"Most fans can easily rattle off the name of movies that were inspired by Star Wars or make some sort of sly reference to the classic 1977 movie that started the whole phenomenon. Most, however, have not looked beyond '77, to the earlier movies that paved the way for the unmistakable mix of characters, themes, and circumstances that make that the saga so unique. In making Star Wars, George Lucas looked at the whole of movie history and what inspired and excited him, and while creating something new and never-before-seen, he also crafted a loving tribute to a mix of classic genres -- key among them, the Western.

So, as a service to beginning cinephiles, or fans of any age looking for a place to start exploring the roots of Star Wars, we present a handful of essential Westerns that you should see. These are classics that you should seek out in their own right, but they also hold an extra bit of resonance for Star Wars fans..."

Check out the list on StarWars.com.