Is The Long Riders Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Long Riders is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 99 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Long Riders Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1980, The Long Riders emerges as a significant entry in the Western, Action, Crime, Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The origins, exploits and the ultimate fate of the James gang is told in a sympathetic portrayal of the bank robbers made up of brothers who begin their legendary bank raids because of revenge. Unlike standard genre fare, The Long Riders attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Long Riders features a noteworthy lineup led by David Carradine . Supported by the likes of Keith Carradine and Robert Carradine , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Long Riders (1980) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Long Riders Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Long Riders is a Western, Action, Crime, Drama, History film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Long Riders Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Long Riders concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Long Riders reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Long Riders Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Long Riders draws heavily from documented historical records. As a western, action, crime, drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Long Riders adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Long Riders?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Long Riders Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Long Riders Budget
The estimated production budget for The Long Riders is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Long Riders
- David Carradine – Cole Younger
- Keith Carradine – Jim Younger
- Robert Carradine – Bob Younger
- James Keach – Jesse James
- Stacy Keach – Frank James
Top Highlights
David CarradineCole Younger
Keith CarradineJim Younger
Robert CarradineBob Younger
James KeachJesse James
Stacy KeachFrank James
Dennis QuaidEd Miller
Randy QuaidClell Miller
Kevin BrophyJohn Younger
Harry Carey, Jr.George Arthur
Christopher GuestCharlie Ford
Where to Watch The Long Riders Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Long Riders is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Long Riders stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1980 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Long Riders movie hit or flop?
The Long Riders has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Long Riders worth watching?
The Long Riders is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Western, Action, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Long Riders online?
The Long Riders is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
