5 Painfully Slow ’70s Western Films That Were a Chore to Watch

The 1970s brought a new wave of Western films, often seeking to break away from traditional shootouts and action-packed narratives. Some directors leaned heavily into slower pacing and introspective themes, but not all audiences appreciated the change. These five Westerns are remembered for testing viewers’ patience rather than their entertainment value.

1. “The Missouri Breaks” (1976)

This film brought together acting legends Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, which should have been a recipe for success. Instead, the movie’s odd tone and sluggish pace left audiences baffled. The story meanders through long stretches of philosophical dialogue and quirky character moments that feel out of place in a Western.

While Brando’s eccentric performance was occasionally entertaining, it often overshadowed the plot. The pacing dragged, making the two-hour runtime feel much longer. Though it aimed for depth and nuance, many viewers struggled to stay engaged.

2. “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” (1973)

Sam Peckinpah’s take on the legendary outlaw tale promised grit and artistry but delivered a pace that left many frustrated. The movie’s reflective tone and focus on themes of loyalty and betrayal slowed the action to a crawl. Even Bob Dylan’s soundtrack couldn’t save it for some viewers.

Long, drawn-out scenes of characters contemplating their choices dominated much of the screen time. Though critics praised its ambition, casual audiences found it exhausting. The film’s artistic intentions didn’t always align with entertainment.

3. “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971)

Robert Altman’s revisionist Western is often hailed as a masterpiece, but its slow, meandering story alienated plenty of viewers. The film’s muted tone and unconventional approach to the genre prioritized atmosphere over plot, which wasn’t for everyone.

Altman’s reliance on overlapping dialogue and a hazy visual style added to the sense of sluggishness. While some appreciated the realism and character depth, others found it hard to sit through. For fans of traditional Westerns, this film felt like a slog.

4. “Jeremiah Johnson” (1972)

Starring Robert Redford, this tale of a mountain man’s survival in the wilderness had all the ingredients for an engaging Western. However, its minimal dialogue and drawn-out sequences of solitude tested audience patience. The film’s slow pace reflected the harsh, quiet life it portrayed, but not everyone appreciated it.

Moments of beauty and tension were often overshadowed by the lack of momentum. While the movie found an audience over time, its original reception was mixed. Viewers seeking action were left disappointed.

5. “Heaven’s Gate” (1980)

Though technically released at the start of the 1980s, this infamous Western is often associated with the bloated filmmaking styles of the late ’70s. Michael Cimino’s epic aimed for grandeur but suffered from an indulgent runtime and painfully slow pacing.

Scenes dragged on without clear purpose, and the lack of a cohesive narrative made it even harder to follow. Despite its ambitious scope, the movie’s pacing issues turned it into a box-office disaster. For many, sitting through this film felt like a chore.