The Wild West has always been a fertile ground for stories of passion, revenge, and, most intriguingly, obsession. This collection of 10 films delves into the depths of human desire, showcasing characters whose lives are consumed by their fixations. From revenge to love, these westerns offer a unique perspective on the theme of obsession, making them must-watch for any film enthusiast looking for something beyond the typical cowboy tale.

The Searchers (1956)
Description: Ethan Edwards' relentless search for his niece, kidnapped by Comanches, becomes an obsession that consumes him, exploring themes of racism and revenge.
Fact: The film was a major influence on George Lucas when he created Star Wars, particularly the character of Darth Vader.


Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Description: A tale of revenge and land acquisition, where characters are driven by their obsessions with power, love, and vengeance.
Fact: Sergio Leone's epic was originally much longer, with a runtime of over three hours, and it was edited down for its U.S. release.


The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: A group of aging outlaws, obsessed with one last big score, face the end of the Wild West era, reflecting on their lives and the changing world.
Fact: The film was highly controversial for its graphic violence, which was groundbreaking at the time.


High Plains Drifter (1973)
Description: A mysterious stranger arrives in a town plagued by guilt and fear, taking on the role of its protector, driven by an obsession with justice.
Fact: Clint Eastwood directed this film, and it's often interpreted as an allegory for the Vietnam War.


Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
Description: The film explores the complex relationship between Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, where Garrett's obsession with capturing his former friend defines his life.
Fact: Bob Dylan wrote and performed the film's soundtrack, which included the hit song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: After his family is murdered, Josey Wales becomes an outlaw, his life defined by an obsession for vengeance and survival.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales" by Forrest Carter, who was later revealed to be a former Ku Klux Klan member.


Unforgiven (1992)
Description: A retired gunslinger, haunted by his past, is drawn back into violence when he takes on a bounty to avenge a prostitute, showcasing the all-consuming nature of revenge.
Fact: Clint Eastwood won the Academy Award for Best Director for this film, and it was the last Western to win Best Picture until "No Country for Old Men" in


3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Description: A rancher, obsessed with doing what's right, takes on the dangerous task of escorting an outlaw to justice, testing his moral convictions.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1957 film of the same name, but it adds more depth to the characters' motivations and relationships.


The Proposition (2005)
Description: Set in the Australian outback, this film follows a man's desperate attempt to save his brother, driven by an obsession with family loyalty.
Fact: The film was shot in the harsh conditions of the Australian outback, adding to its gritty realism.


The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: A deep dive into the psychological obsession of Robert Ford with Jesse James, culminating in his betrayal and the aftermath.
Fact: The film's title is based on the real headline from the time of Jesse James' death.
