Hey there! If you’re a fan of Western movies, you’re in for a treat. Amazon Prime Instant Video has a vast collection of some of the most thrilling Westerns ready for streaming. As an Amazon Prime member, you can dive into these films without spending a dime.
This list of Western movies on Amazon Prime is a treasure trove for every movie buff. Whether you’re into the timeless adventures of John Wayne or the iconic Spaghetti Westerns by Sergio Leone, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. Prepare to be captivated by beloved classics like The Outlaw, The Long Riders, Red River, and Song of Texas. But hold on, there’s more! You can also saddle up for modern Westerns such as 3:10 to Yuma, Bone Tomahawk, and The Magnificent Seven (2016).
With an abundance of movies available on Amazon Prime Instant Video, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Think of this list as your trusty guide to discovering the finest Westerns on the platform. Consider it your personal roadmap through the Western landscape.
Now, here’s a fun challenge for you: which Western do you believe reigns supreme on Amazon Prime? Share your favorite streaming Westerns with us and let your voice be heard. And hey, if we’ve unintentionally left out any of your personal favorites, be sure to add them to the list. We want all cinephiles to revel in the very best films on Instant Video!
1. Stagecoach
John Ford’s iconic Western film tells the story of a diverse set of individuals traveling on a stagecoach to Lordsburg, New Mexico in the 1880s. The passengers include an alcoholic philosopher, a woman with a questionable reputation, and a shy salesman of alcoholic beverages. Alongside them is the notorious outlaw, the Ringo Kid, portrayed by John Wayne. Throughout their journey, they face the constant danger of an Apache attack and the pursuit of the escaped outlaw, adding to the excitement of their adventure in the Wild West.
Released: 1939
Directed by: John Ford
Actors: John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine
2. A Man Called Horse
In 1825, there’s this English dude named John Morgan who’s really into hunting big game. But guess what? He gets captured by a Sioux tribe and ends up being their slave. Can you imagine? The tribe’s boss lady, Buffalo Cow Head, makes poor Morgan work like a mule.
But hey, it’s not all bad. Morgan makes friends with another slave named Batise, and together they start learning the Sioux language. And you know what? Morgan even gets a chance to show off his bravery in a fight against another tribe. That’s when things start turning around for him.
As Morgan proves himself in battle, the Sioux start to respect him. He slowly loses his connection to his old fancy life as a British aristocrat and starts embracing his new Sioux identity. It’s like he becomes one of them.
Pretty wild, right? Who would’ve thought a captive Englishman could find his place among the Sioux?
Released: 1970
Directed by: Elliot Silverstein
Actors: Richard Harris, Judith Anderson, Jean Gascon
3. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Questions arise when Senator Stoddard, portrayed by James Stewart, shows up at the funeral of a local man named Tom Doniphon, played by John Wayne, in a small Western town. Through a series of flashbacks, we discover that Doniphon had once saved Stoddard, who was then a lawyer, from a brutal assault by a gang of outlaws terrorizing the town, led by the notorious Liberty Valance, portrayed by Lee Marvin. In a town where safety was at stake, both Doniphon and Stoddard emerged as crucial figures, standing up against Valance, but with different approaches and personalities.
Released: 1962
Directed by: John Ford
Actors: James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles
4. Big Jake
In this action-packed tale, the head of the McCandle clan, who’s out for revenge, finally reunites with his long-lost family. Together, they embark on a mission to find his kidnapped grandson. Determined and fearless, Big Jake takes charge and decides to personally deliver the ransom to the kidnappers. However, he has no plans of simply surrendering the money without a fierce fight.
Released: 1971
Directed by: George Sherman
Actors: John Wayne, Richard Boone, Maureen O’Hara
5. The Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven tells the story of a group of outlaws who come together for a daring mission. Led by the fearless Chris Adams, played by Yul Brynner, this band of misfits includes the expert marksman Vin Tanner, portrayed by Steve McQueen, and the knife-wielding British outlaw, Harry Luck, played by Brad Dexter. These unlikely heroes are hired by a group of desperate villagers who need protection from ruthless bandits. What follows is an intense battle for survival that showcases the power of friendship and the willingness to make sacrifices. Directed by John Sturges in 1960, this Western masterpiece received an Oscar nomination for its remarkable original score.
Released: 1960
Directed by: John Sturges
Actors: Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen
6. The Sons of Katie Elder
Four ne’er-do-well sons get together in their Texas hometown to attend their mother’s funeral. The crew is led by the older brothers, John (John Wayne), a gunfighter, and Tom (Dean Martin), a gambler. To their dismay, they discover that their father squandered the family ranch in a gambling frenzy, ultimately leading to his murder. Fueled by a desire for justice, the brothers make a pact to avenge their father’s death and reclaim their lost heritage: the ranch. Unfortunately, this decision plunges them into a world of trouble, stirring up conflict with the local sheriff and the feuding Hastings clan.
Released: 1965
Directed by: Henry Hathaway
Actors: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Martha Hyer
7. The Horse Soldiers
During the Civil War, Colonel John Marlowe, played by John Wayne, is given the responsibility of leading a Union cavalry division to destroy a Confederate railroad depot. However, Marlowe encounters additional obstacles due to his constant clashes with Major Henry Kendall, the regiment’s surgeon, portrayed by William Holden. On top of that, Marlowe must deal with Miss Hannah Hunter, a charming Southern belle played by Constance Towers. As luck would have it, Miss Hunter accidentally overhears Marlowe’s confidential plans and is reluctantly brought along to keep her from spreading the word.
Released: 1959
Directed by: John Ford
Actors: John Wayne, William Holden, Constance Towers
8. Duel at Diablo
Apache Natives are on the hunt for Ellen (Bibi Andersson), her baby, and her husband, William (Dennis Weaver). Along their journey, they come across Jess (James Garner), a man determined to uncover the truth behind his wife’s murder, a Native American woman. Jess decides to join forces with the couple, but their pursuit is cut short as the relentless Apaches drive them into a canyon. Thankfully, Jess manages to break free and quickly notifies nearby soldiers for help. In doing so, he stumbles upon a startling revelation about his wife’s untimely demise.
Released: 1966
Directed by: Ralph Nelson
Actors: James Garner, Sidney Poitier, Bibi Andersson
9. Angel and the Badman
Quirt Evans, a cowboy on the run, gets hurt when his horse stumbles near a Quaker family’s land. The family kindly takes him in while he recovers from his injuries. During his stay, Quirt finds himself drawn to their young daughter, Penelope. As he falls deeper in love and becomes more familiar with the family’s peaceful lifestyle, his violent past begins to catch up with him. Now, Quirt is faced with a tough decision: should he let go of his turbulent former life in order to have a future with Penelope?
Released: 1947
Directed by: James Edward Grant
Actors: John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey
10. Return of the Seven
In a small village in Mexico, the townspeople live in fear due to the oppressive presence of Lorca, a mentally unstable rancher. Lorca has gathered a group of 50 gunmen with the intention of coercing the residents into constructing a church in honor of his deceased sons.
Chico, a vigilante who had previously joined forces with six other skilled shooters to defend the villagers during a time of crisis, becomes aware of Lorca’s relentless harassment. Determined to help the townspeople once more, Chico sets out to rally his old gang members, including Chris and Vin, played by Yul Brynner and Robert Fuller respectively. Together, they plan to ride in and save the town from Lorca’s tyranny once again.
Released: 1966
Directed by: Burt Kennedy
Actors: Yul Brynner, Robert Fuller, Warren Oates
11. The Alamo
In 1836, there’s this Mexican army, led by General Santa Anna, who’s all up in Texas, invading and whatnot. So, General Sam Houston, he’s like, “Yo, we need to distract Santa Anna’s crew somehow.” And that’s when he tells Colonel William B. Travis, you know, that guy played by Laurence Harvey, to team up with Colonels Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett. They’re gonna lead a small but super brave group of American and Texican fighters in a resistance battle at the Alamo mission.
Now, let me tell you, the stuff that goes down at the Alamo is crazy. It’s a real bloodbath. But guess what? It only makes the Republic of Texas even more determined to fight for its freedom.
Released: 1960
Directed by: John Wayne
Actors: John Wayne, Richard Widmark, Laurence Harvey