If you are a fan of Yellowstone and Kevin Costner, there is a good chance you will find yourself drawn to a Western drama that has recently surged in popularity on Netflix. Though it was originally released more than three decades ago, this film has found new life with modern audiences and is currently trending on the platform. That film is Wyatt Earp, a 1994 biographical Western that stars Costner as the legendary lawman whose name has become inseparable from the mythology of the American frontier.

In Wyatt Earp, Costner portrays the real-life figure who would go on to play a central role in the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight of 1881. Rather than focusing solely on that single, well-known event, the film presents an expansive chronicle of Earp’s life, beginning in his youth and continuing into middle age. It aims to explore not just what Earp did, but who he was, how he thought, and how his experiences shaped the man he ultimately became. The result is a sweeping biographical epic that prioritizes depth, realism, and psychological complexity over spectacle.

The story traces Earp’s life from his teenage years during the Civil War era, when he lives with his family on a farm in Iowa, through his gradual transformation into a lawman in frontier towns such as Wichita and Dodge City in Kansas, and later Tombstone, Arizona. From an early age, Earp is taught that two principles matter above all else: loyalty to family and respect for the law. These values guide him throughout his life, even as circumstances grow increasingly violent and morally complicated. He is often accompanied by his brothers James, Morgan, and Virgil, as well as his close friend Doc Holliday, as they are drawn into escalating conflicts with outlaw groups, including the Clanton and McLaury gangs, culminating in the legendary showdown at the O.K. Corral.

What sets Wyatt Earp apart from many other Westerns and historical dramas is its grounded approach to real-life material. Rather than leaning into mythmaking or romanticized heroics, director Lawrence Kasdan and co-writer Dan Gordon present Earp’s story with a gritty, almost austere realism. The film is as much a psychological portrait as it is a historical account, emphasizing the internal struggles Earp faces alongside the external dangers of frontier life. It does not shy away from the darker aspects of his personality, including the emotional toll of violence and the moral weight of enforcing the law in a chaotic, often lawless environment.

One of the film’s most distinctive features is its lengthy runtime, which exceeds three hours. While this ambitious length was a point of criticism for some viewers upon its original release, it ultimately allows the story to unfold with unusual richness and detail. Instead of compressing Earp’s life into a brief summary, the film gives each phase of his journey the time it needs to breathe. Viewers are able to witness his gradual psychological evolution, his shifting priorities, and the cumulative impact of loss, responsibility, and power. This deliberate pacing makes the film feel less like a conventional action epic and more like a slow-burning character study, almost documentary-like in its attention to historical context and personal nuance.

Although the narrative can occasionally feel sprawling or uneven, audiences who appreciate biographical films rooted in factual detail and character development are likely to find this approach rewarding. The Western setting feels authentic rather than romanticized, reinforcing the sense that this is a portrait of a man shaped by harsh realities rather than a larger-than-life legend untouched by doubt or consequence.

Another major strength of Wyatt Earp lies in its ensemble cast. Unlike other films about the same historical events, which often focus narrowly on the gunfight itself, this film devotes considerable attention to the many people who influence and surround Earp throughout his life. Gene Hackman delivers a powerful performance as Nicholas Earp, Wyatt’s stern and commanding father, whose influence looms large over his son’s moral framework. Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of Doc Holliday is particularly memorable, bringing vulnerability and emotional depth to a character often depicted as purely charismatic or reckless.

Costner’s performance stands in clear contrast to more flamboyant portrayals of Wyatt Earp seen in other adaptations. His interpretation is restrained and introspective, fitting the film’s biographical focus. This quieter approach allows the character’s internal conflicts to take center stage. The supporting cast further elevates the film, with strong performances from Catherine O’Hara as Allie Earp, along with Bill Pullman, Mark Harmon, Isabella Rossellini, Tom Sizemore, and Adam Baldwin. Together, they help create a richly populated world that feels lived-in and historically grounded.

Though Wyatt Earp received mixed reviews at the time of its release, its resurgence on Netflix suggests that audiences have grown more appreciative of its ambition and depth. For viewers who enjoy Westerns that prioritize character, realism, and historical scope over quick thrills, the film offers a thoughtful and immersive experience that stands comfortably alongside, and in some ways above, more contemporary entries in the genre.