Movies

10 Westerns Like ‘Tombstone’ You Need to Watch

BBG News

Westerns can sometimes be an acquired preference among film enthusiasts. While some people are deeply drawn to them, others may not be as fond. However, there are certain westerns that resonate widely. Iconic westerns like Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy, John Wayne’s films such as The Searchers, and other classics such as True Grit, Unforgiven, and Dances with Wolves have been critically acclaimed and popular favorites.

In the first half of the 20th century, Western movies were hugely popular. However, their popularity waned during the 70s and 80s. Yet, they experienced a revival in the 90s. A notable film from that era, Tombstone, has gained renewed interest following the demise of its star Val Kilmer. In more recent times, several films have borrowed elements from Westerns. While modern Westerns aren’t always set in the Wild West, if you’re seeking a movie similar to Tombstone, there are numerous options from the last decade to pick from.

10
‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (2018)

Kick things off by examining six tales that unfold in the Wild West era. “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” released in 2018 and helmed by Joel and Ethan Coen, is one such story. The character Buster Scruggs, portrayed by regular collaborator Tim Blake Nelson in a pristine cowboy suit, takes center stage. In each narrative, various elements of the Old West are explored, all done with the distinctive flair characteristic of the Coen Brothers’ filmmaking.

This production features several segments with James Franco, Tom Waits, Zoe Kazan, Tyne Daly, and Brendan Gleeson, as well as another standout performance by Liam Neeson. The music plays a significant role here, with tunes incorporated into every segment. Notably, this is the Coen Brothers’ initial foray into digital filmmaking, yet it retains an atmosphere reminiscent of films from a bygone era.

9
‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)

Given that a film is penned and helmed by Quentin Tarantino, it’s likely to be an exemplary demonstration of storytelling and undeniably violent. In this case, The Hateful Eight ticks all the boxes, boasting a stellar ensemble cast, a captivating backdrop, and a whirlwind narrative that hooks any spectator. The star-studded cast includes Kurt Russell, renowned for his work in westerns like Tombstone, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Demian Bichir, and Michael Madsen. A relentless blizzard traps eight individuals within a cabin, most of whom harbor secrets and none of whom shy away from lethal action to protect them.

This western showcases fast-action characters and excessive violence that might not appeal to all viewers. However, it offers a compelling exploration of characters, with talented actors delivering powerful performances. The storyline also includes elements of a murder mystery, making it a thrilling journey from the get-go. Notably, Jennifer Jason Leigh earned an Oscar nomination for her exceptional work in this film as a supporting actress.

8
‘Hostiles’ (2017)

In a somewhat overlooked production directed by Scott Cooper, the movie Hostiles showcases Christian Bale, one of Cooper’s regular collaborators, as a U.S. Army officer charged with transporting a Native American war chief safely home in the closing years of the 1800s. The film boasts stunning cinematography capturing breathtaking landscapes and delivers powerful performances from Rosamund Pike, who portrays a widow who joins the journey after her family is brutally slain, as well as Bale, who serves as the film’s leading star. Despite its impressive qualities, it unfortunately failed to resonate with audiences at the box office.

In the movie, Wes Studi portrayed Chief Yellow Hawk, under the guidance of Captain Blocker played by Bale, on their journey back to Montana. This film stands out because many of its actors later became prominent figures in other western productions. Jesse Plemons, Jonathan Majors, and Ben Foster were among the co-stars in this movie, and they all appeared in other films that will be mentioned further down the line.

7
‘Dead for a Dollar’ (2022)

Despite boasting an impressive cast and being helmed by renowned director Walter Hill, the 2022 release of “Dead for a Dollar” seemed to make little waves in comparison to expectations. Known for his work on films like “48 Hours” and “The Warriors“, Hill directed this film which featured Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, and Rachel Brosnahan. In the story, Waltz plays a bounty hunter on the trail of Brosnahan, who has gone missing. Meanwhile, Dafoe portrays a criminal about to be released from prison, with a score to settle against Waltz’s character, Max Borlund.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but rave about how Rachel Brosnahan takes center stage alongside her fellow actors, and let me tell you, watching Mrs. Maisel handle firearms never fails to bring a smile to my face! This movie is an absolute gem for those seeking a lighthearted, engaging watch – tailor-made for streaming entertainment. It might not be the greatest Western of our time, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression with its captivating moments that make it well worth revisiting.

6
‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’ (2024)

For the past four decades, I’ve been deeply associated with the genre of westerns, from the captivating “Dances with Wolves” to the rugged “Open Range” and the contemporary “Yellowstone,” I feel right at home on a ranch and in the company of a horse. The initial chapter of my four-part series, titled “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,”, marks the beginning of this epic journey. It’s been reported that I have invested close to $40M of my personal funds into the production of these movies. While opinions on the first installment have been divided, there’s no denying its visual appeal.

This film features actors like Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Michael Angarano, and others. With a running time exceeding three hours, it’s a significant investment for viewers. However, it lays the foundation for future installments, making it a must-watch for those intrigued. The rich backstory of this epic saga offers much to explore, much like many of Costner’s films, so it’s definitely worth giving your full attention.

5
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023)

A forthcoming movie titled “Killers of the Flower Moon” marks another collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. Additionally, it represents yet another project for Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, a duo with a rich history. The film is set in the late 1910s and follows the romantic tale of Ernest (DiCaprio), who falls in love with Mollie, an Osage woman portrayed by Lily Gladstone. Intriguingly, William King Hale, played by De Niro, is shown to have orchestrated a series of killings among the Osage people to acquire their inheritance rights.

The movie alternates between scenes of Ernest helping Mollie and assisting his uncle, while also featuring a significant amount of criminal activity. Notable actors in this production include Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and Tantoo Cardinal. Despite receiving 10 Academy Award nominations, it ended up with no wins. However, Gladstone made history as the first Native American woman to be nominated for Best Actress.

4
‘Bone Tomahawk’ (2015)

In a different league compared to most westerns, the film titled “Bone Tomahawk” starring Kurt Russell offers an unusual blend of genres. This unique production is categorized as a horror-western, revolving around a sheriff’s desperate attempt to rescue villagers from ferocious Native American cannibals. The ensemble cast includes Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, David Arquette, and others. Critics have hailed it as one of the finest examples within its genre, ever made.

This film contains intense, unsettling scenes that may be difficult for some viewers to watch. However, if you can acclimate yourself, it promises non-stop excitement. Certain sequences in the movie present unique, unparalleled content that might not reoccur, making it challenging to explain without revealing too much. Take my word for it and give it a try.

3
‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021)

The Harder They Fall stands out because almost all of its actors are Black, a rarity in traditional Western movies. This twist on the genre is directed by Jeymes Samuel in his first directorial effort. Idris Elba portrays the merciless Rufus Buck, while Jonathan Majors plays Nat Love, a gang leader seeking vengeance against Buck. The ensemble also includes Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, R.J. Cuyler, LaKeith Stanfield, Regina King, Danielle Deadwyler, and Edi Gathegi.

The actors received much praise for their acting skills, and the movie’s visual aesthetic is captivating to behold. It’s an engaging watch that features real people as its characters, weaving tales about Buck, Bass Reeves, and Stagecoach Mary. Moreover, Samuel composed the music for the film, creating a masterpiece showcasing his and his team’s artistic prowess.

2
‘Hell or High Water’ (2016)

As a movie buff with a soft spot for westerns, let me tell you about my recent favorite: Hell or High Water, penned by none other than Taylor Sheridan, who’s been crafting the beloved western series we all enjoy today. From Yellowstone and 1883 to 1923, his work has truly captured the essence of the old west. In this film, he teamed up with director David Mackenzie to create a gripping tale. The story follows Chris Pine and Ben Foster as a pair of bank-robbing brothers on the run from Texas Rangers Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham. It’s a taut thriller that puts you right in the dusty heartland, as these brothers elude authorities while moving from one town to another.

As a movie-goer, I found myself utterly captivated by “The Film.” The screenwriter, Sheridan, was even recognized with an Academy Award nomination for his masterful script, while Bridges garnered one for his outstanding performance. The climactic scenes were pulse-pounding and intellectually challenging, leaving me torn between who to support. In the end, I exited the theater feeling content yet yearning for another viewing, eager to savor this gripping tale once more.

1
‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)

Among Jesse Plemons’ films, “The Power of the Dog” stands out as one of the top western movies from the last decade. In this movie, Plemons portrays George Burbank, a rancher alongside his brother Phil, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The siblings encounter Rose, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, and her son Peter, acted by Kodi Smit-McPhee. Over time, Rose marries George and moves in with the brothers. Initially, Phil behaves harshly towards Rose and is rude to Peter; however, he eventually warms up to Peter and endeavors to teach him horseback riding skills.

This movie portrays the tough realities of childhood during the early 1900s and the fact that society doesn’t always embrace individuals as they truly are. It was a contender for eleven Academy Awards. Each of the main actors earned an Oscar nomination, while director Jane Campion took home the Best Director accolade at the Oscars. The narrative delves deep into emotions such as jealousy, sorrow, embarrassment, courage, and sensuality, making it more about character development than many contemporary westerns. It stands out in its genre due to its beautiful visuals and sensitive themes that are not commonly found in it.

Read More

2025-04-19 22:05

Previous post Why Are Clash Royale Chests Taking So Long to Open? Players Weigh In!
Next post Gogglebox Stars React in Disgust to Micky Rourke’s Shocking Celebrity Big Brother Exit