Dive into the world of the Wild West with a unique twist – internships! This curated list of films combines the rugged charm of Western landscapes with the modern concept of internships, offering viewers a fresh perspective on both genres. Whether it's learning the ropes from seasoned cowboys or navigating the dusty trails of opportunity, these films showcase the trials and tribulations of young interns in the Old West. Get ready for a cinematic journey where the lessons are as tough as the terrain, and the experiences are as unforgettable as a sunset over the prairie.

The Searchers (1956)
Description: While not explicitly about internships, the film features a young man learning from his uncle, a seasoned tracker, in their quest to find a kidnapped girl.
Fact: The film was directed by John Ford and is often considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made.


The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Description: A group of gunslingers are hired to protect a village, providing a unique opportunity for the villagers to learn from these seasoned fighters, much like an internship.
Fact: The film was inspired by Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."


The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: A lawyer from the East learns the ways of the West from a tough rancher, providing a narrative of mentorship and learning in the rugged frontier.
Fact: This film features the famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."


The Cowboys (1972)
Description: John Wayne's character hires schoolboys to drive his cattle, essentially giving them a crash course in ranching and life on the frontier, akin to an internship.
Fact: This was one of the last films John Wayne made before his death.


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: Clint Eastwood's character takes in a group of misfits, teaching them survival skills and the ways of the West, which can be seen as an informal internship.
Fact: The film was directed by Eastwood himself, marking his first directorial effort.


Pale Rider (1985)
Description: A mysterious preacher arrives in a mining camp to help the miners, teaching them to stand up for themselves, which can be seen as a form of mentorship.
Fact: The film was directed by and stars Clint Eastwood, who also produced it.


Open Range (2003)
Description: Kevin Costner's character takes in a young man, teaching him about cattle driving and the harsh realities of the West, akin to an internship.
Fact: The film was both directed by and stars Kevin Costner, showcasing his love for the Western genre.


True Grit (2010)
Description: A young girl hires a U.S. Marshal to track down her father's killer, learning about justice and the harsh realities of the West along the way.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1969 film, with Jeff Bridges taking on the role originally played by John Wayne.


The Intern (2015)
Description: While not a traditional Western, this film features a retired salesman who becomes an intern at a tech startup, offering a unique mentorship in a modern setting that parallels the mentorship found in Westerns.
Fact: Robert De Niro's character, Ben Whittaker, was inspired by real-life stories of older interns in Silicon Valley.


The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Description: This anthology film by the Coen Brothers includes a segment where a young man is mentored by an experienced prospector, showcasing the internship dynamic in a Western setting.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a TV series before being adapted into a feature film.
