Taylor Sheridan has emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary cinema and television, known for his compelling storytelling and mastery of the modern Western genre. His work often explores themes of morality, family, and the struggles of life on the fringes of society. This article highlights the top 10 Taylor Sheridan movies and TV shows that have captivated audiences with their intense narratives and richly developed characters.
From his critically acclaimed film “Hell or High Water” to the gripping TV series “Yellowstone,” these selections showcase Sheridan’s ability to craft gripping dramas that resonate deeply with viewers. Whether you’re a fan of his thrilling screenplays or his directorial ventures, this guide offers a look at the standout works that define Taylor Sheridan’s impactful career.
Top 10 Taylor Sheridan Movies and TV Shows
Yellowstone (2016)
Sheridan’s most well-known creation, Yellowstone, is a dramatic series that follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their vast Montana ranch. With a star-studded cast including Kevin Costner, the show blends elements of family drama, political intrigue, and the raw beauty of the American West. Yellowstone has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers and spawning several spin-offs.
Hell or High Water (2016)
A modern-day Western that earned Sheridan an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, Hell or High Water tells the story of two brothers who turn to bank robbery to save their family’s ranch. The film’s gritty realism, coupled with outstanding performances by Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges, makes it one of Sheridan’s most critically acclaimed works. The film explores themes of economic hardship, justice, and desperation, resonating deeply with audiences.
Sicario (2015)
In Sicario, Sheridan dives into the dark world of the Mexican drug war. The film follows an FBI agent, played by Emily Blunt, who is recruited into a government task force led by a mysterious operative (Benicio Del Toro). With a tense, unpredictable plot and powerful performances, Sicario showcases Sheridan’s ability to create a harrowing atmosphere. The film’s success led to a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, also penned by Sheridan.
Wind River (2017)
Wind River is a chilling crime thriller set on a Native American reservation in Wyoming. The film, which Sheridan wrote and directed, follows a wildlife tracker (Jeremy Renner) and an FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) as they investigate the murder of a young woman. With its haunting score, stark visuals, and a storyline that highlights the often-overlooked plight of indigenous communities, Wind River is one of Sheridan’s most personal and poignant works.
Mayor of Kingstown (2021)
Mayor of Kingstown is another TV series that underscores Sheridan’s fascination with the complexities of power and corruption. Set in a small Michigan town where incarceration is the main industry, the show follows the McLusky family as they navigate the murky waters of law enforcement, criminal enterprises, and local politics. Jeremy Renner leads the cast, delivering a compelling performance in a series that has been praised for its gritty realism and moral ambiguity.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
The follow-up to Sicario, Day of the Soldado delves deeper into the violent and shadowy world of the drug trade. While lacking the original’s directorial touch of Denis Villeneuve, the sequel, written by Sheridan, still delivers a gripping narrative filled with action and moral complexity. Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin return, providing powerful performances that drive the film’s intense and often brutal storyline.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
Sheridan returns to the director’s chair for Those Who Wish Me Dead, a thriller based on the novel by Michael Koryta. The film stars Angelina Jolie as a firefighter struggling with PTSD who must protect a young boy from assassins in the Montana wilderness. The film combines Sheridan’s signature elements of tension, survival, and human resilience against a backdrop of natural beauty and danger.
1883 (2021-2022)
A prequel to Yellowstone, 1883 takes viewers back to the late 19th century, following the Dutton family’s ancestors as they journey through the Great Plains in search of a better life. The series is a visual and emotional epic, blending historical drama with the harsh realities of frontier life. Starring Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott, 1883 has been praised for its authenticity, character development, and sweeping cinematography.
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021)
In this action-packed thriller, Sheridan adapts Tom Clancy’s novel into a contemporary tale of revenge. Starring Michael B. Jordan as Navy SEAL John Kelly, the film follows his quest for justice after Russian operatives murder his wife. While Without Remorse deviates from Clancy’s original story, Sheridan’s script adds depth to the character and injects the film with a relentless pace and intense action sequences.
Tulsa King (2023)
Tulsa King is one of Sheridan’s more recent ventures, following the story of a former mafia capo who is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving a long prison sentence. Played by Sylvester Stallone, the series explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the clash between old-school mob values and the modern world. Sheridan’s writing adds depth to the character-driven drama, making it a standout in his portfolio.
