If you loved the raw, emotional storytelling of 'Cowboys' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same themes of identity, family, and self-discovery. Whether you're drawn to indie dramas or heartfelt narratives, these recommendations will keep you engaged and emotionally invested.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: A poetic and melancholic Western that explores fame, betrayal, and the myth of the outlaw, with stunning cinematography and a slow-burning narrative.
Fact: The film features a haunting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. It was based on the novel of the same name by Ron Hansen.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A gripping, atmospheric Western thriller that delves into themes of fate, violence, and the changing nature of the American frontier, with a stark visual style.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy.


True Grit (2010)
Description: A classic Western tale of revenge and redemption, featuring a strong-willed protagonist and a journey through rugged, lawless territory.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1969 version and stays closer to the original novel by Charles Portis. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: A brutal survival story set in the wilderness, featuring themes of revenge, endurance, and the raw power of nature, with stunning cinematography.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance was largely physical, with minimal dialogue.


Django Unchained (2012)
Description: A stylized, violent Western that blends action, humor, and social commentary, focusing on a freed slave's quest for justice and revenge.
Fact: The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. It was Quentin Tarantino's first Western.


Hell or High Water (2016)
Description: A modern Western that explores themes of brotherhood, economic hardship, and justice in rural America, with a strong sense of place and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was inspired by the economic struggles of small-town America.


The Hateful Eight (2015)
Description: A tense, dialogue-driven Western mystery set in a confined space, exploring themes of distrust, justice, and the brutality of human nature.
Fact: The film was shot in 70mm, a format rarely used since the 1960s. It features an original score by Ennio Morricone, his first Western score in 34 years.


The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Description: A darkly comedic Western that follows two brothers on a violent journey, blending humor with brutal realism and exploring familial bonds.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of Patrick deWitt's novel and was shot in Spain and Romania to mimic the American West.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A neo-Western crime thriller set in the harsh, snowy landscapes of Wyoming, focusing on survival, justice, and the clash between law and frontier justice.
Fact: The film is based on real-life issues of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S. It was written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote 'Hell or High Water'.


Hostiles (2017)
Description: A somber and introspective Western that examines themes of racism, redemption, and the cost of violence, set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
Fact: The film was inspired by real historical events and features a powerful performance by Christian Bale. It took nearly a decade to get made.
