Westerns are a genre of film and literature that typically take place in the American West during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. They often feature cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen, highlighting themes of adventure, justice, and survival. The setting usually includes vast landscapes, small towns, and rugged terrain, reflecting the challenges of frontier life. Common elements in westerns include gunfights, horseback riding, and saloons. Iconic figures like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood have become synonymous with the genre, while classic films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Stagecoach have defined its conventions.