16 Must-Watch Movies Like Once Upon a Time in the West

There Was a Crooked Man... is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West because both movies take place in the Arizona Territory and feature the Yuma Territorial Prison as a key location. However, while the former is labeled as a comedy-western, the latter is a classic western film known for its remarkable storytelling. Once Upon a Time in the West is a masterpiece directed by Sergio Leone, with an unforgettable cast including Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, and Claudia Cardinale. On the other hand, There Was a Crooked Man... falls short of its potential due to inconsistent direction and misplaced cinematography. Despite its flaws, the film is still worth watching for its excellent script, top-notch performances, and thought-provoking themes.

In "The Rounders," two aging cowpokes in Sedona lead a carefree life, busting broncos, charming local ladies, and betting on rodeo outcomes. Although the film lacks a sense of direction, it compensates with delightful banter between the two leads, Glenn Ford and Henry Fonda. As the story unfolds, we witness their resistance to settling down and growing up, despite the efforts of a couple of women who want to change their ways. While the plot may seem stagnant, the film's charm lies in the dynamic between the two characters. It's a laid-back and satisfying experience, a reminder of how enjoyable it can be to simply observe a unique relationship.

The Rifleman is like Once Upon a Time in the West's little brother who follows in its footsteps but with a lighter touch. Both set in the Arizona Territory, they transport us to the Wild West, where lawlessness and adventure abound. While Once Upon a Time in the West tells the story of a mysterious stranger and a notorious desperado teaming up to protect a widow, The Rifleman takes us on the adventures of a Wild West rancher and his son, armed with a rapid-fire Winchester rifle. The similarities lie not just in their shared setting, but also in their exploration of father-son relationships and their use of the Arizona Territory as a backdrop. However, where Once Upon a Time in the West captivates with its intense drama and alluring plot, The Rifleman captivates with its charm and life lessons.

Arizona Raiders is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West, but with a lighter touch. While Once Upon a Time in the West is a masterpiece of the Western genre, Arizona Raiders offers a more accessible and entertaining experience. Both movies take place in the Arizona Territory and involve the Yuma Territorial Prison, but Arizona Raiders focuses on the story of two former members of Quantrill's gang who join the Arizona Rangers to take down their former comrades. With its shorter runtime and a people vote average of 5.9, Arizona Raiders may not reach the same heights as Once Upon a Time in the West, but it still delivers an enjoyable Western experience. So, if you're in the mood for some Wild West action, give Arizona Raiders a shot and see how it compares to the iconic Once Upon a Time in the West.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, well, let me tell you, this movie is a gem! Now, if you've seen Once Upon a Time in the West, you'll notice a similar style in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Both films were directed by the legendary Sergio Leone, who had a knack for creating captivating Westerns. While Once Upon a Time in the West focuses on a mysterious stranger protecting a widow, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly revolves around a bounty hunting scam and a race to find buried gold. But what really sets The Good, the Bad and the Ugly apart is its unique blend of genres. Sergio Leone added elements of comedy, drama, and even war to this spaghetti Western, giving it a fresh and exciting feel. And let's not forget about Clint Eastwood, who delivers a memorable performance as The Good, a charismatic bounty hunter.

Johnny Yuma, released in 1966, is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West. Both movies are Italian Westerns set in the Arizona Territory. While Once Upon a Time in the West tells the story of a mysterious stranger with a harmonica who joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin, Johnny Yuma revolves around a conniving wife who has her husband murdered and plans to kill his nephew, the only heir, with the assistance of her ex-lover. When she tries to double-cross the ex-lover, he and the heir team up to kill her bodyguards. Both films capture the essence of the Wild West with their action-packed plots, thrilling duels, and bursts of violence. However, they differ in terms of their tone and scale. Once Upon a Time in the West is an epic masterpiece, known for its superb direction by Sergio Leone and the unforgettable performances of Henry Fonda and Claudia Cardinale.

The Wild Bunch, released in 1969, is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West for several reasons. Both movies are set in the American West during a time of transition and change. They capture the essence of the dying frontier, as the traditional Wild West is disappearing around the characters. While Once Upon a Time in the West focuses on the battle for land and the construction of a railroad, The Wild Bunch centers around a group of aging outlaws searching for one last big score. Both films explore themes of loyalty and friendship, showcasing the bond between the main characters. In Once Upon a Time in the West, a harmonica-playing stranger seeks revenge alongside an unpredictable renegade, while in The Wild Bunch, a group of thieves, despite their criminal nature, display unwavering loyalty to one another. The Wild Bunch may not reach the same level of cinematic mastery as Once Upon a Time in the West, but it still holds up today and offers plenty of entertainment.

I Live for Your Death is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West. Both movies fall under the Western genre and are set in the Arizona Territory. While Once Upon a Time in the West focuses on protecting a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin, I Live for Your Death tells the story of two brothers who are sentenced to Yuma Penitentiary on a trumped-up train robbery charge. Both movies involve characters enduring cruel treatment and seeking revenge on their enemies. However, the similarities end there. Once Upon a Time in the West is a renowned film, known for its superb direction by Sergio Leone and the remarkable performances of actors like Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. On the other hand, I Live for Your Death is a lesser-known spaghetti Western from the 1960s, featuring Steve Reeves in the starring role. Despite its lack of flamboyance, it stands out for its solid, well-constructed script and minimalist approach.

While "A Thunder of Drums" may not be as highly acclaimed as "Once Upon a Time in the West," there are still some interesting aspects that make it worth watching. One of its chief virtues is its ability to capture the day-to-day flavor of life in a remote cavalry outpost in the 1870s southwest. The film portrays the military manners, habits, and routines with convincing detail, giving it a sense of weight and veracity. The class stratification between enlisted men and officers is also portrayed realistically, adding depth to the story. Additionally, Richard Boone's performance as the tough and experienced outpost commander is completely riveting. He brings a sense of gravitas and feeling to the movie, effectively conveying the weight of life and death decisions. However, the film does suffer from some generic Hollywood elements, relying on formulaic plot elements and shoot 'em up conventions.

Guns of Diablo is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West because both movies take place in the Arizona Territory and feature gunfighters in key roles. However, Guns of Diablo is a shorter and less critically acclaimed film compared to the epic masterpiece that is Once Upon a Time in the West. While the former only received a lukewarm reception, the latter is hailed as one of the finest western films ever made. Despite their differences in runtime and critical reception, Guns of Diablo is still worth watching for fans of Charles Bronson and Kurt Russell, who deliver enjoyable performances that make the film worth viewing. So, if you're looking for a shorter western with a touch of romance and some thrilling shootouts, Guns of Diablo might just be the right choice for you.

For a Few Dollars More, released in 1965, is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West. Both films were directed by the legendary Sergio Leone and belong to the Spaghetti Western genre. While Once Upon a Time in the West tells the story of a mysterious stranger and a notorious desperado teaming up to protect a widow, For a Few Dollars More follows two bounty hunters with the same intentions as they track down an escaped Mexican outlaw.
What makes For a Few Dollars More reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West is the complex moral code followed by the main characters. Just like in the previous film, the characters in For a Few Dollars More are not your typical clear-cut heroes or villains. Manco, played by Clint Eastwood, and Colonel Mortimer, played by Lee Van Cleef, have well-developed attitudes, motivations, and purposes. They are neither completely good nor completely bad, making them feel more real and relatable.

A Fistful of Dollars is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West in several ways. Both movies are classic westerns directed by Sergio Leone, showcasing his signature style and storytelling. They both feature a mysterious stranger who arrives in a town and becomes involved in a conflict between rival factions. The plot revolves around themes of greed, revenge, and survival in the harsh and lawless world of the Wild West. Additionally, both movies have memorable scores composed by Ennio Morricone, which add depth and intensity to the onscreen action. However, A Fistful of Dollars, being an earlier work, lacks some of the cinematic polish and budget of Once Upon a Time in the West. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant cinematic achievement in its own right, laying the foundation for Leone's later masterpieces. With its iconic visuals, gritty characters, and timeless storytelling, A Fistful of Dollars is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the genre and wants to witness the birth of a cinematic legend.

My Darling Clementine takes us back to the Wild West, just like Once Upon a Time in the West. While the latter tells the story of a harmonica-playing stranger and a notorious desperado protecting a widow from a ruthless assassin, the former revolves around the Earp brothers seeking revenge on the Clanton family after their cattle are stolen and their brother is murdered. Both movies showcase the rugged beauty of the Arizona Territory, but My Darling Clementine has a more romantic and dramatic touch, exploring themes of love and loss. Although it takes a few liberties with historical accuracy, it still manages to captivate the audience with its charming characters and iconic gunfight. So if you enjoyed the sweeping landscapes and intense storytelling of Once Upon a Time in the West, My Darling Clementine is a delightful trip back to the Wild West that you won't want to miss.

Hour of the Gun is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West in its portrayal of the famous Wyatt Earp and the Clanton gang showdown. While Once Upon a Time in the West focuses on the story leading up to the gunfight, Hour of the Gun starts with the gunfight and explores the aftermath. In Hour of the Gun, James Garner delivers a gripping performance as Wyatt Earp, showing a more serious and morally conflicted side of the character. Jason Robards, Jr. accompanies Garner as Doc Holliday, displaying a cynical yet idealistic outlook. The film also features a young Jon Voight as Curly Bill Brocius, a member of the Clanton gang. Although it may not reach the same heights as Once Upon a Time in the West, Hour of the Gun is a classic Western that offers a different perspective on the iconic story. So gather your popcorn, saddle up, and get ready to witness the aftermath of the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral.

Ambush at Tomahawk Gap is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West because both movies take place in the Arizona Territory and feature characters connected to the Yuma Territorial Prison. However, that's where the similarities end. While Once Upon a Time in the West is a remarkable film with a complex plot and memorable characters, Ambush at Tomahawk Gap is a dusty, grim western with shady and bitter characters. The plot revolves around four grizzled jailbirds searching for hidden loot in a ghost town, while also fending off vengeful Apaches. Though the characters in Ambush at Tomahawk Gap aren't particularly likable, the movie is full of grit and tense moments. The Apache attack at the end is well done, and there's even a little twist about the money that adds an ironic touch.

Devil's Canyon is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in the West in its setting and plot. Both movies take place in the Arizona territory, where characters find themselves entangled in a web of danger and violence. In Once Upon a Time in the West, a mysterious harmonica-playing stranger teams up with a notorious desperado to protect a widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad. Similarly, in Devil's Canyon, an ex-marshal is sent to a territorial prison where he must navigate the treacherous world of guards and inmates who seek revenge against him. While Once Upon a Time in the West is hailed as a classic Western with an all-star cast, Devil's Canyon may not reach the same heights in terms of critical acclaim. However, it still offers minimal entertainment, with the handsome and stalwart Dale Robertson bringing strength and sincerity to his role as the marshal.