10 Movies that Capture the Grandeur of Yellowstone

The last batch of Yellowstone episodes will be coming in November 2024. To ease the pain of losing this amazing TV series, we've put together a list of 11 movies to watch if you're a fan of Yellowstone. With the release window for the final episodes now set, we have about a year left before we have to say goodbye to John Dutton and the rest of the ranch. It's hard to imagine, isn't it?

The Taylor Sheridan TV show has undeniably transformed the landscape of television in the United States. The entire nation, and even beyond, is captivated by the fictional cowboy world and the wild journey of the Dutton family. However, as the show nears its conclusion, it's time to prepare for the inevitable end.

But fret not, because there are numerous movies available that can fulfill the Yellowstone-shaped void in your life. We have curated a list of 11 films that are guaranteed to resonate with you – whether it's other works featuring the show's cast, movies with a similar story or theme, or exceptional Westerns that may be new to you.

Wind River

STXinternational

Yellowstone offers a fascinating look at the relationship between Native Americans and the land claimers in Montana, such as the Duttons, as portrayed by Taylor Sheridan. If you're interested in exploring the darker side of the Native American experience in contemporary America, Wind River, Sheridan's groundbreaking film, is a must-see.

Starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, this gritty crime-thriller follows MCU actors as they investigate the murder of a young Native woman, played by Kelsey Asbille, who also appears in Yellowstone as Monica. The film includes a tense Jon Bernthal cameo, an even more intense FBI shootout, and a powerful finale that underscores the mistreatment of Native American people throughout history.

The Untouchables

Paramount Pictures

Yellowstone owes much of its success to Kevin Costner, and if you're a fan of his, don't miss this '80s classic. Set in Prohibition-era Chicago, The Untouchables stars Costner as Treasury agent Eliot Ness, who joins forces with street cop Jim Malone, played by Sean Connery, in an effort to bring down the notorious crime boss, Al Capone.

In addition to witnessing Costner in action (he literally sends a gangster flying from a rooftop), viewers also have the pleasure of seeing Robert De Niro portraying the iconic Capone. The Untouchables embodies all the trademark elements of a Brian De Palma film: it's gritty, undeniably cool, and a whole lot of fun.

Eden Lake

Optimum Releasing

If you're a fan of Beth Dutton, then you definitely need more Kelly Reilly in your life. While she may not bring the same level of badassery to any other role as she does in Yellowstone, Eden Lake offers a fantastic opportunity to see her in a very different light as she takes on the role of the final girl in a horror movie.

In the film, Jenny (played by Reilly) and Steve (played by Michael Fassbender) travel to a remote countryside for a romantic getaway, only to have their weekend disrupted by a violent and unruly group of teenagers. As Steve confronts them, the trip takes a dangerous turn and Reilly embarks on a desperate survival mission filled with jump scares, graphic gore, and a major plot twist.

Dazed and Confused

Gramercy Pictures

Get ready to be amazed by the sight of an 18-year-old Cole Hauser in this quintessential ‘90s cult comedy. Before becoming the bearded brute, Rip Wheeler, Hauser was sporting a red perm and mutton chops as Benny O’Donnell in Dazed and Confused. Even though he may look completely different, he was just as likable back then too.

Dazed and Confused was the big break Richard Linklater needed, and even if Hauser wasn't part of the cast, it's still essential viewing as one of the best comedy movies ever made. A huge part of the success of this film is the work of the ensemble cast, mainly made up of actors just starting their career, who bring an endearing charm and authenticity – it was clear Hauser was bound for stardom, even then.

Prey

Disney+

The Native American characters in Yellowstone series and its 1883 spin-off demonstrate incredible strength and resilience in the face of adversity, a theme that is vividly portrayed in the 2022 movie Prey. Serving as a prequel to the original Predator film, this movie stands strong in its own right.

Set in 1719, the film chronicles the journey of Naru, a determined young Comanche woman striving to prove her prowess as a skilled hunter. However, her aspirations take an unexpected turn as she finds herself in a deadly pursuit of an extraterrestrial predator, resulting in a gripping showdown. Prey is intense and action-packed, offering a fresh and original perspective on the established Predator franchise – a rarity in today's film industry.

The Power of the Dog

Netflix

If you love Yellowstone, chances are you appreciate a great Western film. The Power of the Dog is a standout in the genre, an Oscar-winning film by Jane Campion that appeals to those who prefer more contemplative and thought-provoking storytelling.

This film delves into family dynamics and the delicate nature of the male ego - themes that are also prominent in Yellowstone. However, it takes a different approach by minimizing the typical violence found in Westerns and instead focusing on more nuanced and evocative interactions. With a cast featuring talent like Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons, there's every reason to give it a watch. What are you waiting for?

The Harder They Fall

Netflix

Looking for a more intense Western film? Look no further than The Harder They Fall, a criminally underrated movie that delivers all the violent action and bloodshed you could want. With a powerhouse cast including Idris Elba, LaKeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, and Regina King, this film is not to be missed. The story at the heart of Jeymes Samuel’s film is both entertaining and enlightening, shedding light on the true influence of Black men and women in this period of history.

Hostiles 

Entertainment Studios

Throughout its five seasons, Yellowstone has exemplified the notion of keeping close to one's enemies, as observed in John Dutton's temporary allegiances with adversaries like Dan Jenkins and Thomas Rainwater to overcome shared threats. This same principle is central to Hostiles, making the film a must-see for any fan of the series.

In the movie, Christian Bale portrays Captain Joseph Blocker, a US Army captain reluctantly tasked with one final mission before retirement. His mission, to transport his old enemy, Cheyenne chief Yellow Hawk, from Fort Berringer to Montana, becomes perilous when they come under attack from Comanche warriors. To survive the journey, Blocker must learn to trust his former foe.

Bonus points to Hostiles for also featuring no less than four Yellowstone supporting cast members, too: Ryan Bingham, Q’orianka Kilcher, Tanaya Beatty, and Boots Southerland.

Lawless

The Weinstein Company

While we have a soft spot for John Dutton, it's hard to ignore the fact that he and his ranch hands frequently bend the law on Yellowstone. John could be considered an anti-hero, much like the Bondurant brothers in the 2012 crime film, Lawless.

The movie features an intense portrayal of the Bondurant brothers, played by Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, and Jason Clarke, whose illegal moonshine operation draws the unwanted attention of the ruthless and corrupt lawman, Charley Rakes (Guy Pearce). As Rakes and his deceitful associates tighten their grip on the Bondurant clan, all-out warfare ensues in Franklin County, culminating in a shootout that would make Yellowstone seem tame in comparison.

Blue Ruin

RADiUS-TWC

Discovering the tangled web of murder and deception linking Dwight Evans to the Cleland family in Blue Ruin reveals a darker side to the Dutton family's secrets. This raw and intense indie film is filled with the kind of tension and frenetic energy that makes for a truly gripping thriller.

Hell or High Water

A tale of vengeance, Blue Ruin follows Dwight as he embarks on a quest to avenge his parents' death by killing Wade Cleland, whom he believes was responsible for their murder twenty years earlier. As Dwight makes his way through the Cleland family, resorting to stabbing and shooting, he comes to realize that things are not as straightforward as he thought. However, it is too late for him to turn back, and he is determined to pursue the emotional release he seeks until he achieves it.

Lionsgate

Due to our insatiable appetite for Taylor Sheridan's work, we've added another one of his films to complete this list. Hell or High Water is the second installment in Sheridan's American Frontier trilogy (following the equally impressive Sicario), and the movie garnered him his first well-deserved Oscar nomination for his sharp screenplay.

Don't miss Ben Foster and Chris Pine in their thrilling roles as brothers determined to save their family's ranch in Hell or High Water. Watch as they resort to robbing banks in a desperate attempt to stop the foreclosure. Hell or High Water is a slick, engaging movie that showcases Sheridan's talent for creating authentic characters. For more on Sheridan's work, be sure to explore our other Yellowstone coverage.

Discover if you're a fan of Yellowstone, the reason for Kevin Costner's departure, and if the show is airing tonight. Also explore the 1923 cast and Season 2, as well as the fate of characters like Tate and Beth. Get up-to-date on all the latest developments, including spinoffs, the involvement of other Yellowstone stars, and the anticipated release of the finale.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the TV series Yellowstone, I am both excited and sad about the upcoming conclusion of the show. It has been an incredible journey, and I will miss the characters and the world that Taylor Sheridan has created. However, I am also excited to see what the future holds for the cast and crew, and I am confident that they will continue to produce great work.

The list of movies recommended in the article provides a great way to cope with the loss of Yellowstone. I am particularly interested in Wind River, as I am a fan of Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, and I am eager to see their performances in a different setting. I am also intrigued by Eden Lake, as I am a fan of Kelly Reilly and I am curious to see her in a horror movie role. Overall, I am grateful for the recommendations and I look forward to exploring these movies and discovering new favorites.