Taylor Sheridan has earned acclaim over the past decade for his gritty neo-Western films and intense portrayals of American life. Known primarily as a screenwriter and director, Sheridan’s work has notably shaped the modern American Frontier genre, with his movies often reflecting complex social and moral issues. This article explores Taylor Sheridan movie rankings based on Rotten Tomatoes scores, highlighting his creative milestones and revealing which films critics and audiences have embraced most.
The Least Favored: “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse” (2021)
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, released in 2021, marks Taylor Sheridan’s second collaboration with director Stefano Sollima. Featuring Michael B. Jordan as John Kelly, a former U.S. Navy SEAL seeking revenge against those responsible for his family’s death, the film is a military action-thriller set within the Tom Clancy universe. Sheridan was brought in to modernize the script, which had origins in the 1990s, and the movie streamed on Prime Video. However, it earned a modest 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite its action sequences and Jordan’s compelling performance, Without Remorse has been criticized for its lack of originality, especially compared to other similar genre films. Sheridan co-wrote the film but was not the sole writer, which may explain the difference in tone from his more personal projects. The film’s reception suggests it remains the weakest entry in Sheridan’s Rotten Tomatoes-ranked filmography, with critics and viewers alike finding it less memorable.
Mid-Tier Sequel: “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (2018)
The 2018 sequel to Sheridan’s breakout Sicario, entitled Sicario: Day of the Soldado, introduced director Stefano Sollima to Sheridan’s work for the first time. This film shifts towards a more intense action and crime thriller, depicting the harsh realities of the U.S.-Mexico border conflict and human trafficking issues. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 62%, it maintains a “fresh” rating but falls short of the critical praise showered on the original.
The sequel replaces Emily Blunt’s introspective character with a more action-oriented approach focused on Benicio del Toro’s Alejandro, who commands the narrative with relentless intensity. While it diverges from the original’s tone, the film expands the Sicario universe and delivers a gripping thriller experience. Many anticipate a third installment, hoping Sheridan will return to continue the story, possibly even taking on directing duties.
Underrated Thriller: “Those Who Wish Me Dead” (2021)
Those Who Wish Me Dead, another Sheridan project from 2021, blends action thriller elements with neo-Western aesthetics against the rugged backdrop of Montana. Based on Michael Koryta’s 2014 novel and directed by Sheridan himself, the film boasts a solid 63% Rotten Tomatoes rating, slightly higher than Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Angelina Jolie, Nicholas Hoult, Jon Bernthal, and newcomer Finn Little star, delivering performances that critics praised despite the film’s mixed reviews.
Compared to Sheridan’s earlier, more tightly focused thrillers such as Wind River, this film is grander in scale and more blockbuster-oriented. Sheridan’s challenge to balance expansive storytelling with intimate character moments is evident, but the result is a well-crafted movie that many viewers felt deserved better critical reception. It showcases Sheridan’s ability to handle larger canvas stories while maintaining his signature tension and atmosphere.
Powerful Native American Drama: “Wind River” (2017)
Wind River stands as the final chapter in Sheridan’s acclaimed American Frontier trilogy and his first official directorial effort. Released in 2017, this thriller is set on the Wind River Indian Reservation and follows a joint investigation by Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) into the murder of a local young woman. The film earned a strong 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and features a talented supporting cast, including Gil Birmingham, Graham Greene, Kelsey Asbille, and Jon Bernthal.
The movie’s final scenes are especially impactful, highlighting the ongoing crisis of violence on Native American reservations with profound gravity. For Sheridan, the film serves as a stark observation on these systemic issues. Sheridan highlighted the importance of this subject, remarking,
“epidemic of violence on the reservation that needs attention and needs addressing,”
as he told NPR. Wind River combines tension-filled storytelling with social commentary, solidifying its place as a serious, reflective film in Sheridan’s portfolio.
Tense Border Thriller: “Sicario” (2014)
Sicario was the film that introduced Taylor Sheridan on the world stage as a formidable screenwriter. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the 2014 thriller boasts a remarkable 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes and stars Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin. It offers a gripping and nuanced portrayal of the U.S.-Mexico border conflict, weaving tension and moral ambiguity throughout its narrative. The film is widely considered one of the most realistic and stylish portrayals of border issues.
While Sheridan’s script laid the foundation, certain final scenes, especially the climactic exchanges between Blunt and del Toro’s characters, benefited from Villeneuve’s and the actors’ on-set input. Regardless, Sheridan’s influence permeates the film’s intense atmosphere and complex characters, cementing Sicario as a defining moment in his American Frontier series and inspiring its sequel.
Highest Acclaim: “Hell or High Water” (2016)
Claiming the top spot among Taylor Sheridan movie rankings on Rotten Tomatoes is Hell or High Water, which holds a remarkable 97% rating. This neo-Western heist thriller was directed by David Mackenzie and features Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, and Gil Birmingham. The story centers on two brothers from West Texas who resort to bank robberies to save their family ranch, capturing the tensions of poverty, law enforcement, and family loyalty in modern America.
Hell or High Water is widely regarded as Sheridan’s best-written film, expertly blending intense action with rich character depth. The screenplay draws heavily from Sheridan’s personal Texas experience and even includes a cameo appearance by Sheridan himself as a cowboy. The film’s success has encouraged many fans and critics to hope for more projects that match its emotional and narrative complexity, proving Sheridan’s ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
With a well-earned reputation for thoughtful narratives and atmospheric tension, Taylor Sheridan’s movies continue to influence Hollywood’s neo-Western genre. His focus on difficult social themes combined with strong characters sets him apart, making his filmography rich for study and appreciation. As new projects develop, the anticipation for future Sheridan works remains high, especially following his success in expanding his American Frontier vision.
