32 Years Later, ‘Tombstone’ Remains “One of the Best Westerns” on Streaming

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Originally released 32 years ago, the film Tombstone is experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to streaming. When people discuss the greatest Westerns of all time, classics like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, The Searchers, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid often come up. However, Tombstone, released in 1993, quickly established itself as one of the best and continues to be a favorite, currently gaining traction on MGM+.

Released on Christmas Day in 1993 with a stellar cast including Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, and Dana Delany, Tombstone debuted in theaters and landed at number three, behind The Pelican Brief and Mrs. Doubtfire. While the film earned just over $73 million with a $25 million budget, its lasting popularity—not just its initial box office numbers—is what truly defines its success.

Wyatt Earp and his brothers, Morgan and Virgil, had traded their lives as gunfighters for a peaceful life and a new business in Tombstone, Arizona. However, peace doesn’t last long when they become the targets of a dangerous gang known as the Cowboys. With the help of Wyatt’s close friend, Doc Holliday, the brothers are forced to take up arms again to bring law and order back to the wild territory.

‘Tombstone’ Really Is One of the Best Western Movies Ever Made


Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Critics give Tombstone a fresh rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences love it even more, with a score of 93%. These numbers alone would make it one of the greatest Westerns ever, but its popularity extends beyond review sites. Fans consistently include Tombstone on lists of the top 25 Western films of all time, showing that people recognize a truly great movie when they see it.

Considering everything – its great story and the huge, dedicated fanbase Tombstone has gained over the years – it’s safe to say it’s truly one of the best Westerns ever made. And honestly, Val Kilmer deserved an Oscar nomination for his incredible performance as Doc Holliday. It’s still frustrating to think about!

Okay, so if you’ve been craving a classic Western, or maybe you somehow haven’t seen it yet, good news! Tombstone is now available to stream on MGM+. I highly recommend revisiting (or discovering!) this one – it still holds up incredibly well.

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2025-11-13 17:02