The article argues that, whilst "Tombstone" is exceptionally entertaining, only three other Westerns are genuinely superior. These films achieve their status by combining intellectual depth with entertainment value rather than sacrificing one for the other.

The three films are "Unforgiven," which deconstructs Western heroism by portraying its protagonist as a morally compromised gunslinger stripped of romantic mythology; "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," where three men chase Confederate gold whilst the Civil War rages around them; and a third opening with men waiting for a train. "Unforgiven" methodically removes the glamour from violence and gunfighting, whilst "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" uses Ennio Morricone's score and cinematography to elevate the absurdity of a personal treasure hunt set against broader historical conflict into monumental cinema.