8 Superhero Movies That Are Basically Westerns

Over the past few decades, superhero movies have dominated the box office and streaming platforms with their larger-than-life stories and daring exploits. The new generation of movies that fall within the genre, however, are keeping up with a peculiar trend in that they are starting to resemble an old favorite genre: the Western.

It makes sense when you think about it. Both superheroes and gunslingers have the same narrative space – a vast landscape devoid of rules, where traditional authority barely has any say, driven by a strong moral code to protect the innocent and deliver justice. Whether it is stopping a bank robbery or saving the world, they rely on their physical power, some arsenal, and a whole lot of grit to get the job done.

So it is no surprise that filmmakers have knowingly or unknowingly combined the two beloved genres and created superhero movies that feel right at home in the American West. The following eight films are perfect to demonstrate just how flawlessly the world of capes and cowboy hats can come together.

8

‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)

Based on Johnston McCulley’s fictional character, The Mask of Zorro tells the story of a young thief named Alejandro Murrieta, who finds himself roped into a mission for justice by Don Diego de la Vega, the original Zorro. Don Diego, weary and vengeful after the brutal murder of his wife and daughter, trains Alejandro to take up the mask and sword and, together, they set out to fight the villainous Don Rafael Montero, who is all set to exploit the people of California with his nefarious schemes.

Masked Hero Straight Out Of the West

The Mask of Zorro delivers an exciting, swashbuckling tale of adventure, heroism, sword fights, and clever disguises. And the fact that it is set against the dusty, sunlit backdrop of California only makes it more appealing. With its sweeping vistas, lawless cities, and themes of vengeance and justice, the film embodies several tropes of classic Westerns. Directed by Martin Campbell and starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the movie embraces old-school action and frontier aesthetic to deliver an experience that honors the tradition of the Zorro mythology and creates a superhero origin story.

7

‘Watchmen’ (2009)

Watchmen is set in an alternate 1985, at the height of the Cold War, when the world is teetering on the brink of global annihilation. We follow a group of masked vigilantes as they are forced to confront their own dark pasts and dive headfirst into an investigation when the Comedian, a cynical hero and one of their own, is murdered. Ex-hero Rorschach, along with his teammates, Dr. Manhattan, Silk Spectre, Nite Owl, and Ozymandias, try to unravel a conspiracy that could change the course of history.

Dystopian Superheroes with Western Grit

Zack Snyder’s visionary adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons imbues Watchmen with the brooding tension of a revisionist Western. It takes well-known superhero myths about antiheroes and their search for justice in a chaotic world and draws clear parallels to the morally ambiguous antiheroes of classic Western. Additionally, the gritty neo-noir aesthetic, the layered narrative, and flawed protagonists, make it a unique entry in both the superhero and the Western-inspired genre.

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6

‘Logan’ (2017)

Logan

4.5
/5

Release Date

March 3, 2017

Runtime

137 Minutes

A fan-favorite and for good reason, Logan takes place in a bleak near-future. The mutants are a dying species and an aged Logan, who was once known as Wolverine, struggles to live as a recluse while caring for an extremely ill Professor X. Their peaceful existence is shattered when a young mutant named Laura enters their lives and seeks Logan’s help to protect her from the ruthless operatives pursuing her. Together, Logan and Laura embark on a dangerous path and look for safety.

A Lone Hero’s Final Ride

Directed brilliantly by James Mangold, Logan is nothing short of a masterpiece. And it’s clearly both a superhero movie and a Western. To break it down, the movie is set against a sparse and rugged backdrop, and it dabbles in themes of sacrifice and redemption. Logan’s world-weary and reluctant hero resembles the archetype of a gunslinger past his prime, taking one last stand before riding off into the sunset. Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen’s intimate performances create a found-family dynamic that resonates with audiences deeply.

5

‘Jonah Hex’ (2010)

Jonah Hex

Release Date

June 17, 2010

Runtime

81minutes

Adapted from the DC Comics character of the same name, Jonah Hex follows the eponymous character, a scarred bounty hunter with the mysterious ability to converse with the dead. He is haunted by the brutal murder of his family and has an agenda of his own. But it isn’t until Hex is recruited by the U.S. military to hunt down a dangerous terrorist known as Quentin Turnball that he finds himself thrust into a high-stakes showdown with the roots of his own tragic past.

Gunslinger Story with a Supernatural Twist

Jonah Hex is an interesting mix of eerie, supernatural elements and motifs of classic Western movies. That’s how it puts a unique spin on the superhero genre. Directed by Jimmy Howard in his live-action debut. The movie leans heavily into the Western category because it features saloon brawls, horseback chase scenes, pulpy, comic-book-inspired visuals, and desolate towns. Josh Brolin’s performance as Jonah Hex and John Malkovich’s turn as the evil Turnball is the true essence of this superhero-meets-Western hybrid.

4

‘Flash Gordon’ (1980)

Flash Gordon

Release Date

December 5, 1980

Runtime

111 Minutes

Director

Mike Hodges

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  Sam J. Jones

  Flash Gordon

• 

  Melody Anderson

  Dale Arden

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• 

Mike Hodges draws inspiration from Alex Raymond’s King Features comic strips of the same name and directs this space opera-like superhero movie that begins with Earth facing total destruction from Emperor Ming, a merciless leader. It follows a football star with the nickname Flash Gordon as he gets swept up in the adventure along with allies like Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov to take down Ming the Merciless and save humanity.

Space Cowboy Fights Tyranny

Ostensibly, Flash Gordon is a science-fiction adventure. But look deeper and you’ll realize that it shares many thematic and stylish similarities with Westerns. The film’s protagonist, an ordinary individual thrust into an extraordinary situation, mirrors the “fish-out-of-water” trope often used in Western tales. Moreover, the film’s colorful visuals, dramatic betrayals, larger-than-life villain, unforgettable Queen soundtrack, and focus on pursuing frontier-style justice evoke the adventurous spirit of the genre.

3

‘Batman: The Movie’ (1966)

Batman: The Movie

Release Date

July 30, 1966

Runtime

105 Minutes

Director

Leslie H. Martinson

Writers

Lorenzo Semple Jr.

Batman: The Movie is the first feature-length adaptation of the DC Comics character following the TV series. In it, Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) leap right into action when Gotham City faces its most formidable and audacious threat – the combined forces of iconic villains including The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, and The Riddler. Using his utility belt and incredible wits, the Caped Crusader and his sidekick save the day.

Superhero Showdown at High Noon

Though it is often remembered for its campy, over-the-top aesthetic, the 1966 movie actually shares a surprising number of narrative similarities with classic Westerns. The movie presents Gotham City as a lawless landscape and the hero rides in on a Batmobile instead of a horse. West plays Batman with a charm that reminds you of a town sheriff enforcing justice with unwavering resolve. It’s not obvious, but it’s there. Overall, the movie is a genre-defying entry in superhero cinema.

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2

‘The Avengers’ (2012)

The very first team-up of beloved Marvel superheroes begins with Earth under the threat of destruction by Loki and his army of extraterrestrials. Nick Fury brings together a mismatched team of superheroes and assembles Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) under the banner of S.H.I.E.L.D., who then face off Loki in New York City.

Superheroes Unite for a Showdown

The Avengers is definitely not the first film that comes to mind when thinking of superhero Westerns, but Joss Whedon’s blockbuster carries Western echoes in so many of its moments. The fact that it finds a motley crew of individuals, each with their own distinct skill sets and personality traits, come together and defend New York City from an alien invasion, itself gives High Noon-style narrative. Whedon’s use of sharp dialogue paired with incredible performances make the movie a phenomenon.

1

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Lastly, we have Guardians of the Galaxy, an MCU triumph from director James Gunn. The plot kicks off with Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord stealing a mysterious orb and becoming the target of bounty hunters and the sinister Ronin. To save himself, he teams up with intergalactic outlaws – Gamora, a green-skinned assassin; Rocket Racoon, a wise-cracking bounty hunter; a sentient tree named Groot; and Drax the Destroyer.

Space Outlaws and their Troubles

Gunn paints Guardians of the Galaxy, an irreverent and wildly entertaining superhero adventure, with colors of a quirky Western. The movie oozes frontier vibes, especially with its intergalactic landscapes and high-stakes chases. The central theme of found family is a hallmark of the genre. Moreover, the outstanding ensemble, led by Chris Pratt’s roguish Star-Lord, is straight out of a cowboy story. That said, the film also has playful humor and an iconic soundtrack to make it memorable.