This Western Masterpiece With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score is Streaming On Paramount+ (And You’ve Probably Never Seen It)

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Westerns are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, largely thanks to shows like Yellowstone, but the genre has a rich history in storytelling. For decades, Westerns have captivated audiences with themes of justice, the conflict between civilization and the untamed wilderness, and the celebration of individual spirit. This genre is especially important in film history; many consider the 1940s-1960s its “Golden Age.” During this time, Westerns dominated both film and television, and some of the most iconic figures in the genre—like John Wayne—achieved legendary status.

Even during the classic era of Westerns, a few films truly stand out and deserve to be rediscovered by today’s viewers. When looking at John Wayne’s career, there are several excellent movies beyond his most famous ones that deserve more attention, and The Sons of Katie Elder is a prime example. Released over 60 years ago, it still boasts a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

The Sons of Katie Elder is John Wayne’s Best, Most Underrated Western

Released in 1965, as Westerns began to decline in popularity, The Sons of Katie Elder features John Wayne and Dean Martin as four brothers who return to their Texas hometown for their mother’s funeral. They soon discover their father lost their family ranch through gambling and was then killed, prompting the brothers to seek revenge and reclaim their heritage while trying to honor their mother’s memory.

I recently watched The Sons of Katie Elder, and what struck me most was its beautiful simplicity. It’s a classic Western tale – brothers seeking justice and reclaiming their family ranch – but it doesn’t try to be anything more. The plot is straightforward, the acting is solid, and you get everything you expect – gunfights, action, a touch of humor. But beneath all that, it’s surprisingly moving. It’s not just about getting the ranch back; it’s about these men honoring their mother’s memory, and that emotional core really resonated with me. It’s a really human story, and that’s what makes it so good.

It’s surprising, but despite being a nearly flawless Western, its star, John Wayne, wasn’t a big fan of The Sons of Katie Elder. Wayne had recently undergone lung cancer surgery, which caused production delays, and he later told critic Roger Ebert that he could clearly hear his labored breathing in the film – a distraction that bothered him, though others didn’t notice it. He also had a difficult time during filming, nearly developing pneumonia after being pulled into a river. This negative experience seems to have influenced his overall opinion of the movie. Even so, The Sons of Katie Elder remains a fantastic film in Wayne’s impressive career and is a must-see for Western fans.

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2026-02-04 17:40