By Isabella Torregiani
11:20am PDT, Jul 29, 2025
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If you loved
Joaquin Phoenix and
Pedro Pascal's performances in
Eddington, then you'll definitely want to check out these classic westerns that deliver a similar offbeat charm. The black comedy follows a small-town sheriff at odds with the town's mayor during a global pandemic — creating the perfect setting for a mix of action, drama and comedy. With the recent release of
Ari Aster's film, we've rounded up a list of unconventional westerns that are sure to satisfy your craving for rugged Americana and dusty frontier vibes. If
Eddington has you hooked on gritty old Westerns, here are five classics you'll want to add to your watchlist.
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No. 5: 'Bad Company'
Taking it back to 1972 with Bad Company, the film has been classified as an "acid western" — a genre that reflects the counterculture of its time, complete with a few recreational habits (if you catch our drift). Starring Jeff Bridges and Barry Brown, the story follows two young draft dodgers during the American Civil War. As they attempt to escape military service, they find themselves tangled up with a gang of lawless youth, leading to a series of misadventures. Bad Company is a great entry point into the world of unconventional westerns.
No. 4: 'Walker'
Jumping ahead a decade, 1987's Walker stars Ed Harris as William Walker — a real-life figure who was a doctor, lawyer, mercenary and, briefly, the self-declared president of Nicaragua. Much like Eddington, Walker draws from recent history and was shot in Nicaragua during the Contra War. Though it flopped at the box office upon release, Walker has since been re-evaluated and is now considered a cult classic worth watching.
No. 3: 'Unforgiven'
Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven (1992) is reportedly one of the inspirations behind Ari Aster's Eddington. The film follows William Munny, a retired gunslinger pulled back into violence for one last job. With a powerhouse cast featuring Eastwood, Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman, Unforgiven swept awards season — taking home Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTAs. It's a timeless take on the Western genre, and a must-watch for fans of the legendary actor.
No. 2: 'The Counselor'
If you're after a more contemporary Western, The Counselor might be the film for you. Set in modern times, much like Eddington, the film stars Michael Fassbender as a Texas lawyer whose money problems pull him into the world of illicit trafficking. The all-star cast includes Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt — an unexpected lineup for a Western, but one that works surprisingly well.
No. 1: 'Hell or High Water'
Topping our list is Hell or High Water (2016) — and for good reason. It's the closest you'll get to Eddington when it comes to capturing that blend of modern struggles with old-school Western grit. Starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster as two brothers robbing banks to save their family ranch, the film was nominated for four Academy Awards and was widely praised for its social commentary. While Eddington takes on the pandemic, Hell or High Water dives deep into America's economic troubles — proving the Western genre is adapting to the times.
