10 Kevin Costner Movies That Deserve a Second Look
Kevin Costner’s Underrated Films That Deserve More Love
Kevin Costner has enjoyed a long and diverse film career, appearing in over 50 movies across four decades. While he’s best known for his work in Westerns, Costner has successfully explored various genres, including romance, thriller, action, drama, and even horror. His first credited role came in the 1981 film Malibu Hot Summer, and since then, he has become a major Hollywood figure both in front of and behind the camera.
In addition to acting, Costner has dabbled in country music and has maintained a strong connection to the world of sports—something that’s reflected in several of his films. While some of his projects, like Waterworld, are famously known for underperforming, others flew under the radar and now stand out as hidden gems deserving of renewed attention.
Below are 10 underrated Kevin Costner films that merit another look:
10. Mr. Brooks (2007)
A psychological thriller with a dark twist, Mr. Brooks stars Costner as a successful businessman living a double life as a serial killer. William Hurt plays his sinister alter ego, and Demi Moore stars as the detective on his trail. While the film received mixed reviews (55% on Rotten Tomatoes), it doubled its budget at the box office and has since gained a modest cult following. Despite its overcomplicated plot, the film remains gripping and could benefit from a sequel or prequel to expand its intriguing world.
9. The Postman (1997)
Costner directed, produced, and starred in this post-apocalyptic epic about a drifter who inspires hope in a fractured America by posing as a postman. Though The Postman was a critical and commercial failure—earning just $30 million on an $80 million budget—Costner has expressed pride in the film. Its themes of hope, restoration, and American resilience may be worth reconsidering, especially given the sincerity of Costner’s performance.
8. Rumor Has It… (2005)
In this romantic comedy, Costner plays Beau Burroughs, a Silicon Valley executive entangled in a story loosely inspired by The Graduate. Co-starring Jennifer Aniston, Shirley MacLaine, and Mark Ruffalo, the film explores a family mystery with comedic and emotional beats. While it holds a low 21% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, its cast and premise make it a more enjoyable watch than it’s often given credit for.
7. The Company Men (2011)
Set during the economic downturn, this corporate drama follows a group of men coping with job loss. Costner plays a blue-collar contractor who helps his laid-off brother-in-law (Ben Affleck) find new purpose. With strong performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Chris Cooper, The Company Men explores themes of pride, work identity, and resilience. Though critically well-received (68%), it failed to make a lasting impact with audiences and deserves a second look.
6. The New Daughter (2009)
Costner’s only venture into horror, The New Daughter follows a single father whose daughter’s disturbing behavior seems tied to a mysterious burial mound near their new home. Though it treads familiar horror tropes, the novelty of Costner in the genre makes it stand out. While critics gave it a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes, fans of supernatural thrillers may find it a hidden gem.
5. The Highwaymen (2019)
A Netflix original, The Highwaymen tells the story of the former Texas Rangers who hunted down Bonnie and Clyde. Costner stars alongside Woody Harrelson, and the film balances historical accuracy with gripping drama. While critics called it formulaic, audiences responded more favorably. With a 76% audience rating and strong performances, it’s one of Costner’s better late-career projects.
4. 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
This over-the-top action film stars Costner and Kurt Russell as Elvis impersonators who attempt a violent Las Vegas heist. The movie bombed at the box office and was critically panned (15% on Rotten Tomatoes), but Costner’s villainous turn is a bold departure from his usual roles. Despite clashing visions between the stars, the film has a cult-like charm that makes it worth revisiting.
3. Wyatt Earp (1994)
Often overshadowed by Tombstone, which was released just months earlier, Wyatt Earp is a sprawling three-hour biopic focusing on the legendary lawman. Costner delivers a strong performance, but the film’s length and poor timing hurt its reception. Still, for fans of Westerns and historical drama, Wyatt Earp offers a rich, detailed take on its iconic subject that shouldn’t be overlooked.
2. Dragonfly (2002)
In this supernatural mystery, Costner plays a grieving doctor who begins receiving mysterious messages that may be from his deceased wife. Despite a dismal 7% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a much more favorable audience rating (62%). Dragonfly blends grief and spirituality into a heartfelt narrative with an emotional twist ending, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of metaphysical dramas.
1. A Perfect World (1993)
Directed by and co-starring Clint Eastwood, this emotional crime drama features Costner as an escaped convict who forms an unexpected bond with a young boy he takes hostage. The film was a modest success internationally and received high praise from critics—Roger Ebert awarded it four stars. Though it didn’t find a large audience domestically, A Perfect World remains one of Costner’s best performances and deserves a place in modern cinematic discussions.
These ten films showcase Kevin Costner’s range and willingness to take risks, even if they didn’t always pay off critically or commercially. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, revisiting these underrated titles offers a fresh appreciation for an actor who has left a lasting mark on Hollywood.
