The Western genre has captivated audiences for generations with its vivid depictions of rugged landscapes, profound moral dilemmas, and charismatic, larger-than-life characters. While iconic films like Red River and Unforgiven often dominate discussions about the genre’s best, many exceptional Westerns were explicitly created for television. These small-screen productions deliver the same intensity, depth, and adventure as big-screen movies, with rich storytelling, nuanced characters, and evocative settings. Despite their excellence, these TV shows often go unnoticed compared to their big-screen counterparts.
Some of the most remarkable Westerns in history were produced specifically for television. These TV Westerns boast exceptional performances and captivating storylines that rival traditional Western films. These underappreciated made-for-TV Westerns delve into themes of redemption, revenge, and survival, offering rich layers of tension, narrative, and depth that are characteristic of the genre. Despite their limited initial exposure, these lesser-known films can be true cinematic treasures that merit attention from any enthusiast of the Wild West.
10 Riders of the Purple Sage (1996)
A Classic Novel Adaption Loyal To Its Source
Adapted from Zane Grey’s classic 1912 novel, Riders of the Purple Sage is a made-for-TV Western starring Ed Harris as the Stoic gunslinger Jim Lassiter. Set in the rugged American West, the film revolves around Lassiter’s quest for justice as he confronts a corrupt judge and a secretive religious sect. With its sweeping landscapes and a moral tale of vengeance and redemption, the film maintains a balance between its classic Western themes and a nuanced look at human emotion.
Though the film didn’t receive significant attention upon its release, Riders of the Purple Sage is one of the more visually stunning and emotionally resonant made-for-TV Westerns. Ed Harris brings a quiet intensity to his role, and the film’s strong supporting cast and well-paced storytelling make it a standout adaptation. The cinematography captures the vastness and beauty of the American frontier, adding an extra layer of grandeur to one of the best Westerns based on a book.
9 Monte Walsh (2003)
Tom Selleck Stars As Monte Walsh
Monte Walsh is a thoughtful exploration of the waning days of the Old West. Starring Tom Selleck as the titular cowboy, the film follows Monte as he grapples with the changes brought by modernization. As the era of open-range cattle ranching fades, Monte and his fellow cowboys face an uncertain future. The film’s slow-burn narrative focuses on nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of the vast American landscape.
Monte Walsh
is a remake of the 1970 version of the same name, starring Lee Marvin & Jack Palance in the lead roles.
What makes Monte Walsh special is its introspective tone, which differs from the action-heavy Westerns of the past. Selleck’s performance as a man out of step with the times is nuanced and deeply affecting, capturing the sense of a way of life slipping away. The film’s emotional depth, strong performances, and beautiful cinematography make it one of the most underrated TV Westerns of the 2000s.
8 Stranger on the Run (1967)
Henry Fonda In An Iconic Role
Stranger on the Run features Henry Fonda as a drifter embroiled in a dangerous confrontation in a corrupt Western town. After being wrongfully accused of murder, he must navigate the treacherous landscape of lawlessness and deceit. Directed by Don Siegel (director of such films as Dirty Harry, Escape From Alcatraz, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers), the film delivers a taut, suspenseful story that combines classic Western tropes with a tense, noir-like atmosphere.
A film by the legendary director Don Siegel. Quentin Tarantino called
Stranger On The Run
, Siegel’s best Western after
Flaming Star
.
While it aired as a TV movie, Stranger on the Run boasts a solid directorial vision and a gripping performance from Fonda. Its portrayal of a lone man caught up in larger forces of injustice resonates deeply, making it one of the more intense Westerns of its era. The combination of well-choreographed action scenes and rich character development sets it apart from the typical fare of the time, yet it remains unappreciated mainly in the Western canon.
7 Conagher (1991)
A Cult Romantic Western
Conagher stars Sam Elliott as the rugged cowboy Conn Conagher, who lives by a strict moral code while working as a ranch hand in the late 19th century. His quiet nature is challenged when he crosses paths with a widow, played by Katharine Ross, leading to a slow-burn romance amidst the harsh realities of frontier life. The film captures the essence of traditional Western storytelling, where integrity and survival go hand in hand.
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Despite its quiet release, Conagherhas gained a loyal following for its authentic depiction of life in the Old West, viewed as a historically accurate Western film. Elliott’s commanding performance as the honorable cowboy adds a level of gravitas that elevates the film. Its straightforward yet profound narrative and strong character development make it a standout TV Western, often underappreciated compared to more action-driven films.
6 The Jack Bull (1999)
John Cusack As A Horse Trader
In The Jack Bull, John Cusack stars as Myrl Redding, a Wyoming horse trader who seeks justice after a corrupt land baron mistreats his horses. When the law fails to serve him, Redding takes matters into his own hands, igniting a personal vendetta that escalates violence and legal chaos. The film, set against the stunning Wyoming backdrop, tackles justice, revenge, and morality themes.
The Jack Bull
is a 1999 American Western television film directed by John Badham and written by Dick Cusack, loosely inspired by Heinrich von Kleist’s 1810 novel
Michael Kohlhaas
.
While John Cusack isn’t typically known for Westerns, his portrayal of a man driven to extremes is powerful and nuanced. The Jack Bull stands out for its moral complexity, exploring the fine line between justice and revenge. It’s another overlooked Western with a thought-provoking narrative and solid central performance, making it one of the most exciting and non-formulaic TV Westerns of its time.
5 The Good Old Boys (1995)
“The Decline Of The Traditional Cowboy”
Directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones, The Good Old Boys centers on Hewey Calloway, a drifting cowboy in early 20th-century Texas, trying to come to terms with the changing world around him. The film explores the decline of the traditional cowboy way of life, with Calloway struggling to adapt to modernity. It features a stellar cast, including Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard, and blends humor, melancholy, and nostalgia in its depiction of the last days of the Wild West.
The Good Old Boys flew under the radar, likely due to its quieter, more reflective nature than the typical action-packed Western. Its strength lies in its richly drawn characters and the strong performances of its cast, making it a Western to be rewatched over and over. The film resonates with anyone who appreciates the emotional pull of a changing era, making it a gem among made-for-TV Westerns. Despite its minimal fanfare, it’s a thought-provoking piece that deserves more recognition for its authentic portrayal of life on the cusp of modernity.
4 The Shadow Riders (1982)
One Of Tom Selleck’s Best Roles
Based on another Louis L’Amour novel, The Shadow Riders follows two brothers, Mac and Dal Traven (played by Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott), who return home after the Civil War only to find that their family has been taken captive by Confederate renegades. The film focuses on their efforts to rescue their loved ones, navigating through dangerous territories, all while maintaining their bond as brothers. The story is a mix of adventure, family loyalty, and good old-fashioned Western justice.
The Shadow Riders may not have the prestige of a big-screen Western, but it offers engaging performances, particularly from Selleck and Elliott, who are perfectly cast in their roles and have dynamic chemistry throughout the narrative. The film’s pacing and blend of action and heart make it a satisfying watch. The chemistry between the leads and the straightforward, no-frills storytelling make it an overlooked classic in the Western for TV landscape.
3 Purgatory (1999)
A Hell Of A Film
Purgatory is a unique take on the Western genre, blending supernatural elements. It follows a group of outlaws who stumble upon a mysterious town where the residents are strangely calm and peaceful. As they spend more time there, the outlaws begin to suspect that they are in a place that isn’t quite what it seems—potentially purgatory. With an ensemble cast including Sam Shepard and Eric Roberts, the film weaves together a morally complex story set in the wild frontier.
What makes Purgatory underrated is its genre-blending approach. While it wasn’t a significant hit, it stands out for its philosophical questions about redemption and morality, set against a Western backdrop. The supernatural element adds a refreshing twist to the standard Western format, and the strong performances—particularly by Shepard—elevate the film. Its low-key release and TV movie status likely contributed to its under-the-radar status, but it remains a fascinating entry into the Western canon.
2 Deadwood: The Movie (2019)
No Deadwood In This Cast
Set 10 years after the conclusion of the groundbreaking HBO series, Deadwood: The Movie brings closure to the stories of Al Swearengen, Seth Bullock, and the rest of the town’s colorful inhabitants. The film revisits the historical Western city of Deadwood, South Dakota, as the townsfolk reunite to celebrate South Dakota’s statehood. Old rivalries are rekindled, and the film expertly blends its character-driven narrative with moments of violence and justice, staying true to the series’ gritty, morally complex tone.
Be sure to watch the Emmy award-winning series
Deadwood
(2004-2006), set in a small town in South Dakota in the 1800s.
As a made-for-TV movie, Deadwood feels more cinematic than many theatrical releases, yet it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. The film gives fans a much-needed conclusion to a beloved series while standing firm on its own as a captivating Western. The performances—particularly Ian McShane’s iconic turn as Swearengen—elevate the story, while the intricate character dynamics and authentic period setting are masterfully done.
1 Lonesome Dove (1989)
One That Flies Above The Rest
Lonesome Dove is a sprawling Western miniseries, adapted from Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Set during the late 19th century, it follows two retired Texas Rangers, Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Their journey, filled with danger and personal trials, is marked by breathtaking landscapes and richly drawn characters. The miniseries dives deep into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the inevitable passage of time, all while delivering an epic Western saga.
Although it originally aired as a television miniseries, Lonesome Dove is regarded as one of the finest Westerns ever made, transcending its format with a scale and emotional depth rarely seen in TV movies. Its impressive cast, including Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, gives some of the best performances of their careers. The meticulous production design and vast landscapes evoke a sense of Western grandeur that rivals theatrical films.