There’s a lot of competition for the title of the best western of all time. From The Searchers to Unforgiven, and John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, the genre is filled with famous performances and films.
However, one film that routinely makes the lists of the best westerns of all time is a masterpiece described as a “classic coming-of-age tale.” It’s the 1953 movie Shane. It’s ranked second on the Center of the West’s list of the best westerns in history. When critics talk about Shane, superlatives flow.
“It’s stunning. Exciting. Thoughtful. Heartbreaking. There are a number of Westerns that drive folks to tears, but you’ll need a an entire box of tissues for this one,” the Center wrote, describing Shane as one of the best movies ever made, period.
The movie stars Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Van Heflin.