Are you looking for some Wild West comedies to watch over the weekend?
The best comedy Westerns helped shape American culture in different ways. Though they may not appeal to the younger generation, the legacy of these Western comedies remains indelible.
Here are six of the best Western comedy titles through the years. Read on since you need to see these ASAP.
1. Blazing Saddles
If there is a gold standard of Western comedies, “Blazing Saddles” is one of the favorites. The film spoofs Bart (Cleavon Little), an African American sheriff living in a racist town. The sheriff finds it hard to lead the area because of his color.
As great as his film was, director Mel Brooks believes the film would not see the day of light if he were to make it today. He noted how today’s penchant for being politically correct kills the film’s comedy.
2. Destry Rides Again
A classic film starring Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart, “Destry Rides Again” spoofs and satirizes classic Western. The story happens in Bottleneck, a town antagonist Kent (Brian Donlevy) controls.
When the sheriff challenges Kent’s rule, the latter kills him and replaces him with the town drunk. Unfortunately for Kent, the drunk knows Tom Destry, a legendary lawman. Destry sends his son, Tom Jr. (Stewart), to the town to end Kent’s tyranny.
3. Three Amigos
“Three Amigos” is one of the old Western comedies from the 1980s. It features three of the best comedians of the decade: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short.
The three visit a Mexican Village, thinking they are an acting troupe. Little do they know, the villagers believe they were real bandits instead of the on-screen personas they play.
4. Back to the Future III
No list of the best Western comedies is complete without “Back to the Future Part III” from 1990. The film stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly in another time-traveling adventure.
As a fitting end to the “Back to the Future” Trilogy, the film takes McFly back to 1885 to save his buddy, Emmet “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd). With Brown trapped in the Wild West, McFly learns that Doc will suffer a tragic end if he doesn’t take him back to the future.
5. Way Out West
One of the funniest Western comedies from the late 1930s, “Way Out West” stars the legendary duo of Laurel and Hardy. The two deliver a deed to a goldmine, which they lose, setting the stage to a heavy dose of boisterous fun.
The film showcases slapstick comedy that no other duo can deliver to perfection.
6. Shanghai Noon
“Shanghai Noon” features the unique pairing of Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. The story revolves around an imperial guard (Chan) in the Forbidden City of China who follows the captors of the Princess (Lucy Liu) to Las Vegas, Nevada.
He meets Roy O’Bannon (Owen), a thief and occasional cowboy. The two team up to rescue the Princess.
There are many other Western classic shows worth checking. It’s only a matter of having enough time to binge-watch on them.
Go Beyond All-Time Western Comedies
By watching these classic Western comedies, you’ll get a better appreciation of the genre’s evolution. If Western movies are not your thing, watching at least one from the list goes a long way.
Learn about other amazing facts by reading our different blog posts.
