Every Tom Selleck Western Film, Ranked from Least to Greatest

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Tom Selleck became well-known for his roles in Westerns, appearing in both movies and TV films. He worked with directors like Simon Wincer and brought stories by authors like Louis L’Amour and Elmore Leonard to life on screen. Here’s a complete list of Tom Selleck’s Westerns, ordered from the least to the most highly-rated, to help you decide what to watch next. Each listing includes a brief summary of the plot, the main actors, and important details about the production – all without unnecessary information.

‘The Shadow Riders’ (1982)

This TV movie is based on a Louis L’Amour story about two brothers who end up fighting for different sides during the Civil War. They come together again when their family is kidnapped. Starring Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott, with Katharine Ross, Ben Johnson, and Geoffrey Lewis, the film was directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. It features classic Western actors and was filmed on location in Texas and along the coast. Made for television, it’s a fast-paced story with plenty of cavalry action and a focus on family.

‘Last Stand at Saber River’ (1997)

This TNT original movie is based on an Elmore Leonard novel and tells the story of a Confederate veteran who comes home to Arizona to find his ranch taken over by people who supported the Union. The film stars Suzy Amis, Keith Carradine, David Carradine, and a young Haley Joel Osment. Directed by Dick Lowry, it focuses on disputes over land, local town politics, and the difficult decisions faced by a family. The movie is just under two hours long and uses beautiful wide shots of the frontier and realistic period guns to create an authentic feel.

‘Quigley Down Under’ (1990)

Tom Selleck stars as a skilled marksman from Wyoming who takes a job from a wealthy rancher in the Australian Outback, only to find himself facing a dangerous mission. The film also features Laura San Giacomo and Alan Rickman, and prominently showcases a specially-made long-range rifle. Director Simon Wincer filmed on location in Australia’s harsh landscapes, utilizing extensive horseback riding and stunt work. The production team relied on real-life effects for animal scenes and built authentic sets to recreate a frontier outpost.

‘Monte Walsh’ (2003)

This TNT film is a new version of Jack Schaefer’s story about older cowboys struggling as the traditional open-range lifestyle fades away. Starring Clint Eastwood, Isabella Rossellini, and Keith Carradine, the movie follows these cowboys as they deal with the decline of trail drives, the growth of railroads, and the challenges of a changing world. Director Simon Wincer uses stunning outdoor scenery and detailed sets to illustrate the transition from a life centered around cattle to a more settled way of life. The screenplay is credited to Michael Brandman and Robert B. Parker, and the film runs close to two hours.

‘Crossfire Trail’ (2001)

This TV movie, inspired by the work of Louis L’Amour, tells the story of a wandering man who promises a dying friend he’ll look after his wife and Wyoming ranch. A ruthless businessman threatens them, and the man steps in to protect them. Starring Kurt Russell, Virginia Madsen, Mark Harmon, and Wilford Brimley, the film centers around conflicts over land, oil discoveries, and the intimidation of a small town. Directed by Simon Wincer, it was a huge success when it first aired on TNT, proving the popularity of TV Westerns. Expect classic Western scenes like gunfights and cattle drives, culminating in a showdown where the townspeople stand up to a group of hired guns.

‘The Sacketts’ (1979)

This miniseries, based on two novels by Louis L’Amour – ‘The Daybreakers’ and ‘Sackett’ – tells the story of three brothers from Tennessee who head West to escape a family conflict. Starring Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, and Jeff Osterhage, along with Glenn Ford, the series follows their journey as they navigate the challenges of frontier life, including cattle drives, mining, and upholding the law. The two-part format allows for a detailed exploration of each brother’s story and provides a broader scope than a typical movie, showcasing authentic costumes and stunning landscapes.

Share your own favorites and tell us how you would order these in the comments.

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2025-10-25 14:44