The Ultimate Showdown: The Definitive Ranking of Actors Who Portrayed Billy The Kid in Movies & TV Shows

Summary

Billy the Kid has been portrayed in numerous films and television shows, showcasing his intriguing moral complexity as both an outlaw and a charismatic figure.

The performances of Kris Kristofferson, Val Kilmer, and Emilio Estevez have added depth and authenticity to the character of Billy the Kid. However, Tom Blyth's recent portrayal in the MGM+ series stands out as one of the best renditions, effectively capturing the lanky and disheveled appearance of the legendary outlaw.

Billy the Kid, the notorious outlaw, has been portrayed in numerous films and television shows. The earliest portrayal of William H. Bonney on film can be traced back to 1911 when two silent films, including "The Adventure of Billy the Kid" directed by D. W. Griffith, were made. Over the years, many renowned directors and actors of the Western genre have been drawn to the spirit of this Old American West outlaw, resulting in his portrayal in various forms of media such as film, TV, plays, radio broadcasts, and songs.

Billy the Kid has emerged as a historic and legendary figure in the mythical American West of the late 19th century, largely due to his intriguing moral complexity. Born as Henry McCarty in New York, Billy became an orphan at the age of 15 and met his demise at the hands of a lawman's gun when he was only 21. Infamous for his crimes, including multiple cases of theft and the murder of at least 20 men, he managed to elude the law for most of his short adult life. Despite his dangerous reputation as a skilled gunslinger, Billy was also known for his friendly and charismatic nature, making him one of the most well-known figures of the Old West era.

10 Geoffrey Deuel In Chisum (1970)

9 Kris Kristofferson In Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973)

Geoffrey Deuel's portrayal of Billy the Kid in the 1970 Western Chisum, alongside John Wayne as a cattle baron who sided with Billy in the historic Lincoln County War, falls short of capturing the expected roughness of the real-life William H. Bonney. While Deuel's Hollywood star appearance is undeniable, his polished look and relatively plain demeanor do not embody the ruggedness one would anticipate. Although Deuel's Billy the Kid is not the primary focus of Chisum, his portrayal lacks the danger and excitement that should accompany such an infamous outlaw.

Kris Kristofferson, renowned for his skills as a country singer, portrayed the character of Billy the Kid in two distinct productions. The initial one being in the iconic Western film "Pat Garret & Billy the Kid" directed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah. Peckinpah, who solidified his reputation as a Western director with the groundbreaking "The Wild Bunch" in 1969, reimagined the rivalry between former friends turned foes, Pat Garrett and William H. Bonney, ultimately leading to the demise of the latter. While Kristofferson's impressive stature and well-built physique may not accurately capture the lean appearance of the real-life Billy the Kid, the actor delivers an enjoyable performance nonetheless.

8 Jack Buetel In The Outlaw (1943)

Jack Buetel's portrayal of Billy the Kid on colored film, one of the earliest in the silent film era, is characterized by his stiff and conventional performance. Nevertheless, Buetel's resemblance to the real-life Billy the Kid is strikingly evident. Making his film debut as William H. Bonney, the young actor successfully captures the naivety that is inherently a part of the notorious outlaw's youthful and confident demeanor.

7 Val Kilmer In Gore Vidal’s Billy The Kid (1989)

Val Kilmer gave a quiet and nuanced performance as William H. Bonney in Gore Vidal's Billy the Kid, a television film helmed by director William A. Graham. In contrast to previous portrayals of the notorious outlaw, Kilmer imbued the character with a Southern twang, lending an air of authenticity to his portrayal from the very beginning. Kilmer's stellar performance in Gore Vidal's Billy the Kid marked a significant milestone in his early career, ultimately opening the doors for his breakthrough role as Jim Morrison in The Doors.

6 Clu Gulager In The Tall Man (1960 - 1962)

Clu Gulager outshined most other actors who took on the role in portraying Billy the Kid, as evident in his impressive performance throughout 75 episodes spanning two seasons of the popular Western series, The Tall Man, from 1960 to 1962. The undeniable pairing of Gulager alongside Barry Sullivan's Pat Garrett, who played the captivating and vital role in the show, resulted in a remarkable onscreen chemistry between the two actors. Gulager's portrayal of the playful and cunning outlaw, Billy the Kid, was exceptionally believable, showcasing his simple-minded sensibility and remarkable sharpshooting prowess.

5 Emilio Estevez In Young Guns (1988) & Young Guns II (1990)

In Young Guns and Young Guns II, Emilio Estevez delivers a captivating and vibrant portrayal of the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid. Estevez stands out as a charismatic figure among a notorious gang of young gunslingers, which includes Kiefer Sutherland's Doc Scurlock, Charlie Sheen's Dick Brewer, and Dermot Mulroney's Dirty Steve Stephens. While Estevez's interpretation reflects the spirit of the 1980s, his magnetic presence onscreen makes his portrayal of Billy the Kid one of the most thrilling and memorable.

4 Tom Blyth In Billy the Kid (2022 - )

With two seasons as the lead character on the MGM+ series, English actor Tom Blyth has showcased his remarkable portrayal of the notorious outlaw, Billy the Kid. Throughout the series, Blyth skillfully brings to light lesser-known aspects of Billy the Kid, including his musical inclination. Additionally, Blyth effortlessly embodies the unkempt and slender appearance of the infamous outlaw, solidifying his recent rendition of Billy the Kid as one of the greatest performances ever.

3 Audie Murphy In The Kid From Texas (1950)

Billy the Kid is masterfully portrayed by Audie Murphy, a WWII war hero who later became an actor. Murphy brings a unique sense of pride to the notorious character, imbuing him with a cool demeanor rarely seen in other interpretations. Despite his polished appearance, Billy the Kid possesses a depth that sets him apart, seeming both distant and lost within his own thoughts while remaining relatable to the audience. Murphy's surprising and skillful portrayal of Billy the Kid is a testament to his exceptional talents as an actor.

2 Paul Newman In The Left Handed Gun (1958)

1 Dane DeHaan In The Kid (2019)

The Left Handed Gun showcases Paul Newman, a revered figure in Western cinema, embodying the iconic role of Billy the Kid. Newman's mesmerizing eyes serve as a window into the complex narrative of Billy the Kid, offering glimpses of his reckless yearning for danger and his overall enigmatic nature. While occasionally bordering on theatricality, Newman's portrayal exudes a fervent blend of passion, exhilaration, and unadulterated strength that resonates with the essence of the real-life William H. Bonney.

Dane DeHaan, reminiscent of a youthful Leonardo DiCaprio, showcases his exceptional acting talents in the 2019 film The Kid alongside Ethan Hawke. With a striking physical resemblance to the actual Billy the Kid, DeHaan flawlessly embodies the grit and ruggedness of the infamous outlaw. His portrayal evokes a sense of internal turmoil, shedding light on the tragic essence of the real-life Billy the Kid.