Skip to content
MovieCove
Wyatt Earp

Wyatt Earp

The epic story of love and adventure in a lawless land.

1994191 minPG-13Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films
Director
Lawrence Kasdan
Starring
Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, David Andrews

From Wichita to Dodge City, to the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Wyatt Earp is taught that nothing matters more than family and the law. Joined by his brothers and Doc Holliday, Earp wages war on the dreaded Clanton and McLaury gangs.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Wyatt Earp?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Wyatt Earp to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Wyatt Earp?

Wyatt Earp earns 10 badges, led by Visual feast and Guilty pleasure.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Wyatt Earp worth watching?

Wyatt Earp's Midcredits score is the 67th percentile of all films, from 84K ratings across 6 sources. 61% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

67th percentile

Better received than 67% of films

75th percentile among Adventure69th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)67th

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

72nd percentile among Adventure68th percentile among 1990s

Critics 47 · Audience 67

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

61% liked it

67th percentile of all films

74th percentile among Adventure69th percentile among 1990s
61% rated it 7–1039% rated it 1–6

Critics 33% · Audience 61%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 8 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Cinematography

93rd percentile

84K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Adventure90th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 20% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$63M
Opening weekend$7.5M
Domestic gross$25M
Worldwide gross$25M

Returned 0.4× its budget — 75th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree that the film is an ambitious, historically-minded epic that is excessively long and deliberately paced, prioritizing character study over action.

Fans praised

  • Historically grounded depiction of Wyatt Earp's full life from youth to old age
  • Strong ensemble cast with standout performances by Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday and Gene Hackman as Nicholas Earp
  • Beautiful cinematography and evocative period authenticity

Detractors panned

  • Overlong and poorly paced, with a runtime that feels bloated and self-indulgent
  • Kevin Costner's performance as wooden, emotionally flat and lacking charisma
  • Dull, meandering narrative that fails to build dramatic tension or momentum

What stands out

Cinematography80

Stunning widescreen landscapes and authentic period visuals, Oscar-nominated

AtmosphereDivisive75

Gritty, dusty, immersive sense of the Old West and frontier life

ActingDivisive72

Dennis Quaid's gaunt, committed Doc Holliday widely praised; Costner divisive as stiff/accurate; Hackman, Madsen, Sizemore noted as solid

Dialogue52

Period-appropriate but often stilted, speechifying, and lacking the wit of Tombstone

CharactersDivisive50

Earp portrayed as cold, complex, morally ambiguous; supporting characters underdeveloped and easily forgotten

Plot and storyDivisive45

Sprawling life-spanning biopic, unfocused and rambling with weak narrative drive

Sound and musicDivisive45

James Newton Howard's score called majestic by fans, but overbearing and manipulative by detractors

Pacing20

Relentlessly slow, feels its three-plus hours, urgently needs tighter editing

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 15 points higher than under-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 14 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Wyatt Earp like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicCathartic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
ToneThe film treats its historical material with earnest gravity, aiming for a serious, epic portrait of a legendary figure.
The rideThe film sustains a brooding tension from Wyatt's wartime youth through the vendetta ride, with emotional weight distributed across losses and violent confrontations.
StructureThe film follows Wyatt Earp's life chronologically through distinct episodes, from his youth to his time as a lawman and the Tombstone climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's portrayal of Wyatt Earp as a complex, flawed man leaves a bittersweet impression, while its skepticism about historical myth invites reflection.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeWyatt Earp fights against lawless outlaws, especially the Cowboy gang, while also undergoing a personal redemption after his wife's death.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates how a man's pursuit of order and justice is shaped — and often twisted — by personal loss, loyalty, and an escalating obsession with revenge.
StanceThe film examines whether Wyatt's brand of justice is righteous or merely violent, without settling the question definitively.

The world

19th centuryRuralUrbanWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingThe American frontier from Iowa to Wichita, Dodge City, and Tombstone during the Civil War and its aftermath.

Content guide

Is Wyatt Earp okay for kids?

PG-13

Wyatt Earp is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for strong gunfights, some language and sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (57/100), sexual content at moderate (36/100), language at moderate (54/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (39/100) and frightening material at moderate (59/100). Overall it is heavier than 77% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK12
  • Germany12
  • Ireland12
  • Czechia12+
  • Greece13
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 47% of all filmsHeavier than 77% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 64%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 67%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 78%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 79%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 72%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 72% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Wyatt Earp have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Wyatt Earp?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kevin Costner
as Wyatt Earp
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dennis Quaid
as Doc Holliday
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gene Hackman
as Nicholas Earp
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
David Andrews
as James Earp
Linden Ashby
as Morgan Earp
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jeff Fahey
as Ike Clanton
Joanna Going
as Josie Marcus
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Mark Harmon
as Sheriff Johnny Behan
Michael Madsen
as Virgil Earp
Catherine O'Hara
as Allie Earp

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Wyatt Earp?

Movies like Wyatt Earp include My Darling Clementine (1946), Hour of the Gun (1967) and Open Range (2003). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about sheriffs, and several are films with Kevin Costner.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: western. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Wyatt Earp?

1.2K other films share the rarest tag below, up against: outlaw. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.