Kevin Costner’s 10 Best Movies & TV Shows In The 21st Century

Kevin Costner became well-known in the late 1980s with memorable roles in films like The Untouchables, Bull Durham, and Field of Dreams. He then dominated the 1990s, starring in huge box office successes such as JFK, The Bodyguard, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. He also proved his talents behind the camera, winning two Academy Awards for directing and producing Dances with Wolves. While not every film was a hit – Waterworld, The Postman, and Wyatt Earp weren’t as successful – Costner remained a top actor throughout the entire decade.

As the 2000s arrived and stars like Brad Pitt and Will Smith rose to prominence, Kevin Costner’s popularity faded, though he continued to work steadily. He wasn’t forgotten, but he was no longer one of the biggest names in Hollywood. Despite a dip in his career following Waterworld, and before his recent success with Yellowstone, Costner delivered some excellent performances. He notably played Pa Kent in Superman alongside Henry Cavill, and portrayed a key figure guiding President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Thirteen Days.

10. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1

Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga is likely to be remembered as a remarkable example of a troubled movie production. The film is a hugely ambitious western, originally envisioned as four separate, three-hour-long movies, all filmed consecutively. It’s one of the most large-scale projects ever undertaken in the genre.

Man, I was really excited about this series, but it’s been a rough ride. The first movie didn’t do so well, and after that, everything kind of fell apart. They cancelled the second one, put the third on hold, and the fourth one just never seemed to get off the ground. It’s too bad, because I actually liked the first movie! It wasn’t reinventing the wheel or anything, but it was a solid, well-made western with some good acting.

9. The Highwaymen

While Bonnie and Clyde’s story has been famously portrayed on film, The Highwaymen focuses on the law enforcement officers who hunted them. The movie stars Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as two retired Texas Rangers who pursue the notorious couple across the country during the 1930s.

While the police officers aren’t quite as captivating as the criminals they’re pursuing, The Highwaymen is still an enjoyable film. It’s a classic buddy cop story, and Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson share a fantastic on-screen connection that really brings it to life.

8. Hatfields & McCoys

While Kevin Costner is now best known for Yellowstone, his first leading role in a TV series was in the 2012 History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. The show dramatizes the real-life, decades-long conflict between the Hatfield and McCoy families, which took place in the mid-to-late 1800s. Costner played Devil Anse Hatfield, and Bill Paxton starred as Randall McCoy.

The series Hatfields & McCoys dramatizes the famous family rivalry with a lot of violence and excitement, and occasionally feels overly dramatic. However, it’s saved by strong, captivating performances from Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton, who deliver a particularly compelling dynamic as the central figures.

7. Molly’s Game

Aaron Sorkin truly shines as a writer, and his strongest films are often the ones he’s written but left to other directors – think of movies like The Social Network and A Few Good Men. Even when he directs himself, his talent as a storyteller and his ability to create compelling characters make his movies worthwhile. They might not be visually stunning or fast-paced, but the stories and characters are always top-notch.

Aaron Sorkin’s first time directing, Molly’s Game, features a strong performance from Jessica Chastain as a former Olympic skier who ends up running a high-stakes, private poker game. Kevin Costner is also excellent as Molly’s distant father, and almost steals the show.

6. The Art Of Racing In The Rain

Kevin Costner narrated The Art of Racing in the Rain, giving voice to the thoughts of a dog named Enzo. The film tells the story of a racecar driver’s life and relationship with his wife, as seen through Enzo’s loyal perspective.

Honestly, I went into this movie expecting a cheesy mess, but it totally surprised me! It could have been way too sentimental and silly to be enjoyable. But Kevin Costner really commits to the role, and his voice acting is so genuine and full of heart. He makes you truly see the world through the dog’s eyes and feel what he’s feeling. It’s surprisingly moving because of that!

5. Man Of Steel

Before his career saw a comeback with Yellowstone, Kevin Costner appeared as Pa Kent in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, a reboot of the Superman story that sparked debate. Man of Steel updated Superman for a modern audience, similar to how Batman Begins reimagined Batman, by portraying him as a more serious, world-weary hero grounded in reality.

The darker, more realistic style of The Dark Knight didn’t fit all superheroes. Characters like Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, who are typically lighthearted and colorful, didn’t feel right with that serious, bleak approach. Man of Steel faces a similar problem, but it’s also a fascinating take on Superman, stripping away the idealized image and presenting a more complex version of the classic hero.

4. Thirteen Days

Kevin Costner began the 2000s with the suspenseful film Thirteen Days, which recreates the intense atmosphere of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. He stars as a key advisor to President Kennedy, played by Bruce Greenwood, alongside Robert McNamara.

While Thirteen Days isn’t entirely historically accurate – the film portrays O’Donnell as having more direct control during the Cuban Missile Crisis than he likely did – it still creates a gripping story. This is similar to how The Irishman takes liberties with the real relationship between Frank Sheeran and Jimmy Hoffa, prioritizing dramatic effect over strict factualness.

3. Open Range

While not as critically acclaimed as Costner’s debut western, Dances with Wolves, Open Range is a well-crafted, traditional western featuring a strong cast. The film centers on a conflict between a cattle herder, portrayed by Robert Duvall, and a powerful rancher, played by Michael Gambon.

While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Unforgiven, this film is a solid effort to revive the classic western style for today’s audiences. The strong connection between Costner and Duvall helps the movie overcome some of its weaker moments.

2. Hidden Figures

The movie Hidden Figures truly shines because of its three main characters. It’s the inspiring true story of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – brilliant African American mathematicians who played a crucial role at NASA during the 1950s and 60s Space Race. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe portray these remarkable women.

Henson, Spencer, and Monáe give fantastic performances, and the film’s writing and direction perfectly capture the emotional heart of the story. It’s also surprisingly accurate when it comes to historical details, much more so than many other historical movies. Kevin Costner plays a strong supporting role as Al Harrison, the leader of the Space Task Group, providing a great contrast to the three main actors.

1. Yellowstone

Kevin Costner’s most significant project of the 21st century is Yellowstone, and many consider it his best work since the year 2000. The show is a captivating mix of a modern western film and a dramatic family saga. It features stunning scenery and a visual style reminiscent of classic westerns, all while keeping you invested in the complex lives of the Dutton family.

Yellowstone is the perfect example of a show that appeals to dads – and it’s been incredibly successful. It did so well on Paramount that it led to numerous spin-off shows, made Taylor Sheridan a very wealthy and influential figure in television, and helped revive Kevin Costner’s career, establishing him as a major star again.

2026-05-16 17:44