A “masterpiece” western movie is now free to stream on BBC iPlayer, and fans call it a “classic” of the genre. Westerns have become some of the most beloved movies ever made, with western flicks still being made and well-reviewed to this day. The genre started at the turn of the 20th century, and still remains popular to this day. While many modern entries are considered a worthy watch amongst fans, people tend to celebrate the classics more, some of which are almost a century old. Several streaming services have a generous selection of western movies for subscribers in the UK. BBC iPlayer has its fair share, including this one that has been hailed “outstanding” by those who have watched it.

Even though it came out all the way back in 1949, it still receives high praise to this day, with many recent reviews posted in 2025. Plus, it has several iconic stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, including the name most synonymous with western movies, John Wayne. While it might not be one of the most well-known westerns, it is certainly amongst the most highly rated, with a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon stars Wayne alongside Ben Johnson, Joanne Dru, and John Agar, and follows Captain Nathan Brittles as he heads his last assignment before retirement to stop a Native American attack.

However, things take a turn when his superior instructs him to escort two women to safety. The film was met with positive reviews when it was released, and is still praised even in modern times.

On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, one fan said: “Outstanding movie; great acting; they don’t make them like this anymore; loved it.”

Another shared: “It’s very probably an over-sentimental view of life in the Cavalry in the Wild West, but from a Hollywood viewpoint, it’s a classic. Wayne, Ford and Monument Valley in all their glory.”

A third said: “In the brightest moment of his acting career, John Wayne participates in one of John Ford’s greatest classics. An equally touching and thrilling ride with a terrific music theme to follow it. A true masterpiece.”

“Excellent, classic Western that features John Wayne in perhaps his best performance,” said another. “A great tribute to the Army of the 1800s, with great cinematography that famously features Monument Valley. Lots of superior supporting performances, especially Ben Johnson, who shows off his actual horse riding prowess!”

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is among the several western movies currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer. There is also The Great Escape (1963), Fort Apache (1948) and Tycoon (1947), among many others.