Cowboy movies, also known as Westerns, are a genre of film that typically feature stories set in the American Old West. These films often feature cowboys, gunslingers, and other characters in a variety of settings, such as saloons, ranches, and small towns. The term 'WESTERN' is derived from the genre's roots in the American West. Cowboy movies can be divided into three subgenres: Westerns, Shoot 'Em Ups, and Horse Operas. Westerns are typically characterized by their focus on the struggles of the individual against the harshness of the environment and the lawlessness of the frontier. Shoot 'Em Ups are action-packed films that emphasize gunplay and violence. Horse Operas are melodramatic films that focus on the romantic relationships between the characters.