Movies Like Thunder in the Sun

If you liked Thunder in the Sun (1959), a history and western movie directed by Russell Rouse, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
True Grit (1969)
★ 7.3/10Also western and adventure
The murder of her father sends a teenage tomboy on a mission of 'justice', which involves avenging her father's death. She recruits a tough old marshal, 'Rooster' Cogburn because he has 'true grit', and a reputation of…
2
The Call of the Wild (1972)
★ 6.1/10Also adventure and western
John Thornton, is a fearless man who's after more than gold; he wants to do what's right. Thornton works for the U.S. mail and is the only person daring and smart enough to figure out how to travel the deadly 600 miles…
3
The Way West (1967)
★ 6.1/10Also action and adventure
In the mid-19th century, Senator William J. Tadlock leads a group of settlers overland in a quest to start a new settlement in the Western US. Tadlock is a highly principled and demanding taskmaster who is as hard on…
4
Barbarosa (1982)
★ 5.9/10Also western and action
Karl Westover, an inexperienced farm boy, runs away after unintentionally killing a neighbor, whose family pursues him for vengeance. He meets Barbarosa, a gunman of near-mythical proportions, who is himself in danger…
5
Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure (1995)
★ 6.2/10Also adventure and western
A young boy draws on the inspiration of legendary western characters to find the strength to fight an evil land baron in the old west who wants to steal his family's farm and destroy their idyllic community. When…
6
Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier (1955)
★ 6.4/10Also adventure and western
Legends (and myths) from the life of famed American frontiersman Davy Crockett are depicted in this feature film edited from television episodes. Crockett and his friend George Russel fight in the Creek Indian War…
7
Vera Cruz (1954)
★ 6.7/10Also western and adventure
After the American Civil War, mercenaries travel to Mexico to fight in their revolution for money. The former soldier and gentleman Benjamin Trane meets the gunman and killer Joe Erin and his men, and together they are…
8
American Outlaws (2001)
★ 5.9/10Also western and action
When a Midwest town learns that a corrupt railroad baron has captured the deeds to their homesteads without their knowledge, a group of young ranchers join forces to take back what is rightfully theirs. They will…
9
Boss Nigger (1975)
★ 6.7/10Also western and action
Two black bounty hunters ride into a small town out West in pursuit of an outlaw. They discover that the town has no sheriff, and soon take over that position, much against the will of the mostly white townsfolk.
10
News of the World (2020)
★ 6.9/10Also western and adventure
A Texan traveling across the wild West bringing the news of the world to local townspeople, agrees to help rescue a young girl who was kidnapped.
11
No Name on the Bullet (1959)
★ 6.6/10Also action and western
When hired killer John Gant rides into Lordsburg, the town's folk become paranoid as each leading citizen has enemies capable of using the services of a professional killer for personal revenge.
12
Rust (2024)
★ 6.8/10Also western and action
Infamous outlaw Harland Rust breaks his estranged grandson Lucas out of prison, after Lucas is convicted to hang for an accidental murder. The two must outrun legendary U.S Marshal Wood Helm and bounty hunter Fenton…
13
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
★ 6.6/10Also action and adventure
It has been twenty years since Don Diego de la Vega fought Spanish oppression in Alta California as the legendary romantic hero, Zorro. Having escaped from prison he transforms troubled bandit Alejandro into his…
14
Jack Hunter and the Star of Heaven (2009)
★ 6.4/10Also adventure and action
Jack Hunter pursues his arch nemesis Littman across ancient Europe, intent on thwarting his attempt to salvage a deadly artefact.
15
100 Rifles (1969)
★ 5.9/10Also adventure and western
When half-breed Indian Yaqui Joe robs an Arizona bank, he is pursued by dogged lawman Lyedecker. Fleeing to Mexico, Joe is imprisoned by General Verdugo, who is waging a war against the Yaqui Indians. When Lyedecker…
16
Angel and the Badman (1947)
★ 6.4/10Also western and adventure
A wounded outlaw finds unexpected mercy in the care of a rancher's daughter. The hope of love pulls him toward a different life until the law, and his violent past, close in on his new home. Now he must choose the kind…
17
Blackthorn (2011)
★ 6.6/10Also adventure and action
In Bolivia, Butch Cassidy (now calling himself James Blackthorn) pines for one last sight of home, an adventure that aligns him with a young robber and makes the duo a target for gangs and lawmen alike.
18
Silverado (1985)
★ 6.9/10Also western and action
Four unwitting heroes cross paths on their journey to the sleepy town of Silverado. Little do they know the town where their family and friends reside has been taken over by a corrupt sheriff and a murderous posse…
19
Oscar Shaw (2026)
★ 6.6/10Also action and western
After retiring from the police force, a relentless detective haunted by the tragic loss of his closest friend sets out on a perilous quest for vengeance, seeking redemption and fighting to restore justice to the…
20
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
★ 7.9/10Also adventure and western
Two jobless Americans convince a prospector to travel to the mountains of Mexico with them in search of gold. But the hostile wilderness, local bandits, and greed all get in the way of their journey.