The Shootist (1976)
Kernel Score: 78% · 372 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Western
Released: 1976-07-21
Runtime: 100 minutes
Where to watch The Shootist
- Stream: Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Afflicted with a terminal illness John Bernard Books, the last of the legendary gunfighters, quietly returns to Carson City for medical attention from his old friend Dr. Hostetler. Aware that his days are numbered, the troubled man seeks solace and peace in a boarding house run by a widow and her son. However, it is not Books' fate to die in peace, as he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.
The Shootist parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Shootist is a PG Western about an aging gunfighter facing terminal illness and one last gunfight.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Rated PG with Old West gunfights and a climactic shootout, plus themes of terminal cancer and death.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Shootist
If you liked The Shootist, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rio Bravo (1959) — 86%
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) — 87%
- The Man from Laramie (1955) — 79%
- El Dorado (1966) — 84%
- The Naked Spur (1953) — 76%
- Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) — 82%
- Dances with Wolves (1990) — 88%
- Open Range (2003) — 82%
Director
Cast
- John Wayne as J.B. Books
- Lauren Bacall as Bond Rogers
- Ron Howard as Gillom Rogers
- James Stewart as Dr. Hostetler
- Richard Boone as Mike Sweeney
- Hugh O'Brian as Jack Pulford
- Bill McKinney as Jay Cobb
- Harry Morgan as Marshall Thibido
- John Carradine as Beckum
- Sheree North as Serepta
The Shootist FAQ
Is The Shootist good?
The Shootist has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 372 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Shootist?
In the US you can stream The Shootist on Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Shootist OK for kids?
The Shootist is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Shootist is a PG Western about an aging gunfighter facing terminal illness and one last gunfight.
What movies are like The Shootist?
If you liked The Shootist, try Rio Bravo, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Man from Laramie and El Dorado.