Few action brands have been as successful this century as the John Wick franchise. Starring Keanu Reeves as the titular retired hitman who is lured back into the criminal world, the franchise began with the 2014 first installment, which earned a modest $86 million at the global box office. However, it received such a strong audience reaction that a sequel was announced in May 2015. With the sequel doubling the box office haul, it was clear an exciting franchise was on our hands, with John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4 cementing the action IP’s place in cinematic history with incredible critics’ response and huge box office hauls.

In 2025, the choice to move the franchise into a new era manifested in the form of the first feature film spin-off, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. Reeves is now in his sixties, and being a fast-paced action star is not going to get any easier. So, instead of risking the end of the franchise coming before its time, the ever-brilliant Ana de Armas was chosen to take over the mantle as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-assassin. Taking place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows De Armas’ Macarra, “who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.”

Sadly, Ballerina was unable to capitalize on the previous theatrical success of the franchise, becoming one of 2025’s more disappointing box office flops. Against a reported budget of $90 million, Ballerina grossed only $137.2 million worldwide and put a dent in de Armas’ potential to take over the franchise full-time. However, the film has redeemed itself on streaming ever since, officially becoming one of the ten most-streamed movies on Starz in the U.S., at the time of writing.

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Image via Lionsgate

Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, this John Wick spin-off didn’t just feature the starring talent of de Armas and a notable cameo appearance from Reeves, but it also boasted an eye-catching ensemble, including Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Gabriel Byrne, Anjelica Huston, and Lance Reddick in his final screen appearance. The film scored 75% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus on the site reading, “Equipping a steely Ana de Armas with creatively brutal action choreography and a pleasingly kooky origin story, Ballerina pirouettes gracefully onto the Wickverse’s centerstage.”

Ballerina is streaming now on Starz. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

June 6, 2025

Runtime

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125 minutes

Director

Len Wiseman

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Writers

Shay Hatten, Derek Kolstad

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By now, most of Us are done pretending uncomfortable outfits are worth it. Between coffee runs, weekend plans and travel days, you need pieces that actually move with you on busy days. That’s exactly why the dress-and-sneaker combo keeps coming back every year.

These 17 easy-going floral dresses make it easy to pull off the look. Think: Flowy wrap midis that elongate your frame, smocked-waist styles that define your shape and casual T-shirt styles that you can throw on with sneakers and be out the door in minutes. You’ll also find breezy, pocket-friendly picks and tiered silhouettes that work just as well for brunch as they do for long, on-your-feet days. Even better? Prices start at just $17.

17 Floral Dresses That Pair With Sneakers to Create Cute Spring Outfits

1. Our Favorite: If stiff, uncomfortable dresses sit unworn in your closet, try this green floral sundress instead. The stretchy fabric actually moves with you, and the wrap style is universally flattering.

2. Loose and Slimming: Want a floral dress that skims your body? This bohemian-style maxi dress has a loose silhouette that flatters and pockets to keep your essentials close.

3. Has Pockets: Tired of carrying a bag for just your phone and keys? This floral midi dress has pockets deep enough to actually use to store your phone or lip gloss. Plus, the comfortable short sleeve cut means you can wear it all day.

4. Figure-Flattering: If you love your curves but want a dress that drapes just right, this flowy floral wrap dress nails it. The A-line cut falls beautifully and the V-neck elongates your frame.

5. Quite the Charmer: Struggling to find a floral dress that looks put together without feeling overdone? This charming wrap midi hits that sweet spot with its belted waist and delicate ruffle sleeves.

Related: 21 Free People-Style Deals Hiding in Amazon’s Early Big Spring Sale

There’s something about Free People’s soft knit tops, flowy dresses and perfectly undone layers that always feel like peak spring dressing — but recreating that look can get expensive fast. One scroll through the brand’s site and suddenly you’re staring at $150 dresses and $200 sweaters . . . not exactly casual. The good news? […]

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6. Cute and Comfy: This polka dot midi dress has a V-neck wrap style, short sleeves and functional pockets. The stretchy, loose fabric makes it feel more like loungewear than a real dress.

7. Playful Prints: Bored by typical floral dresses? This wearable V-neck midi dress shakes things up with a marble print and pretty petal sleeves.

8. Must-Have Mini: Heading to a weekend cookout? Throw on this floral-print mini dress and a clean pair of sneakers, and you’ll instantly see how these pieces are made for each other.

9. Tummy-Slimming: Walk into any room wearing this tummy-slimming wrap dress and low-profile sneakers, and you’re bound to feel so confident.

10. Waist-Defining: If shapeless dresses make you feel frumpy, this smocked-waist midi dress creates definition right at your middle. The belted waist and tiered skirt add structure without stiffness.

11. Dressy and Darling: Need a floral dress that works for slightly fancy occasions (yet still pairs well with sneakers)? This tiered floral midi bridges that gap with ruffle details and a flowy silhouette.

12. Easy Breezy: Some days you just want to get dressed without thinking. This relaxed midi dress is that kind of piece, thanks to the flirty ruffle sleeves, pretty floral print and comfy fit — zero effort required.

13. Throw-On-and-Go: Sneakers and this casual T-shirt dress are basically a uniform for busy weekends. Cinch the drawstring waist, toss your phone in the pocket and you’re gone in 30 seconds.

14. Vacation-Ready: Packing for a trip is easier when one dress handles everything. This vacation-ready midi looks great with sneakers for walking tours and sandals for evening dinners.

15. Cue the Color: Walk into brunch wearing this vibrant floral maxi dress with chunky sneakers — and watch heads turn. The long sleeves make it a rare floral dress that pairs nicely with sneakers year-round.

16. Dreamy Print: Wear this flowy floral midi dress with simple sneakers for a weekend art fair or garden party. The cap sleeves and boho-inspired silhouette look effortlessly pretty without overdoing it.

17. Floral Find: If you want a floral dress that reads a little more polished, this popular chiffon mini does the trick. The sheer fabric and peasant sleeves elevate it beyond a basic sundress.

Related: These 17 Spring Jumpsuits Make the Easiest, Most Flattering Outfits

Some mornings, putting together an outfit feels far more complicated than it should. Finding pieces that are comfortable, flattering and actually look put together can quickly become a time-consuming mission. That’s exactly why jumpsuits are the ultimate spring wardrobe hack. With just one piece, you get a complete outfit that looks polished without the extra […]

Amanda Peet has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“For many years, I’ve been told that I have ‘dense’ and ‘busy’ breasts — not as a compliment but as a warning that they require extra monitoring,” Peet wrote in a New Yorker essay published Saturday, March 21, revealing she was diagnosed “last fall.”

“I had been seeing a breast surgeon every six months for checkups,” she continued. “The Friday before Labor Day, I went for what I thought would be a routine scan.”

According to Peet, her physician “didn’t like the way something looked on the ultrasound” and, as a result, wanted the actress to undergo a biopsy.

Related: Stars Who Battled Cancer

Many celebrities have spoken out about their personal battles with breast cancer over the years. Julia Louis-Dreyfus went public with her breast cancer diagnosis in September 2017 via Instagram. Nearly one year later, she had successfully beaten the illness and returned to work on Veep. “It sounds kind of corny, but there’s something about after […]

“After the procedure, she said that she would walk the sample over to Cedars-Sinai and hand-deliver it to Pathology. That’s when I knew,” Peet said, noting that her doctor shared the results the next day. “The tumor ‘appeared’ to be small, but I would need an MRI after the holiday weekend to determine ‘the extent of disease.’”

As Peet waited to discover the type of cancer she had, her parents were both on hospice care.

“Our parents, long divorced, were both in hospice, on opposite coasts,” she wrote, referring to her sister. “Our mother’s had started in June, but our father’s was only a week in, so we hadn’t expected him to go first. I flew to New York. I didn’t make it before my father took his last breath, but I got to see his body before it was taken from his apartment.”

Peet returned home to Los Angeles to consider caring for her mom, when she learned that her stage I cancer was “hormone-receptor-positive” and “HER2-negative.”

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Related: Stars Who Beat Breast Cancer

Many celebrities have spoken out about their personal battles with breast cancer over the years. Julia Louis-Dreyfus went public with her breast cancer diagnosis in September 2017 via Instagram. Nearly one year later, she had successfully beaten the illness and returned to work on Veep. “It sounds kind of corny, but there’s something about after […]

“I was happier than I’d been pre-diagnosis, when I was just a regular person who didn’t have cancer,” Peet said. “But after about 10 minutes, I remembered that I still needed the MRI and regressed to baseline terror. [My doctor,] Dr. K., said that the radiologist would check my lymph nodes, as well as ‘the left side for any surprise findings’ and call with the results within a week. It was dawning on me that cancer diagnoses come in a slow drip.”

Doctors soon discovered a second benign mass in Peet’s breast, requiring a lumpectomy and radiation as treatment.

Peet’s mother died in January shortly after her own “first clear scan.”

“The morphine was taking forever to kick in, and she was looking at the ceiling and whimpering, so I climbed onto her rented hospital bed to get in her line of vision,” Peet said of her final moments with her mom. “We locked eyes and she quieted down, and then she and I continued to stare at each other for what felt like several minutes.”

When it comes to effortless, off-duty style, Nicole Kidman rarely misses — and her latest sunglasses moment proves that sometimes one simple accessory can make an entire outfit feel instantly put together. While her look gives major “it-girl” energy, recreating the vibe doesn’t require a designer budget. In fact, the Wemootants Cat Eye Reading Sunglasses on Amazon look eerily similar, and ring in at just $22.

Kidman was spotted wearing the stylish sunnies while at the Sydney airport. The oversized silhouette instantly frames the face and adds that “put-together without trying too hard” vibe that makes sunglasses feel less like an afterthought and more like the centerpiece of a look. The cat-eye shape brings a little lift and glamour, so they feel equally at home with a slick bun, minimal makeup or an effortless off-duty outfit like Kidman’s.

Get the Wemootants Cat Eye Reading Sunglasses for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

As a bonus, the full-reader lens design means you don’t have to swap between sunglasses and reading glasses when you’re outside. Whether you’re scrolling your phone at brunch, reading by the pool or answering emails from a patio table, they blend practicality with style.

One Amazon shopper with sensitive eyes called them “super cute” and “comfortable,” adding that they’re “full reading glasses so [they] can actually see in the sun with sensitive blue eyes.”

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to elevate your everyday outfits, consider this your sign. At just $22, this cat-eye style makes it easy to channel a little Kidman–level polish without overthinking it. Shop the Wemootants Cat Eye Reading Sunglasses on Amazon before they inevitably sell out.

Get the Wemootants Cat Eye Reading Sunglasses for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more cat eye sunglasses here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Amy Duggar King has taken back her previous support of embattled cousin Joseph Duggar’s wife, Kendra Duggar, following Kendra’s arrest on a child endangerment charge.

“I think that was a plot twist that no one saw coming,” Amy, 39, said of Kendra’s arrest during a Saturday, March 21, interview with TMZ. “When I gave that [first] statement … that was just the information I was given at the time and thought to be true. Now that the information has changed and there’s more that is coming out and there’s a lot of question marks right now.”

Amy added, “I’m just going to steer that statement towards the kids because that’s what matters right now, is the kids’ safety, the victim and her family, and the four children that were in [Joseph and Kendra’s] home. That is where my heart lies. I’m just going to lay there.”

Amy was one of the first members of the extended Duggar family to speak out when Joseph, 31, was arrested on Wednesday, March, 18, on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. (Joseph is accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl when they were on vacation together in Panama City Beach, Florida, in 2020.)

Related: Joseph Duggar’s Wife Kendra Duggar’s Mugshot Revealed After Arrest

Kendra Duggar’s mugshot was revealed shortly after she was arrested on criminal charges. A press release from the Tontitown Police Department on Friday, March 20, stated that both Kendra, 27, and her husband, Joseph Duggar, are facing four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, and four counts of false […]

“Recognizing that we do not yet know the full picture, I am also praying for Joseph’s wife, Kendra, as she begins to process this, and for the protection of their children,” Amy originally said in a statement on Thursday, March 19. “I’m praying for eyes to be opened and above all, I pray that justice will be served to the fullest.”

Amy subsequently broke down in tears in a social media post on Friday, March 20, when Kendra, along with Joseph, were arrested on four unrelated counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second degree, and four counts of second degree false imprisonment.

“I’m learning just like everyone else and looking through any kind of article that I can find, trying to get answers, because obviously this is [heartbreaking],” Amy told TMZ on Saturday. “This is really, really hard on everybody. … It’s not just about the people who are inside this bubble, that believe this certain system. It’s people who loved them. I loved Joe. I loved Kendra. There are so many people who are just wanting this to be not so serious.”

Amy expressed sympathy for the 14-year-old girl who came forward with molestation allegations against Joseph, saying the alleged victim “should have been safe, should have been loved.”

“My heart cannot wrap around that,” Amy admitted. “The person that I thought I knew is apparently not the person he is today. I will hold him accountable and I want justice to be served to the fullest.”

Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly on Saturday, an insider sought to distance Kendra’s arrest from Joseph’s child molestation case.

Related: Joseph Duggar Slammed by Florida Sheriff After Molestation Arrest

Bay County, Florida sheriff Tommy Ford has condemned Joseph Garrett Duggar following the 19 Kids and Counting star’s arrest on child molestation charges. “We work, unfortunately, way too many of these types of cases, and I don’t care if he’s got a TV show, or who he is, or what he’s done, he’s committed an […]

“Kendra’s arrest has nothing to do with Joseph’s — although one precipitated another,” the source told Us. “After his charge, they automatically do a home study if minors live there. They came to her house.”

They added, “Apparently, they had two rooms where the lock of the doorknob was on the outside instead of inside. They arrested her and took her kids for that, saying it’s evidence that she wrongly detains her kids.”

Us has reached out to the Duggars for comment.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Lindsey Vonn has showcased her dedication to recovering from her catastrophic leg injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Just six weeks after her dramatic crash at the Milan and Cortina games, Vonn, 41, posted an Instagram video on Saturday, March 21, to reveal that she is already doing full sets on a pull up bar at the gym.

“First set of pull ups post surgery… slowly getting there,” Vonn captioned the Instagram post.

Vonn’s followers hailed her resilience, including Chelsea Handler replying, “INSPIRING, INCREDIBLE, BEAST MODE.”

The champion skier went into the Olympics in Italy having already torn her ACL during a World Cup race in Switzerland on January 30. Vonn defied the odds by pushing through her pain at the Olympic trials to compete in Milan and Cortina.

Disaster struck only 13 seconds into Vonn’s women’s downhill event on February 8 when she crashed and had to be airlifted to a hospital to undergo an emergency orthopedic operation to stabilize a complex tibia fracture.

Vonn underwent additional procedures in both Italy and once she returned home to the U.S., revealing that she nearly had her leg amputated due to the severe trauma caused by her crash.

“Dr. Tom Hackett saved my leg,” Vonn explained in a social media post at the time. “He saved my leg from being amputated. He did what’s called a fasciotomy, where he cut open both sides of my leg and kind of filleted it open so to speak, let it breathe, and he saved me.”

Related: Lindsey Vonn Posts Brutal Video of Leg During Recovery After Olympics Crash

Lindsey Vonn is currently living by the motto, “No pain, no gain,” and her recovery videos prove it. The professional athlete, 41, shared a brutal video of her injured leg on Friday, March 13, following her 2026 Winter Olympics crash that resulted in multiple surgeries earlier this year. In the clip shared via Vonn’s Instagram […]

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Once Vonn started physical therapy in early March, she admitted her disappointment about falling off the top of downhill skiing’s world rankings.

“Well… I’ve had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1,” Vonn wrote via Instagram on March 6. “At the beginning of the season no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position. And I bet people would have laughed if it was even suggested. But winning the title was my goal… and I came painfully close to achieving it.”

Vonn mentioned that she doesn’t like bragging about her achievements but felt it was important to draw attention to her success after nearly six years in retirement.

“I was on the podium of every single downhill race, including 2 wins,” she pointed out. “I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won’t ever forget. Even though in a few days no one will remember that I almost won the season title, I will remember. I didn’t want to win the title to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I knew I could. I just wish I had a chance to fight until the end to try and get it.”

Amid speculation that she would walk away from the sport once again, Vonn tweeted on March 14, “Who said I was retiring?”

A fan replied that “the ego is so strong in this one” before encouraging her to put her “feet up and be done.”

“Think you’re mistaking ego for joy,” Vonn corrected them. “I’ve said it my whole life; I love skiing. I’ll put my feet up when I’m good and ready, thank you.”

It’s safe to say that one of the most timeless genres of film is the Western. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to our current resurgence in the Taylor Sheridan era, audiences simply cannot get enough of the Wild Wild West. It’s a chance to escape to a world we used to play in as kids, but beyond that, the stories are rich and deeply thematic. It’s partially why it’s such a crowd-pleasing genre.

Since the dawn of the Western, there have been countless titles that have been considered masterpieces, but what about those films that are simply meant to entertain? We’re here to discuss the 10 most crowd-pleasing Westerns ever. From those that epitomize the old west to comedies that poke fun at the genre, these movies are simply a good ol’ time that everyone can have.

1

‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Perhaps the pinnacle of buddy cop Westerns comes in 1969’s exceptional Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman, the film is loosely based on the Wild West outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker, known as Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman), and his partner Harry Longabaugh, the “Sundance Kid” (Robert Redford). A story of fast draws and wild rides, with posses, robberies, and a torrid love affair, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid follows two outlaws on the run for their lives to Bolivia while shining a light on a remarkable friendship. A lighthearted and likable Western, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is pure joy. Beyond the comedy, the film explores the end of the Old West and the encroachment of modern civilization. It’s a bittersweet story.

Blending Western grit with lighthearted charm, this film has become so beloved because of its stars. Both Redford and Newman had storied careers before and after the film, yet their dynamic as a duo remains one of their best work. They had a natural, charismatic rapport that carried the film all the way through. Like a great Western should, the vibrancy in cinematography contributed to the film’s splendor. Earning four Academy Awards, including Best Song for Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” the film’s legacy is everlasting. A film that epitomized the swinging ’60s, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of those films that can never be replicated.

2

‘Stagecoach’ (1939)

Image via United Artists

If there’s any landmark film that perfected the Western genre, it’s John Ford’s Stagecoach. The Western classic tells the tale of nine disparate passengers as they travel through dangerous Apache territory from Tonto, Arizona, to Lordsburg, New Mexico. The journey showcases their evolving relationships, personal dramas, and eager redemption, ultimately resulting in a climactic final showdown. Featuring one of John Wayne’s most iconic performances as the Ringo Kid that launched him into stardom, Stagecoach is a simple story that highlights profound character-driven moments.

The film’s characters are vibrant and unique, lifting the material to great heights. The motley crew comprises a disgraced prostitute, Dallas (Claire Trevor), driven out of town by the Law and Order League; a drunken doctor named Josiah Boone (Thomas Mitchell); a snobbish pregnant officer’s wife, Lucy Mallory (Louise Platt); a diminutive whiskey salesman, Samuel Peacock (Donald Meek); a gambler by the name of Hatfield (John Carradine); an arrogant corrupt banker, Ellsworth H. Gatewood (Berton Churchill); Marshal Curley Wilcox (George Bancroft); and an outlaw, The Ringo Kid (Wayne). This recipe for an unlikely group of travelers has inspired countless Westerns, from the classics to today’s Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. Through pioneering stunt work to breathtaking cinematography in Monument Valley, you can’t help but point to this film as one that epitomizes classic Westerns. Though a 1966 remake and a 1986 television film were made, nothing beats the original.

3

‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ (1966)

Image via Produzioni Europee Associati

Whether you’re a die-hard Western lover or a casual fan, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the Spaghetti Western subgenre. If you’re looking for a film that perfectly depicts the style, look no further than Sergio Leone’s monumental The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. The film follows three amoral, gunslinging bounty hunters who shift alliances and betrayals as they search for buried Confederate gold amid the chaos of conflict. Now to the famous title. The good is represented by Blondie (Clint Eastwood), the bad through Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), and the ugly as Tuco (Eli Wallach). The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly helped redefine Westerns by blurring the lines between hero and villain through the 1960s’ disillusioned lens.

From a cynical vantage point on the American Civil War, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a gritty, stylized, slow-burning thriller. Leone is a pioneer of Spaghetti Westerns, with this classic possibly being his most beloved. His expert use of long shots, close-ups, and minimal dialogue builds the intense atmosphere with ease. Renowned for the legendary Mexican standoff and Ennio Morricone‘s soaring score, the film highlights the beauty of its backdrop, but the reality that justice is rare and survival is the true mission. Referenced, parodied, and celebrated, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is the cornerstone of Western pop culture.

4

‘The Magnificent Seven’ (1960)

Image via United Artists

One of the true classics of the genre is The Magnificent Seven. Directed by John Sturges, the film tells the story of seven diverse, skilled gunslingers hired to protect a defenseless village terrorized by a ruthless band of marauders led by Calvert (Eli Wallach). The group consists of varied individuals — Cajun gunslinger Chris Adams (Yul Brynner); drifter Vin Tanner (Steve McQueen); young, hot-blooded shootist Chico (Horst Buchholz); the professional Bernardo O’Reily (Charles Bronson); the traumatized veteran Lee (Robert Vaughn), fortune seeker Harry Luck (Brad Dexter); and knife expert Britt (James Coburn) — all looking for money, excitement, or redemption. A skillful adaptation of Seven Samurai, the Western iteration balances the themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and heroism with sensational action.

A film best remembered for its outstanding ensemble, The Magnificent Seven thrives over time. The all-star cast had grown into legends in their own right thanks to this project. Like many iconic Westerns of the time, the movie’s ability to build the world through set pieces and orchestration remains one of its highlights. Through its epic, adventurous American spirit, The Magnificent Seven is a rip-roaring classic. Like its predecessor, The Magnificent Seven continued through remakes and sequels. In fact, we ended 2025 with the major announcement that a new television adaptation had been greenlit. Suffice it to say, the impact of The Magnificent Seven lingers on.

5

‘True Grit’ (2010)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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In almost every other situation, we’ll take the original over the remake. But in the case of True Grit, the Joel and Ethan Coen remake not only built upon its source material, but it also made it even better. A more faithful adaptation, True Grit follows 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) as she hires grizzled, trigger-happy lawman Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to go after outlaw Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), who murdered her father. Accompanied by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who has his own vendetta against Chaney, the trio embarks on a perilous journey into Indian Territory for revenge and punishment. Showcasing the splendor and grandeur of the West through a 21st-century lens, True Grit became a Western modern marvel, especially with that 95% Rotten Tomatoes score.

This True Grit serves as the superior adaptation of the novel through its grim and grizzly yet enthralling direction. The Coens intelligently guided the film to be narrative-driven, avoiding a reliance on bloodshed as the primary focus. Paired with sensational performances from a standout ensemble, this version of the story focuses on Mattie’s perspective, and with an extraordinary debut in a theatrical performance, Steinfeld earned an Academy Award nomination for the film. It’s safe to say that the modern resurgence of Westerns was partially thanks to the appetite from True Grit.

6

‘Tombstone’ (1993)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

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When it comes to Westerns in the ’90s, George P. Cosmatos‘ Tombstone defined the genre. Inspired by real events in the 1880s in Southeast Arizona, Tombstone tells the story of retired lawman Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) as he moves to Arizona for a quiet life. Instead, he’s forced back into action as a ruthless gang known as the Cowboys, led by Curly Bill Brocius (Powers Boothe) and Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn), terrorize the town. Focusing on the feud leading to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the subsequent vendetta ride to restore order, Tombstone is a timeless classic that explores justice, loyalty, and vengeance.

The joy of Tombstone is just how iconic a film it is. From iconic quotes to intense action sequences to a legendary performance by Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, Tombstone maintains its status as a staple of the genre. Beyond Kilmer, the entire ensemble, including Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Dana Delaney, and Charlton Heston, dazzles. Tombstone is truly a celebration of a band of brothers. It’s a stylish take on the Old West we all imagined. Even if you don’t like Westerns, Tombstone is a satisfying film, holding steady at 93% on the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes.

7

‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Image via The Weinstein Company

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If there’s one thing that Quentin Tarantino can do, it’s go from genre to genre with the greatest of ease. In 2012, he tackled the Western through a revisionist tribute to Spaghetti Westerns called Django Unchained. Set in the Antebellum South and the Old West pre-Civil War, Django (Jamie Foxx) finds himself accompanying an unorthodox German bounty hunter by the name of Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) on a mission to capture the vicious Brittle brothers (M.C. Gainey, Cooper Huckabee, and Doc Duhame). Django, on a mission to reunite with his long-lost wife (Kerry Washington), finds himself on a hunt with Schultz to hunt the South’s most-wanted criminals. An unrelenting revenge-driven story, Django Unchained captured the dark side of the West through Tarantino’s stylized vision.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of vengeance was the perfect tagline for the film. Marrying his signature dark humor with a sharp perspective on historical injustice, Django Unchained goes beyond a simple, entertaining film. That said, if strong language and extreme violence are not your thing, steer clear of this film. The film did stir up controversy for both, but at the end of the day, it didn’t deter it from remaining a modern classic. Though Foxx and Waltz do most of the heavy lifting, with Waltz earning an Oscar, Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin J. Candie is sublime. Ending 2012 on many critics’ top 10 lists, Django Unchained was a Western like no one had seen before.

8

‘Blazing Saddles’ (1974)

Image via Warner Bros.

It wouldn’t be right to not include the greatest send-up of the genre ever, Blazing Saddles. From the genius that is Mel Brooks, the iconic comedy is about robber baron Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), who is determined to take over Rock Ridge by driving out the denizens. His plan? There’s a new sheriff — crafty railroad worker Bart (Cleavon Little) — who becomes the frontier town’s first Black sheriff. Instead, Bart and his sidekick, Jim the Waco Kid (Gene Wilder), end up being the villain’s most formidable opponent. A far-too-crude yet constantly hilarious comedy, Blazing Saddles pushed the boundaries beyond the edge and straight off the cliff.

Perhaps a tad too politically incorrect for today, Blazing Saddles was a product of its time. Satirizing racism and stereotypes in Westerns by utilizing anachronisms and humor to expose the prejudices of the all-white townspeople and the land-grabbing villain, the film employs every gag in the book. It’s brash and crass in all the right ways. With a cast of eccentric characters, Blazing Saddles is the complete Brooks experience. The cast is top-notch, especially the brilliant Madeline Kahn as Lili Von Schtupp. Her rendition of “I’m Tired” as if she’s Marlene Dietrich is pure camp. Though other Brooks films may hold up better today, Blazing Saddles blazed an important comedic trail while poking fun at a beloved genre.

9

‘3:10 to Yuma’ (2007)

Image via Lionsgate

Another example of an upgraded remake, 3:10 to Yuma, blends classic Western elements through a modern lens for an utterly entertaining viewing. The film tells the story of Dan Evans (Christian Bale), a struggling, crippled rancher who volunteers to escort notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to face justice via a train to Yuma prison, where a $200 reward awaits him. On a mission to save his ranch, Evans embarks on a treacherous journey against Wade’s ruthless gang, led by Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), while navigating a tense psychological battle with a cunning outlaw. A story of honor, redemption, and the battle between good and evil, 3:10 to Yuma is an intense Western thriller that transcends clichés.

Though the 1957 version is admired, the update is even more action-packed. Hinging on the dynamics between two strong-willed individuals, the complex relationship between Evans and Wade is amplified by the sensational performances of Bale and Crowe. Director James Mangold builds tension through its moral depth. It’s a fiery interpretation of the original that established itself as a satisfying entry in the modern rise of Westerns.

10

‘The Searchers’ (1956)

Image via Warner Bros.

To close out, we have another classic Wayne-Ford collaboration that may be best known for subverting the traditional hero tropes, The Searchers. The film follows Ethan Edwards (Wayne), a hateful Civil War veteran searching for his kidnapped niece, Debbie (Natalie Wood). His mission isn’t to save her, but to kill her due to his perception that she has become tainted by living with the Comanche. A brutal look at the frontier through themes of racism and obsession, The Searchers is an example of how redemption can be earned in the end.

A critical masterpiece in the Western world, The Searchers is a complex film that tackles the psychological toll the West can have on an individual. Wayne, usually a perfect hero, swaps that morality for a story of vengeance. He’s an unlikely protagonist as he plays a deeply disturbed anti-hero. Ford uses this piece to confront the difficult and often uncomfortable aspects of American history and identity. Beautifully filmed, The Searchers is a transcendent masterpiece.

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The Searchers

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Release Date

May 26, 1956

Runtime

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119 minutes

Director

John Ford

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Writers

Frank S. Nugent

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  Jeffrey Hunter

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  Martin Pawley

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