When Western icons. Thanks to its unforgettable performances, gripping storytelling, and raw depiction of one of the Wild West's most famous events — the classic gunfight at the O.K. Corral – the movie stands as one of the signature depictions of the Western genre in the modern era of filmmaking.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Tombstone’s deep cast of actors, including legends like Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, and Sam Elliott, has appeared in numerous other Westerns over the years. From gritty tales of frontier justice to character-driven TV dramas, these films and shows offer a wide range of top-notch stories celebrating the Old West.

10 Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Starring Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell, who delivered a central commanding performance as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone, offers an equally powerful turn as Sheriff Franklin Hunt in Bone Tomahawk. Director S. Craig Zahler captures the barren landscapes, gritty small-town life, and moral dilemmas that have always defined the genre. The dusty frontier town of Bright Hope, combined with the rugged canyon terrain, creates a backdrop that feels like it was pulled straight from the golden age of Westerns.

Russell’s weathered performance is equal parts hardened leader and comionate lawman, echoing the archetypes of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. However, what truly sets Bone Tomahawk apart is its audacious genre-bending approach. While most Westerns focus on shootouts and horseback chases, this film ventures into brutal horror territory as the film's villains, a tribe of feral cannibals, add a layer of primal terror rarely seen in the world of Westerns. It’s a unique fusion of horror and Western tropes that raises the stakes, creating an atmosphere of dread that builds tension throughout the movie.

9 Wyatt Earp’s Revenge (2012)

Starring Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone is one of the film’s defining highlights, but he also returned to the world of the Wild West in Wyatt Earp’s Revenge. This lesser-known direct-to-DVD film features Kilmer as the older version of Wyatt Earp retelling the story of his quest for justice following the murder of his love, Dora Hand.

Wyatt Earp’s Revenge embraces classic Western tropes like gunfights, dusty landscapes, and characters steeped in moral ambiguity. However, it avoids feeling stale, thanks to its focus on character development and a storyline anchored by revenge and loyalty. The gang of misfits Earp assembles to track down Dora’s killer reinforces the trusty Western theme of unlikely camaraderie in the face of danger. While the film didn’t make the waves of its predecessors, Kilmer shines with his age-worn gravitas, offering a reflective and nuanced addition to his roster of Western roles.

8 The Quick and the Dead (1987)

Starring Sam Elliott

There may be no actor working today as inherently, intrinsically Western as Sam Elliott. Packing his powerful mustache and deep voice, Elliott was unforgettable as Virgil Earp in Tombstone. However, before that, he starred in this lesser-known but compelling Western (not to be confused with the much flashier 1995 film of the same name starring Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio).

Directed by Robert Day and based on a novel by the great Western author Louis L’Amour, this made-for-television film is a tale of survival, following Duncan McKaskel (Tom Conti) and his family as they attempt to build a life on the frontier. They meet Con Vallian (Elliott), a rugged drifter with a mysterious past, who serves as their protector even while he’s haunted by his own demons. Elliott embodies the quiet strength and determination of the classic Western hero with all the natural charisma and grounded acting he’s known for.

7 Frank & Jesse (1994)

Starring Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton brought Morgan Earp to life in Tombstone, but another of his standout Western roles came in Frank & Jesse. Chronicling the lives of the infamous James brothers, Frank and Jesse, following the fall of the Confederate South, the film showcases how the brothers transitioned from war-weary soldiers to outlaws seeking justice in the only way they felt they could — through defiance.

Paxton and co-star Rob Lowe bring a unique dynamic to the characters, portraying them as multi-dimensional figures rather than the typical outlaw caricature. Lowe's charismatic energy counterbalances Paxton's more thoughtful and grounded performance, creating an engaging portrait of brotherhood and shared struggle that feels authentic. Ultimately, Frank & Jesse is more than just another outlaw film — it’s a Western that taps into the heart of the genre and delivers a story filled with action, depth, and a pair of standout performances.

6 The Magnificent Seven (TV Series, 1998–2000)

Starring Michael Biehn

Michael Biehn’s menacing portrayal of Johnny Ringo in Tombstone left a lasting impression, but he’s also shown his Western chops in The Magnificent Seven TV series. Based on the iconic 1960 film, this series features Biehn as Chris Larabee, the stoic leader of the titular group of gunmen. His performance captures the grit and gravitas expected of such a role, while the series deftly balances character development with shootout-heavy action.

While acknowledging its roots in the original film (and Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai before it), the TV series modernizes the story with added layers of complexity for its characters and themes. That allows issues of morality, sacrifice, and the struggle for redemption to resonate while staying true to classic Western ideals. It’s a great modern continuation of the Western legacy with Biehn at the helm, reminding fans that the genre is bigger than dusty plains and cowboy hats.

5 Deadwood (TV Series, 2004–2006)

Starring Powers Boothe

It's impossible to talk about modern-era Westerns without acknowledging HBO’s exceptional series Deadwood. Powers Boothe, who played Curly Bill Brocius in Tombstone, was made for roles set in the Wild West – and his performance as Cy Tolliver in Deadwood is another memorable addition to his acting legacy. Tolliver is the shrewd and ruthless owner of the Bella Union saloon, constantly vying for power in the lawless South Dakota town.

From muddy streets to dim saloons, every detail immerses the viewer in a world that feels unvarnished and real. While survival and morality often clash, and the line between hero and villain blurs, themes of community, power, and corruption are explored in depth in Deadwood, making the series feel modern yet true to its historical roots. Boothe’s sharp wit and commanding presence make him one of the standout characters in this critically acclaimed series, a masterpiece of modern Western storytelling.

4 True Women (1997)

Starring Dana Delany

Dana Delany, who played the bold and charismatic Josephine Marcus in Tombstone, also shines in the Hallmark TV miniseries True Women. Based on Janice Woods Windle’s novel, the film stands out as a unique addition to the Western canon and deserves recognition among enthusiasts for placing strong, resilient women at the center of the story. Set against pivotal moments in 19th-century Texas history, including the Texas Revolution, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, the film weaves real-life events and characters into its story, crafting glimpses into the layers of struggle and resilience faced by women of the time.

With Delany as the fierce Sarah McClure, Annabeth Gish as her gentle-yet-resolute sister Euphemia, and Angelina Jolie in an early standout performance as Georgia, the film presents a lineup of nuanced female characters rarely seen in traditional Westerns. For genre enthusiasts, True Women is a refreshing story that honors the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping the frontier.

3 Will Penny (1968)

Starring Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston, who played Tom’s father in Tombstone, had a long iconic celluloid history with Westerns — and Will Penny is one of the finest examples of his on-screen power. Heston delivers a career-defining performance as Will Penny, an aging cowboy grappling with isolation and the challenges of a fading way of life.

Heston serves up one of the most nuanced performances of his career, shedding the grandeur of his epic roles in films like Ben-Hur in favor of subtlety and vulnerability. Joan Hackett, as Catherine Allen, adds a tender dynamic to the film, and Donald Pleasence’s menacing villain enhances the stakes without pushing the drama into exaggerated territory. From its depiction of harsh wilderness survival to its understated interpersonal conflicts, the film captures the grit and hardships of the Old West with impressive nuance. Heston’s nuanced portrayal elevates Will Penny to one of the most emotionally resonant Westerns of its era.

2 Gods and Generals (2003)

Starring Stephen Lang

Stephen Lang, who brought Ike Clanton to life in Tombstone, delivers an unforgettable performance in Gods and Generals. While not a Western in the strictest sense, this historical epic captures the spirit of 19th-century American storytelling. Lang plays Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a complex and polarizing character with deep convictions and inner conflicts that echo the archetypal Western lone gunslinger wrestling with duty and morality.

From the sprawling battlefields to its raw portrayal of soldiers and civilians, the imagery of Gods and Generals also rivals the isolated campfires and dusty trails that dominate traditional Westerns. There’s probably no grander canvas to dig into themes like sacrifice, honor, and identity in a changing America than against the backdrop of the bloodiest conflict in American history. Lang’s portrayal is both powerful and intimate, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a legendary leader during the Civil War.

1 Broken Trail (2006)

Starring Thomas Haden Church

Thomas Haden Church, who appeared briefly in Tombstone, takes on a lead role in the acclaimed TV mini-series Broken Trail. Directed by the legendary Walter Hill and starring alongside Robert Duvall, Church plays Tom Harte, a cowboy working a cattle drive across the West whose group encounters five young Chinese women sold into servitude.

Shot against the backdrop of Alberta, Canada, the series’ cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking with rolling prairies, snow-capped mountains, and dusty trails illuminating the rugged beauty of the Western frontier. However, it’s the lead performances that are the driving force behind the series’ success. Duvall, already an icon of the Western genre, delivers a performance brimming with authenticity and wisdom, while Church counters with an emotional depth that brings a modern touch to his character. Church’s layered performance balances toughness with comion, making Broken Trail a gripping and heartfelt experience.