Over the past decade, Westerns have made a significant comeback, particularly on television, with popular series like “Yellowstone,” “1883,” and “American Primeval” leading the charge. This revival offers new fans of the genre an opportunity to explore classic Western films such as “The Searchers,” “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” and “Unforgiven.” Among these, a lesser-known gem available on Amazon Prime is the 1980 film “The Long Riders,” starring Dennis Quaid.

Directed by Walter Hill, known for hits like “The Warriors,” “48 Hrs.,” and “Red Heat,” the movie narrates the tale of the notorious James-Younger Gang, headed by the legendary gunman Jesse James. The ensemble cast features four pairs of real-life Hollywood siblings to play the gang members: James and Stacy Keach as Jesse and Frank James, Dennis and Randy Quaid as Ed and Clell Miller, David, Keith, and Robert Carradine as Cole, Jim, and Bob Younger, and Christopher and Nicholas Guest as Charley and Robert Ford.

However, the film transcends its unique casting by delivering remarkable performances, with the cast displaying genuine chemistry. It also includes one of the most thrilling Western sequences, showcasing a bank heist gone wrong with spectacular gunslinging action. Although it may not be as celebrated as other films in the genre, avid Western enthusiasts recognize “The Long Riders” for its exceptional cowboy action.

During its release, “The Long Riders” gained fame primarily due to its casting strategy involving real-life brother duos. Interestingly, it wasn’t the only ’80s Western to feature real siblings; 1988’s “Young Guns” was also notable for bringing together famous brothers Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen to portray the story of Billy the Kid and his gang of outlaws.

While not entirely historically accurate, “Young Guns” leaned more towards a Hollywood blockbuster style, characterized by brisk action and exaggerated performances. It was akin to a Western rendition of “The Fast and the Furious,” focusing on grand stunts rather than deep drama. Though the brothers do not portray siblings in the film, with Estevez as Billy the Kid and Sheen as Dick Brewer, a member of the famed Regulators gang, the youthful ensemble also features Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Dermot Mulroney.

The success of “Young Guns” brought a fresh spectacle to Westerns, igniting a brief film streak featuring both Estevez and Sheen. They reunited for the quirky comedy “Men at Work” two years later and returned for “Young Guns II,” this time with Christian Slater, within the same year. In 2025, Estevez announced plans for “Young Guns III,” marking the series’ continuation.