Cowboys
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Small Screen
Silver Screen
Western Bards
100
His decades-spanning career encapsulated the evolution of the Western genre, & his signature persona is tied to some of the most iconic Western heroes in history.
John Wayne
100
He is one of the greatest living legends in the film industry. His deep Southern drawl, imposing physical presence, & knack for wry sarcasm allowed him to make Western roles an integral part of his filmography.
Sam Elliott
100
Chuck Connors played Lucas McCain, a widower raising his son on the frontier, in "The _____."
Rifleman
100
This is the classic buddy Western — a tale of men from completely different circumstances who come together for the same goal.
The Magnificent Seven
100
This song by Johnny Cash tells a folk tale of a cowboy who has a vision of red-eyed, steel-hooved cattle thundering across the sky, being chased by the spirits of damned cowboys. One warns him that if he does not change his ways, he will be doomed to join them, forever "trying to catch the Devil's herd across these endless skies."
200
His entire identity is so closely tied to his iconic Western characters that he's a permanent fixation within the genre.
Clint Eastwood
200
One of the most versatile actors in history, he has earned an iconic Western status of his own.
Jeff Bridges
200
This 6 ft. 7 inch WW2 Army veteran is best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running series Gunsmoke.
A. Chuck Connors B. James Arness C. Richard Boone
James Arness
200
Starring Gary Cooper, this film asks a simple question: what happens when 4 very bad men are coming for revenge at noon?
High Noon
200
Marty Robbins sings this song about a cowboy who falls deeply in love with a girl named Felina. He kills another man over her, & is forced to flee. Years later, a series of unfortunate events leads to a confrontation, & he is fatally wounded. Finding Felina one last time, he dies in her arms.
300
He was one of the most beloved stars of Old Hollywood, renowned for his warm presence & dramatic grace in bringing heroic characters to life.
Gary Cooper
300
He was a perfect match for Western material, & he delivered one of the most memorable performances in 1993's "Tombstone" as noble lawman Wyatt Earp.
Kurt Russell
300
This show is about the Cartwright family, who own a ranch in Nevada. It follows their adventures & interactions with outlaws, miners, & settlers.
Bonanza
300
This film proves the Western genre is still alive by being what many consider a better version of the original John Wayne-starred movie from 1969.
True Grit
300
"Cool Water" is a song about a parched man & his mule traveling a wasteland tormented by mirages. It was first recorded by this singing group.
Sons of the Pioneers
400
One of the greatest actors of all time, he delivered some of his most interesting & dynamic performances in classic Westerns.
James Stewart
400
With her fiery red hair & bold personality, she often played spirited & resourceful women in western films.
Maureen O'Hara
400
This show follows a cattle drive across the American West. It features cowboys facing challenges & adventures, including encounters with outlaws, harsh weather, & personal conflicts.
Rawhide
400
In this film, a Civil War soldier develops a relationship with a band of Lakota Indians. He is a welcomed member of the tribe & falls in love with a white woman who has been raised in the tribe. Tragedy results when Union soldiers arrive with designs on the land.
Dances With Wolves
400
Also known as "The Dying Cowboy", this song by Marty Robbins is a famous American cowboy ballad in which a dying ranger tells his story to another cowboy.
Streets of Laredo
500
Brynner launched his Western persona in the 1960 classic "The Magnificent Seven." This kickstarted a new phase in his career, & he starred in elevated Westerns including "Invitation to a Gunfighter," "Kings of the Sun," "Villa Rising," and "Adiós, Sabata."
Yul Brynner
500
He is one of the signature supporting players in Western film history, & one of only three male actors to win three Academy Awards.
Walter Brennan
500
A classic drama without the excessive gunslinging you see in most Westerns, this show follows the Ingalls family as they build a house & a new life.
Little House On The Prairie
500
This film is known as a comedy classic in some circles & a complete misfire in others. It throws the western on its haunches, calling out every stereotype, bias, & fallacy that comes with the genre.
Blazing Saddles
500
This was the signature song of American cowboy entertainer Gene Autry. The song's meaning was associated with Autry's return to the movies after World War II, when the country was "getting back in the swing of things".
Back In The Saddle Again
600
His prominence in cinematic Westerns grew thanks to his fan-favorite role in "The Magnificent Seven." Later his gruff, rarely verbose persona made him a perfect fit for darker Western projects.
Steve McQueen
600
He showed flexibility within his "tough guy" roles, as his persona could be translated to any genre. He particularly excelled with his work in Westerns.
Charles Bronson
600
A former Texas Ranger vows to bring justice to the lawless frontier. With Tonto's wisdom & guidance, they ride their horses, Silver & Scout, through the West, fighting injustice & helping those in need.
The Lone Ranger
600
Viewed as one of the best films of the 1960s, it tells the story of a young newspaperman who arrives in a frontier town & becomes involved in a conflict with a notorious outlaw.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
600
In "I'm An Old Cowhand," the narrator claims to be a cowboy from the Rio Grande, but he admits to never having seen a cow or roped a steer. Instead, he's more comfortable riding a car than a horse. It was sung by this man.
Bing Crosby