10 Lighthearted Westerns That Don’t Get Too Violent

Since the beginnings of cinema, the western genre has been a landmark in the world of cinema. Audiences around the world love following these Western stories, often featuring cowboys, outlaws and the vast landscapes of the American frontier. Of course, due to these factors, violence is often a very prominent element of these films. Many Western fans love it when dramatic confrontations between good and evil culminate in violent shootouts, explosions, and widespread calamity. However, it is essential to note that these aspects of the genre are not everyone’s cup of tea.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of fun westerns that don’t rely on these explosive elements. From beloved classics to modern stories, many films highlight the genre’s essential characters and settings without delving too deeply into the violent side of frontier life. After all, even the most dedicated Western fans need a feel-good story every now and then. These films offer fun, light-hearted takes on the Western genre.effectively capturing the iconic atmosphere while avoiding any unnecessary violence.

10

The Ram (1958)

Directed by George Marshall

George Marshall’s 1958 feature film The shepherdand a fun example of how the western and comedy genres can be combined seamlessly. This offbeat film follows a gambler named Jason Sweet who wins an unusual prize during a poker game: an entire flock of sheep. Sweet then wrangles the sheep and takes them to a small town where cattle are the main product.

Things get complicated for Sweet when the townspeople object to his flock of sheep, but he refuses to give up without a fight. The shepherd It may have a slightly cheesy premise, but it’s undeniably fun and filled with all the hallmarks of the western genre.

Thanks to its charming cast led by Glenn Ford, Shirley MacLaine and Leslie Nielsen, The shepherd It’s as funny as it is moving. Although the film includes a climactic life-and-death confrontation, it certainly doesn’t lean too heavily on violence, relying more on the humorous side of its premise, making it a great option for all types of western fans.

9

Support your local sheriff! (1969)

Directed by Burt Kennedy

1969 Burt Kennedy comedy Support your local sheriff!acts as a hilarious parody of classic western films. The film follows Jason McCullough a skilled gunslinger who becomes the sheriff of Calendar Cityfilling the vacancy while the town is invaded by the rude Danby family.

Of course, restoring order to the city is no easy task, and McCullough soon discovers he has a difficult job ahead of him. Support your local sheriff! may lack the gripping dramatic elements present in many westerns, but it makes up for it with is a consistently hilarious comedy.

With a cast led by James Garner and Joan Hackett, the film never takes itself too seriously, allowing for an enjoyable and light-hearted exploration of life on the American frontier. It is essential to realize that Support your local sheriff! isn’t just poking fun at Westerns, but rather paying homage to them, offering an entertaining story that truly encapsulates what so many audiences love about the genre.

8

Maverick (1994)

Directed by Richard Donner

Based on the 1950s television series of the same name, Independent highlights a key element found in many classic Westerns: gambling. Directed by Richard Donner, this 1994 comedic western stars Mel Gibson as Bret Maverick Jr., a conman looking to raise enough money to enter a high-stakes poker game for the chance to win a fortune.

This Oscar-nominated film also stars Jodie Foster and James Garner, as well as including cameos from several iconic Western actors. Independent pays fitting homage to countless Western films without having to resort to the use of excessive violence.

Instead of, the film dedicates more time to developing its characters and telling a captivating story full of twists and turns. The comedic tone serves as the icing on the cake, giving the film a light-hearted feel that any audience can enjoy. Independent It can certainly be enjoyed by casual Western fans, but its frequent appearances make it an exciting who’s who for dedicated fans of the genre.

7

Ballou Cat (1965)

Directed by Elliot Silverstein

The 1965 comedic western Ballou Catput a funny take on a classic western setting. The film stars Jane Fonda as Catherine “Cat” Ballou, a courageous woman determined to protect her father and his ranch. However, her plan quickly goes awry when it is revealed that the legendary gunslinger she hired to help her is nothing more than a miserable alcoholic, unable to shoot accurately unless he is drunk.

While it definitely has some tense moments, its comedic nuances give the film a consistent feel-good quality. Ballou Cat It was very well received and is among the greatest feel-good Westerns of all time. The film was nominated an impressive five times at the 38th Academy Awardswith Lee Marvin even securing a Best Actor win thanks to his portrayal of multiple characters. With an exciting ending and a lot of well-executed humor, Ballou Cat It’s a blast for fans of the western genre or comedies in general.

6

Back to the Future, Part III (1990)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Although Westerns have been merged with various other genres many times over the years, science fiction and the Western seem like two genres that would be mutually exclusive. Robert Zemeckis proved this idea wrong with his 1990 film Back to the Future, Part III. This final entry in the iconic trilogy sends Marty McFly and Doc Brown since the 1880sdropping them right in the middle of a Wild West landscape.

Together, the two must face the dangers of the American frontier and find their way back to their rightful place in time. Like the other entries in the trilogy, Back to the Future, Part III maintains a fun, lighthearted, and adventurous feel This is fun for viewers of any age. Although the previous films in the series were not Westerns, Part III welcomes the genre with open arms, eagerly embracing its new settings and characters. The choice to approach this new genre was bold, but it was worth it, as the film was very well received and had great box office success.

5

Rango (2011)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

To a feeling of well-being, fun western for the whole familya viable option for the public is the 2011 animated feature, Rankdirected by Gore Verbinski, who gained fame for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Rank tells the story of a pampered pet chameleon who must adopt a robust new personality when he is unwittingly thrust into the role of sheriff in the small desert town of Dirt.

Supported by a star-studded voice cast (including Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher and Bill Nighy), the film is a fun and exciting experience for any viewer. When imagining Western films, many people wouldn’t even consider animated films based solely on that specific element. However, it is impossible to deny Rankwestern status.

This Oscar-winning film perfectly sums up the Wild West settingas well as the types of characters typically featured in Western films (sheriffs, townspeople, bandits, etc.). Furthermore, the story of a humble individual who must defend a small town from the forces of evil is practically as old as the genre itself. Rank offers a modern, lively take on the genre that prioritizes its stunning visuals over violence.

4

Calamity Jane (1953)

Directed by David Butler

Another example of how the western genre is able to mix with other genres is David Butler’s 1953 feature film, Calamity Janewhich offers a dazzling spectacle that is equal parts Western and musical. This exciting film presents a fictionalized version of Wild West icon Calamity Janewith Doris Day starring in the titular role.

In the film, Jane travels to Chicago to convince a well-known singer to perform at her salon, but the plan goes awry when she accidentally recruits the singer’s maid after failing to recognize her. Calamity Jane is filled from beginning to end with touching love stories, lots of laughs and almost all the elements that make the Western genre what it is today.

Sure, it may not be as gritty and dramatic as many classic Westerns, but it still offers a thoroughly entertaining experience. With exciting musical numbers and a stunning performance by Doris Day, Calamity Jane It’s a Western that anyone can enjoy.

3

Destry Rides Again (1939)

Directed by George Marshall

James Stewart may not be best known for his roles in various Westerns (although he has starred in several over the years), but he certainly knew how to dominate the screen whenever he appeared in one. This was clear from her first introduction to the genre, starring alongside Marlene Dietrich in Destry rides againdirected by George Marshall.

In the film, Stewart plays Tom Destry Jr. a peaceful man who is ridiculed for his strong opposition to the use of weapons. Stewart and Dietrich shine Destry rides againpropelling the film to consistently positive reviews and even earning a place on the National Film Registry.

Destry provides an interesting answer to the question of whether a Wild West hero really needs to rely on violence and weapons to win his battles. Regardless of his views on firearms, Destry exemplifies the genre in a moral sense, standing up for what he believes is right regardless of what others may think.

2

Burning Saddles (1974)

Directed by Mel Brooks

Directed by Mel Brooks, Flaming Saddles and easily among the best-known comedy westerns of all time. With a hilarious cast led by Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, the film manages to effectively spoof almost every genre trope imaginable while also providing a unique Western story.

The film follows a new sheriff who faces immense prejudice as he tries to rally his residents against a rich man who plans to take all of the town’s land to build a new railroad. While the film certainly received mixed opinions upon its release, Flaming Saddles is now widely acclaimed as a classic of the comedy-western hybrid genre.

Its nonstop hilarity makes it an excellent choice for a light-hearted dive into the genre that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their level of experience with Westerns. Flaming Saddles It contains some gunfights (in a true tribute to its Western roots), but these scenes are played much more for comedy than violence.

1

Rio Bravo (1959)

Directed by Howard Hawks

With the combined talents of John Wayne and Dean Martinit should come as no surprise that Rio Bravo It’s a feel-good Western for the ages. Directed by Howard Hawks, this unique film follows a small-town sheriff who arrests an outlaw for murder after witnessing him kill a bystander.

The story only begins when the killer is behind bars, as the man’s brother and his group plan to free him by any means necessary. This leaves the sheriff to assemble a brave battalion of unlikely heroes in a last-ditch effort to keep the prisoner where he belongs. Rio Bravo is certainly more of a Western than a comedy, but it still maintains a fun and joyful feeling.

The ending in particular is sure to wake up any audienceand leaves viewers feeling optimistic and triumphant. After all, it’s hard to deny Wayne and Martin’s talent and chemistry. Combine your natural screen presence with a smart, inspiring story, and the product is enjoyable. Western that doesn’t need to rely on unnecessary violence to entertain its audience.