10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Rifleman (1958)

Description: Similar to 'The Rifleman' in its western setting and themes of justice, though more family-oriented and less violent. Both shows feature strong male leads who serve as moral exemplars in their communities.

Fact: Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans starred together in the series. Rogers' horse Trigger was almost as famous as Rogers himself. The show was known for its musical numbers and wholesome values.

Description: While more comedic and less dramatic than 'The Rifleman', 'Maverick' shares the western setting and often explores similar themes of justice and frontier life. Both shows feature charismatic leads who often find unconventional solutions to problems.

Fact: James Garner, who played Bret Maverick, later starred in 'The Rockford Files'. The show was known for its humorous take on western tropes. 'Maverick' was one of the few westerns to openly spoof other western shows, including 'Gunsmoke'.

Description: Similar to 'The Rifleman' in featuring a heroic gunslinger who upholds justice in the Old West. Both protagonists are skilled with firearms but prefer peaceful solutions when possible, serving as moral guides in their communities.

Fact: Hopalong Cassidy was the first western series to be broadcast on network television. William Boyd, who played Cassidy, bought the rights to the character and became wealthy from merchandising. The character originally appeared in a series of popular novels.

Description: Like 'The Rifleman', this show features a charismatic gunslinger protagonist, though Cisco is more of a rogue hero. Both shows blend action with moral storytelling set in the Old West.

Fact: The Cisco Kid was one of the first television shows to be filmed in color. The character originated in a 1907 short story by O. Henry. Duncan Renaldo, who played Cisco, was actually Romanian-born, not Hispanic.

Description: While more musical and less dramatic than 'The Rifleman', this show shares the western setting and themes of justice and frontier life. Both shows feature protagonists who are skilled with guns but prefer to use their wits and moral character to solve problems.

Fact: Gene Autry was one of the most successful singing cowboys in history. He created the 'Cowboy Code', a set of rules for young fans. Autry is the only entertainer to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for different categories.

Description: This anthology series shares with 'The Rifleman' a focus on authentic western stories and historical accuracy. Both shows portray the challenges and moral complexities of frontier life, though 'Death Valley Days' does so through standalone stories rather than continuing characters.

Fact: Ronald Reagan hosted the show from 1964-

Description: Similar to 'The Rifleman' in its focus on law and order in the Old West, 'Gunsmoke' also explores themes of justice, morality, and the challenges of frontier life. Both shows feature strong, principled protagonists who uphold the law while dealing with personal and community issues.

Fact: 'Gunsmoke' is one of the longest-running American live-action scripted primetime series with 20 seasons. The show was originally a radio drama before transitioning to television. James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon, was originally reluctant to take the role, fearing he'd be typecast.

Description: Like 'The Rifleman', this show features a lawman protagonist dealing with frontier justice. Both shows blend historical elements with dramatic storytelling, though Earp's stories are based more closely on real historical figures.

Fact: This was the first western television series to be based on the life of an actual historical figure. Hugh O'Brian, who played Earp, became close friends with the real Wyatt Earp's widow. The show's theme song, 'Wyatt Earp', became quite popular.

Description: Similar to 'The Rifleman', this show features a strong, morally upright protagonist (Jim Hardie) who deals with frontier justice. Both shows blend action with character-driven stories about life in the Old West.

Fact: The lead character, Jim Hardie, was based on a real Wells Fargo agent. The show alternated between Hardie's roles as a roving troubleshooter and a ranch owner. Dale Robertson, who played Hardie, was a real-life rodeo champion.

Description: Like 'The Rifleman', 'Bonanza' centers around a family dealing with the trials of frontier life, though the Cartwrights are wealthier than Lucas McCain. Both shows emphasize family values, moral dilemmas, and the importance of land and home in the Old West.

Fact: 'Bonanza' was the first western television series to be filmed in color. The show's theme song, 'Bonanza', became a hit single. The Ponderosa Ranch house set was one of the most elaborate ever built for a television series at the time.