If you're a fan of gritty, atmospheric Westerns like 'That Dirty Black Bag' (2022), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same raw intensity, moral ambiguity, and dark storytelling that made the original series so compelling. Whether you're drawn to antiheroes, violent showdowns, or richly detailed period settings, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for more tales from the lawless frontier.
Deadwood (2004)
Description: Like 'That Dirty Black Bag', 'Deadwood' is a gritty, character-driven Western that explores themes of lawlessness, morality, and survival in a harsh frontier town. Both series feature morally ambiguous characters and a dark, violent tone. The dialogue in 'Deadwood' is notably rich and Shakespearean, adding depth to its brutal world.
Fact: 'Deadwood' was created by David Milch, who also worked on 'NYPD Blue'. The series was filmed at Melody Ranch in California, a famous Western filming location. Many of the characters are based on real historical figures from the Old West.
Watch Now 
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Description: This remake shares with 'That Dirty Black Bag' a focus on the psychological tension between two strong-willed men in the Old West. Both works explore themes of honor, redemption, and the blurred line between lawmen and outlaws. The films also feature intense, character-driven action sequences.
Fact: Christian Bale lost 60 pounds for his role in 'Rescue Dawn' before having to bulk back up for this film. The original 1957 version starred Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. Much of the film was shot in New Mexico, standing in for Arizona.
Watch Now 
The Proposition (2005)
Description: This Australian Western shares 'That Dirty Black Bag's' bleak outlook and morally complex characters. Both works explore themes of family, revenge, and the harsh realities of frontier life. The visual style is similarly dusty and unforgiving, with a focus on the brutality of the landscape.
Fact: The screenplay was written by musician Nick Cave. The film was shot in Queensland, Australia, standing in for the Outback. Director John Hillcoat later collaborated with Nick Cave again on 'The Road'.
Watch Now 
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: Like 'That Dirty Black Bag', this film is a meditative, character-driven Western that explores themes of fame, violence, and betrayal. Both works feature stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and brutality of the frontier, with a focus on psychological depth over action.
Fact: The film is based on Ron Hansen's 1983 novel of the same name. Brad Pitt, who plays Jesse James, is distantly related to the real outlaw. The voiceover narration is provided by Hugh Ross, who doesn't appear in the film otherwise.
Watch Now 
True Grit (2010)
Description: The Coen Brothers' remake shares with 'That Dirty Black Bag' a focus on revenge and justice in the Old West. Both works feature strong, determined protagonists on a mission, with a mix of dark humor and brutal violence. The films also share a similar visual style that emphasizes the harshness of the frontier.
Fact: Hailee Steinfeld was only 13 years old during filming. The film is more faithful to the original novel than the 1969 John Wayne version. Jeff Bridges based his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn on a combination of John Wayne and a grizzly bear.
Watch Now 
The Revenant (2015)
Description: This survival epic shares 'That Dirty Black Bag's' focus on the brutality of frontier life and man's struggle against nature. Both works feature stunning, naturalistic cinematography and extreme physical performances. The films also share themes of revenge and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio actually ate raw bison liver during filming. The film was shot entirely with natural light. The infamous bear attack scene took months to choreograph and film.
Watch Now 
Hell on Wheels (2011)
Description: This series shares with 'That Dirty Black Bag' a focus on the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, mirroring the latter's themes of progress and brutality in the American West. Both shows depict the clash between civilization and wilderness, with complex antiheroes at their center.
Fact: 'Hell on Wheels' was one of AMC's first original series after the success of 'Breaking Bad'. The title refers to the mobile tent cities that followed the railroad construction crews. The show's protagonist, Cullen Bohannon, was loosely inspired by Confederate veteran and railroad worker Andrew Russell.
Watch Now 
Django Unchained (2012)
Description: Tarantino's spaghetti Western homage shares with 'That Dirty Black Bag' a mix of brutal violence and dark humor. Both works feature charismatic antiheroes on a mission of revenge, with a stylized approach to Western conventions. The films also share a focus on the racial tensions of the period.
Fact: Jamie Foxx trained with a whip expert for his role. The original cut was over four hours long. The film features cameos from several spaghetti Western veterans, including Franco Nero, the original Django.
Watch Now 
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Description: This horror-Western hybrid shares 'That Dirty Black Bag's' brutal violence and frontier setting. Both works blend traditional Western elements with extreme, visceral horror, creating a unique and unsettling tone. The films also share themes of survival against impossible odds.
Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of novelist S. Craig Zahler. Kurt Russell's character shares similarities with his role in 'Tombstone'. The film features a particularly infamous and gruesome death scene that has become notorious among fans.
Watch Now 
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Description: Quentin Tarantino's Western shares with 'That Dirty Black Bag' a claustrophobic, tense atmosphere and a focus on morally compromised characters trapped together. Both works feature extreme violence, shifting alliances, and a mystery element that unfolds in a single, isolated location.
Fact: The film was shot in 70mm Ultra Panavision, a format not used since
Watch Now 
