Challenge or subvert the traditional conventions of the genre by providing a more nuanced and critical perspective on the historical events and characters. They might question the morality of certain actions or depict Native American perspectives more accurately.

Combine Western themes with the conventions of mystery or crime genres. They may involve detectives or lawmen solving crimes in a Western setting.

Focus on the perspective of outlaws or antiheroes rather than traditional lawmen. They may explore the motivations and struggles of those on the wrong side of the law.

Fantasy in a Western. (Cowboys and Centaurs)

Classic Old West story.  This is an 'old west' story with focus on 'old west' tropes, versus the Historical Western, which is focused on more historical accuracy while being set in the West.

Set in a more recent time period or even the present day, these Westerns explore the enduring themes of the genre in a contemporary context.

Western with Romantic elements vs the Romantic Western that is a romance story with a western setting.

Western with sci-fi elements - think Cowboys & Aliens or Wild Wild West