Top 6 Kevin Costner Films You Can’t Miss
Kevin Costner’s 6 Most Iconic Movie Roles
Now best known for his role as the tough and complex rancher in Yellowstone, Kevin Costner has built a remarkable career spanning decades. Not only is he a seasoned actor, but also an accomplished director and producer. With a filmography that crosses genres—from sweeping westerns and sports dramas to historical thrillers and fantasy tales—Costner has consistently delivered memorable performances. Planning a movie night? Here are six of Kevin Costner’s best films that showcase his talent and range.
6. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Kicking off the list is this adventurous take on the legendary English outlaw. In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner plays the titular hero who returns from the Crusades to find his homeland in chaos. Though the film takes some creative liberties, it stands out for its gritty tone, emotional weight, and strong supporting cast, including Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, and Alan Rickman as the scene-stealing Sheriff of Nottingham.
IMDb score: 6.9
5. Bull Durham (1988)
In one of the most beloved baseball movies of all time, Costner plays veteran minor leaguer Crash Davis, who’s tasked with mentoring a hotshot young pitcher (played by Tim Robbins). Romantic, funny, and full of charm, Bull Durham also stars Susan Sarandon as a baseball groupie with her own philosophies about the game—and love. This film cemented Costner’s reputation as a leading man with both swagger and soul.
IMDb score: 7.0
4. Field of Dreams (1989)
“If you build it, he will come.” That haunting line echoes throughout this iconic fantasy-drama where Costner plays Ray Kinsella, a farmer who constructs a baseball field in his Iowa cornfield after hearing mysterious voices. What follows is a moving story about faith, redemption, and reconnection—with a magical twist. Field of Dreams has become a cultural touchstone for dreamers and sports fans alike.
IMDb score: 7.5
3. The Untouchables (1987)
This stylish crime drama tells the story of Eliot Ness (Costner), a straight-laced federal agent who leads a special team to take down Al Capone during Prohibition. With powerhouse performances from Sean Connery and Robert De Niro, The Untouchables blends historical fiction with gripping action. Costner’s portrayal of Ness helped solidify his place as a dramatic heavyweight in Hollywood.
IMDb score: 7.8
2. JFK (1991)
In this bold and controversial political thriller, Costner plays Jim Garrison, a New Orleans district attorney who reopens the investigation into President Kennedy’s assassination. Directed by Oliver Stone, JFK challenges the official narrative and dives into conspiracy theories surrounding the case. Costner brings both intensity and conviction to a role that asks audiences to question history itself.
IMDb score: 8.0
1. Dances With Wolves (1990)
At the top of the list is Costner’s magnum opus. In Dances With Wolves, he stars as Union Army Lieutenant John Dunbar, who is stationed in the American frontier and ultimately forms a deep bond with a Lakota Sioux tribe. Costner not only starred but also directed and produced the film, earning Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. With sweeping landscapes and emotional storytelling, it remains a landmark in American cinema.
IMDb score: 8.0
