Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer, is pulled into the brutal realities of the Civil War when his family is murdered by Union militants. Seeking revenge, he joins a Confederate guerrilla group. After the war, when his fellow guerrillas attempt to surrender and are massacred, Josey becomes a fugitive, pursued relentlessly by Union soldiers. As he flees, he encounters a variety of individuals, some of whom join him, including an elderly Cherokee named Lone Watie and a pioneer woman named Laura Lee.

Traversing through hostile territories, Josey wrestles with his desire for vengeance and the need to protect his newfound companions. Lone Watie, Laura Lee, and the others he meets offer Josey a chance at redemption and a new life. However, as Union forces and bounty hunters close in, Josey must confront his past and decide whether he will continue down a path of violence or embrace a different future. The journey tests his resilience and sense of justice, offering glimpses of hope amid the relentless pursuit.