The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, I grew up with Kevin Costner’s movies shaping my love for cinema. His films were like a comforting blanket, wrapping me up in their heartwarming stories and captivating performances. Among his many masterpieces, there are three that stand out as my absolute favorites.


Though primarily recognized today as a television monarch, Kevin Costner’s top films demonstrate that he has consistently been among the most distinguished actors on the silver screen.

“Kevin Costner’s filmography demonstrates his courage because he has not only acted in, but also produced and directed, some of the most successful films in history, despite experiencing several flops along the way.

As a champion and admirer of Western and quintessentially American narratives, Costner has earned his place in the annals of cinema. He’s dabbled in various genres with an impressive versatility, adorning a cowboy hat just as naturally as he might expose political intrigue or lead a baseball team to triumph.

From Razzies to riches, here are the ten best Kevin Costner movies ranked.

10. Waterworld (1995)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Main Topic: The majority of Earth is submerged following the melting of the ice caps, leaving only a few humans who have evolved to survive in this aquatic environment. A solitary figure called the Mariner is tasked with safeguarding a woman and a child, and must guide them towards the elusive “Dryland”, a legendary place believed to be above water.

“What makes it appealing to us: Despite being considered one of the biggest box office flops historically, Waterworld holds a significant place in Kevin Costner’s acting career. (Although technically, the action film managed to recoup its costs through home video sales.)

Costner consistently shows a readiness to undertake significant financial and critical risks in order to create something extraordinary, which accounts for the divisive response to Waterworld. Despite being considered a low ebb in Hollywood, this film remains a topic of conversation today due to its swashbuckling action, thrilling stunts, and unbridled wildness.

9. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Title Synopsis: In this retelling, Robin Hood and his jovial group of companions strive to liberate Nottingham from the oppressive control of the wicked Sheriff.

One reason we enjoy it: Much like Waterworld (and many other films on this list), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves didn’t receive overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. However, let me tell you that it’s hard not to have a blast with its dubious accents and an over-the-top performance by the late Alan Rickman.

Robin Hood portrays a blend of tenderness and romance, yet maintains the thrilling pace of a classic Hollywood action film. It leans more towards energy and grandeur rather than adhering to realism or logic. Some might argue that Kevin Costner is an unusual choice for the main character, but then again, few versions of Robin Hood have been flawless.

8. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Overview: The initial chapter of Costner’s four-part Western tale, Horizon: An American Saga, chronicles the lives of diverse groups in the Old West. This includes a resilient mother-daughter pair who have weathered a brutal assault, a gang on a mission to capture Native American scalps, and a caravan of settlers traversing the region.

Why we appreciate it: The significance of Costner’s American Saga was always evident, as the prospect of continuing Yellowstone or pursuing his long-cherished project presented a challenging decision. Given the history of his cinematic career, the choice seemed clear for Costner. In essence, his entire body of work had been leading to this critical juncture. Was it worthwhile? To some extent, yes!

Horizon doesn’t offer anything revolutionary, but maybe that was the intention. In a period when Westerns are predominantly popular on television, Costner aimed to create an expansive, multifaceted narrative depicting the struggles and journeys in the Old West. Successfully achieved, it is. The vast landscape, music, and rugged characters effectively resurrect the essence of classic Westerns.

7. The Bodyguard (1992)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Plot Summary: A renowned popstar hires a skilled bodyguard when she receives ominous death threats. As they work together, an unlikely bond forms between them, eventually blossoming into love.

Reason for our appreciation: The widespread criticism towards The Bodyguard is arguably one of the biggest overstatements in cinema history. Earning seven nominations at the Razzie Awards seems unfair to a movie that was incredibly popular for its romantic appeal during the ’90s!

Absolutely, it can be a bit cheesy and overly dramatic, but when Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston appeared together, there was an undeniable enchantment in the air. Costner excelled at portraying the stoic, difficult-to-please tough guy just as Houston shone as the strong-willed, self-reliant star. While it’s a shame that Costner didn’t get more chances to show his romantic side on screen, if The Bodyguard is our only taste of him, then it’s more than sufficient. We’ll always hold a special place in our hearts for Frank Farmer.

6. Silverado (1985)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

What it’s about: A band of rogue cowboys find themselves defending the small town of Silverado, which has been corrupted by a vicious rancher and sheriff. 

Why we appreciate it: Dances With Wolves rekindled interest in Westerns during the ’90s, but prior to that, the ’80s weren’t particularly successful in this genre. In fact, most ’80s Westerns fell short of expectations, with Silverado being the rare exception.

Contrary to certain other films he made later on, “Silverado” might not always be at the forefront when discussing Kevin Costner’s work. However, it adds a charming touch to his collection, primarily due to its thrilling action sequences and respectful homage to the western genre.

This production echoes some timeless films within its genre by delivering thrilling shootouts, expansive and visually stunning backdrops, and a wealth of excitement. It’s equally captivating to see Costner in his time as part of the ensemble cast.

5. The Untouchables (1987)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

The Focus: During the Prohibition period, Eliot Ness, a law enforcement officer, gathered a group with the aim of finally bringing down the notorious gangster, Al Capone.

Here’s one way to rephrase it: If you found Kevin Costner in Western or baseball films appealing, wait till you witness him in a mafia movie. It’s an exceptional cat-and-mouse film that revisits genuine history with the elegance of Ocean’s Eleven.

The film “The Untouchables” offers an intense portrayal of mobster tales that appeals to many, yet it manages to go beyond this by presenting a gripping struggle between the righteous and the wicked. Without further ado, let me express my admiration for this movie: it stands as one of the top contemporary mafia narratives in modern cinema. A film featuring Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, and Sean Connery certainly doesn’t need much praise, but I feel compelled to say it nonetheless.

4. JFK (1991)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Main Topic: In the role of investigating John F. Kennedy’s assassination, New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison discovers fresh aspects that make him reconsider popular beliefs. As he delves further, the government becomes increasingly resistant towards him.

Why we’re drawn to it: On one hand, JFK is a gripping political thriller that immerses you in the tense unraveling of a conspiracy. On the other, it’s a demonstration of skillful storytelling and editing, allowing you to journey through the thoughts of Jim Garrison as he delves deeper into a potentially risky line of investigation.

This movie spans approximately three and a half hours and may not be suitable for the sensitive. However, time seems to pass swiftly if you let yourself become engulfed by the escalating sense of paranoia and tension it presents. It’s worth noting that the plot manipulates reality much like a puppeteer, disregarding historical accuracy, but this aspect is secondary. Instead, JFK is more an unsettling dream than a recollection.

3. Field of Dreams (1989)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

What it’s about: A struggling farmer starts seeing the ghosts of famous baseball players appear in his field, leading him to create a baseball diamond in his own backyard.

Why I Adore It: If John Mulaney’s Oscars speech didn’t win you over already, let me tell you that Field of Dreams beautifully encapsulates American nostalgia. A more family-friendly performance from Costner, Field of Dreams is a modern fairy tale for the ordinary man.

The idea of a man being absorbed by one bizarre goal under the influence of ghosts might sound like it’s the tale of man’s descent into madness, but Field of Dreams is a charming story about what it means to believe. A sports movie for the ages and one of Costner’s greatest.

2. Dances With Wolves (1990)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Main Topic: Upon being posted at a Civil War outpost, Lieutenant John Dunbar develops a bond with the native Lakota Indians. Over time, he becomes increasingly captivated by their lifestyle, leading him to ponder about his past choices.

What makes it appealing: From your grandparents to the Library of Congress, there’s widespread agreement that Dances With Wolves is among the greatest films ever made. Here’s why: It revolutionized the Western genre for a modern audience and helped cement Kevin Costner as its leading man. By breathing new life into this genre, it essentially resurrected Westerns, an attempt he later repeated with Horizon: An American Saga.

On any given day, Dances With Wolves surpasses Horizon. This film typifies ’90s studio production: grand, daring, and refusing to be confined to one category. It’s much like gazing at an old masterpiece, which perhaps explains why Costner was initially captivated by this genre.

1. Bull Durham (1988)

The 10 best Kevin Costner movies of all time, ranked

Plot Summary: In the minor league baseball scene, seasoned player “Crash” Davis takes on the role of mentor to freshman pitcher “Nuke” LaLoosh. Simultaneously, the team’s admirer, Annie, grapples with her feelings towards these two distinct personalities.

Why we appreciate it: If you thought this list would open with another Western movie, you’d be off the mark. Despite Kevin Costner’s fondness for wearing a cowboy hat, there’s an abundance of delight in his movies that celebrate baseball and American culture.

It might be an exaggeration to claim that Bull Durham was like Challengers before Challengers even existed, but if the description fits, then it’s fitting! This is a love triangle set in the unique environment of minor league baseball, where characters are so immersed in the league that you would think you’ve been watching them for seasons.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Bull Durham is both delightfully amusing and endearing. Yet, it also provokes a thought-provoking question about maturity that can’t be ignored. As a result, this film transcends the typical “sports genre” and offers a unique and unforgettable exploration of love and baseball, a blend that is anything but predictable.

To discover additional information, check out the upcoming releases of various films. Additionally, explore the new movies available for streaming this month, and stay updated on the latest developments regarding Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.

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2024-11-06 18:49