The Cowboys (1972)
Kernel Score: 79% · 259 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Western, Adventure, Drama, Action
Released: 1972-01-13
Runtime: 134 minutes
Where to watch The Cowboys
- Stream: MGM+
- Free with ads: Fawesome, 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
When his cattlemen abandon him for the gold fields, rancher Wil Andersen is forced to take on a collection of young boys as his cowboys in order to get his herd to market in time to avoid financial disaster. The boys learn to do a man's job under Andersen's tutelage, however, neither he nor the boys know that a gang of cattle thieves is stalking them.
The Cowboys parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Cowboys is a 1972 PG Western about boys learning ranch work under a tough rancher, featuring gun battles with cattle thieves and underage drinking.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes a cattle stampede, gun battles, and a violent confrontation with cattle rustlers.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Keywords flag underage drinking among the young cowboys.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Cowboys
If you liked The Cowboys, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Hud (1963) — 80%
- News of the World (2020) — 78%
- Dances with Wolves (1990) — 88%
- Open Range (2003) — 82%
- El Dorado (1966) — 84%
- The Man from Laramie (1955) — 79%
- The Big Country (1958) — 84%
- Red River (1948) — 82%
Director
Cast
- John Wayne as Wil Andersen
- Roscoe Lee Browne as Jebediah Nightlinger
- Bruce Dern as Long Hair
- Colleen Dewhurst as Kate
- Alfred Barker Jr. as Cowboy Fats
- Nicolas Beauvy as Cowboy Dan
- Steve Benedict as Cowboy Steve
- Robert Carradine as Cowboy Slim Honeycutt
- Norman Howell as Cowboy Weedy
- Stephen R. Hudis as Cowboy Charlie Schwartz
The Cowboys FAQ
Is The Cowboys good?
The Cowboys has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 259 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Cowboys?
In the US you can stream The Cowboys on MGM+, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Cowboys OK for kids?
The Cowboys is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Cowboys is a 1972 PG Western about boys learning ranch work under a tough rancher, featuring gun battles with cattle thieves and underage drinking.
What movies are like The Cowboys?
If you liked The Cowboys, try Hud, News of the World, Dances with Wolves and Open Range.