By Haleigh Foutch for Collider: Shootouts and gunfights are a rich cinematic tradition. Classic Westerns, crime movies, and war films have long hinged their climactic action beats on bloody gun battles between their heroes and the forces that oppose them. And they've only become more popular in the decades since. Over the years, shoot 'em up set-pieces have grown and evolved along with film technology and audience tastes, translating to new genres and popping up in just about every kind of movie you can think of, from superhero actioners to meta-comedies and awards contenders.
...these selections are based on the thrill of action rather than the tension of inaction.
Without further ado, check out our picks for the best movie shootouts below and sound off in the comments with your favorites.
