Oaters, a colloquial term used for western films, encompasses tales of cowboys, frontier justice, and cowboy culture. Other synonyms used for the term oaters include westerns, cowboy movies, and spaghetti westerns. Spaghetti westerns are a subgenre of the western movie produced largely by Italian filmmakers. These films feature a distinct style of storytelling and filmmaking and are often characterized by their gritty realism in contrast to the more idealized and fanciful portrayal of the American West. Other related terms that can be used in place of oaters include sagebrush sagas, shootouts, and horse operas. Regardless of the terminology used, the enduring popularity of these films continues to capture the imaginations of audiences worldwide.