Johnny Guitar (1954)
Kernel Score: 83% · 460 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Western, Drama, Romance
Released: 1954-05-26
Runtime: 110 minutes
Where to watch Johnny Guitar
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Pluto TV, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
On the outskirts of town, the hard-nosed Vienna owns a saloon frequented by the undesirables of the region, including Dancin' Kid and his gang. Another patron of Vienna's establishment is Johnny Guitar, a former gunslinger and her lover. When a heist is pulled in town that results in a man's death, Emma Small, Vienna's rival, rallies the townsfolk to take revenge on Vienna's saloon – even without proof of her wrongdoing.
Johnny Guitar parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Johnny Guitar is a 1954 Western involving a saloon standoff, a robbery, a killing, and a vengeful mob seeking retribution.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The plot involves a heist resulting in death and a mob rallying to violently punish the saloon owner, typical of classic Western conflict.
- Language: A little — Reviews reference sharp insults such as being called unfit to live among decent people, reflecting period-appropriate confrontational dialogue.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Johnny Guitar
If you liked Johnny Guitar, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Blazing Saddles (1974) — 82%
- Tombstone (1993) — 84%
- My Darling Clementine (1946) — 85%
- The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) — 87%
- The Gunfighter (1950) — 80%
- Way Out West (1937) — 80%
- They Call Me Trinity (1970) — 85%
- Silverado (1985) — 75%
Director
Cast
- Joan Crawford as Vienna
- Sterling Hayden as Johnny 'Guitar' Logan
- Mercedes McCambridge as Emma Small
- Scott Brady as Dancin' Kid
- Ward Bond as John McIvers
- Ben Cooper as Turkey Ralston
- Ernest Borgnine as Bart Lonergan
- John Carradine as Old Tom
- Royal Dano as Corey
- Frank Ferguson as Marshal Williams
Johnny Guitar FAQ
Is Johnny Guitar good?
Johnny Guitar has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 460 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Johnny Guitar?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Pluto TV and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Johnny Guitar OK for kids?
Johnny Guitar is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Johnny Guitar is a 1954 Western involving a saloon standoff, a robbery, a killing, and a vengeful mob seeking retribution.
What movies are like Johnny Guitar?
If you liked Johnny Guitar, try Blazing Saddles, Tombstone, My Darling Clementine and The Ox-Bow Incident.