2021 Western Film With Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score Hits Netflix
As part of its growing July 2026 roster, Netflix is adding an underrated gem of the modern western genre, bringing the Venice Film Festival entry to millions of subscribers nationwide.
Old Henry, the 2021 western action flick directed by Potsy Ponciroli, stars Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Holes) in the titular role, with Scott Haze (Jurassic World Dominion, Horizon: An American Saga), Gavin Lewis (Little Fires Everywhere, Shrinking), Max Arciniega (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), Brad Carter (True Detective, Sons of Anarchy), Stephen Dorff (Gunslingers, American Hero), Richard Speight Jr. (Band of Brothers, Supernatural), and country star Trace Adkins in supporting roles.
The film, per its official logline, "tells the story about a widowed farmer (Nelson) and his son (Lewis) who warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel full of cash. When a posse of men claiming to be the law come for the money, the farmer must decide whom to trust. Defending a siege of his homestead, the farmer reveals a surprising talent for gunslinging that brings his true identity into question."
Although Old Henryonly made $42,000 at the box office during its small-scale theatrical release, the film currently sits at 94% critic score and 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the most acclaimed western films in recent memory. As shown by online and professional reviews, much of the praise went to the film's performances, direction, and original storytelling.
Old Henry, upon its digital release, stayed in the Top 10 on iTunes downloads for two months following its release, with The National Board of Review listing the western in its Top 10 Independent Films of 2021 list. It's an arguably rare instance of critics and audiences being unanimous in their praise for an indie film, so any fan of the western genre should jump at the chance to check it out once it hits streaming next month.
Old Henry debuts on Netflix U.S. on July 4.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 2:41 PM.