Westerns hold a special place in film history because they represent the wild spirit of the American frontier. From intense gunfights to danger-filled desert landscapes, the western genre is one of the most thrilling (in my opinion). Thankfully, the best streaming services like Prime Video have plenty of westerns to add to your list. [Classics like Once Upon a Time in the West, The Homesman, and Never Get Old don't make this list. Not because they aren't great films, but because we are ending Prime Video at the end of December 2024. So if you're looking for more great westerns, be sure to check them out before they're gone.

Here are the five best westerns currently streaming on Prime Video. From a gripping crime thriller starring Guy Pearce to a gripping action story set in the aftermath of the Civil War, we've got all the thrills you crave.

You can also check out these westerns on Netflix.

We'll start with a true Western classic that is a must-see for fans of the genre. Stagecoach is widely considered to be one of the films that defined the Western, playing a key role in launching John Wayne's career as a Hollywood icon. Famous for its striking cinematography, the film was also a pioneer in transforming the Western from a B-movie staple into a respected and serious genre.

“Stagecoach” follows various passengers traveling by stagecoach through the dangerous regions of the American Old West. The film takes place in Arizona and centers on a group of strangers who board the stagecoach, each with their own secrets, backgrounds, and motivations. Among the passengers are a prostitute named Dallas (Claire Trevor), a doctor named Dr. Boone (Thomas Mitchell), a bank employee named Mr. Gatewood (Burton Churchill), a pregnant woman named Lucy Mallory (Louise Pratt), and notorious outlaw Ringo Kidd ( John Wayne).

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“My Name is Nobody” is best known for its clever script, Terrence Hill's charismatic performance, and Henry Fonda's usually more humorous role. It is a delightful and entertaining twist on the Western genre, balancing humor with the deeper themes of the clash between the old and new ways of life. The film is lighthearted, but also offers moments of serious reflection.

The story is about a young, carefree gunfighter known as Nobody (Terrence Hill) who yearns for the legendary but aging sniper Jack Beauregard (Henry Fonda). Beauregard, retired and seeking to escape his violent past, intends to leave the West. But Nobody convinces him to take on the notorious outlaw gang in a final showdown.

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Taking a short break from the classics, Surroundings is a harrowing Western thriller set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. If you want to see a movie packed with intense gunfights, fierce confrontations, and emotional depth, this is your next choice for streaming.

“Surroundings” tells the story of Moses (Letitia Wright), a young black woman who is a former soldier and now a bounty hunter. While traveling in the frontier West, she is ambushed by a group of outlaws. But instead of succumbing to their threats, Moses uses her combat skills and resourcefulness to fight back and survive. As Moses advances through hostile territory, she faces not only physical dangers, but also personal challenges that test her resilience and moral compass.

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The Proposition is a gritty, violent Australian Western set in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Australian outback in the late 19th century. Its bleak tone and intense character studies are perfect for those seeking a more serious film (and believe me, this film can be mind-blowing at times).

The film revolves around the morally complex story of the Barnes family, a group of outlaws known for their brutal crimes. Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce) is given an ultimatum by local police Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) to find and kill his notorious brother Arthur Burns (Danny Huston), a violent criminal, or execute his brother Mikey (Richard Wilson).

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If you're in the mood for a comedy, add “Outlaw Johnny Black” to your Prime Video watch list. Directed by and starring Michael Jay White, the film has classic action, humor, and social commentary that sets it apart from other westerns. It is an interesting choice for fans of the genre who are looking for both freshness and familiarity.

The story follows Johnny Black (Michael Jay White) as he seeks revenge on the powerful rancher who wronged his father. When Johnny learns that his father was killed by a corrupt and wealthy rancher named Brett Clayton (Chris Browning), he embarks on a mission to track him down and settle the score. Disguised as a preacher in a small mining town, Johnny infiltrates Clayton's territory.

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