Top 10 Western Films About Drifters

Description: Shane, a mysterious drifter, arrives at a Wyoming homestead and becomes embroiled in a conflict between settlers and a ruthless cattle baron. His struggle with his past and his desire for a peaceful life make this film a classic Western tale.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It's often praised for its cinematography and the iconic scene where Shane rides away at the end.

Description: Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran, becomes a drifter in his quest to find his niece, kidnapped by Comanches. His journey across the unforgiving landscape is as much about self-discovery as it is about rescue.

Fact: John Wayne's character, Ethan Edwards, was ranked as the 8th greatest movie hero by the American Film Institute. The film is also notable for its complex portrayal of racial issues.

Description: Senator Ransom Stoddard returns to the town where he became famous for killing the outlaw Liberty Valance. The film explores the myth versus the reality of the West through the eyes of a drifter turned politician.

Fact: This film is famous for the line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend," which encapsulates the theme of myth-making in the West.

Description: Hud Bannon, a selfish drifter, returns to his family's ranch, bringing turmoil and conflict. His journey is one of self-discovery and the consequences of living without a moral compass.

Fact: Paul Newman's performance as Hud earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film is also notable for its black-and-white cinematography.

Description: Cable Hogue, left for dead in the desert, finds water and builds a way station, becoming a drifter with a purpose. His story is a quirky, comedic take on the Western drifter narrative.

Fact: Sam Peckinpah directed this film, which is considered one of his more light-hearted works, showcasing his versatility beyond his usual violent themes.

Description: Jeremiah Johnson, a former soldier, becomes a mountain man and drifter, seeking solitude in the Rockies. His encounters with Native Americans and the harsh wilderness shape his character in profound ways.

Fact: The film was inspired by the life of John "Liver-Eating" Johnston, a legendary mountain man. Robert Redford's portrayal of Johnson is often considered one of his finest roles.

Description: Tom Logan, a horse thief, becomes a drifter on the run from a notorious regulator. His journey through the rugged landscapes of Montana is both a chase and a meditation on freedom and survival.

Fact: This film marked the only time Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson shared the screen, making it a unique entry in both actors' filmographies.

Description: After his family is murdered by Union soldiers, Josey Wales becomes a drifter seeking vengeance. His journey across the West, filled with encounters with various characters, paints a vivid picture of a man whose life is forever changed by loss and the pursuit of justice.

Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred in but also directed this film, which was his first directorial effort in the Western genre. The film was inspired by the novel "The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales" by Forrest Carter.

Description: This film follows the James-Younger gang, a group of drifters turned outlaws. Their story is one of brotherhood, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the run.

Fact: The film is notable for casting real-life brothers to play the brothers in the gang, including the Carradines, Keachs, and Quaids, adding authenticity to the portrayal of family dynamics.

Description: William Munny, a former gunslinger turned farmer, is drawn back into his old life when a bounty is placed on a group of outlaws. His journey as a drifter seeking redemption and justice is a poignant exploration of the myth of the West.

Fact: This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Clint Eastwood, who also starred as Munny. It's often cited as one of the greatest Westerns ever made.