Definition & Meaning of "spaghetti Western"

What is a "spaghetti Western"?

A spaghetti Western is a genre of Western film made by Italian filmmakers, primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. These films are known for their distinct style, which often includes dramatic, stylized violence, unique musical scores, and a focus on morally ambiguous characters. They are called "spaghetti Westerns" because they were produced by Italian studios and were often made with lower budgets compared to American Westerns. The goal of a spaghetti Western is to offer a fresh and often rough take on classic Western themes, with a distinctive European twist.