4 Highest-Rated Western Shows on Netflix to Watch in February 2024

From the traditional Wild West story in Godless to the clash between the Old West and the New West in the neo-Western Longmire, from the dark fantasy take on the genre in Wynonna Earp to placing the Western tropes in the context of Korean history in Song of the Bandits.

Each of these shows is an incredibly original take on a genre, and as a result has received the highest praise from critics and audiences alike. Let's get to the bottom of what these shows are and why they're definitely worth watching.

4. Godless

Release Date (Netflix ): November 22, 2017

Number of Seasons: 1 (miniseries)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

While many Wild West stories focus on male characters, Godless is a fascinating case because it shows that no man can survive a tough woman protecting her own turf. The series begins with a young outlaw being hunted by his former gang. He is forced to take refuge in the small town of New Bell, New Mexico, which is run mostly by women because many of their husbands were killed in a mining accident. After giving Goode shelter, the townspeople are threatened by the gang and must rise up to defend New Bell against the outlaws.

Created by Scott Frank and co-executive produced by Steven Soderbergh, this miniseries has been praised for its ability to work with classic Western clichés as well as for its terrific performances.

3. Longmire

Release Date (Netflix): September 10, 2015

Number of Seasons: 6

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Based on the book series by Craig Johnson, this Neo-Western follows Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), a respected Wyoming lawman on a crusade against illegal enterprises, particularly on the Cheyenne Reservation (the series has been particularly praised for its platform for the Cheyenne people, representing their experiences and current struggles). The series notably features Longmire's flashbacks in Denver, contrasting the lawlessness of big cities.

Longmire is incredibly popular with critics and audiences alike because it is an entertaining story where the main character uses his cowboy charm, skills, and book knowledge instead of modern technology.

2. Wynonna Earp

Release Date (Netflix): April 1, 2017

Number of Seasons: 4

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Usually, a revisionist approach to the genre is done by subverting all the romanticized myths about the Old West, but Wynonna Earp takes that myth to the extreme by adding a fantasy tone to it. What makes this series unique is that it is a blend of the western, horror, and fantasy genres. It follows the great-great-granddaughter of famed lawman Wyatt Earp who, instead of fighting outlaws, brings justice to demons from hell. The show may not be the most original show according to reviews, but it is one hell of a fun ride thanks to its gritty horror atmosphere.

1. Song of the Bandits

Release Date (Netflix): September 22, 2023

Number of Seasons: 1

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

This period drama is probably the most intriguing take on the Western genre, as it is set in 1920-1921 in the border region between Korea and northeastern China, North Gando, where many Koreans have fled from the Japanese occupation. The plot revolves around a former member of the Japanese Imperial Army and a secret employee of the Railway Bureau, subordinate to the Japanese government, who are willing to go against the imposed 'law'. The action of the series takes place before the tragic events known as the Gando Massacre, when the Japanese slaughtered several thousand Korean civilians.