Saddle up for a cinematic journey through the dusty trails of the Wild West, where the allure of gold and the thrill of the heist intertwine in tales of daring outlaws and lawmen. This curated list of Western films showcases the genre's fascination with bank robberies, offering a mix of action, drama, and historical intrigue. Whether you're a fan of classic Westerns or looking for modern takes on the genre, these films promise to deliver high-stakes excitement and memorable characters.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Description: While not strictly about a bank heist, the film includes several bank robberies as part of the duo's escapades. It's a classic buddy film with a mix of humor, adventure, and poignant moments.
Fact: The film was a major box office success and won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.


The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: This film features a gang of aging outlaws planning one last big score by robbing a railroad office, which indirectly involves a bank. It's known for its gritty realism and complex characters.
Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence, which was unprecedented for its time, and it influenced many subsequent action films.


The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: Although not directly about a bank heist, the film features a character who dreams of striking it rich, which often involves robbing banks in Western lore.
Fact: Directed by Sam Peckinpah, this film is known for its unique blend of comedy and drama, showcasing a different side of the Western genre.


The Train Robbers (1973)
Description: This film involves a group of men hired to retrieve gold stolen from a train, which indirectly relates to bank heists as the gold was likely headed to a bank.
Fact: It was one of John Wayne's later films, and it features a strong performance by Ann-Margret.


The Long Riders (1980)
Description: This film focuses on the James-Younger Gang, known for their bank and train robberies. It's unique for casting real-life brothers as the gang members, adding authenticity to the portrayal.
Fact: The film features actual siblings playing the roles of the James and Younger brothers, which was a novel casting choice at the time.


The Newton Boys (1998)
Description: Based on the true story of the Newton Gang, this film details their exploits in robbing banks and trains, showcasing the last successful train robbery in the U.S.
Fact: The film was directed by Richard Linklater, known for his diverse range of films, and it stars Matthew McConaughey and Ethan Hawke.


3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Description: While primarily about escorting a criminal to justice, the film includes a significant bank robbery sequence that sets the plot in motion.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1957 film of the same name, and it was praised for its intense performances, particularly by Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.


The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: This film delves into the life of Jesse James, who was known for his bank and train robberies. It explores the psychological aspects of crime and betrayal.
Fact: The film received widespread critical acclaim for its cinematography and the performances of its lead actors.


The Desperadoes (1943)
Description: This film tells the story of a bank robbery gone wrong, leading to a series of events involving mistaken identity and pursuit.
Fact: It was one of the first Westerns to explore themes of mistaken identity and the moral ambiguity of its characters.


The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Description: This silent film is one of the earliest examples of a bank heist in cinema, setting the stage for future Westerns with its depiction of a train robbery, which was a common theme in bank-related crimes of the era.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use cross-cutting to show simultaneous action, and it's considered a landmark in film history.
