There have been so many classic western shootouts that it’s unfair to call this the top 5. But each one of these certainly capture exactly want I love about movie gunfights. Unlike a gun duel, a shootout isn’t just about having a quick draw. These five westerns flat-out let the bullets fly and their signature shootouts are ones to remember. As always, I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there’s no denying that these 5 western shootouts are absolutely phenomenal.
#5 – “3:10 TO YUMA” (Heading to the Train Station)
There wasn’t a lot of appreciation for “3:10 to Yuma”, director James Mangold’s remake of the 1957 western. But I loved the film especially the final shootout as Dan (Christian Bale) tries to get his prisoner Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) from the hotel to the train station and ultimately to Yuma Prison. But Wade’s gang is waiting and a firefight erupts as Dan runs through town trying to get Wade on the 3:10. The interesting dynamic between Dan and Wade make the final bullets all the more significant.
#4 – “TOMBSTONE” (Gunfight at the O.K. Corral)
Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and Doc Holliday make their way to the O.K. Corral where members of the Cowboys gang are breaking the law by carrying weapons. Of course it ends up being a fierce firefight which ignites the already existing tension between the Earps and the Cowboys. What makes this scene even better is the buildup leading to the first shot. Incredibly intense and beautifully filmed.
#3 – “THE WILD BUNCH” (Going Out in a Blaze of Glory)
This band of wanted outlaws find themselves up against a crooked Mexican general and his army in the final scene of Sam Peckinpah’s “The Wild Bunch”. Bullets fly and the bodies pile up in what has been called one of the greatest shootouts in movie history. It’s bloody and hyper violent especially for a 1969 western. But it’s also the only way you would expect this film to end.
#2 – “MY NAME IS NOBODY” (Jack Beauregard Versus a Different Wild Bunch)
While “My Name if Nobody” is one of the quirkiest spaghetti westerns made. It’s also one of the best. It features a truly classic shootout even though it’s pretty one-sided. As a chance to stage his last showdown, Jack Beauregard takes on The Wild Bunch (obviously not the same as the #3 on this list), a massive gang of bandits. As they approach on horseback, Jack let’s them have it and let’s just say the results are “explosive”. It’s beautifully filmed and the great Ennio Morricone’s score makes the scene even better.
#1 – “OPEN RANGE” (Showdown Against Baxter’s Boys)
“Open Range” ends with one of the most intense and realistic gunfights you’ll see as Charley and Boss take on Baxter and his gang in the middle of town. One thing that makes it so effective is the complete absence of music once the guns start firing. There is also some clever camera work that gives the scene a really slick and gritty look. Kevin Costner not only starred in the film but directed it and his eye for a shootout is impeccable. Don’t believe me? Then just give the final 15 minutes of “Open Range” another look. It’s amazing.
Agree or disagree? Do you have a western shootout that I should have included? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts or your favorite western shootout.
Keith & the Movies 
Fine list, Keith. For me though, I’d swap out the remake for the Elmore Leonard classic with the finale for ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. 😉
I’ve always been a bit mixed in Butch and Sundance. It definitely has some special moments though.
Some great films on here. The 3:10 to Yuma remake is indeed an under-rated gem. Another under-rated classic in my opinion is B-movie western from Sam Raimi: “The Quick and the Dead”. It’s full of stylish gunslinging. “Unforgiven” also has some brilliant gun action too.
I think ultimately what makes a great shootout is, aside from editing, sound and camerawork, is that you must have characters you’re rooting for. The films you rate above (haven’t seen “My Name is Nobody”) do just that. Great post.
Great point. If you have no investment in the people involved the shootout absolutely suffers. “Nobody” definitely fits that description. You must check it out.
I’m not a fan of westerns, but I did like the 3:10 To Yuma remake. That’s a great scene you chose.
It’s really good, right? I’m very, very picky when it comes to westerns. I can’t just watch any western. But the ones I like I really like.
3:10 to Yuma for the win!
Good to hear. Never thought it got the love it deserved.
Plenty of greats here Keith. And also a nice reminder I need to watch more westerns.
Thanks Vinnie. There are still several I need to see.
My watch list grows bigger.
Yep. I love when that happens.
Me too.
By the way, I just saw where My Name is Nobody is on YouTube. High quality and the full film
Thank you for heads up Keith. I love it when a full movie gets put on there.
I think we discussed this in another phenomenal five a few years ago, I love that shootout in Open Range. The sound design is fantastic and very realistic. I love all the showdowns in The Quick and the Dead, but they don’t really fit this post. The climax of Unforgiven does however and it would be on my list. Also, John Wayne taking the reins in his teeth and twirling his Winchester as he faces Ned Pepper and his gang also belongs on the list.
I thought we might have but I didn’t find it in the old posts. You’re the second person to mention The Quick and the Dead. Makes me think I need to rewatch it. To be honest it has been a long time.
With the exception of My Name is Nobody which I haven’t seen in its entirety, I can totally recommend this list while I would also add the bloody shootout at Champion’s cabin against the Stock Growers Association in Heaven’s Gate where Christopher Walken just does whatever he can to try and kill all of those guys.
Great mention! You definitely should watch Nobody in its entirety. It’s such a quirky movie and it features one of Henry Fonda’s best performance.
I know it’s produced by Sergio Leone, who also directed bits of the film, as he made it to reflect what the Spaghetti Western had become at the time.
Exactly. You see his influence all over this thing – the camerawork, the settings, the music.
By the way, I just saw where the full movie is available on YouTube.
When I read the subject line, I thought immediately about “Tombstone”. Glad to see it made your list, but reading some of the other comments, I now have to Redbox “3:10 to Yuma”.
Oh Ron definitely. I actually picked up 3:10 on bluray for $5.00 recently. Well worth seeing.
It’s great to see My Name is Nobody on the list. Caught that film for the first time a couple of months ago, and found it just as compelling as Leone’s serious westerns.
Awesome! It hasn’t been seen by nearly enough people. I never get tired of it. And that final scene…so good.
great picks! all epic shoot outs. red hill has a couple of great shoot out scenes as well. it’s an very cool neo-western from australia. cool post, man!
Oh thank you for mentioning Red Hill. Not familiar with that one. Will definitely give it a look.
please do and get back to me when you can! I reviewed it ages ago. time for a re-watch. it’s overlooked and quite the under the radar film. strong modern western vibe.