The Western genre has given us some of cinema’s greatest movies, from John Ford classics to Sergio Leone epics, and are credited with launching the careers of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and James Stewart.

The genre depicts the American frontier – popularly known as the Wild West – typically from the 1850s to the end of the 19th century.

It is known for its iconic visual and narrative elements, including cowboys, gunslingers, saloons, and the vast landscapes of the American West.

Fans have ranked the greatest Western movies ever made on IMDb according to their awards success, popularity, and legacy – but a John Wayne classic has unexpectedly missed out on the top spot.

Here, Express.co.uk takes a look at the greatest movies the Western genre has to offer.