For those of you who may not be familiar with the company, Best Western is an international, budget hotel chain that supplies “high value” accommodation at affordable prices. Although, if you’ve been to one of their hotels you’ll probably be able to attest otherwise, and it’s more the case of understanding you get what you pay for (that is, very little). Unfortunately, for those of you who are innocently scrolling the internet for “Best Western Hotels, Ranked” looking at ideas for your next getaway, you’ve inadvertently clicked on “Best Western Remakes, Ranked,” a definitive list of the best Western film remakes. This is categoricallynotsome slightly weird hotelier trying to recreate a low-cost B&B.
The 1950s and ’60s were the absolute, undisputed golden age for the Western genre. It’s as though filmmakers nowadays have conceded defeat, you can’t make them like Clint Eastwood, Sergio Leone, Sergio Corbucci, and John Sturges anymore, and instead, the modern film has been forced to digest flagrant rip-offs, and boomers constantly reminding us that, yes, “they don’t make them how they did in my day." However, while they’re more prevalent now than ever, Western remakes stretch back as far as the mid-20th century. Some of the iconic Western films were actually remakes. There have certainly been some gems, so here are the best Western remakes…
A cinematic remake of the classic Western television series of the same name,1994’sMavericksuccessfully draws upon aspects of its birth-giver as it details the escapades of gambler Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson). Maverick attempts to enter a high-stakes, winner-takes-all poker competition, but is $3,000 short of the entry fee and must seek recompense from various debtors. Maverick strikes up a rapport with a con artist, Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), and together the pair embark on their respective money-making missions to enter the tournament.
4The Outrage
Another Western that was inspired and adapted from a Japanese movie was 1964’sThe Outrage, with the story taken from Akira Kurosawa’s 1950s movieRashomon.The Outrageexplores three narrative strands, each from the perspective of the movie’s three nameless men.
Related:Best Western Movies of All Time, Ranked
A con man (Edward G. Robinson), a preacher (William Shatner), and a prospector (Howard Da Silva) each offer alternative viewpoints of the recent trial and conviction of outlaw Juan Carrasco (Paul Newman), who was tried for murdering a Colonel (Laurence Harvey), and the rape of his wife (Claire Bloom). Following a closer inspection, the trio’s deliberations lead to alarmingly conflicting outcomes inthis underrated Western.
33:10 to Yuma
Based on the author Elmore Leonard’s 1953 short story,3:10 to Yumareceived its screen debut in 1957 and to this day, remains a highly-respected piece of filmmaking. Half a century later, director James Mangold teamed upwith Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, and Ben Foster for the 2007 remake.
While it is certainly up for debate whether it emulates the feat of its predecessor,3:10 to Yumais highly watchable and often gripping. The film spins the tale of decorated war veteran and ranch owner Dan Evans (Bale). Evans, following an arson attack on his barn, agrees to escort a feared and renowned outlaw, Ben Wade (Crowe), to Contention City in return for $200.
2True Grit
For all of his contentiousness, it is a truth universally acknowledged thatJohn Wayne was the Godfatherof the Western. His filmmaking bloodline somehow seems to flow into every crevice of the Western genre, and his influence on the cowboy flick can still be felt in modern film. In 2010, the Coen brothers dared to take on the revered 1969 movie starring Wayne, Henry Hathaway’sTrue Grit,with a modernized remake starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin, and Matt Damon.
Related:Best Coen Brother Films, Ranked
The film re-tells the tale of an orphaned girl, Mattie, who acquires the aid of a US Marshall (Bridges) to track down her father’s killer. Mattie further enlists the help of former Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Damon), who is also in pursuit of the known outlaw, Tom Chaney (Brolin). 2010’sTrue Gritis one of a select few films that truly rivals, if not surpasses, the original. A sensational tale of retribution and courage, with terrific performances from Damon, Steinfeld, and Bridges, the film is captured beautifully as always by the master ofcinematic photography, Roger Deakins.
1The Magnificent Seven
Antoine Fuqua’s 2016 movie,The Magnificent Seven,was actually a remake of a remake, and unfortunately for Fuqua, Denzel Washington, and co., it’s standing on the shoulders of giants. It’s hard to compete with the classic 1960 film, which was itself an adaptation ofAkira Kurosawa’s 1954 screenplay,Seven Samurai. The 1960 version ofThe Magnificent Sevenwas directed by John Sturges (who consistently mastered the Western genre withGunfight at the O.K. CorralandBad Day at Black Rock), and it’s a beauty.
Featuring a truly incomparable ensemble of Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, Eli Wallach, Yul Brynner, and James Coburn,The MagnificentSevenconcerns a group of initially six talented gunslingers and bounty hunters who face off against a fearsome group of bandits that threaten to tear a Mexican village just off the American-Mexican border apart. Eli Wallach is the face of Wild West villainy as the nefariously emphatic antagonist, Calvera.
