Move Over, Tom Cruise—Taylor Sheridan’s ‘The Last Rodeo’ Becomes the Surprise Sensation of 2025
Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western ‘The Last Rodeo’ stuns Hollywood, outshining big-budget rivals with a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score. Here’s how it happened.
• The Last Rodeo hits 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes
• Outsold competing premieres including Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
• Stars Neal McDonough, familiar from Yellowstone and Tulsa King
• Released during the same week as Disney’s Lilo & Stitch reboot
The 2025 box office was set for a classic Hollywood showdown: Tom Cruise with his final Mission: Impossible outing and Disney’s highly anticipated live-action Lilo & Stitch remake. But it was Taylor Sheridan’s electrifying neo-Western, The Last Rodeo, that stole the headlines and the hearts of audiences.
Streaming first on Paramount+, the film rapidly became a breakout sensation. Thanks to Sheridan’s signature storytelling and the rugged charm of lead actor Neal McDonough—best known for his roles in Yellowstone and Tulsa King—the movie found legions of fans riveted by its dusty showdowns and high-stakes drama.
Why Is ‘The Last Rodeo’ Dominating Pop Culture?
Sheridan’s brand is synonymous with grit and authenticity, and The Last Rodeo doubles down on both. Echoing the success of his earlier hits, the film taps into America’s enduring love affair with the Western genre, but with a 2025 twist—modern themes, diverse casting, and edge-of-your-seat action.
Powered by viral word-of-mouth and social media buzz, The Last Rodeo’s audience score soared to an astonishing 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s higher than most blockbuster releases this year—including Cruise’s Mission: Impossible sendoff.
Q: How Did This Indie-Style Western Beat Tom Cruise’s Action Juggernaut?
Hollywood insiders point to Sheridan’s loyal fan base from Yellowstone and strategic streaming releases. Paramount+ dropped the film just as anticipation for big summer movies peaked. The counterprogramming gamble paid off: while other films chased spectacle, The Last Rodeo offered raw emotion and authentic performances.
Q: What Makes Neal McDonough the Face of Sheridan’s Success?
With previous turns in Sheridan-created series, McDonough has become the modern Western’s steady anchor. His gritty, layered portrayal drew viewers from around the world, eager to see his return to the big screen in a starring role.
How to Join the Rodeo Craze in 2025
Want to see what all the hype’s about? Signing up for Paramount+ is fast and easy. Fans satisfied with The Last Rodeo can also binge Sheridan’s other hits to get the full experience of today’s Western renaissance.
What’s Next—Will There Be a Sequel?
Speculation is already swirling about a possible follow-up. Sheridan’s track record suggests he’ll keep fans guessing—and watching. As audience demand climbs and critical acclaim rolls in, expect more news soon about future films and streaming exclusives from the acclaimed writer-director.
Don’t miss the film that toppled Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters—catch The Last Rodeo now!
- Sign up for Paramount+ to watch instantly
- Share your review and ratings online
- Revisit Sheridan’s previous hits for more action
- Stay tuned for sequels and exclusive behind-the-scenes content
