The 1990s was a decade that saw the Western genre evolve in exciting and unexpected ways. While Clint Eastwood’s Oscar winning masterpiece Unforgiven (1992) understandably looms large over the Western genre during this era, several lesser-known films quietly made their mark, offering captivating stories that have since slipped under the radar.

From methodical character studies to high-octane action, these underrated features may not have received the attention or praise they deserved upon release, but they offer a wealth of riches for those willing to seek them out.

Here, we shine a spotlight on ten 1990s Westerns you might not have seen, or perhaps that you simply need to revisit.

Although it didn’t trouble any box office records, Thousand Pieces of Gold tacitly carved out its own place as a poignant, overlooked classic. Directed by Nancy Kelly, the film chronicles the journey of Lalu (Rosalind Chao), a young Chinese woman who is sold into servitude in the American West.

Based on Ruthanne Lum McCunn’s novel, the story is a bleak one, dealing with a woman’s struggle in an unforgiving, male-dominated world. Lalu’s resilience in the face of appalling adversity is portrayed with real depth by Chao, who adds emotional weight to her character’s journey.