Few creators have redefined the Western genre in recent years like Taylor Sheridan, whose Western works have captivated audiences and reignited mainstream interest in the American frontier on both television and film. From the sweeping landscapes and generational drama of Yellowstone to acclaimed neo-Western thrillers and innovative series, Sheridan’s body of work features a wide range of stories, characters, and settings, leaving fans eager to discover which of his Western projects truly stands above the rest.
Revival of the Western Genre Through Sheridan’s Vision
American entertainment has long embraced Westerns, from the days of John Wayne to Clint Eastwood. Over time, the genre faded somewhat as Hollywood turned toward new themes and ideas. The 21st century saw a few notable returns to form with shows like Deadwood and Justified. However, a true Western renaissance did not arrive until Taylor Sheridan began making his mark. His detailed storytelling, commitment to authenticity, and diverse cast of characters have brought a renewed appreciation for Westerns, best exemplified by the widespread success of Yellowstone and its related series.
Ranking Taylor Sheridan’s Western Projects
With so many notable titles credited to Sheridan, it can be challenging to pick a single standout. Here, his key Western works are ranked, each offering its own contribution to the genre.
11. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
Sequels are notoriously difficult, and Sicario: Day of the Soldado struggles to reach the heights of the original. This action crime thriller, directed by Stefano Sollima and written by Sheridan, is classified as a neo-Western, focusing on FBI agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) collaborating once again with Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) to confront Mexican drug cartels after it’s suspected they’re smuggling terrorists into the U.S. The plot escalates when they kidnap a cartel leader’s daughter, Isabel Reyes (Isabela Merced), leading to moral dilemmas and collateral consequences. Despite maintaining style and dynamic pacing, the film’s heavy-handed approach to contemporary issues divides audiences. The combination of del Toro and Sheridan’s storytelling brings energy to the movie, though it falls short of classic cowboy Westerns and ultimately lands at the bottom of the list while still delivering memorable moments.
10. Tulsa King (2022–)
Following the breakout popularity of Yellowstone, Sheridan expanded his television ventures, introducing Tulsa King. Starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a Mafia capo sent to Oklahoma after leaving prison, the show stands as a blend of organized crime and Western sensibility. In Tulsa, Manfredi assembles an unconventional group, including a taxi driver (Jay Will), a dispensary entrepreneur (Martin Starr), and a bar owner (Garrett Hedlund), as he grows a local syndicate while clashing with his past. The show’s mix of humor and intense drama is bolstered by Stallone’s screen presence, though the premise of mobsters in Oklahoma sometimes feels like an offbeat juxtaposition. Still, audiences have supported the series enough to usher in three seasons and a spin-off, NOLA King, featuring Samuel L. Jackson.
9. Wind River (2017)
Wind River showcases Sheridan’s skill in using the Western form to explore contemporary social issues. The neo-Western murder mystery, set on Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation, follows wildlife tracker Carey Lambert (Jeremy Renner) and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) investigating the killing of Natalie Hanson (Kelsey Asbille), a young Indigenous woman. As they pursue the truth, they confront a web of violence, neglect, and cover-ups involving local oil workers. The film’s climax is both violent and harrowing, providing a sobering lens on systemic threats faced by Indigenous women. While Wind River’s subtle approach and deep realism make it compelling, it ranks lower simply because the competition in Sheridan’s catalog is particularly strong.
8. The Last Cowboy (2019–)
The Last Cowboy marks Sheridan’s foray into reality television, giving viewers an unfiltered look at reining horse competitions in the West. The series, now in its sixth season on CMT, documents the lives of top riders as they train for the prestigious Run for a Million event. More than a glimpse at cowboy culture, the show offers an in-depth exploration of the discipline and resourcefulness required in elite competition. Sheridan’s respect for the equestrian world shines throughout, as the series reveals the daily routines and motivations of participants. The Last Cowboy stands out for highlighting the authenticity and fearlessness of modern horsemen, aligning with the values at the heart of his fictional works.
7. Lawman: Bass Reeves (2023)
Lawman: Bass Reeves brings to screen the story of the legendary African American lawman, Bass Reeves (David Oyelowo), who rose from enslavement to become a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Indian Territory, west of the Mississippi. The show delivers a complex portrait of Reeves’ decades-long career, from his beginnings through his trailblazing achievements. Blending historical realities with fictional elements, the series explores themes of racial violence and justice, though some have noted it could delve deeper. Oyelowo’s compelling performance grounds the narrative, and the show’s atmospheric visuals further enhance its standing. As an anthology, its future stories remain to be seen, but this chapter ensures that Bass Reeves’ legacy garners the attention it deserves.
6. Hell or High Water (2016)
Hell or High Water, a neo-Western heist film, focuses on the Howard brothers—Toby (Chris Pine), a father seeking a better life for his son, and Tanner (Ben Foster), a volatile ex-con—as they rob banks to save their family ranch. Pursued by Texas Rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham), the brothers’ mission builds to an intense showdown. With a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and standout performances across the cast, the film eschews empty shootouts in favor of character depth and moral ambiguity. The artful direction, paired with sweeping cinematography, cements it among Sheridan’s seminal works. While perhaps initially overshadowed by the later Western resurgence, Hell or High Water is now widely recognized for its impact and excellence.
5. Landman (2024–)
Landman offers a fresh setting for Western drama, centering on the oil boom in West Texas. Inspired by the Boomtown podcast, the series follows crisis manager Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), who navigates the rough landscape of billionaires, shifting economies, and energy politics. Thornton headlines a star-studded cast, including Demi Moore, Ali Larter, Sam Elliott, Andy Garcia, and Jon Hamm. The show thrives on real-world stakes and character-driven intrigue, though its approach to the oil vs. renewables debate has sparked some debate among viewers. Building on the Yellowstone legacy, Landman has quickly found its audience thanks to an engaging pace and thoughtful writing, anchoring itself as a fan favorite after just two seasons.
4. 1923 (2022–2025)
Building upon the Dutton family mythology, 1923 uncovers a pivotal era in Montana’s history during the Great Depression and Prohibition. Featuring Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) and his wife Cara (Helen Mirren), this series chronicles the family’s struggle to defend their ranch through drought, economic turmoil, and external threats from competing families. Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) faces the trauma left by World War I, adding further depth to the story. The cast, led by Ford and Mirren, delivers powerful performances, expanding the Dutton legacy in epic fashion. With interwoven timelines and rich character development, 1923 adds a compelling chapter to the ever-expanding universe, drawing viewers deeper into the family saga as it approaches the events of Yellowstone.
3. 1883 (2021–2022)
The origin story of the Duttons takes center stage in 1883, capturing the raw hardship and hope of settling the West. James and Margaret Dutton, portrayed by real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, guide a group of immigrants and cowboys, including the grizzled Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott), from Texas to Montana. The perilous journey across the Great Plains exposes them to relentless danger and loss, depicting the cost of expansion with unflinching realism. 1883 stands out for its harsh yet evocative storytelling, authentically revealing the circumstances under which the Yellowstone Ranch was first claimed. This prequel deepens viewers’ understanding of the family’s legacy, providing a memorable foundation for the films and series that follow.
2. Sicario (2015)
Sicario stands as one of Sheridan’s most acclaimed projects and a high-water mark for neo-Western cinema. The film follows FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), who joins a secretive task force led by Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and the brooding Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) to battle escalating violence on the U.S.-Mexico border. As the team manipulates cartel wars to expose a major drug lord, the story delves into the murky realities of modern law enforcement. Denis Villeneuve’s sharp direction pairs with Sheridan’s tense, atmospheric script, resulting in a film that is both emotionally intense and visually striking. Despite not being a classic Western by setting, Sicario employs familiar tropes—lawless frontiers, antiheroes, and razor-sharp moral dilemmas—anchoring it within Sheridan’s Western oeuvre while offering unparalleled suspense and drama.
1. Yellowstone (2018–)
No discussion of Taylor Sheridan Western works is complete without highlighting Yellowstone, the series that brought him widespread acclaim and rejuvenated the genre for a new era. Yellowstone chronicles the complex, often brutal lives of the Dutton family as they fight to maintain control over the largest contiguous ranch in Montana. Led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), the drama explores themes of land ownership, loyalty, betrayal, and generational change. The sprawling ensemble cast, intricate plots, and stunning visuals have made Yellowstone a phenomenon, spawning spin-offs and a passionate fan base. As a result, Yellowstone stands as Sheridan’s most influential and enduring Western achievement to date, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in modern entertainment.
A Lasting Legacy in Television and Film
Taylor Sheridan’s Western works have not only revived interest in a classic American genre but have also introduced it to new audiences and reimagined its possibilities. This ranking, anchored by the likes of Yellowstone, Sicario, and 1883, highlights how Sheridan’s storytelling blends tradition and innovation, using familiar genre markers alongside contemporary themes. Actors such as Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Billy Bob Thornton, and Emily Blunt have breathed life into his characters, while series like Landman, 1923, and Tulsa King show the genre’s adaptability and enduring relevance. As Sheridan continues to develop new stories and characters, his influence on the landscape of Westerns is set to persist, leaving fans and newcomers alike eager for what he creates next.
