5 Best Space Westerns to Watch After 'The Mandalorian and Grogu', Ranked by IMDb

The Mandalorian and Grogu has opened in theaters – it's the first Star Wars movie in seven years and the long-awaited sequel to the adventures of the lone mercenary Din Djarin and his charming green companion, Grogu.

This genre hybrid, blending vast prairies, moral ambiguity, revolver duels, and starships, has given us many cult classics. We've recalled five of the best projects in this style that are must-sees for any fan of the genre.

5. 'Battle Beyond the Stars', 1980

IMDb Score: 5.5/10

Sador, the space scoundrel, is the galaxy's greatest scourge. He has committed dozens of crimes, but his greatest atrocity is still to come – he plans to seize the planet Akir and enslave its inhabitants.

Those who do not swear allegiance will suffer a long and painful death. The mad tyrant wields the Stellar Converter, the most powerful weapon in the universe.

However, the freedom-loving people of Akir are not going to surrender without a fight. The brave Shad embarks on a dangerous journey to find mercenaries who will help him overthrow the dictator.

4. 'Cowboys & Aliens', 2011

IMDb Score: 6.0/10

Long before The Mandalorian, Jon Favreau directed the space Western Cowboys & Aliens. The movie is set in Arizona in 1873, a man with amnesia arrives in the middle of nowhere.

The only thing that can help him regain his memory is a strange bracelet on his wrist. The Arizona residents are not happy about the arrival of the amnesiac stranger.

Gradually, the cowboy realizes that the townspeople are under the control of evil aliens and that he is their only hope of saving them from the invaders.

3. 'Outland', 1981

IMDb Score: 6.6/10

In the near future, Federal Marshal William O'Niel arrives on Io, one of Jupiter's moons. The moon is rich in titanium, so humanity has colonized it.

However, the miners have started to go mad unexpectedly. Several fatalities have already occurred and O'Neil must undertake a challenging investigation.

Outland is a loose adaptation of High Noon, the classic 1952 Western. The setting was moved from Hadleyville to a colony on Mars, and Sean Connery replaced Gary Cooper as the honest sheriff.

2. 'Firefly', 2002-2003

IMDb Score: 8.9/10

Joss Whedon's space Western lasted only one season, yet it made a huge impact on the entire genre.

Set in the 26th century, the show follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity. Captain Mal Reynolds makes a living through petty crime and transporting cargo from planet to planet aboard his ship. He and his crew travel the galaxy and constantly find themselves in dangerous situations.

From the beginning, Fox executives weren't interested in the project. Only 11 of the 14 episodes aired, so another season was out of the question. However, talk of a possible reunion continues.

1. 'Cowboy Bebop', 1998-1999

IMDb Score: 8.9/10

It is the year 2071 in a post-apocalyptic future. Although humans have long colonized space, they have not escaped familiar problems despite moving away from Earth. Even far from Earth, crime thrives.

Bounty hunters are in high demand – fearless cowboys who hunt down brutal criminals across the galaxy.

This is how the motley crew of the space cruiser Bebop earns a living: former criminal Spike; amnesiac Faye; mechanic Jet; and hacker Edward, accompanied by their adorable Corgi, Ein.