Western Movies Inspired By Books

We can thank the age of dime novels and western books for some of our favorite westerns today! 

This brings up the age-old question- which is better: books or movies? Check them out and you tell us!

Lonesome Dove

After reading this 1,000-page novel with each page full of adventure, you’d realize why Lonesome Dove quickly became a four-part miniseries! Larry McMurtry also wrote two prequels, Dead Man’s Walk and Comanche Moon, along with the sequel, Streets of Laredo.  These books also inspired tv miniseries! 

True Grit

This light read is not for the faint of heart. Written by Charles Portis in 1968, it was originally published as a series in The Saturday Evening Post, before becoming a novel. 

Longmire Series

Craig Johnson wrote a series of mystery novels about Walt Longmire, which was later turned into a tv series by Netflix. Longmire based on Walt Longmire Mysteries is a must-watch and a must-read! 

The Searchers

This John Wayne movie was originally based on a book of the same name by Alan Le May. A true and raw western novel, it was originally published in 1954. 

Dances with Wolves

Michael Blake is the genius behind the novel, Dances with Wolves. It inspired the movie that introduced Kevin Costner to our hearts. Blake originally wrote the novel in hopes it would be adapted into a screenplay. 

The Outlaw Josey Wales

The novel, The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales, inspired the movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales, starring Clint Eastwood. It was written by Forrest Carter. In later editions, the book was renamed Gone to Texas. 

Does anyone want to start a book club with strictly western novels!?