Kevin Costner’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
Kevin Costner has built a remarkable career as both an actor and filmmaker, with certain movies standing out as true highlights. Here’s a ranked list of Kevin Costner’s top films that showcase his range and talent.
No. 10: McFarland, USA
Known mostly for Westerns, action, and romance, McFarland, USA is a unique entry in Costner’s filmography. In this 2015 drama, he plays Jim White, a high school cross-country coach who leads a predominantly Latino team from an underfunded school to championship glory. The inspiring true story resonated with audiences, earning over $45 million on a $17 million budget.
No. 9: The Postman
While The Postman received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office in 1997, it deserves a second look. Costner stars as a drifter in a post-apocalyptic world who adopts the persona of a mail carrier to restore hope and order. Despite its lengthy runtime and initial cold reception, the film features solid direction, a strong performance from Costner, who also directed and produced, and has since gained cult appreciation.
No. 8: The Highwaymen
In this 2019 Netflix crime thriller, Costner teams up with Woody Harrelson as former Texas Rangers on the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde. Costner’s portrayal of Frank Hamer, a tough, world-weary lawman, adds depth and gravitas to this gritty retelling of true events, earning it a spot among his best work.
No. 7: Wyatt Earp
Costner takes on the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp in this sprawling 1994 Western epic. The film traces Earp’s journey from farm boy to iconic figure of the Wild West, featuring a star-studded cast including Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, and Isabella Rossellini. It’s a classic Western that highlights Costner’s affinity for the genre.
No. 6: Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures fits perfectly with Costner’s tendency toward meaningful, real-life stories. The 2016 film centers on three African American female mathematicians whose critical contributions to NASA’s Space Race were previously overlooked. While Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe shine in lead roles, Costner’s performance as Al Harrison, the Space Task Group director, helped propel the film to an impressive $236 million box office on a $25 million budget.
No. 5: Bull Durham
This 1988 romantic sports comedy was a major breakthrough for Costner. Playing veteran catcher “Crash” Davis, he helps mentor a rookie pitcher (Tim Robbins) while navigating a love triangle with Susan Sarandon’s character. The film blends humor, romance, and sports drama, perfectly showcasing Costner’s versatility.
No. 4: JFK
In Oliver Stone’s 1991 political thriller, Costner leads a powerful ensemble as Jim Garrison, the New Orleans prosecutor who investigates a conspiracy behind President Kennedy’s assassination. The film, featuring Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, and Kevin Bacon, was critically acclaimed and received eight Oscar nominations, winning two.
No. 3: Field of Dreams
A quintessential Kevin Costner film, Field of Dreams (1989) combines sports drama with fantasy. Costner plays Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield that attracts legendary ghost players. The iconic line, “If you build it, he will come,” has become one of cinema’s most memorable—and often misquoted—phrases.
No. 2: The Bodyguard
One of Costner’s biggest commercial hits, The Bodyguard (1992) pairs him with Whitney Houston in her film debut. Costner stars as Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent assigned to protect a famous singer from an unknown stalker. The chemistry between the leads and the film’s thrilling romance made it a fan favorite despite mixed critical reviews.
No. 1: Dances With Wolves
Dances With Wolves was a career-defining achievement for Costner. In this 1990 Western, which he directed and produced, Costner stars as Union Lieutenant John Dunbar, who befriends Native Americans on the frontier. The film was both a critical and commercial triumph, grossing nearly $425 million and winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This epic marked Costner’s rise as one of Hollywood’s leading filmmakers.
