The best movies about Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday dramatize the lives of the famous real-life gunslingers in different ways. Most of these Westerns are focused on the events surrounding the notorious O.K. Corral gunfight. Some point the camera towards other, lesser-known aspects of either or both Earp and Holliday’s tumultuous lives.
Throughout film history, movies like Tombstone, Wyatt Earp, and My Darling Clementine have practically created their own Western sub-genre based on Earp and Holliday’s adventures. From the most traditional dramatizations of the events at the O.K. Corral and the town of Tombstone, to revisionist and anti-Westerns that put strange new spins on the familiar tales, the best movies about Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday have definitely made their mark on cinema. While they may not be the most lauded or popular Western films, these movies have captured the imagination of audiences for close to a hundred years.
Tombstone Rashomon (2017)
Unique sci-fi Western featuring Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday
Tombstone Rashomon revisits the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral with a sci-fi twist. The movie is focused on a film crew who travels back in time to document the said gunfight – but instead arrive after the event. Tombstone Rashomon unfolds as the crew gets the diverging accounts of those who were involved in the historic skirmish, offering varied viewpoints on the characters and their motivations. Delving into the complexities of truth and perception, the nonlinear storytelling forces audiences to piece together the puzzle of what truly transpired in Tombstone. From its premise alone, Tombstone Rashomon deserves a place alongside the best movies about Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
Wyatt Earp’s Revenge (2012)
The combined perspectives of young and old versions of Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp’s Revenge unfolds through flashbacks, recounting Earp’s life and the events leading up to the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Val Kilmer plays the older version of Earp, who speaks to a reporter about his past, in which the younger Earp is played by Shawn Roberts. The film presents a mix of historical facts and fictionalized elements, creating a narrative that explores Earp’s motivations and personal conflicts. As Earp confronts his adversaries, the movie delves into themes of morality and vengeance, offering an entertaining perspective on the iconic lawman’s journey. The film has been praised particularly for the performance of Val Kilmer as Wyatt Earp.
Frontier Marshal (1939)
First successful Western about Wyatt Earp
The second movie based on the fictional biography Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal, Frontier Marshal was the definitive screen version of the lawman’s story back in the Golden Age of Hollywood. It follows the life of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, portrayed by the legendary Randolph Scott, as he attempts to bring order to the lawless town of Tombstone. Frontier Marshal is known for its portrayal of Earp as a principled and determined figure in the Old West. Although Frontier Marshal isn’t as famous or influential as other Westerns from the same decade, the film remains a notable classic entry in the genre.
Doc (1971)
Western focused on Doc Holliday instead of Wyatt Earp
Doc stars Stacy Keach as the legendary dentist-turned-gunslinger Doc Holliday. The movie explores the complex character of Holliday, delving into his relationships and internal conflicts. Set in the tumultuous town of Tombstone, it portrays Holliday’s interactions with notable figures like Wyatt Earp and his romantic involvement with Kate Elder – played respectively by Harris Yulin and Faye Dunaway. The film offers a character-driven narrative, showcasing Holliday’s struggles with his health, personal demons, and the challenges of the Old West. Doc provides a nuanced portrayal of a historical figure known for his sharp wit and skills with a gun, adding depth to the legend of Doc Holliday.
Wyatt Earp (1994)
The Western that boldly came out six months after Tombstone
One of Kevin Costner’s Western movies, Wyatt Earp spans Earp’s life, from his early days as a lawman to his involvement in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Emphasizing historical accuracy, it provides a detailed exploration of Earp’s relationships with his family and friends, particularly Doc Holliday, portrayed by Dennis Quaid. Apart from Quaid as Holliday and Costner as the titular lawman, the movie features a stellar cast that includes Gene Hackman, Michael Madsen, and Tom Sizemore. Though Wyatt Earp infamously flopped at the box office, it nonetheless remains a vital, star-studded, and somewhat faithful retelling of the legendary lawman’s experiences.
Wichita (1955)
Wyatt Earp Western focused on Wichita instead of Tombstone
Instead of the gunfight that happened in Tombstone, Wichita focuses on Earp’s time as a marshal in the bustling cattle town of Wichita, Kansas. Known for its historical accuracy, it portrays Earp’s efforts to establish law and order, facing challenges from unruly elements in the community. Starring Joel McCrea as Earp, the film explores the complexities of justice and the personal toll it took on the man. Wichita captures the essence of the Old West, depicting Earp’s determination to bring justice to a lawless frontier town. The film stands out for its realistic portrayal of historical events and characters, contributing to the legacy of Wyatt Earp in Western cinema.
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)
Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday Western focused on the action
Starring Burt Lancaster as Wyatt Earp and Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral dramatizes the famous gunfight between the lawmen and the outlaw Clanton gang in Tombstone, Arizona. Known for its dynamic performances and intense action sequences, the movie explores the complexities of friendship, justice, and frontier morality. The O.K. Corral shootout is the focal point, but the film also delves into the characters’ relationships and personal struggles. With its engaging storytelling and iconic performances, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral remains a landmark in the Western genre, contributing to the enduring myth of the American frontier.
My Darling Clementine (1946)
The better version of Frontier Marshall
A remake of 1939’s Frontier Marshall, John Ford’s My Darling Clementine portrays Earp’s arrival in the lawless town, his interactions with the Clanton gang, and his developing relationship with the titular character, Clementine Carter, played by Cathy Downs. Combined with the iconic performance of Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, Ford’s masterful storytelling captures the essence of the Old West, deftly chronicling the events leading up to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. One of the few Westerns with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, My Darling Clementine is celebrated for its atmospheric cinematography and memorable characters.
Hour of the Gun (1967)
Western and legal drama tackling what happened after the O.K. Corral fight
Hour of the Gun follows the aftermath of the O.K. Corral gunfight and its legal and personal consequences. Starring James Garner as Wyatt Earp, the movie explores Earp’s pursuit of justice and vendetta against those responsible for his brothers’ deaths. Focused on the legal aftermath, the film depicts Earp and Doc Holliday – played by Jason Robards – as they navigate the court system to bring the perpetrators to justice. With a grittier and more realistic tone than previous Earp films, Hour of the Gun offers a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of the legendary lawman’s quest for retribution in the unforgiving landscape of the Old West.
Tombstone (1993)
Arguably the greatest Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday movie
Featuring an ensemble cast led by Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, Tombstone is largely regarded to be the definitive contemporary movie version of the O.K. Corral gunfight story. It explores Earp’s attempt to bring order to the lawless titular town with the help of his brothers and the charismatic and consumptive Holliday. Known for its stylish action sequences and memorable performances – especially Val Kilmer’s one-liners as Doc Holliday – Tombstone has become a cult classic in the Western genre. The film combines historical elements with cinematic flair, capturing the tension, camaraderie, and conflicts that defined the iconic era of the Old West.