Young Guns (1988) is a Western action film that dramatizes the rise of legendary outlaw Billy the Kid and his involvement in the Lincoln County War. Directed by Christopher Cain, the movie follows a group of young, misfit cowboys hired by British rancher John Tunstall (Terence Stamp) to work on his cattle farm. When Tunstall is killed by a rival faction led by the corrupt Lawrence Murphy (Jack Palance), the cowboysโled by Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez)โseek revenge, forming a posse known as the Regulators.
The Regulators include Doc Scurlock (Kiefer Sutherland), Chavez y Chavez (Lou Diamond Phillips), Dick Brewer (Charlie Sheen), and other outlaws, each bringing unique skills and personalities to the group. Their quest for justice quickly spirals into a violent vendetta, earning them notoriety as they clash with Murphyโs powerful forces. The escalating conflict transforms Billy into a larger-than-life figure, but also puts the group on a path toward inevitable tragedy.
Known for its modern take on the Western genre, Young Guns blends action, humor, and historical inspiration, appealing to a younger audience with its charismatic cast and fast-paced narrative. The film also explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the consequences of vengeance, set against the backdrop of a lawless frontier.
The movie was a commercial success and solidified its cast as major stars of the 1980s. Its popularity led to a sequel, Young Guns II (1990), which continued the story of Billy the Kid and his infamous exploits in the Wild West.