Kurt Russell’s Tombstone is a classic Western movie, but there are also 10 reasons why people who don’t like Westerns should give it a try. Tombstone follows Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) as he takes on a gang of outlaws in the Old West town of Tombstone in the Arizona Territory. Complete with revolvers, double-barrel shotguns, cowboy hats, horses, saloons, and more, Tombstone sounds like it is as Western as a movie can get. While it is a great example of the Western genre, it also holds quite a bit of appeal to people who aren’t fans of cowboy stories.
There are plenty of reasons to not be a Western fan. From its slower pacing, its tendency to lean towards melodramatics, and its reputation as an “old” genre, Westerns aren’t for everyone. There are, however, more reasons to be a fan of the genre. However, even for people who want nothing to do with Westerns, Tombstone still has a lot to offer. There are 10 main reasons why Tombstone is great, even for those who don’t care for Westerns as a genre.
Tombstone’s Story Is Accessible To A Non-Western Audience
Tombstone Is Fairly Simple & Doesn’t Require Prior Knowledge Of Westerns To Understand
One of the best reasons non-Western fans should watch Tombstone is because it doesn’t require any background knowledge of the genre. Tombstone doesn’t require its viewers to have previous knowledge of anything about the Old West, guns, horses, or any of the other usual trappings of Western movies to enjoy the film. It’s a fairly simple story, one where the lawmen are the good guys and the outlaws are the bad guys, which makes it perfect for newcomers to Western movies. The West is really just a setting for Tombstone, and most of the action and themes are universal.
The West is really just a setting for Tombstone, and most of the action and themes are universal.
There are some scenes that use period-accurate dialogue, like when Wyatt kicks Johnny out of the bar, but even that scene is fairly easy to piece together through context clues. While the meaning of phrases like “get the bulge on a dub like you” or “skin that smoke wagon” may not be immediately obvious to most viewers, the general vibe of Wyatt’s threats and intimidation tactics are very easy to pick up on. Even the most difficult scenes in Tombstone are easy to jump into, even for viewers who don’t know much about Westerns.
Tombstone Feels Less Dated Compared To Classic Westerns From The 1960s
Tombstone Benefits From More Current Technology, Methods, & Faster Pacing
One of the biggest challenges with getting interested in Westerns, for many people, is overlooking the limitations of age. Many of the best Western movies are from 1975 or earlier, and they often show their age. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, for example, is a classic, but its action scenes may be seen as lackluster when compared to the much more intricate violence of modern movies like John Wick. Quite a few Spaghetti Westerns also had poorly dubbed dialogue that can be a bit jarring. Tombstone didn’t suffer from either of those problems, with its modern action, special effects and original audio.
Another reason some viewers may not want to start with classic Westerns is because of their pacing. Many of the films made in the golden age of Westerns were very dialogue-heavy and rather slow-moving. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, for example, is over two hours long and only features a handful of fight scenes to break up long stretches of dialogue. Tombstone is perfect for combating that idea. It moves more quickly than most classic Westerns, but it also has several drawn-out, suspense-building moments that can help newcomers realize why the slow pacing of classic Westerns is a blessing, not a curse.
Tombstone Can Help Make Other Westerns Easier To Watch
Tombstone Can Introduce New Viewers To Staples Of The Western Genre Without Overwhelming Them
Not only is Tombstone accessible to modern audiences who don’t have much experience with Westerns, it also serves as a great introduction to the genre. Though Tombstone doesn’t rely on many tropes of the genre, it offers a taste of several mainstays of Westerns, like gunfights, drawn-out moments of suspense, and the idea of outlaws battling lawmen. None of those concepts are overdone in Tombstone, however, so they serve as a way for viewers to dip their toes into the genre and begin to understand how they work in other Westerns.
For any viewers who have wanted to get into Westerns but felt intimidated by the sheer size and scope of the genre, Tombstone is the perfect starting place.
With Tombstone serving as an introduction to the genre, there’s a whole wealth of Western movies and TV shows just waiting to be seen. From classics like High No on or The Searcher to more modern projects like Godless or Taylor Sheridan’s work, the Western genre has so much to offer. For any viewers who have wanted to get into Westerns but felt intimidated by the sheer size and scope of the genre, Tombstone is the perfect starting place.
Tombstone Is Closer To Classic Westerns Than Newer Movies & Shows
Modern Westerns Have Experimented With The Genre, While Tombstone Stayed True To Its Roots
Some people who aren’t fans of Westerns may have been turned off by more recent additions to the genre. Ever since Westerns dropped in popularity after the 1970s, the genre has gotten more experimental. Neo-Westerns set in the modern day, like Hell or High Water or No Country for Old Men, as well as Revisionist Westerns like The Power of the Dog or Unforgiven, became the most notable examples of the genre. While they all have their advantages and are largely great movies, they’re not perfect examples of everything the Western genre has to offer.
Tombstone, on the other hand, is a great example of what classic Westerns can do. It has a fairly clear distinction between good and evil, it pits lawlessness against order, and it shows characters like Wyatt learning how to be better. For viewers who weren’t impressed by more modern Westerns, Tombstone is a great way to get a taste for the more classic elements of Westerns. Essentially, if someone watches Tombstone and really enjoys it, there’s a very good chance they would also like the large catalog of older Westerns.
Tombstone Is Based On A True Story
Tombstone’s Historical Premise Keeps It Grounded & Realistic
Another concern many people have with Westerns that Tombstone also manages to assuage is how the genre treats American history. Many classic Westerns presented an idealized view of America’s past, and it was so fictionalized that the genre created a bit of a myth about the Old West. That mythologization was one of the reasons Westerns fell out of popularity, yet Tombstone doesn’t give into it. Even though it does have a clear sense of right and wrong, Tombstone also has more than enough nuance to paint a realistic picture of the Old West.
Part of the reason Tombstone presents such a realistic vision of the Old West is because it was based on a true story. There are certainly moments where Tombstone seems almost larger than life, but everything in the movie is based on reality. Its true-story inspiration keeps Tombstone grounded, and helps it avoid oversimplifying a very complicated part of American history. Plus, for history buffs, Tombstone is a great introduction to American history in the late 1800s. It could be the perfect way to springboard into a fascinating era of history.
Tombstone Has So Many Memorable & Often Referenced Lines
From “I’m Your Huckleberry” To “You’re A Daisy If You Do,” Tombstone Is Endlessly Quotable
There are some movies that gain such a following and reputation that they become cornerstones of popular culture, and Tombstone is one of them. A lot of Tombstone’s enduring legacy is due to its tremendous one-liners, many of which are still quoted thirty years later. From Doc Holliday proclaiming “I’m your huckleberry” to Wyatt Earp yelling “Hell’s coming with me!” Tombstone is filled with legendary quotes. Even viewers who don’t like Westerns will be able to appreciate the film’s great writing and timeless dialogue.
On top of the fact that Tombstone’s writing is a benefit in itself, watching the movie will also help viewers understand a litany of other references. Tombstone has had a massive effect on popular culture, and there are references to it everywhere. Shows like Supernatural and Justified, video games like Mortal Kombat 11 and Borderlands 2, and more have made references to lines from Tombstone. Fans of dozens of shows, games, and movies will be able to recognize lines in Tombstone on their first watch, just because of how popular the film is.
Tombstone Is One Of Val Kilmer’s Best Performances
Kilmer’s Role As Doc Holliday Is Still Legendary Over 30 Years Later
Yet another reason to watch Tombstone is because it features one of the most beloved and best roles of Val Kilmer’s entire career. Kilmer has starred in dozens of classic movies, from Heat to The Doors and more, but Tombstone is still one of his best. He’s also portrayed several iconic characters, from Batman to Iceman, but Doc Holliday is still his best. Anyone who is a fan of Val Kilmer needs to see Tombstone, no matter what they think of Westerns. Even Val Kilmer himself loved playing Doc Holliday – he named his memoir “I’m Your Huckleberry.”
Anyone will be able to appreciate Val Kilmer’s interpretation of Doc Holliday, not just Western fans.
Even those who aren’t fans of Kilmer will be able to appreciate just how well he performed in the role. The reason Doc Holliday is often considered one of Val Kilmer’s best characters is because he’s one of the best characters in general. Kilmer’s performance, from the way he sarcastically delivered brutal insults, taunts, and jokes to his weak coughs and blinding speed, make Doc a legendary role. Anyone will be able to appreciate his interpretation of Doc Holliday, not just Western fans.
Tombstone Features A Lot Of Recognizable Actors
Tombstone Is A Massive Collaboration Between Several Famous Actors
While Val Kilmer’s take on Doc Holliday is the standout performance in Tombstone, he’s far from the only talented actor in the film. In fact, Tombstone is absolutely filled with talented actors. Aside from the main cast, there are several notable actors who had small roles in Tombstone, like Billy Bob Thornton, Charlton Heston, Michael Rooker, Thomas Haden Church, and more. Even for viewers who have never seen a Western before, there will surely be more than one familiar face in Tombstone, and more likely than not it will be one of their favorite actors.
Another reason the cast of Tombstone is so impressive is because its actors will never all be in the same project again. Aside from the fact that Bill Paxton and Charlton Heston have both tragically passed away, almost all the actors in Tombstone have gone on to have such successful careers that there will likely never be another project that can afford to put them all together again. In that way, Tombstone features a one-of-a-kind ensemble cast, and they all interact and play off one another so well that even viewers who hate Westerns will be able to look past the genre.
Tombstone Has Some Great Side Plots
Tombstone’s B-Plots Have Something For Fans Of Romance, Buddy Comedies, & More
Another reason people who aren’t fans of Westerns will still enjoy Tombstone is because the film is so much more than just a Western. There are so many side plots in Tombstone that could basically be considered their own genre. Wyatt’s friendship with Doc Holliday feels like a buddy movie, his relationship with Josephine feels like a romance, and his strained relationship with his brothers would fit perfectly into a tragedy. Even if the main Western plot of Tombstone doesn’t sound exciting, there’s something in the film for fans of almost any genre.
Not only do Tombstone’s side plots give almost everyone something to enjoy about the film, they also make it perfect to watch with a group. Since everyone can find something they like in Tombstone, it’s a great pick to let everyone enjoy a movie night. While it may not be family-friendly – Tombstone’s shootouts can be quite gruesome – its mix of genres like Westerns, romance, and action make it perfect for groups with differing tastes to watch together. No one will feel left out at a party if Tombstone is on.
Tombstone Is A Great Movie – Not Just A Great Western
Tombstone Is A Classic For A Reason
The most compelling reason to watch Tombstone, however, is quite simple: it’s a great movie. Tombstone is one of those films that seems to defy genre through sheer quality in the same way the best movies of all time do. For example, most people who enjoy movies have probably seen The Godfather, even if they don’t like gangster films, simply because it’s so good. While Tombstone may not be as legendary as The Godfather, it is good enough to warrant watching regardless of personal taste or preference.
The most compelling reason to watch Tombstone, however, is quite simple: it’s a great movie.
Tombstone has so many advantages working in its favor that it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. Its star-studded cast, its tremendous true story, its costuming, lighting, set design, editing, pacing, and everything else about the movie works almost flawlessly. Even people who actively hate Westerns will still be able to appreciate how good Tombstone is, which is reason enough to watch it. With any luck, seeing Tombstone for the first time may even change some people’s opinion of Westerns as a whole.