How to watch

True Grit tells the story of Mattie Ross, a fiercely determined teenager who hires the hard-drinking U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down her father's killer. Henry Hathaway's 1969 film earned John Wayne his only Academy Award for Best Actor, and Wayne returned as Rooster alongside Katharine Hepburn in the 1975 sequel. In 2010, Joel and Ethan Coen adapted the novel again, with Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld.

🕐 Release Order

Here's every True Grit adaptation in release order.

1. True Grit (1969)
2. Rooster Cogburn (1975)
3. True Grit: A Further Adventure (1978)
4. True Grit (2010)

Rooster Cogburn and the 1978 TV movie both continue from the 1969 film, with Warren Oates taking over as Rooster in the TV version. The 2010 film is an entirely separate adaptation that sticks closer to Portis' novel.

📖 Story Chronology

The original continuity starts with the 1969 film and continues with its follow-ups, while the 2010 version stands alone.

1. True Grit (1969)
2. Rooster Cogburn (1975) — sequel with Katharine Hepburn
3. True Grit: A Further Adventure (1978) — TV movie
4. True Grit (2010) — Coen brothers adaptation

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with either version of True Grit — both are excellent. The 1969 film is a big, warm Hollywood Western anchored by Wayne's charisma, while the 2010 film is darker, funnier and more faithful, with Matt Damon and Josh Brolin in strong supporting roles. If you love Wayne's Rooster, Rooster Cogburn is a charming follow-up. The 1978 TV movie is only for dedicated fans.

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Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!