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 of Earp and Holliday’s tumultuous lives.
Throughout film history, movies like Tombstone, Wyatt Earp, and My Darling Clementine have practically created their own Western subgenre 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.
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15 Sunset (1988)
James Garner’s Wyatt Earp Teams With Bruce Willis In A Buddy Comedy
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Wyatt Earp is one of the most iconic figures of the Old West, so it is a thrill to see the historical figure removed from that world and placed into an entirely new one. Sunset is a movie from famed comedy director Blake Edwards that stars James Garner as Earp, who after retiring from his career as a lawman, comes to Hollywood to serve as a consultant on some Western movies. There, he forms a friendship with movie star Tom Mix (Bruce Willis) and they are pulled into a murder mystery together.
The movie is loosely based on a true story, but as the movie tagline suggests, “give or take a lie or two.” Garner is one of the most charming and likable movie stars in history and it is a lot of fun seeing him play this version of Earp, which is a more light-hearted take than many of the most famous cases. The buddy-cop dynamic with Willis is a lot of fun as well, with the movie never taking itself too seriously.
14 Gunman Of The Rio Grande (1964)
Wyatt Earp Returns In A Spaghetti Western
The Spaghetti Western movement of the 1960s changed the genre forever and revitalized it during a period when it was starting to grow stale. Wyatt Earp was one of those figures who seemed to exemplify the old-fashioned style of Western with a stoic hero who was always on the side of justice and decency, so it is interesting to see him transplanted into the more grim and cynical world of the Spaghetti Western in Gunman of the Rio Grande.
Guy Madison appears in his first of several Spaghetti Westerns as Wyatt Earp in a story that very much resembles the well-known story of him in Tombstone. This time around, however, Earp heads to the Mexican border to clean up a lawless mining town. Though not the greatest of the Spaghetti Westerns, it is still a fun ride with some vivid filmmaking from Tulio Demicheli and a fresh take on Earp.
13 Cheyenne Autumn (1964)
James Stewart Plays Earp In A Supporting Role
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Cheyenne Autumn 0
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Cheyenne Autumn is a 1964 Western film directed by John Ford. It tells the story of the Northern Cheyenne exodus of 1878, capturing the struggle and resilience of the Cheyenne people as they escape from the Indian Territory and embark on a 1,500-mile journey to their ancestral homeland in Montana. The film features an ensemble cast including Richard Widmark, Carroll Baker, and James Stewart.
It is fitting that John Ford’s final Western movie featured one of the most iconic Western figures in history. Cheyenne Autumn is a rare Western movie from the 1950s that focuses on Native Americans as the central heroes of the story. It follows a group of the Cheyenne people who push back against the broken promises of the government and seek out their ancestral land while a sympathetic cavalry officer attempts to bring them back to their reservation.
There is an amusing segment in the epic Western taking place in Dodge City with James Stewart starring as Wyatt Earp and Arthur Kennedy as Doc Holliday. Given how iconic these figures are, it is fun to see them appear in supporting roles while still stealing the show. The movie has many issues with its depiction of the Native Americans, but it is one of the most sympathetic movies of this kind. As a testament to this, Wyatt and Doc are presented as caring more about the safety of the Cheyenne than the worried townsfolk of Dodge City.
12 Dodge City (1939)
Errol Flynn Stars As A Fiction Take On Wyatt Earp
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While there is no character named Wyatt Earp appearing in Dodge City, the fictional Western adventure is loosely based on the legendary lawman. English acting legend Erroll Flynn steps into his first Western role as Wade Hatton, a Texas cattle agent who comes to the town of Dodge City in order to start a quiet life and make a living. However, when Wade is confronted with the brutality of the lawless town, he takes it upon himself to become sheriff and set things right.
Even without Earp’s name being mentioned in the movie, it is very easy to see the connections to his real-life story. As very few Western movies felt the need to rigidly stick to the factual events, this is as accurate a Wyatt Earp movie as many others. While there are some who will have trouble buying Flynn as a rugged American hero, his screen presence is undeniable.
11 Tombstone: The Town Too Tough To Die (1942)
A Version Of Earp’s Taming Of The Lawless Town
The town of Tombstone is perhaps as iconic as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday themselves are, as seen by the fact that a number of these movies place their names directly in the title. Tombstone: The Town Too Tough to Die is based on the 1927 historical Tombstone: An Iliad of the Southwest by Walter Noble Burns and stars Richard Dix as Wyatt Earp and Kent Taylor as Doc Holliday.
The movie details Earp and his brothers moving to the town of Tombstone and finding the lawless nature of the town off-putting. While they begin to straighten out some of the outlaws, they find the town sheriff is involved with the gangs, leading Earp and his brothers to take a stand with the climatic showdown. The movie tells a story that is widely known but throws in a few interesting new details to make it stand out in the Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday subgenre.
10 Tombstone-Rashomon (2017)
Unique Sci-fi Western Featuring Wyatt Earp And Doc Holliday
Tombstone-Rashomon Western
Tombstone-Rashomon is a Western film directed by Alex Cox that reimagines the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral through multiple perspectives. Using the Rashomon narrative technique, the film explores the differing and conflicting accounts of history surrounding the legendary showdown between lawmen and outlaws in 1881 Tombstone, Arizona. The film features a blend of interviews with fictional old west characters and reenactments of the event.
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Director Alex Cox Release Date July 7, 2020 Cast Adam Newberry , Jesse Lee Pacheco , Christine Doidge , Eric Schumacher , Benny Lee Kennedy , R.K. Anderson , Jason Graham , Shayn Herndon
Tombstone-Rashomon revisits the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral with a sci-fi twist, setting it apart from other movies in the genre. The title of the movie might give away the movie’s style for viewers. “Rashomon” refers to the storytelling technique of telling the same story from multiple perspectives. In that way, the entire story doesn’t unfold until the viewer gets to see the last character’s perspective.
The movie is focused on a film crew who travels back in time to document the gunfight, but instead, they 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.
9 Wyatt Earp’s Revenge (2012)
The Combined Perspectives Of Young And Old Versions Of Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp’s Revenge PG-13Western
Wyatt Earp’s Revenge is a Western film starring Shawn Roberts and Val Kilmer. The narrative follows the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp as he recounts a violent episode from his youth, where he hunts down the outlaws who kidnapped and murdered his beloved Dora. Set in the late 1800s, the film explores themes of justice and vengeance in the American frontier.
Director Michael Feifer Release Date March 6, 2012 Cast Val Kilmer , Shawn Roberts , Daniel Booko , Matt Dallas , Steven Grayhm , Scott Whyte , Levi Fiehler , Trace Adkins , Bill Tilghman , Mifflin Kenedy
The story of 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 that so many fictional tales place their focus on. Val Kilmer plays the older version of Earp, who speaks to a reporter about his past, while 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, but still presenting a unique story for the audience who might already know the main points of the gunfight. 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.
8 Frontier Marshal (1939)
First Successful Western About Wyatt Earp
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Frontier Marshal ApprovedWesternDrama
Frontier Marshal is a Western film directed by Allan Dwan, starring Randolph Scott as legendary lawman Wyatt Earp. Set in the tumultuous town of Tombstone, Arizona, the film follows Earp’s efforts to bring peace and order alongside his friend, the gambler Doc Holliday, portrayed by Cesar Romero. The story presents a dramatized account of the conflicts and challenges faced by these iconic figures of the American frontier.
Director Allan Dwan Release Date July 28, 1939 Cast Randolph Scott , Nancy Kelly , Cesar Romero , Binnie Barnes , John Carradine , Edward Norris , Eddie Foy Jr. , Ward Bond , Lon Chaney Jr. , Chris-Pin Martin , Joe Sawyer , Dell Henderson , Harry Hayden , Ventura Ybarra , Charles Stevens Expand
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
During that time, flashier movies were more popular as Hollywood was scrambling to create the most complex and popular musicals. The Wizard of Oz debuted on screen the same year. Even when it comes to classic Westerns, Frontier Marshal is sometimes overlooked. 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.
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7 Doc (1971)
Western Focused On Doc Holliday Instead Of Wyatt Earp
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Doc’ PGWesternDrama
Doc is a 1971 Western film directed by Frank Perry. The movie stars Stacy Keach as Doc Holliday, Faye Dunaway as Kate Elder, and Harris Yulin as Wyatt Earp. The film reimagines the events leading up to and including the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, focusing on the complex relationships and moral ambiguities between the key figures involved in the legendary showdown.
Director Frank Perry Release Date August 4, 1971 Cast Stacy Keach , Faye Dunaway , Harris Yulin , Michael Witney , Denver John Collins , Dan Greenburg , John Scanlon , Richard McKenzie , John Bottoms , Philip Shafer , Ferdinand Zogbaum , Penelope Allen , Hedy Sontag , James Greene , Antonia Rey , Marshall Efron , Fred Dennis , Bruce M. Fischer , Gene Collins Expand
Doc stars Stacy Keach as the legendary dentist-turned-gunslinger Doc Holliday. Most Wyatt Earp-Doc Holliday movies focus on the former rather than the latter, making this a unique one in the subgenre. 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, played by Harris Yulin, and his romantic involvement with Kate Elder, played by 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. The Western Writers of America Society awarded the movie Best Script of the Year.
6 Wyatt Earp (1994)
The Western That Boldly Came Out Six Months After Tombstone
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Wyatt Earp (1994) is a biographical Western film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Costner as the legendary lawman. The film chronicles Wyatt Earp’s life, focusing on his relationships with his brothers and his role in iconic events such as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The cast includes Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday and Gene Hackman as Nicholas Earp, providing a comprehensive exploration of Earp’s complex legacy.
Director Lawrence Kasdan Release Date June 24, 1994 Cast Kevin Costner , Dennis Quaid , Gene Hackman , Jeff Fahey , Mark Harmon , Michael Madsen , Catherine O’Hara , Bill Pullman , Isabella Rossellini , Tom Sizemore , JoBeth Williams , Mare Winningham Runtime 190 Minutes
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. The attempt to remain as close to historically accurate as possible is what sets the movie apart from so many other adaptations of Wyatt Earp’s story.
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 due to its release so closely following the well-received Tombstone, it nonetheless remains a vital, star-studded, and somewhat faithful retelling of the legendary lawman’s experiences.
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5 Wichita (1955)
A Wyatt Earp Western Focused On Wichita Instead Of Tombstone
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Wichita ApprovedWestern
Wichita is a 1955 Western film directed by Jacques Tourneur. Starring Joel McCrea as Wyatt Earp, the narrative centers on his efforts to restore order in the lawless frontier town of Wichita, Kansas. Utilizing his steadfast resolve, Earp confronts outlaws and implements strict regulations to protect the citizens, ultimately changing the town’s destiny. The film examines themes of justice and the taming of the American West.
Director Jacques Tourneur Release Date July 21, 1955 Cast Joel McCrea , Vera Miles , Lloyd Bridges , Wallace Ford , Edgar Buchanan , Peter Graves , Keith Larsen , Carl Benton Reid , John Smith , Walter Coy , Robert J. Wilke , Jack Elam , Mae Clarke , Walter Sande
Tombstone tends to be the definitive location for Wyatt Earp movies, but this Western is different. 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. Like 1994’s Wyatt Earp, the movie attempted to remain as close to the truth as possible, and it actually became known among Earp enthusiasts for its historical accuracy. It portrays Earp’s efforts to establish law and order, facing challenges from unruly elements in the community.
Wichita
captures the essence of the Old West
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.
4 Gunfight At The O.K. Corral (1957)
A Wyatt Earp And Doc Holliday Western Focused On The Action
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral Passed
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is a 1957 Western film directed by John Sturges. The film stars Burt Lancaster as Wyatt Earp and Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday, depicting their legendary battle against the Clanton gang in Tombstone, Arizona. Featuring supporting performances by Rhonda Fleming and Jo Van Fleet, the film chronicles the tensions leading to the historic 1881 showdown.
Director John Sturges Release Date May 29, 1957 Cast burt lancaster , Kirk Douglas , Rhonda Fleming , Jo Van Fleet , John Ireland Runtime 122 Minutes
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, and the popularity of the story is likely why so many films since its debut have also chosen to focus on the gunfight. The movie was nominated for two Oscars in 1958 due to the complex technical work that went into filming the shootout — Best Editing and Best Sound Recording. 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.
3 My Darling Clementine (1946)
The Better Version Of Frontier Marshall
My Darling Clementine 0
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Passed Director John Ford Release Date December 2, 1946 Cast Henry Fonda , Linda Darnell , Victor Mature , Cathy Downs , Walter Brennan Runtime 97 Minutes
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. The movie was also added to the National Film Registry by the National Preservation Board in 1991. Started just a few years earlier, the National Preservation Board selects a handful of movies each year to preserve for posterity that are believed to have made significant contributions to cinema.
2 Hour Of The Gun (1967)
Western And Legal Drama Tackling What Happened After The O.K. Corral Fight
Hour of the Gun (1967) ApprovedWesternDrama
Hour of the Gun is a Western film directed by John Sturges and stars James Garner as Wyatt Earp and Jason Robards as Doc Holliday. The movie focuses on the aftermath of the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, exploring the relentless pursuit of justice by Earp and Holliday against the Clanton gang. Set against a backdrop of moral ambiguity and frontier lawlessness, the film delves into themes of vengeance and redemption.
Director John Sturges Release Date October 10, 1967 Cast James Garner , Jason Robards , Robert Ryan , Albert Salmi , Charles Aidman , Steve Ihnat , Michael Tolan , William Windom , Lonny Chapman , Larry Gates , William Schallert , Bill Fletcher , Karl Swenson , Austin Willis , Monte Markham , Richard Bull , Sam Melville , Frank Converse , Jon Voight , Robert Phillips Expand
If the infamous gunfight is so often the focus of Wyatt Earp movies, there have got to be fans who wonder just what happened after. At least, that’s the thinking behind this Western. Hour of the Gun follows the aftermath of the O.K. Corral gunfight and its legal and personal consequences.
The movie explores Earp’s pursuit of justice and vendetta against those responsible for his brothers’ deaths.
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 (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.
1 Tombstone (1993)
Arguably The Greatest Wyatt Earp And Doc Holliday Movie
Tombstone RWesternBiographyDrama Where to Watch
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Tombstone is a Western film loosely based on true events. When a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys ride into a town and slay several police officers for revenge for the death of two of their gang members, word of their misdeeds reaches the ears of a retired lawman. Gathering a group together, the new vigilantes will defend the town and aim to end the terror of the Cowboys.
Release Date December 25, 1993 Director George P. Cosmatos , Kevin Jarre Cast Bill Paxton , Charlton Heston , Sam Elliott , Powers Boothe , Val Kilmer , Kurt Russell , Michael Biehn , Jason Priestley Runtime 130 minutes
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 is the first Wyatt Earp movie to come to mind for fans of the subgenre, and likely the reason Val Kilmer got to play Earp two decades later.
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, and making for a near-perfect Wyatt Earp movie.
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