Films about ranches often explore themes of family, heritage, perseverance, and the often harsh realities of rural life. Ranches, by their nature, provide a rich backdrop for storytelling, blending the beauty of vast landscapes with the drama of agricultural and livestock challenges. These films frequently delve into the relationships between ranchers, their families, and their connection to the land they work on, offering a unique glimpse into a way of life that is both challenging and rewarding. Here’s a list of films set on ranches, capturing the essence of ranch life through various narratives:
“The Horse Whisperer”, 1998
Director: Robert Redford
After a devastating riding accident, a young girl and her injured horse are helped by a rancher with a unique talent for communicating with horses. The film explores themes of healing and redemption, set against the stunning backdrop of a Montana ranch.
Starring: Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Neill, Dianne Wiest, Chris Cooper, Cherry Jones, Ty Hillman, Kate Bosworth, Austin Schwarz;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, melodrama, western;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 169 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Horse Whisperer” on the website imdb.com
“Brokeback Mountain”, 2005
Director: Ang Lee
This poignant drama tells the story of two cowboys who start a secretive relationship in the 1960s. Their complex bond, set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, evolves over two decades, touching on themes of love, loss, and longing.
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Kate Mara, Graham Beckel;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: western, melodrama, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Brokeback Mountain” on the website imdb.com
“The Magnificent Seven”, 2016
Director: Antoine Fuqua
In this classic Western, a small Mexican village hires seven gunfighters to protect them from a gang of bandits. The film features various ranch settings, offering a traditional depiction of the Old West and the challenges of rural life.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Byung-hun, Manuel Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, Haley Bennett, Peter Sarsgaard, Luke Grimes;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: western, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Magnificent Seven” on the website imdb.com
“Lonesome Dove”, 1989
Director: Simon Wincer
Although technically a TV mini-series, “Lonesome Dove” is a beloved adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s novel, chronicling the adventures of two aging Texas Rangers as they drive a cattle herd from Texas to Montana. The miniseries captures the essence of the ranching life and the grit of the American frontier.
Starring: Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Diane Lane, Robert Urich, Frederic Forrest, D.B. Sweeney, Rick Schroder, Anjelica Huston, Chris Cooper;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, adventure, western;
Age: 16+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,7;
More information about the film “Lonesome Dove” on the website imdb.com
“Legends of the Fall”, 1994
Director: Edward Zwick
Set against the backdrop of the Montana wilderness, this film follows the lives of the Ludlow brothers and their father, detailing their experiences with love, war, and familial conflict on their ranch.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond, Henry Thomas, Karina Lombard, Tantoo Cardinal, Gordon Tootoosis, Paul Desmond, Christina Pickles;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, melodrama, western, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Legends of the Fall” on the website imdb.com
“Dances with Wolves”, 1990
Director: Kevin Costner
While not about ranches in the traditional sense, this film provides a compelling look at the early American West, focusing on a Union Army officer who befriends a group of Lakota Indians and comes to appreciate their way of life, which includes elements of managing the land and its resources.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant, Floyd «Red Crow» Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Robert Pastorelli, Charles Rocket, Maury Chaykin, Jimmy Herman;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, western, adventure, war, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 181 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Dances with Wolves” on the website imdb.com
“Giant”, 1956
Director: George Stevens
Spanning over two decades, this epic film tells the story of a Texas cattle rancher and his family, touching on themes of wealth, racism, and change. The sprawling family saga showcases the transformation of both the family and their ranch, mirroring the changes in American society.
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Carroll Baker, Jane Withers, Chill Wills, Mercedes McCambridge, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Rod Taylor;
Production year: 1956;
Genre: drama, western;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 201 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Giant” on the website imdb.com
“City Slickers”, 1991
Director: Ron Underwood
Offering a comedic twist on the ranch life theme, this film follows a group of friends facing mid-life crises who decide to participate in a two-week cattle drive. It humorously explores themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a working ranch.
Starring: Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby, Patricia Wettig, Helen Slater, Jack Palance, Noble Willingham, Tracey Walter, Josh Mostel, David Paymer;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure, western;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “City Slickers” on the website imdb.com
These films provide varied perspectives on ranch life, from the intimate and personal to the epic and historical, reflecting the diverse experiences and stories that such settings can inspire.
In conclusion, films about ranches offer a captivating exploration into an iconic and enduring facet of American culture, blending the rustic allure of the frontier with the poignant dramas that unfold in these remote landscapes. These stories, ranging from the raw struggles of “Brokeback Mountain” to the sweeping saga of “Giant” and the intimate narratives of “The Rider,” showcase not only the physical vastitude of these settings but also the intimate and complex drama of their inhabitants' lives. Whether through the lens of romance, conflict, or redemption, ranch films provide audiences with a unique and enriching perspective on the human condition, framed against the backdrop of the vast, untamed wilderness. As such, they remain a testament to the genre's ability to evoke both a sense of place and a deep emotional resonance, making them an indispensable part of cinematic history.
