It’s been more than three decades since Tombstone first hit the big screen, but this gritty, star-packed Western remains a gold standard of the genre – and it’s now available to stream on Disney+. The 1993 film brings the Old West to life with unforgettable performances, stunning cinematography, and a story full of tension, loyalty, and redemption.
Set in the American Southwest during the 1880s, Tombstone centres on former lawman Wyatt Earp as he settles in the small Arizona town of the same name. Hoping to retire from a life of violence, he joins his brothers Virgil and Morgan in search of peace and prosperity. But things don’t stay quiet for long.
Trouble brews with the rise of the Cowboys – a ruthless gang of outlaws who show no respect for the law or the people living in town. As tensions rise, Earp is forced to reconsider his vow to avoid conflict.
Reuniting with him in Tombstone is Doc Holliday – a gambler, gunslinger, and former dentist suffering from tuberculosis. Played by Val Kilmer, Holliday becomes both a loyal ally and one of the film’s most complex characters.
Kilmer’s performance has long been singled out as one of the film’s highlights, bringing confidence with twinge of sadness, and doing Holliday’s depth justice.
Alongside him, Kurt Russell leads the cast as Wyatt Earp. Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton play his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and Dana Delany is actress Josephine Marcus, Wyatt’s love interest.
On the opposide side, Michael Biehn delivers a chilling performance as Johnny Ringo, a dangerous gunslinger and a key figure of the Cowboys, and Powers Boothe takes on the role of Curly Bill Brocius, the gang’s charismatic but menacing leader.
Originally directed by screenwriter Kevin Jarre, the project faced delays and creative disagreements, leading to Jarre being replaced by George P. Cosmatos.
The confusion doesn’t end there: Although Cosmatos is credited as the film’s director, many cast and crew members have since claimed that Kurt Russell took a strong hand in shaping the final film – with Russell himself later stating he essentially directed much of it behind the scenes.
Despite the chaotic backdrop, Tombstone was a solid box office success in 1993, and gained a devoted following over the years. Tombstone (1993) is now available to stream on Disney+.