- The Gold Rush (1925)
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
- The Searchers (1956)
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- The Proposition (2005)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- True Grit (2010)
- The Revenant (2015)
The Wild West, a land of opportunity, danger, and often, scarcity. This curated list dives into the heart of the Western genre, focusing on films where hunger, whether for food, wealth, or power, shapes the narrative. These movies not only entertain but also offer a poignant look at human survival and the lengths to which people will go when driven by the primal need to eat. From classic tales to modern interpretations, this collection is a must-watch for any fan of Westerns or those intrigued by the theme of hunger.

The Gold Rush (1925)
Description: Charlie Chaplin's iconic silent film where hunger leads to comedic and dramatic situations during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Fact: The famous scene where Chaplin eats his shoe was inspired by a real-life story from the Gold Rush era.


The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Description: Greed and hunger for gold drive three men into the Mexican wilderness, leading to paranoia and betrayal.
Fact: John Huston, the director, also played the role of the gold prospector, Howard.


The Searchers (1956)
Description: Ethan Edwards' relentless search for his niece is fueled by a hunger for justice and revenge, set against the backdrop of the vast, unforgiving West.
Fact: The film was shot in Monument Valley, a location John Ford used in many of his Westerns.


The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: While not directly about hunger, the film explores the hunger for justice and the myth-making of the West.
Fact: This film was one of John Wayne's last major roles, and it's often cited for its exploration of the myth versus reality in the West.


The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: A man left to die in the desert finds water, turning his hunger for survival into a quest for redemption.
Fact: This was Sam Peckinpah's first film after the success of "The Wild Bunch."


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: Josey Wales, driven by hunger for vengeance, becomes an outlaw, but his journey is also about survival in a harsh landscape.
Fact: Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this film, which was a significant departure from his spaghetti westerns.


The Proposition (2005)
Description: In this Australian Western, the hunger for justice and survival in the harsh outback drives the plot.
Fact: The film's score was composed by Nick Cave, who also co-wrote the screenplay.


The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: The film delves into the hunger for fame and the darker side of hero worship in the West.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Canada, with many scenes filmed in Alberta's foothills.


True Grit (2010)
Description: Mattie Ross's hunger for justice leads her on a journey with a U.S. Marshal, showcasing the grit and determination of the West.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1969 film, with Jeff Bridges taking on the role originally played by John Wayne.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: While not a traditional Western, the film's focus on survival and revenge in the wilderness captures the essence of hunger in the West.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this film, which was known for its grueling filming conditions.
