Free John Wayne Western You Can Stream Right Now!

In the span of his impressive acting journey, John Wayne featured in approximately 83 Western movies, some of which are enduring classics such as “Stagecoach”, “Rio Bravo”, “The Searchers” and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”. It was fitting that when ‘The Duke’ eventually received his first Oscar, it was for his role in the original 1969 version of “True Grit”, a Western film.

Beyond the popular and often acclaimed John Wayne Westerns, there are lesser-known titles that have slipped under the radar of many film enthusiasts. These movies don’t usually make the cut in lists of top American films, nor have they been nominated for Academy Awards. A closer look at his filmography reveals some hidden treasures: The Sons of Katie Elder, 3 Godfathers (which might be less known, yet it was directed by the legendary John Ford), Rooster Cogburn (a sequel to True Grit, featuring Katharine Hepburn), and Cahill U.S. Marshall. There’s another Western among the 83 films that has been overlooked, and it can be enjoyed for free on several streaming platforms at present.

Angel And The Badman Is An Entertaining Western Romance

Gail Russell Is The Angel, Wayne Is The Badman

The initial film produced by John Wayne through his company, John Wayne Productions, was titled “Angel and the Badman“. Unlike most of his Western films, this production offers an unusual take on the star. While it retains the customary action scenes and breathtaking Monument Valley landscapes, the narrative primarily focuses on character development, with a significant emphasis on Wayne’s character, Quirt Evans. This gunfighter undergoes a transformation as he becomes smitten with, and influenced by moral values, imbibed from Gail Russell’s Penelope, a Quaker who tends to the wounded outlaw after he is shot. Notably, the plot bears resemblance to that of the 1985 film “Witness“.

In the initial collaboration between Wayne and filmmaker James Edward Grant, the movie “Angel and the Badman” allows its leading man to display his romantic side, alongside a robust female co-star named Russell. Known for having strong chemistry with his female counterparts, particularly Maureen O’Hara, Wayne is well-suited for romance. In “Angel and the Badman,” Wayne portrays a more introspective, tender version of himself than usual. The film successfully combines Western and romantic elements to produce a remarkable piece from the actor’s post-“Stagecoach” era, when he was truly rising as a Hollywood star.

How To Watch Angel And The Badman Online

It’s In The Public Domain

In 1975, the 1947 Western romantic film by Wayne, titled “Angel and the Badman,” entered the public domain as National Telefilm Associates failed to renew its copyright. As a result, this classic movie can be found freely accessible online for everyone to enjoy.

Where to Watch Angel and the Badman Is it free?
Tubi Free
Xumo Play Free
Roku Channel Free
Amazon Prime Video Free
MGM+ Subscription required
YouTube Free on multiple public domain movie channels
Sling TV Free
Fandango At Home Free
Plex Free
Philo Subscription required
Apple TV+ $3.99
Pluto TV Free

Angel And The Badman Is John Wayne’s Best Public Domain Western (But Not The Only One)

Most Of Them Are Not Memorable

Multiple early John Wayne films now reside on a list of titles that have entered public domain, such as ‘Angel and the Badman’. This group also includes less-remembered productions like ‘Under the Arizona Skies, West of the Divide, The Man From Utah, Blue Steel, and The Lucky Texan. Notably, ‘Riders of Destiny‘ stands out due to its unique aspect – Wayne sings as a cowboy in this one, under the character name Singin’ Sandy Saunders. However, The Duke soon returned to more conventional cowboy roles, allowing performers like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers to continue the singing performances.

1939’s “Stagecoach” marked a significant shift in John Wayne’s acting career. Prior to his role as Ringo Kid in this Ford-directed Western, Wayne was simply another cowboy actor, producing low-budget westerns like those mentioned earlier. Post-“Stagecoach”, however, he transformed into a prominent Hollywood star, taking on war films, adventure flicks, and romances, while still maintaining a consistent Western presence.

Most of Wayne’s most famous movies are still protected by copyright, generating income for someone else. However, a notable exception is the 1963 Western comedy “McClintock!“, which pairs Wayne with his co-star from “The Quiet Man“, Maureen O’Hara. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, this film offers lively entertainment, although it doesn’t quite match the overall strength of “Angel and the Badman“.

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2025-05-25 19:31