10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955)

Description: 'Maverick' differs slightly from 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' in that it has a more lighthearted and comedic tone, but both are Westerns from the same era. The show features Bret Maverick, a gambler who often finds himself in morally ambiguous situations, contrasting with Wyatt Earp's more straightforward heroism. However, both series explore themes of justice and survival in the Old West.

Fact: James Garner, who played Bret Maverick, became a major star because of the show. 'Maverick' was known for its witty dialogue and parody of Western clichés. The show was one of the first to feature a protagonist who was not a traditional hero.

Description: While 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman' is not a traditional Western like 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp', it shares the setting of the American frontier and explores themes of community and justice. Both shows feature strong protagonists who uphold moral values in a challenging environment, though Dr. Quinn focuses more on social issues and family dynamics.

Fact: The show starred Jane Seymour as Dr. Michaela Quinn. It was praised for its portrayal of a strong female lead in a historical setting. The series ran for six seasons and had several TV movie sequels.

Description: 'Tombstone' is a film that directly relates to 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' as it dramatizes the same historical events—the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Wyatt Earp's life. Both portray Earp as a legendary lawman, though 'Tombstone' offers a more modern, gritty take on the story compared to the 1950s TV series.

Fact: Kurt Russell, who played Wyatt Earp, also co-produced the film uncredited. Val Kilmer's performance as Doc Holliday is often cited as one of the best in his career. The film was a box office success and has since become a cult classic.

Description: This film is another biographical portrayal of Wyatt Earp, much like 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp', but with a more detailed and epic scope. Both focus on Earp's life as a lawman and his role in the O.K. Corral shootout. The film provides a more nuanced and lengthy exploration of Earp's character compared to the TV series.

Fact: Kevin Costner starred as Wyatt Earp and also produced the film. The film was criticized for its lengthy runtime and pacing but praised for its historical accuracy. It was released a year after 'Tombstone', leading to comparisons between the two films.

Description: 'Deadwood' is a more modern and gritty take on the Western genre, similar to 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' in its focus on law and order in a frontier town. However, 'Deadwood' is known for its complex characters, profanity, and realistic depiction of the Old West, contrasting with the more idealized portrayal in the 1950s series.

Fact: The show was created by David Milch, who also worked on 'NYPD Blue'. Many of the characters in 'Deadwood' are based on real historical figures. The show was canceled after three seasons but later concluded with a movie in

Description: 'Hell on Wheels' shares similarities with 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' in its exploration of the American frontier, though it focuses on the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Both shows depict the challenges of maintaining order in lawless environments and feature protagonists who are driven by a sense of justice.

Fact: The title refers to the mobile tent cities that followed the railroad construction. The show's protagonist, Cullen Bohannon, is a former Confederate soldier seeking revenge. The series was praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail.

Description: Similar to 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' (1955), 'Gunsmoke' is a classic Western TV series that aired during the same era, focusing on law and order in the Old West. Both shows feature strong, morally upright protagonists—Wyatt Earp and Marshal Matt Dillon—who uphold justice in frontier towns. The storytelling style is episodic, with each episode presenting a new challenge or villain to overcome, typical of 1950s Westerns.

Fact: 'Gunsmoke' is the longest-running live-action American prime-time drama with 20 seasons. The show was originally a radio drama before transitioning to television. James Arness, who played Marshal Dillon, was recommended for the role by John Wayne, who turned it down himself.

Description: Like 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp', 'The Rifleman' is a Western series that centers around a strong, principled protagonist—Lucas McCain—who uses his skills to maintain justice. Both shows highlight the importance of moral integrity and the challenges of frontier life. The episodic nature and focus on a single hero are also key similarities.

Fact: The show's creator, Sam Peckinpah, went on to become a famous film director known for his Westerns. The character of Lucas McCain was a widower raising his son alone, a somewhat unique family dynamic for the time. The rifle used by McCain was a modified Winchester Model

Description: 'Bonanza' shares similarities with 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' as both are iconic Western series from the late 1950s and early 1960s. While 'Bonanza' focuses on the Cartwright family and their ranch, it still embodies the themes of justice, family values, and frontier life that are central to 'Wyatt Earp'. Both shows were instrumental in popularizing the Western genre on television.

Fact: 'Bonanza' was the first Western series to be filmed in color. The show's theme song, 'Bonanza', became a hit single. The Ponderosa Ranch, the Cartwright family's home, was a real location in Nevada and became a tourist attraction.

Description: 'Lonesome Dove' is a miniseries that, like 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp', is rooted in the Western genre and explores themes of friendship, justice, and survival. Both feature legendary lawmen—Wyatt Earp and Gus McCrae/Woodrow Call—though 'Lonesome Dove' is more epic in scope and emotional depth.

Fact: Based on Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The miniseries won seven Emmy Awards. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones starred as the two main characters.