Ever since the birth of American cinema in the early decades of the 1900's, moviegoers of every generation have enjoyed western-themed films. Westerns remind audiences of a bygone era when the American West lay unsettled and depict epic tales of romance, pride, honor, and justice, the values of the Old West.

But despite this wide appeal, only three western movies have ever achieved award-winning recognition by the Academy of Motion Pictures Art and Sciences, the Oscars. The western-themed films that won Oscars include Dances with Wolves (1990), Unforgiven (1992), and Cimarron (1930).

Even the best of western movies were not immune to Hollywood scrutiny. A fair number of professional movie critics consider the western genre a medium which only perpetuates racial and historical stereotypes among Native American Indians and western pioneers. These same critics also argue that Hollywood's portrayal of the “cowboy” remains grossly inaccurate.

Yet, the best western movies ever produced by Hollywood still have an appeal which spans generations. The movie-going public's affection for western epics has waned over the decades since actors like John Wayne immortalized the image of the tough, hard-living Old West gunslinger.

Nevertheless, modern westerns still draw a respectable audience to movie theaters across America and introduce new generations of film lovers to tales of the Old West. So with that in mind, let's review five of the best western movies ever produced.

3:10 to Yuma (1957/2007)

Within the canon of Old West movies, few films stand out as much as 3:10 to Yuma. The story follows the plight Dan Evans, a lowly rancher who must decide between aiding an outlaw's escape from justice, and collecting the bounty on the outlaw's head. The film developed such a strong reputation over the decades that it was re-made in 2007, featuring some of the most recognizable actors of the time, Christian Bale and Russell Crow.

Tombstone (1993)

Several western-themed films have attempted to tell the true-life story of the infamous “shootout at the O.K. Corral”. Yet few films have succeeded as well as the movie Tombstone, which portrays the life and career of lawman Wyatt Earp and the escapades of vagabond gambler Doc Holiday. Lawman stories abound in the pantheon of American western movies, but Tombstone manages to revive this story of sacrifice and justice to a modern-day audience, making the film one of the most recognizable western epics in our time.

Silverado (1985)

Along the same lines as the western 3:10 to Yuma, Silverado holds a special place in the long succession of the best western movies ever filmed by Hollywood directors. Silverado depicts the vigilante tale of four men who band together to bring law to the lawless Old West town named Silverado. Without a doubt, this story rightfully deserves a spot in this review of the well-made western films in the history of American cinema. This movie helped propel Kevin Costner's career.

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Critics have had their say about the flaws of the film Dances with Wolves. Nevertheless, the film's broad appeal as a historically accurate drama is undeniable to modern audiences that demand authenticity.

Dances with Wolves weaves the epic story of Lt. John Dunbar, a lonesome union soldier, who befriends a nearby tribe of Sioux natives in order to both survive and connect with the people of the plains. And, like most westerns, social justice plays a large part in the plot of this Academy-Award-winning western movie. Kevin Costner gives an award-winning performance.

Unforgiven (1992)

At its core, Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning portrayal of an aged, worn-out bounty hunter in essence turns the archetype of the Hollywood western movie around. The film's re-inventing of the western genre depicts the previously silent plight of Old West prostitution and the consequences of vengeance. Not only does Eastwood manage to direct a masterpiece of a western film, he stars as the film's leading character, gunslinger William Money. The movie stars an all star cast including Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman.