"Best Westerns on Netflix in 2017: A Gunslinging Guide"

Saddle Up: Westerns on Netflix in 2017

In the vast expanse of Netflix's content library, the Western genre has carved out its own frontier. If you're a fan of cowboys, outlaws, and the untamed wilderness, you're in luck. Here, we've rounded up some of the best Westerns that Netflix offered in 2017, ensuring you'll have plenty of time to practice your "Yee-haws" and "Howdy, partners."

Classic Westerns: Timeless Tales

Netflix didn't shy away from serving up classic Westerns in 2017. These films and series are as timeless as the genre itself, offering a taste of the old West that's as satisfying as a hearty meal at the chuckwagon.

• Shane (1953): This classic film follows a weary gunfighter who tries to settle down in a small town, only to be drawn into a conflict between farmers and a ruthless cattle baron.
• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966): Sergio Leone's epic spaghetti Western, starring Clint Eastwood, is a must-watch for any fan of the genre. It's the third and final film in the Dollars Trilogy, and it's as action-packed as they come.
• Gunsmoke (1952-1975): This long-running TV series, based on the radio show of the same name, follows U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon as he keeps the peace in Dodge City, Kansas. With 20 seasons, there's plenty of Western action to go around.

Modern Westerns: New Frontiers

While the classics are always a treat, Netflix also offered up some modern Westerns in 2017. These films and series take the genre in new directions, proving that there's still plenty of life in the old West.

• Hell or High Water (2016): This modern-day Western follows two brothers who embark on a bank-robbing spree in West Texas, with a relentless Texas Ranger hot on their trail. It's a gripping tale of family, desperation, and the American dream.
• Godless (2017): This Netflix original series is a Western with a twist. Set in the late 1800s, it follows a town of women who must defend themselves against a gang of outlaws. It's a fresh take on the genre that's well worth a watch.

Western-Inspired Series: Beyond the Frontier

In 2017, Netflix also offered up some series that draw inspiration from the Western genre, even if they're not set in the old West. These shows take the core elements of the Western—like moral complexity, high-stakes action, and larger-than-life characters—and apply them to new settings.

• Longmire (2012-2017): Based on the Craig Johnson mystery novels, this series follows Walt Longmire, a Wyoming sheriff who's trying to solve his wife's murder while dealing with the challenges of modern law enforcement.
• Justified (2010-2015): This critically acclaimed series follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a modern-day cowboy who enforces justice in the hills of Kentucky. It's a gripping tale of law and order, with a healthy dose of Southern Gothic charm.

Western Documentaries: The Real Story of the West

If you're interested in the real history behind the Western genre, Netflix offered up some excellent documentaries in 2017. These films provide a fascinating look at the people, places, and events that inspired the classic Westerns we know and love.

• Deadwood: The Movie (2019): While not a documentary, this film serves as a fitting conclusion to the acclaimed HBO series. It follows the residents of Deadwood, South Dakota, as they reunite to celebrate South Dakota's statehood and confront their pasts.
• Frontier (2016-2017): This Canadian series offers a unique take on the Western genre, focusing on the fur trade in the late 18th century. It's a gripping tale of power, greed, and the struggle for survival in the untamed wilderness.

Western Anime: The Samurai Spirit

Netflix also offered up some Western-inspired anime in 2017. These series draw inspiration from the samurai films and Westerns of old, blending the best of both worlds into something entirely new.

• Samurai Jack (2001-2017): This beloved animated series follows a young samurai warrior who travels through time to defeat the evil Aku and restore peace to the land. It's a thrilling adventure that's equal parts Western and samurai film.
• Cowboy Bebop (1998): This classic anime series follows a crew of bounty hunters in the year 2071, as they travel the galaxy in search of justice and a decent payday. It's a space Western that's as action-packed as it is philosophically deep.

Whether you're a fan of classic Westerns or modern takes on the genre, Netflix had something to offer in 2017. So saddle up, partner, and get ready to ride off into the sunset with these excellent films and series. Happy streaming!