Best Western Films Set in the Early 20th Century

Best Western Films Set in the Early 20th Century Historical Westerns

The early 20th century was a time of great change in the American West, where the old ways clashed with the new. This collection of films captures the essence of this transformative period, showcasing the rugged landscapes, the lawlessness, and the spirit of adventure that defined the era. From tales of outlaws to the struggles of homesteaders, these films provide a cinematic journey through a pivotal time in history.

The Wild Bunch (1969)
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The Wild Bunch (1969)

Description: This film captures the end of the Wild West era, focusing on an aging outlaw gang who plan one last heist. It's a gritty portrayal of the transition from the Old West to the modern era, making it a poignant addition to this list.

Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence, which was unprecedented at the time. It was also one of the first films to be shot in Mexico for authenticity.

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McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
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McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)

Description: Set in the early 1900s, this film tells the story of a gambler who builds a brothel in a small mining town, only to face corporate greed and the harsh realities of frontier life. Its depiction of the era's economic and social changes makes it a fitting entry.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence, which is rare, allowing the actors to develop their characters naturally over the course of filming.

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3:10 to Yuma (2007)
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3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Description: This remake of the 1957 film captures the tension between lawmen and outlaws, set against the backdrop of the early 20th-century West, where the railroad was changing everything.

Fact: The film was shot in New Mexico, which provided a realistic setting for the story's events.

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The Proposition (2005)
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The Proposition (2005)

Description: Set in the Australian Outback, this film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the harshness of frontier life, paralleling the American West's early 20th-century struggles.

Fact: The film was shot in the Flinders Ranges, providing a stark and authentic backdrop to the story.

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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Description: While not strictly set in the early 20th century, this film explores the end of Jesse James's life, which marks the close of the Old West. It's included for its thematic relevance and its portrayal of the mythos surrounding outlaws.

Fact: The film was shot in Canada, but the locations were chosen to resemble the American Midwest of the late 19th century.

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There Will Be Blood (2007)
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There Will Be Blood (2007)

Description: Although not a traditional western, this film captures the spirit of the early 20th century with its story of an oil prospector's ruthless ambition. It reflects the industrial changes that swept through the West.

Fact: The film's opening sequence was shot with no dialogue, using only natural sounds and music to set the tone.

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True Grit (2010)
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True Grit (2010)

Description: Set in 1873, this film still resonates with the themes of the early 20th century, focusing on the pursuit of justice in a lawless land, a theme that persisted into the new century.

Fact: The film was shot in Texas and New Mexico, with the Coen brothers ensuring historical accuracy in costumes and settings.

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The Revenant (2015)
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The Revenant (2015)

Description: While primarily set in the 1820s, its themes of survival, revenge, and the clash between man and nature echo the early 20th-century West's spirit of endurance.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence, with many scenes filmed in harsh winter conditions to capture the realism of the story.

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The Sisters Brothers (2018)
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The Sisters Brothers (2018)

Description: This film follows two brothers who are hired killers in the early 1850s, but its themes of change, identity, and the end of an era make it relevant to the early 20th century.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain and Romania, with sets designed to mimic the American West.

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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

Description: This anthology film by the Coen brothers includes stories set in the early 20th century, exploring various facets of the West, from the comedic to the tragic.

Fact: Each segment was shot in different locations to reflect the diversity of the American West.

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