
Fact: The movie was filmed in sequence, which is unusual for feature films. The town in the film was built specifically for the movie and later burned down as part of the story.


Unforgiven (1992)
Description: A deconstruction of the western genre, focusing on the moral consequences of violence and the myth of the Old West. The film's gritty realism and complex characters set it apart from traditional westerns.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It was originally written in the 1970s but wasn't made until Clint Eastwood felt he was old enough to play the lead role.


3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Description: A tense and psychological western that explores themes of redemption and morality. The film's tight pacing and strong performances make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The movie is a remake of the 1957 film of the same name. The train used in the film was a real historic locomotive.


True Grit (2010)
Description: A gritty and character-driven western that follows a young girl's quest for justice with the help of a hardened lawman. The film's sharp dialogue and stark visuals pay homage to classic westerns.
Fact: The film is a more faithful adaptation of the novel than the 1969 version. The Coen brothers insisted on using natural light for most of the filming.


Django Unchained (2012)
Description: A revisionist western that blends brutal violence with dark humor, exploring themes of revenge and justice. The film's stylized action and morally complex characters are reminiscent of classic spaghetti westerns.
Fact: The character Django was inspired by the 1966 film 'Django,' but the story is original. The film features one of the most explosive shootouts in cinema history.


The Hateful Eight (2015)
Description: A tense, dialogue-driven western that unfolds in a confined setting, focusing on betrayal and mistrust among its characters. The film's slow buildup and sudden bursts of violence are characteristic of the genre.
Fact: The film was shot in 70mm, a format rarely used for movies set mostly indoors. The score by Ennio Morricone was his first for a western in over 30 years.
