How ‘The Searchers' Transformed From Being Called a Movie for ‘Children' to the Best Western of All Time

In 1956, a movie from a celebrated director headlined by one of the biggest stars of that era was ravaged by some critics at the time. A critic even dismissed the movie as being for "children," while another labeled it "overlong and repetitive." Now, that has completely changed as The Searchers has been named the "Best Western Movie of All Time."

The Harsh Reviews That Slammed 'The Searchers' When It Was Released

When The Searchers was originally released in 1956, there were some positive reviews that understood why it is so celebrated today. However, the film was panned by so many critics in such colorful ways that Turner Classic Movies published an article summarizing several of the brutal contemporary reviews.

Given that The Searchers grapples with mature themes and violence, one of the reviews stands out as especially remarkable. As TCM noted, a critic for The Reporter suggested that the movie was for kids while comparing it to a previous movie also directed by John Ford. "The same John Ford who once gave adults The Informer must now give children The Searchers."

A different scathing review, from Variety, labeled The Searchers "disappointing" and called it "overlong and repetitive at 119 minutes." TCM's article also noted that a review from Time questioned if John Ford and star John Wayne were past their prime.

Why This 1956 Western Is Now Ranked No. 1

Now that it has been more than 70 years since it was released, The Searchers is held up as an all-time classic. For example, when Paste Magazine published a list of the "100 Best Western Movies of All Time" in April 2025, it named The Searchers as No. 1. Additionally, the American Film Institute named it the 12th-best American film of all time in 2007. Ranking that high on a respected list that wasn't limited to Westerns was a massive accolade for the film.

In its article, Paste Magazine labeled The Searchers "a masterclass in craftsmanship and technical wizardry" that was "gorgeously photographed." The outlet also praised the movie for its depiction of a man who is consumed by his need to rescue his niece. Finally, it celebrated the film for telling a complicated story focused on a protagonist who did horrible things and wasn't a typical Hollywood hero.

Next: 1959 Classic Named ‘Best Thriller Movie of All Time'

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 9, 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 9, 2026 at 7:27 AM.