The Wild West, with its rugged landscapes and lawless frontiers, has always been a fertile ground for stories of human emotion, particularly envy. This collection of 10 western films delves into the theme of jealousy, showcasing how it can drive characters to extreme actions, betrayals, and sometimes redemption. From classic showdowns to modern takes on the genre, these films offer a thrilling ride through the consequences of envy in the untamed West.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Description: Gold fever leads to greed and envy among three prospectors in this classic tale. Their quest for wealth turns into a battle of wills and survival.
Fact: This film won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for John Huston, who also wrote the screenplay.


High Noon (1952)
Description: Envy plays a role in the town's reaction to Marshal Will Kane's plea for help, as some citizens are envious of his past glory and current predicament.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time, with the entire story unfolding over 85 minutes.


The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Description: While primarily about heroism, the film subtly explores envy among the seven gunfighters, each with their own reasons for joining the cause.
Fact: It was remade in 2016 with a diverse cast, bringing new life to the classic story.


The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: This film explores the theme of envy through the lens of fame and recognition. When a humble man is mistakenly credited for killing a notorious outlaw, his life changes, but at what cost?
Fact: The film was one of the last Westerns directed by John Ford and features a famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."


The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Description: Envy over a hidden treasure drives the plot, with each character's greed and jealousy leading to a legendary showdown.
Fact: The film's iconic score by Ennio Morricone is one of the most recognized in cinema history.


True Grit (1969)
Description: The quest for justice by a young girl leads to a complex relationship with a U.S. Marshal, where envy and admiration intertwine.
Fact: John Wayne won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Rooster Cogburn.


The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: Envy and betrayal are central themes as an aging outlaw gang faces the end of their era, with younger, more ruthless outlaws vying for their place.
Fact: The film was groundbreaking for its time due to its graphic violence and complex portrayal of outlaws.


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: Envy and betrayal are themes as Josey Wales seeks vengeance, encountering various characters who envy his skills or seek to exploit his past.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Gone to Texas" by Forrest Carter.


Unforgiven (1992)
Description: Envy and revenge are central as a retired gunslinger is drawn back into violence by a bounty that stirs up old grudges.
Fact: Clint Eastwood won his first Best Director Oscar for this film.


3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Description: Envy and desperation drive the plot as a rancher agrees to escort a notorious outlaw to justice, facing his own internal conflicts.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1957 film of the same name, but with significant changes to the plot and character development.
