1954 Classic, Which Broke the Mold, Named 'Greatest Western Movie of All Time'
The Western genre can be classified in many ways, whether it's a gritty or idealistic tale, traditional or modern in its approach, sturdy or stylized, but above all else it's a genre dominated by men.
More specifically, the genre is steeped in classical white masculinity with the likes of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood dominating the screen. But that all changed when Nicholas Ray delivered an iconic take on the Western.
Johnny Guitar broke the mold and delivered the greatest Western movie of all time, according to IndieWire.
'Johnny Guitar' Takes Top Spot
Johnny Guitar took the top spot thanks to its efforts to subvert the genere.
"So maybe that's why cinema's most surprising, unique, unforgettable Western is one that throws out all of that baggage and gives the audience something completely new, something that's never been done before - or, really, since," IndieWire wrote.
"It's the Western as a fairy tale, almost, an extravagant and poetic and terrifying melodrama coursing with lust, desire, hate, and despair. The film isn't a particularly big production, setting most of its action in Vienna's cavernous saloon. And yet it feels gigantic, a movie so distinct, imaginative, and affecting that it achieves epic status. Other Westerns may be more action-packed or gritty, but no Western cuts so deeply and singularly as Johnny Guitar."
What Is 'Johnny Guitar'?
Nicholas Ray directed the 1954 hit that had a solid performance at the box office, but found greater appeal in Europe, with iconic directors Jean-Luc Goddard and Francois Truffaut raving about the Western.
"On the outskirts of town, the hard-nosed Vienna (Joan Crawford) owns a saloon frequented by the undesirables of the region, including Dancin' Kid (Scott Brady) and his gang," the synopsis if the film from Rotten Tomatoes reads.
"Another patron of Vienna's establishment is Johnny Guitar (Sterling Hayden), a former gunslinger and her lover. When a heist is pulled in town that results in a man's death, Emma Small (Mercedes McCambridge), Vienna's rival, rallies the townsfolk to take revenge on Vienna's saloon -- even without proof of her wrongdoing."
The classic racked up a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Related: 1976 Rock Hit Named Among Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time - And It Still Rocks
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM.