13 Best Documentaries About The Wild West
The Wild West has always captured our imagination, depicting a time of great adventure, lawlessness, and vast, untamed landscapes. It’s no wonder that Hollywood has continually recreated this era in some of the greatest Westerns of all time. But, there are stories and events from the Wild West that are worth exploring beyond the big screen, and where better to learn about them than from documentaries?
In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the best documentaries that delve into the real-life people and events that shape the history of the Wild West. These range from outlaws and female outlaw’s names to even the greatest American lawman. From the struggles of the Native Americans to the lives of cowboys, these films present a rich tapestry of stories that will satisfy any history buff or Wild West enthusiast.
1. Good Ol Girl (2023)
This documentary follows modern-day cowgirls in Texas. It demonstrates how they are retaining traditional ranching methods while also adjusting to modern-day problems. It's an uplifting look at strong women making a difference.
Good Ol Girl follows three teenage cowgirls from Texas as they struggle to carry on their families' histories in a turbulent period and difficult setting. The documentary looks at the modern West and how tradition and legacy influence it. The film introduces unforgettable characters Lemoine, Mandy, and Martha as they navigate an industry dominated by men.
Good Ol Girl on Factual America
👉 Watch Good Ol Girl on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Good Ol Girl as DVD on Amazon
2. Imagining the Indian (2021)
From Wakan Tanka to the Indian Act: one of Canada's most dynamic contemporary artists, Kent Monkman, takes us on a journey through the history of Native people in North America.
Imagining the Indian is a provocative documentary that challenges the stereotypes and cultural representations of the North American Indian. Monkman himself is a Cree artist who creates works that reflect the experiences of Indigenous people. This documentary looks at how the Native American was perceived in the Wild West and how these perceptions have been both damaging and empowering.
Imagining the Indian on Factual America
3. Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait (2019)
Cowboys are a quintessential figure when we think of the Wild West. This documentary looks at the contemporary cowboy and the modern-day ranchers who continue to work the land in Montana, Wyoming, and Texas.
The film covers the role of cowboys, including their history and their impact on the economic development of Western America. It also covers how the cowboy’s traditional way of life is changing in the modern world.
Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait on Factual America
👉 Watch Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait as DVD on Amazon
4. Ken Burns: The West (1996)
Ken Burns is a household name when it comes to documentaries, and he is renowned for his ability to bring history to life. His eight-part series, The West, covers the history of North America from the end of the Civil War to the early 20th century.
The documentary showcases the iconic events and figures of the Wild West, including the battles of Little Bighorn and Wounded Knee, the life of Wyatt Earp, and more. If you’re looking for a comprehensive look at the Wild West, this documentary is an excellent place to start.
Ken Burns: The West on Wikipedia
5. Project Twenty: The Real West (1961)
Project Twenty was a television series that covered various historical themes in the 1960s. One of the episodes focused on the Wild West, and it remains one of the best historical recollections of the era.
This gunslingers TV show includes re-enactments, interviews with experts, and footage of contemporary events. It covers the history of the Native Americans, early explorers like Lewis and Clark, and the discovery of gold in California.
👉 Buy Project Twenty: The Real West as DVD on Amazon
6. Outlaws & Gunslingers (2008)
The Wild West was a place of lawlessness, and Outlaws & Gunslingers explores some of the deadliest outlaws in history, including Billy the Kid, the James brothers, Wyatt Earp, and even some outlaw gunslinger cowgirls.
The documentary covers the impact of outlaws on American society, their motivations, and how Hollywood has portrayed them over the years.
👉 Watch Outlaws & Gunslingers on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Outlaws & Gunslingers as DVD on Amazon
7. The Real West: Cowboys & Outlaws (2008)
This six-part series offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the various characters, events, and myths of American history's Wild West.
From the battles between the notorious Earp brothers and the Clanton gang to the legendary Wild Bill Hickok, this documentary takes you through the lives and experiences of the region's most iconic figures. The historical reenactments, expert interviews, and rarely-seen photographs make this a top-notch documentary that every Wild West enthusiast should see.
👉 Buy The Real West: Cowboys & Outlaws as DVD on Amazon
8. Calamity Jane: Legend of the West (2014)
This documentary tells the story of the legendary frontierswoman, Martha "Calamity" Jane Canary. It explores her life and examines how she became one of the most infamous and beloved characters in the American West.
Feared and admired by both men and women, Calamity Jane's life had a dramatic and extraordinary impact on the Wild West. This documentary brings her story to life and captures the spirit of her incredible life with interviews, photos, and historical reenactments.
👉 Watch Calamity Jane: Legend of the West on Amazon Prime
9. The American West (2016)
The American West is a television docuseries that focuses on the final few decades of the 19th century. The series depicts the region's exploration, the settling of the West, the building of railroads and the conflicts among Native American tribes, cowboys, settlers, and law enforcement agencies.
The series features expert interviews, historical reenactments and rare, never before seen photographs. From the iconic showdowns at Tombstone to the infamous Indian Wars, this documentary captures the essence of the American West.
👉 Watch The American West on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The American West as DVD on Amazon
10. Requiem For Billy The Kid (2006)
This documentary takes a new and insightful look at one of the most intriguing and misunderstood characters of the Wild West – Billy the Kid. It examines his life from the perspective of the people who know him best, including historians, lawmen, and descendants of those who knew him personally.
This documentary brings a fresh perspective to a notorious character, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in the Wild West's history.
👉 Buy Requiem For Billy The Kid as DVD on Amazon
11. Carson & Cody: The Hunter Heroes (2005)
This three-part series explores the lives and stories of two iconic figures of the Wild West - Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill Cody. These legendary figures are well-known for their adventures, military exploits, and wilderness skills.
This documentary delves into the lesser-known parts of their lives, such as their animal hunting expeditions and close relationships with the Native American tribes. The series brings to light some of the previously lesser-known aspects of their lives and is a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West era.
👉 Buy Carson & Cody: The Hunter Heroes as DVD on Amazon
12. Wild West Tech (2003-2005)
Wild West Tech is an American television series that focuses on the technology and inventions of the Wild West period. It comprises of episodes discussing topics such as guns, gambling, gold mining, and even ghost towns.
The show follows the host, Keith Carradine, as he explores the ingenuity and creativity of the people who lived during the Wild West era. It's a must-watch documentary for anyone who wants to learn about the technology of the Wild West.
13. Tony Robinson's Wild West (2015)
Tony Robinson's conclusion that ‘my heroes were cowboys’ led him to narrate the series Wild West. It is a British television series that explores the history and myths of the Wild West.
The series follows the adventures of the host, Tony Robinson, as he travels through the American West, meeting historians, cowboys, and Native Americans and exploring the landmarks and monuments of the Wild West. It's a fascinating documentary that shows the history of the Wild West through a British lens.
👉 Watch Tony Robinson's Wild West as DVD on Amazon
Conclusion
The Wild West era remains a fascinating and important period in North American history. These documentaries offer an incredible insight into some of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the region’s landscape.
From exploring the lives of cowboys, male and female outlaws, famous outlaw couples in history, and the struggles of Native Americans, these films provide a rich tapestry of informative and entertaining stories. The Black Cowboy, filmed by Charles Perry, looks at the legacy of African Americans as cowboys. Whether you're a history buff or just a fan of the Wild West, these documentaries are a must-watch.
Further watching:
American Outlaws - cast of American Outlaws 2023
Interesting Reading from Factual America:
10 Best Documentaries about America
6 of The Best UK War Documentaries
What Makes a Good Documentary Film?
6 of the Best UK Production Companies
Best Texas Documentaries to Watch
12 Best Country Music Documentaries
18 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix in 2022
11 Important Documentaries About Native Americans
10 Best Documentaries Of The 1960s
19 New Documentaries Streaming in May 2023
Best Documentaries about British History
Best Documentaries About Hollywood: Uncovering Tinseltown's Secrets
17 Daring Ken Burns Documentaries
19 Must-Watch Military Documentaries
New Documentaries Streaming In July 2023
Best Documentaries About India: Exploring Culture, History, and Beyond
Best documentaries about old hollywood
Documentary Fed Up: Unmasking the Food Industry's Secrets
Best Documentaries About Photography: Insightful Films for Shutterbugs
Best Documentaries about World War 1: Unmissable Insights
Best Documentaries About World War 2: Top Picks for History Enthusiasts
Best Documentaries about Disney: A Concise Guide for Enthusiasts
12 Best Dark Web Documentaries
6 Best Nature Documentary Series to Binge Watch
New Documentaries Streaming in September 2023: Must-Watch Films for Avid Viewers
Best Documentaries About Africa: Unveiling the Continent's Untold Stories
21 Best Historical Documentaries
#old west #george armstrong custer #mississippi river #most extraordinary landscapes #john wesley hardin #american old west #western channel #unforgettable characters #web productions #rio grande #white settlers #lincoln county war #outlaws and angels #American outlaws release date #jim miller outlaw movie #the frontier netflix
