Spaghetti Westerns are a lot like film noir in one key way: to be a true example of the genre, you had to be made during a specific golden era. For noir, that was the 1940s and '50s, with later films like Chinatown being labeled neo-noir. For spaghetti Westerns, the heyday was the 1960s and into the '70s, with those gritty, stylish, often Italian-made oaters defining the genre.
But just as noir evolved, so has the spaghetti Western. The films below aren't technically spaghetti Westerns—they weren't made in Italy, and they came after the classic period—but they capture that same spirit: dusty landscapes, morally ambiguous gunslingers, and a whole lot of style. These are the best modern takes on the genre, ranked from good to greatest.
10. Sukiyaki Western Django (2007)
Takashi Miike is one of the most prolific directors in cinema, so it's no surprise that not every film in his filmography is a masterpiece. Sukiyaki Western Django is a wild, messy experiment that blends the spaghetti Western with Japanese culture—hence the title, swapping spaghetti for sukiyaki. It's not his best work, but it's a fascinating oddity, and it even features Quentin Tarantino in a supporting role (though his acting is, as usual, a bit rough). If you're a completist of the genre, it's worth a look.
9. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Robert Rodriguez's Mexico trilogy concludes with this overstuffed but entertaining epic. It's clearly inspired by Sergio Leone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but it tries to cram too much into its runtime. Still, the action is fun, the cast is game (including Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek), and the ambition is admirable. It's not the best of the trilogy, but it's a solid entry.
8. Rango (2011)
Who knew an animated chameleon could be one of the best modern Western heroes? Rango is a visually stunning, weirdly wonderful film that pays homage to the genre while being its own thing. It's not really for kids—it's full of references to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the Dollars trilogy—but for adults, it's a clever, stylish treat. It's easily one of the best animated Westerns ever made.
7. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino's claustrophobic Western takes place almost entirely inside a cabin during a blizzard, which is a far cry from the wide-open spaces of traditional Westerns. But it still has that spaghetti Western feel, with its long takes, moral ambiguity, and bursts of violence. It's a tense, talky thriller that rewards patience, and it's a great showcase for Tarantino's love of the genre.
6. The Quick and the Dead (1995)
This one's a bit older, but it's still a modern take on the spaghetti Western. Directed by Sam Raimi, it's a fast-paced, stylish shoot-'em-up about a dueling competition in a small town. Sharon Stone stars as a mysterious gunslinger, and she's joined by a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. It's pure entertainment, with quick draws and quicker pacing.
5. The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008)
This South Korean action-comedy takes the spaghetti Western and gives it a wild, Eastern spin. Set in 1930s Manchuria, it follows three outlaws—a bounty hunter, a hitman, and a thief—as they race to find a treasure map. It's a thrilling, funny, and visually stunning ride that pays tribute to the genre while doing its own thing. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.
4. Django Unchained (2012)
Quentin Tarantino's love letter to the spaghetti Western is also one of his most popular films. Jamie Foxx stars as Django, a freed slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio). It's violent, stylish, and unapologetically bold, with a killer soundtrack and unforgettable performances. It's a modern classic.
3. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
The Coen brothers' anthology film is a collection of six Western tales, each with its own tone and style. Some are comedic, some are tragic, and all are beautifully shot. It's a meditation on the Old West, and it's one of the best Westerns of the 21st century. If you're a fan of the genre, this is a must-watch.
2. No Country for Old Men (2007)
While not a traditional spaghetti Western, the Coen brothers' masterpiece has that same sense of dread and moral complexity. It's a cat-and-mouse thriller set in the Texas desert, with Javier Bardem's Anton Chigurh becoming one of cinema's most iconic villains. It's a modern Western that's as tense as it is thought-provoking, and it won Best Picture for good reason.
1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Okay, this one isn't modern, but it's the gold standard. Sergio Leone's epic is the definitive spaghetti Western, and it's still unmatched in its scope, style, and iconic score. If you're looking for the best of the genre, you have to start here. It's a masterpiece that continues to influence filmmakers today.
These modern spaghetti Westerns prove that the genre is far from dead. Whether they're direct homages or just inspired by the style, they keep the spirit alive for new generations. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride.
