Although Tombstone stands out as an exemplary Western, there are several other great films of the genre with comparable quality. Tombstone boasts an incredible cast, headlined by Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as the iconic Doc Holiday. It’s no surprise that it quickly became a modern Western classic.
Tombstone has been praised for its gripping storyline, legendary characters, and intense showdowns. It doesn’t re-invent the Western but instead delivers on all fronts of the genre very well. While, some Westerns lean into spaghetti Western tropes, and others use horror to subvert the genre, there are a number of Western movies, like Tombstone, that deliver classic Western stories about the American frontier, the people who tried to tame them, and the lengths they’ll go for revenge and justice.
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Another Look At The Famous Lawman
Fans of Tombstone looking for a more introspective and expansive take on Wyatt Earp’s life will find much to appreciate in Wyatt Earp. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Kevin Costner as the legendary lawman, the film digs deeper into Earp’s character, exploring his childhood, family struggles, and the events that shaped him into a legendary figure of the Wild West.
While less action-packed than Tombstone, Wyatt Earp offers a more nuanced portrayal of its central character. It has a slower pace which focuses more on the complexities of justice and morality in a way that complements the thrills of Tombstone. The film’s sweeping cinematography and impressive supporting cast, including Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday, make Wyatt Earp a must-watch companion piece.
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Showdowns Take Center Stage
Another 90’s western classic is Sam Raimi’s The Quick and the Dead. Unlike the previously mentioned films, The Quick and the Dead leans more into a stylized, heightened version of the West. It’s as if Raimi took all the archetypes of the genre and shoved them into one movie. And it works really well. Sharon Stone stars as Ellen, a mysterious gunslinger seeking vengeance in a small town controlled by Gene Hackman’s ruthless mayor, while Russel Crowe plays a preacher who refuses to fight. Not to mention, a babby-faced Leonardo DiCaprio as the cocky savant with a gun.
The film uses a tournament-style narrative where gunfighters have to duel for supremacy. It’s a fun, wild ride and Raimi uses every trick in his arsenal: kinetic editing, dramatic camera angles, and whip-fast zooms. With its mix of tension, dark humor, and raw emotion, The Quick and the Dead provides a modern, entertaining take on the genre.
Open Range (2003)
A Fight For Land
Open Range offers a deeply satisfying Western experience. Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, alongside Robert Duvall, the film tells the story of two cattlemen who clash with a corrupt land baron. The film’s slow-burn narrative emphasizes the bonds of friendship and the struggle to uphold justice in a brutal and unforgiving world.
Duvall’s portrayal of Boss Spearman, a seasoned rancher with a moral code, perfectly complements Costner’s stoic and determined Charley Waite, a man haunted by his violent past. The climactic shootout, praised for its realism and visceral impact, rivals Tombstone’s best action sequences. Beyond the violence, Open Range offers heartfelt moments of humanity and redemption, making it a standout in the Western genre and a spiritual companion to Tombstone.
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Getting To The Train On Time
3:10 to Yuma is all about tension, morality, and character-driven drama. Directed by James Mangold, this remake of the 1957 classic stars Christian Bale as a down-on-his-luck rancher who has to escort a dangerous outlaw, played by Russell Crowe, to a train bound for justice. Their chemistry is incredible, with both characters slowly earning each other’s respect as things get more intense.
Like Tombstone, this movie dives into themes of duty, redemption, and how blurry the line between hero and villain can be. The pacing is perfect, keeping you on edge until the explosive finale. Plus, Ben Foster’s menacing performance as Crowe’s right-hand man adds even more layers of tension. With its gorgeous cinematography, complex characters, and emotional depth, 3:10 to Yuma is a must-watch for anyone who loves Westerns.
Unforgiven (1992)
A Masterpiece Meditation On Frontier Justice
Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is a gritty and introspective take on the Western genre, earning it a place as one of the most critically acclaimed films of its kind. Eastwood stars as William Munny, a former outlaw turned farmer who is pulled back into a life of violence for one last job. Alongside Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman, the film explores the harsh realities of frontier justice, the cost of violence, and the myth of heroism.
What sets Unforgiven apart is its willingness to deconstruct the romanticized view of the Old West and the western genre in and of itself. It offers a d arker and more nuanced portrayal of its characters and world. However, like Tombstone, fans will appreciate the film’s moral complexity, intense showdowns, and unforgettable performances. It’s a Western that challenges traditional tropes while still delivering the gunfights and tension that’s a mainstay of the genre.
Young Guns (1988)
The Story Of Billy The Kid And His Regulators
Young Guns is an 80’s western classic for a reason. It features a young star-studded cast of the time led by Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, and Charlie Sheen. The story follows the notorious Billy the Kid and his gang of outlaws, known as the Regulators, as they embark on a vengeance-fueled journey after the brutal murder of their mentor.
Like Tombstone, Young Guns explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the powerful bond between these lawless men. However, it brings a fresh, youthful energy to the genre, setting it apart with its rock-infused soundtrack, thrilling action sequences, and a blend of humor and drama. The film captures the spirit of wild frontier justice, offering a captivating experience for fans of classic Westerns. For fans of Tombstone’s combination of camaraderie and intense showdowns, Young Guns is definitely worth the watch.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Poetry In The West
Perhaps the outlier in this list, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, is a poetic, artistic character study. It doesn’t have dramatic shootouts or fast-paced action. Instead, it somberly delves into themes of fame, betrayal, and mortality. However, like Tombstone, the movie focuses on real legends of the American west and the stories and myths that surround them. Brad Pitt stars as Jesse James and Casey Affleck as Robert Ford, the man who infamously turned on James and shot him in the back.
Affleck’s nuanced portrayal of the insecure and envious Ford even gave him an Oscar nomination, while Pitt’s commanding presence as James captures the outlaw’s famed charisma and paranoia. The film’s meditative pace and stunning cinematography create a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the mythic qualities of the Old West. It offers a stark contrast to the shootouts of Tombstone, making it an essential watch for those drawn to the psychological depths of gunslingers in the West.
My Darling Clementine (1946)
The Vintage Take On Wyatt Earp And The Shootout At The O.K. Corral
No list of Western films would be complete without an entry from the legend John Ford. Like Tombstone, Ford’s 1946 classic My Darling Clementine depicts Wyatt Earp and his brothers as they move into Tombstone and are forced to maintain order in the lawless town. It dives into his relationship with Doc Holiday and, of course, the eventual shootout at the O.K. Corral.
With its stunning black-and-white cinematography, sweeping landscapes, and sharp dialogue, Ford’s expert direction made My Darling Clementine a masterclass in the genre. Much like Tombstone, the relationships between the Earp brothers are central, exploring their loyalty and their desire to uphold justice, no matter the cost. While it’s a slower-paced film compared to Tombstone, it captures the same themes of loyalty, duty, and the inevitability of violence in the Old West.
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
The Cost Of Violence
Clint Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales is a gritty, no-holds-barred Western that dives deep into revenge, loss, and the search for redemption. The story centers on Josey Wales, played by Eastwood, a Confederate soldier turned outlaw, who is out for vengeance after his family is brutally killed. Eastwood’s portrayal of Wales is magnetic—he brings a perfect mix of tough guy grit and raw vulnerability, making him one of the most memorable characters in Western cinema.
Like Tombstone, The Outlaw Josey Wales explores the emotional and moral cost of violence. It’s not just about gunfights and action (though there’s plenty of that) but about the personal toll revenge takes and the unexpected bonds that form in the process. With its rich post-Civil War backdrop, intense character development, and unforgettable moments, this film is a must-watch for any fan of Westerns, especially if you love Tombstone’s mix of grit, drama and heart.
The Long Riders (1980)
A True Story Of A Gang Of Brothers
The Long Riders is a great pick for fans of Tombstone, especially fans of movies that blend action with family drama. This film focuses on the infamous James-Younger Gang, a group of outlaw brothers who became legends in the American West. Based on a true story, The Long Riders takes a closer look at the real-life outlaws and their rise to fame, offering a fresh perspective on the James-Younger Gang’s brutal reign. What makes it especially cool is that the real-life Carradine brothers play the roles of the infamous outlaws.
The Long Riders stand out not just because of the wild shootouts and bank robberies, but it also digs deep into the bond between the brothers, showing how loyalty and blood can drive people to do unspeakable things. Just like how Tombstone explored the Earp brothers’ dynamic and their fight for justice, The Long Riders captures the complex relationships between families in impossible situations. It’s got plenty of action, ambiguous moral characters, and a touch of history—everything that makes Westerns so compelling.