Top 10 Western Films About Women

Description: Suzy Amis plays Josephine Monaghan, who disguises herself as a man to survive in the harsh West. This film explores themes of gender identity and survival in a unique Western setting.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Josephine Monaghan, who lived as a man in the 19th century.

Description: Sharon Stone stars as Ellen, a mysterious gunslinger who enters a deadly quick-draw competition to avenge her father's death. This film stands out for its strong female lead in a genre traditionally dominated by male characters.

Fact: Sam Raimi, known for directing the Evil Dead series, helmed this film, infusing it with his signature style of action and humor.

Description: Catherine Zeta-Jones reprises her role as Elena de la Vega, who must navigate her own path while dealing with her husband's secret identity as Zorro. This sequel highlights Elena's strength and independence.

Fact: The film features a significant amount of action sequences choreographed by the same team behind the original "Zorro" movie.

Description: While not directly about women, the film includes a subplot involving the character of Martha Stanley, portrayed by Emily Watson, who embodies the strength and resilience of frontier women.

Fact: The film was written by Nick Cave, who also contributed to the soundtrack, adding to its gritty atmosphere.

Description: Hailee Steinfeld delivers a breakout performance as Mattie Ross, a determined teenager who hires a U.S. Marshal to track down her father's killer. This Coen Brothers' remake highlights the grit and determination of its young female protagonist.

Fact: The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Steinfeld.

Description: Michelle Williams plays Emily Tetherow, a woman on an ill-fated wagon train journey led by the unreliable Stephen Meek. The film focuses on the survival and decision-making of the women in the group.

Fact: The film was shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio to evoke the feeling of being trapped, mirroring the characters' situation.

Description: Though primarily about Hugh Glass's survival, the film features a powerful performance by Grace Dove as Powaqa, a Native American woman who plays a crucial role in the story's unfolding.

Fact: The film was shot in harsh conditions to reflect the real-life ordeal of the characters.

Description: Hilary Swank stars as Mary Bee Cuddy, a strong-willed woman who undertakes a perilous journey to escort three women driven mad by the harsh frontier life back to civilization. This film delves into the psychological toll of the West on its inhabitants.

Fact: Tommy Lee Jones, who also directed, co-wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Glendon Swarthout.

Description: Three Southern women, played by Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld, and Sam Worthington, defend their home from Union soldiers during the Civil War. This film showcases the resilience of women left to fend for themselves.

Fact: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of the Civil War's impact on the home front.

Description: While not solely focused on women, the film features a strong female character in the form of a prospector, played by Rebecca Root, who challenges the norms of the time.

Fact: This film is based on the novel by Patrick deWitt and was directed by Jacques Audiard.