Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain, undoubtedly, was more of an exception rather than the norm in terms of its overwhelming success. Considered one of the best dramas of the 21st century, it managed to take the Western genre and spin it on its head, adding in romance as it has never been done before.
But this uniqueness might just be the reason for so many fans being unable to find a movie they would like just as much. Of course, there are some amazing LGBTQ+-centered movies being released today, but none of them are Westerns. Luckily, there are still some great modern Western romance movies to check out.
Down In The Valley (2005)
Described as a neo-Western, Down in the Valley is a little-known movie starring Edward Norton, Evan Rachel Wood, David Morse, and Rory Culkin (Macaulay Culkin's younger brother). The movie screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, with Norton's performance being praised by critics.
Set in the San Fernando Valley, the story follows a man who believes he is a cowboy and starts a relationship with a rebellious young woman.
The Quick And The Dead (1995)
Sam Raimi's The Quick and the Dead is a peculiar Revisionist Western. It isn't related to the 1987 movie of the same name, which was actually based on a Western novel. The cast includes such big names as Sharon Stone, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio, while the music for it was written by Alan Silvestri. Still, it might be more remembered by the fact that it was Woody Strode's last performance and Robert Blossom's last theatrical release.
Stone plays "The Lady," a gunfighter who rides to the frontier town of Redemption seeking revenge for her father's death by engaging in a dueling competition.
The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Directed by and starring Robert Redford, The Horse Whisperer is a Western drama that is also one of Scarlett Johansson's first roles that got her early recognition.
Based on the novel of the same name, it tells the story of a talented trainer who is hired to help an injured girl and her horse recover after an accident.
Far And Away (1992)
Directed by Ron Howard, Far and Away is an epic Western romance movie starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, with a music score composed by John Williams. The film is often remembered as Cyril Cusack's final movie before his death the following year.
Set in the 1890s in America, the story follows two Irish immigrants who decide to take part in the Land Run of 1893, as they seek a new life.
Australia (2008)
Baz Luhrmann's Australia is an epic romantic historical drama starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, and it is often considered a Western, thanks to its many characteristics reminiscent of the genre.
Set between 1939 and 1942 in northern Australia, it follows an English aristocrat and a stock-man who team up and eventually fall in love.
The Mask Of Zorro (1998)
Much like Australia, The Mask of Zorro is not a Western per se, but it definitely has many elements of the genre, despite being a swashbuckler movie first and foremost. Starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the movie was quite successful commercially and even got a 2005 sequel: The Legend of Zorro.
After the original Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega, escapes from prison, he is aided by his successor as they set out to find Vega's daughter and confront the corrupt governor who killed Vega's wife.
Slow West (2015)
Slow West is arguably not among Michael Fassbender's most well-known works, but it was still critically acclaimed and features great performances from all the cast members.
The story follows a young Scottish man traveling across America as he searches for the woman he loves and comes across an outlaw who decides to become his guide.
Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (2002)
When it comes to animated Westerns, Rango is the one that comes to mind. However, the romantic storyline isn't very prominent in it, while DreamWorks' Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is a much better fit in this sense.
Told from the perspective of a Kiger Mustang stallion called Spirit, the story follows him as he is captured by the United States Cavalry during the American Indian Wars.
Open Range (2003)
Directed by Kevin Costner, the Western Open Range stars Robert Duvall and Costner and was both a critical and commercial success, with much praise given to the chemistry between the two leads.
Set in Montana in 1882, it follows a former gunslinger who decides to take up arms again when a corrupt lawman threatens him and his cattle crew.
Legends Of The Fall (1994)
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Legends of the Fall is beloved by audiences and remembered for the performances of both Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. Besides, it was nominated for three Academy Awards winning for Best Cinematography.
Set in the 1900s and spanning several decades up until 1963, it follows a family of three brothers and their father as they live remotely in Montana and are affected by war, love, and betrayal.