10 Best Quotes From ‘Tombstone’

by

Few Westerns made after 1960 have gained as dedicated a following as Tombstone. Though directed by George Pan Cosmatos (with Kurt Russell claiming significant involvement), this 1990s film remains highly praised, especially for Val Kilmer’s brilliant portrayal of the troubled and alcoholic Doc Holliday. The movie is also known for its memorable dialogue, which blends tough talk, humor, casual comments, and thoughtful reflections.

Inspired by actual events from the late 1800s in southeastern Arizona – including the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral and the subsequent hunt for outlaws – Tombstone tells the story of a legendary gunslinger and his brothers who attempt to retire in the town of Tombstone, Arizona. However, they are soon drawn back into conflict by a dangerous group known as The Cowboys. Along with his close friend, Doc Holliday, the gunslinger once again takes up arms.

The following are the film’s most memorable quotes.

10
“You gonna do somethin’ or just stand there and bleed?”

Wyatt Earp


Hollywood Pictures

Wyatt really proves himself for the first time when he walks into the Oriental salon and finds a card dealer, Johnny Tyler, forcing everyone to leave. Annoyed by Tyler’s behavior, Wyatt challenges him, then starts punching him. Seeing Tyler is too stunned to defend himself, Wyatt begins to mock him.

This moment highlights Wyatt’s unwavering bravery and self-assurance, qualities he developed during his time as a lawman. Though everyone in town fears Johnny, Wyatt doesn’t hesitate to confront him, even challenging him to put up a better fight, seemingly unconcerned by unfair tactics. While the scene echoes the classic theme of true courage versus empty threats seen in many films, it stands out by showing a physical fight instead of the usual Western gunfight.

9
“I have two guns, one for each of ya.”

Doc Holiday


Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Right after Wyatt defeats Curly Bill, the man who killed Marshall Fred White, he finds himself surrounded by Ike Clanton and a group of other outlaws. Shortly after, a drunken Doc Holliday arrives to help his friend. Bill, noticing Doc’s unsteady state, mocks him, implying he’s seeing double. Before Bill can fully draw his gun, Doc unexpectedly pulls out a second pistol and speaks.

When your opponent fears you, you’re already halfway to victory. In this scene, Doc confidently assures Billy and his gang that he’s ready for anything, and it instantly makes them back down. Doc possesses that classic heroic composure – while everyone else is on edge, he remains completely in control, even though he’s feeling unwell and has been drinking. The fact that he says this right before a legendary gunfight in Western cinema makes the moment even more impactful.

8
“I want your blood… and I want your soul… and I want them both right now!”

Johny Ringo


Hollywood Pictures

As the movie ends, it’s clear that any victory will come at a great cost for everyone involved. All the characters have suffered losses, but Ringo is shown to be the most enraged. He confronts Doc, mistakenly believing he’s Wyatt, and threatens terrible revenge. However, things don’t go as planned; Doc kills Ringo, and Wyatt arrives to find him already dead.

Classic Westerns often feature a calm, menacing villain who eventually loses patience with the hero. They start making threats, convinced they can force a result, but it never works out as planned. However, Ringo’s threats feel different – they’re particularly intense, desperate, and fueled by a deep rage. He isn’t simply aiming to win; he wants to utterly destroy his opponent. It’s a powerful desire, even if it’s unrealistic.

7
“Well… bye.”

Curly Bill


Hollywood Pictures

With Virgil badly injured and Morgan killed by the ongoing conflict, Wyatt and his group decide it’s time to leave Tombstone. Feeling defeated, Wyatt informs Curly Bill Brocius that he’s ending the feud. Bill, seemingly unconcerned, simply waves goodbye.

Bill’s concise delivery makes the line particularly impactful. He doesn’t offer Wyatt any sympathy or suggest the conflict should continue; he simply disregards him, demonstrating true power. This moment shifts the audience’s sympathy to the hero, who thankfully gets a chance to prove himself later.

6
“You gotta back your brother’s play.”

Morgan Earp


Hollywood Pictures

When the Earp brothers arrived in Tombstone, Virgil said he wanted to become a lawman again and restore order to the town. Wyatt immediately disagreed, believing they should avoid trouble for the time being. Morgan countered, pointing out that they should always support each other’s choices.

Morgan’s calm demeanor doesn’t really connect with the audience, particularly because Wyatt and Doc are more central to the story. However, his comment is crucial – it’s what motivates the main character to make a key decision. When reminded of his loyalty to his brother, Wyatt gets ready and joins Virgil and Morgan on their mission. Doc Holliday then decides to join them too, leading to their famous journey and the shootout at the O.K. Corral.

5
“You’re a daisy if you do.”

Doc Holiday


Hollywood Pictures

During the wild final gunfight, Doc Holliday calmly steps into the open, making himself a target. Wounded but still fighting, Cowboy Frank McLaury sees his chance and aims at Doc, yelling a defiant threat. Doc, however, remains completely cool and responds with the now-famous line.

Beyond the Cowboy gang’s cruel behavior, Doc Holliday’s unwavering confidence is a key part of what makes the story of Tombstone so compelling. He acts as if Frank McLaury couldn’t possibly harm him, even though Frank clearly has the upper hand. Interestingly, the term ‘daisy,’ used in Old West slang, meant someone was remarkably skilled or attractive. Historical records from the famous 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral confirm that Frank McLaury actually shouted, ‘I’ve got you now!’ and Doc Holliday famously replied, ‘Blaze away! You’re a daisy if you have!’

4
“Hell’s coming with me.”

Wyatt Earp


Hollywood Pictures

Wyatt, a former lawman who chose to step down, finds himself on the brink of losing everything due to the Cowboys’ sneaky schemes. After one brother is injured and another killed, he thinks about giving up, but instead makes a powerful announcement: he’ll hunt down the outlaws and kill them all.

The scene is brilliantly crafted, showing a man struggling with pain while also building tension. Until now, Wyatt had always followed the rules, but he suddenly understands that being fair won’t get him what he needs. He absolutely can’t afford to lose – not to the Cowboys. He’s forced to fight back, even if it means getting down and dirty.

3
“You smell that?… smells like someone died.”

Johnny Ringo


Hollywood Pictures

With Morgan Earp now dead at the hands of the Cowboys, the remaining Earps are preparing to leave Tombstone. As they carry Morgan’s coffin, the outlaws, led by Ringo, openly watch their departure, and Ringo makes sure the Earps can hear his taunts.

Ringo’s words reveal his cruelty and lack of compassion. Even the worst criminals usually show respect for an enemy’s grief, but Ringo sees it as a chance to completely break Wyatt. He’s pleased to think he’s won, and even wants to provoke another fight to wipe out the entire Earp family. Luckily, Wyatt remains calm and decides to get his revenge at a more opportune time.

2
“I’m your huckleberry.”

Doc Holiday


Hollywood Pictures

The line is repeated once in the film, but it has a greater impact the second time Doc delivers it. Ringo is waiting for Wyatt, anticipating an easy win since he knows Wyatt isn’t fast on the draw. He’s clearly pleased about the upcoming fight, until Doc unexpectedly appears and reveals he will be Ringo’s opponent.

The phrase “I’m your huckleberry” was popular in the Old West and meant either “I’m the right person for this” or, more threateningly, “I’m the one who will defeat you.” Here, Doc Holliday offers himself as a dependable ally, recognizing his friend’s vulnerability and willingness to help. He understands Wyatt is emotionally exhausted from recent hardships and lacks the skill to confront someone like Ringo. Doc is particularly pleased at the surprise his offer will bring to Ringo.

1
“It appears my hypocrisy knows no bounds.”

Doc Holiday


Hollywood Pictures

It’s surprising to imagine Doc Holliday, the famous gunslinger, joking with a priest. This scene takes place in the winter of 1882, after his dangerous ride seeking revenge. Doc, weakened by tuberculosis and confined to bed, is in a Catholic institution. A priest is performing last rites, hoping to grant him forgiveness. When Wyatt Earp comes to visit, Doc confesses he’s been a bit of a hypocrite.

Although Tombstone wasn’t designed as a movie about religion or philosophy, it surprisingly explores those themes effectively. Doc Holliday, who largely lived a life without morals and prided himself on his independence, seeks a connection with God as he nears death. Interestingly, Wyatt Earp points out that Doc isn’t actually a hypocrite; he simply believes he is, because he’s a natural rebel.

Read More

2025-11-25 22:27