If you’re a Yellowstone fan, you’re already well aware of the magnetic storytelling style of Taylor Sheridan. Since the massive success of Yellowstone, Sheridan has become a household name in the world of modern Westerns, with an array of projects under his belt that span beyond the ranch and into darker, thrilling territory. Whether you’re looking for more cowboys, intense drama, or suspense-filled narratives, Sheridan’s work delivers.
But Sheridan’s brilliance isn’t limited to just the world of Yellowstone. His unique knack for crafting tense, emotional, and gripping stories has earned him a reputation across a variety of genres. So, if you’re left wanting more after Yellowstone or just need something with that unmistakable Taylor Sheridan vibe, there are plenty of projects to keep you entertained.
Here are 10 Taylor Sheridan projects every Yellowstone fan should check out.
1. Sicario (2015) – A Dark, Intense Thriller
Before he became a legend in the world of television, Taylor Sheridan made waves with his screenwriting debut in the critically acclaimed Sicario. This dark and intense thriller about the U.S.-Mexico border drug wars was not only a box office hit but also garnered a lot of praise for its intense storytelling, atmosphere, and political undertones. Sheridan’s writing created a palpable sense of tension that had audiences gripping their seats from start to finish.
If you love Yellowstone’s suspenseful moments, Sicario delivers in spades. The film dives deep into moral gray areas, much like the complex characters we see on the ranch. The gritty realism and deep sense of danger in the film make it a must-watch for fans of Sheridan’s work.
2. Hell or High Water (2016) – A Modern Western Classic
One of Taylor Sheridan’s most successful films, Hell or High Water brings together the grit of a modern Western with sharp, thrilling dialogue. Set in the rugged Texas landscape, it follows two brothers who rob banks to save their family ranch. The film dives into themes of loyalty, desperation, and the fight for survival—elements that Yellowstone fans will immediately recognize.
The movie boasts a fantastic cast led by Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, and Ben Foster. Sheridan’s writing shines with its rich characters and suspense-filled moments. It’s a great follow-up for anyone who’s enjoyed the family and moral conflicts that Yellowstone showcases.
3. Wind River (2017) – Gripping Crime Drama
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Taylor Sheridan brings his intense writing style to a murder mystery, Wind River is the answer. Set in the snowy wilderness of Wyoming, the film follows a wildlife officer (played by Jeremy Renner) and an FBI agent (played by Elizabeth Olsen) investigating the murder of a young Native American woman.
Sheridan’s ability to create suspenseful and emotionally driven moments is on full display here. The film masterfully blends crime, mystery, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. It’s a chilling and powerful story that will resonate with fans of Yellowstone’s darker themes and the gritty lives of its characters.
4. 1923 (2022) – The Yellowstone Prequel
No Yellowstone fan’s journey would be complete without 1923, the prequel series that delves into the roots of the Dutton family saga. Created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, this show gives us a glimpse into the challenges and sacrifices the Dutton family faced during the early 20th century.
If you love Yellowstone for its complex family dynamics, the rugged challenges the Duttons face, and the historical backdrop, then 1923 is a must-watch. The series brings that signature Sheridan blend of Western drama, thrilling action, and deep emotional stakes, all while fleshing out the legacy that makes the Duttons who they are today.
5. 1883 (2021) – The Prequel That Started It All
Before we had 1923, we got 1883, the first Yellowstone prequel that explored the early days of the Dutton family’s move westward. This series focuses on the journey of James Dutton (played by Tim McGraw) and his family as they trek across the harsh frontier to settle in Montana. The series is full of hardships, danger, and death—essentially, all the things we love about a Sheridan Western.
1883 is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and intense look at the birth of the Dutton family’s legendary ranch. If you want to know where the Yellowstone family legacy began, this is the series for you. It’s a historical drama with the same powerful emotional core and stunning landscapes that made Yellowstone so beloved.
6. Tulsa King (2022) – A Modern Mob Drama with Sheridan’s Signature Touch
For something a bit different but still brimming with Sheridan’s unique storytelling, Tulsa King is an excellent choice. Starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a mob boss recently released from prison, the show follows his attempts to build a new criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Though this series is far removed from the Western genre, it still carries Sheridan’s signature mix of tension, complex characters, and unpredictable twists. Stallone’s performance is fantastic, and the writing is sharp, giving fans of Sheridan’s work something fresh and exciting to sink their teeth into.
7. The Last Cowboy (2019) – A Deep Dive into the World of Competitive Rodeo
If you’re into the cowboy lifestyle and rodeo culture, The Last Cowboy offers a unique take on Sheridan’s passion for the West. This docuseries follows professional bull riders as they compete at the highest level, showcasing the grit, skill, and mental toughness it takes to survive in the rodeo world.
While it’s not scripted like Yellowstone or 1883, it’s a fantastic exploration of the lifestyle that inspired Sheridan’s Western projects. The Last Cowboy gives viewers an authentic look at the world of competitive rodeo, combining excitement, emotion, and raw physicality in true Sheridan fashion.
8. Mayor of Kingstown (2021) – A Tense Drama About Power and Corruption
If you’re craving a more contemporary setting but still want the same intensity and moral ambiguity that Taylor Sheridan excels at, look no further than Mayor of Kingstown. The show takes place in a town that relies heavily on its prison system, and the McLusky family, led by Jeremy Renner’s character, runs everything behind the scenes.
Much like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown is filled with crime, corruption, and moral conflict. Sheridan’s writing explores complex characters and their struggles with power, family loyalty, and the harsh realities of their world. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, with every episode leaving you wanting more.
9. The French Dispatch (2021) – Sheridan’s Cameo in Wes Anderson’s Quirky World
While The French Dispatch is not a typical Taylor Sheridan project, it’s still worth mentioning for those who enjoy seeing him in unexpected roles. Directed by Wes Anderson, this quirky, visually stunning film features Sheridan in a small cameo role. For those who appreciate both Sheridan’s and Anderson’s unique styles, it’s an intriguing blend of sharp writing and creative cinematography.
It’s a fun, offbeat film that shows Sheridan’s versatility—while he’s known for Westerns and gritty dramas, his brief appearance in The French Dispatch proves he can embrace a more whimsical side as well.
10. Lioness (2023) – A Fresh Take on the Espionage Genre
Sheridan’s most recent project, Lioness, brings his signature suspense and high-stakes drama to the world of espionage. The series follows a young CIA operative who’s recruited into a covert mission to infiltrate a terrorist group. The show brings Sheridan’s edge for tension-filled storytelling to a brand-new genre, with a focus on espionage, military strategy, and personal stakes.
Lioness is sure to appeal to fans who appreciate Sheridan’s ability to craft complex characters and tense narratives, this time set in the world of international intrigue.
Conclusion: Taylor Sheridan’s Unstoppable Creativity
Taylor Sheridan has proven himself to be a true master of storytelling. From Western epics like Yellowstone to the gritty, suspenseful crime dramas like Sicario and Wind River, his body of work spans genres and tones while maintaining a unique voice that resonates with viewers. Whether you’re into thrilling crime, intense family drama, or epic Westerns, there’s a Taylor Sheridan project that will keep you glued to your screen.
His creations continue to captivate audiences, and as he expands his creative reach, we can only expect more gripping stories that blend tension, character depth, and heart. So, if you love Yellowstone, don’t stop there—explore Sheridan’s other projects, and discover just how wide his talent truly spans.
