Devin J
The Old West was full of rebels and renegades, and some outlaws were so captivating that they became legends. Even though they were on the wrong side of the law, their stories are often filled with daring escapades and surprising heroics. Let’s explore the thrilling lives of 15 Western outlaws who make it hard not to root for them.
Joe Burdette in “Rio Bravo” (1959)
In the film, Claude Akins breathes life into Joe Burdette, a man who turns jailbreaks into high art. Burdette’s unwavering devotion to his brother clashes with his ruthless tactics. Yet, as he matches wits with the law, you’ll find yourself impressed by this gruff charmer’s audacity.
Asa “Long Hair” Watts in “The Cowboys” (1972)
Asa “Long Hair” Watts prowls through “The Cowboys,” portrayed by Bruce Dern, is like a wolf among sheep. Cold-blooded and efficient, this cattle rustler sends chills down your spine. But as he squares off against the tough rancher, his charisma will have you glued to the screen.
Man with No Name in “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” (1966)
This enigmatic gunslinger journeys on a morally gray landscape with nothing but a poncho, a cheroot, and an unmatched quickdraw. Not only that, but Clint Eastwood’s squint speaks volumes, while his laconic wit cuts sharper than any blade.
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday in “Fort Apache” (1948)
Henry Fonda trades his usual heroic role for Lt. Col. Owen Thursday. His stern demeanor masks a dangerous pride that puts him at odds with the West’s harsh realities. As Thursday’s rigid principles lead him to destruction, you’ll be mesmerized by his fall from grace.
Angel Eyes in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966)
This is a true Western classic, and Lee Van Cleef redefined cool villainy as Angel Eyes. With an icy stare that could freeze the desert, this pragmatic killer commands every scene. Cleef’s performance crafts an outlaw you won’t soon forget.
Gunslinger in “Westworld” (1973)
Yul Brynner’s character, Gunslinger, stalks the frontier of the film with robotic precision. This sci-fi twist on the classic Western villain subverts expectations at every turn. As the relentless Gunslinger pursues his prey, his unnerving portrayal stands out.
Jack Wilson in “Shane” (1953)
In the film, Jack Wilson, played by Jack Palance, looms like a dark specter over the proceedings. His deliberate speech and piercing gaze hint at brutality barely contained. Wilson shows the darker aspects of the gunslinger legend and challenges the thin line between hero and villain.
Jessica Drummond in “Forty Guns” (1957)
As Jessica Drummond, Barbara Stanwyck shattered Western stereotypes. Her nuanced delivery created a complex antihero who confronted our notions of power, gender, and morality in the Old West.
Liberty Valance in “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962)
Lee Marvin’s character, Liberty Valance, swaggers through his namesake film, “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” with evil glee. His casual cruelty and outsized personality command attention in every frame.
Robert Redford and Paul Newman in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
Robert Redford and Paul Newman lit up the screen as the titular duo in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” These charming outlaws elevated train robbery to an art form, all while trading quips and evading arrests that will have you cheering their every escape.
William Munny in “Unforgiven” (1992)
Clint Eastwood, taking the role of William Munny, blurs the line between hero and villain. This retired gunslinger-turned-pig farmer reluctantly straps on his six-shooters for one last job. Eastwood’s performance transforms Munny from a repentant sinner to an avenging angel.
Billy the Kid in “Young Guns” (1988)
He is hard to resist as he plays the charismatic outlaw with a devil-may-care charm. His nuanced portrayal balances youthful bravado with surprising depth. You’ll be awed as Billy navigates the treacherous waters of frontier politics and personal vendettas.
Rio in “One-Eyed Jacks” (1961)
Featured in the film as Rio, Marlon Brando’s characterization of the role simmers with barely contained rage. This betrayed bandit’s quest for revenge is as much an internal struggle as an external conflict.
Josey Wales in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” (1976)
It’s no surprise that Clint Eastwood makes a second appearance on this list as Josey Wales. The reluctant fugitive forged in the fires of tragedy is a masterclass in character development that will leave you wanting more.
Jesse James in “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007)
Brad Pitt’s character Jesse James is a study of outlaw mystique. This version of the infamous bandit is part rock star, part paranoid recluse. Pitt’s performance peels back the layers of legend to reveal the man beneath.
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