Ranking Every Kevin Costner Movie from the 2000s
Every Kevin Costner Movie From the 2000s, Ranked
Kevin Costner remains one of the last true movie megastars — a name that still evokes the classic charisma of old-school Hollywood. Since making his debut in 1981, Costner has built a legacy both in front of and behind the camera, effortlessly transitioning between genres and continuing to captivate audiences over the decades.
While the ’80s gave us some of his most iconic roles and the ’90s arguably marked the peak of his career, the 2000s demonstrated Costner’s resilience. Even during a decade that wasn’t his strongest, he continued working at full throttle, experimenting with thrillers, dramas, and even campy comedies. And in 2024, he’s still going — recently releasing and directing Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter I, an ambitious Western epic that, despite flopping, could gain a cult following in time.
Here’s a look at all ten of Kevin Costner’s movies from the 2000s, ranked from worst to best:
10. Rumor Has It… (2005)
The 2000s were infamous for outrageous rom-com premises, but Rumor Has It… takes things to an uncomfortable extreme. Meant as a loose sequel to The Graduate, the film dives into problematic territory when Jennifer Aniston’s character hooks up with a man she recently believed was her biological father — played by Costner.
Despite the star power of Aniston, Costner, and Ruffalo, the film squanders its potential. The concept could have made for a bold, revisionist comedy with the right director, but instead, it feels more awkward than clever. Even for its time, this one veers too far off course.
9. The New Daughter (2009)
Costner plays a widowed father who moves to a rural home with his kids, only to discover his daughter may be involved in some sort of supernatural transformation. The New Daughter has moments of genuine atmosphere, but its creature-feature twist doesn’t land.
Costner seems disengaged for much of the film, and although his understated style fits the first half, it turns bland by the final act. The climax teases a better movie, but it’s too little, too late. Throw in clunky exposition delivered via Google searches, and the result is more frustrating than frightening.
8. Swing Vote (2008)
A political satire with a high-concept premise — Costner plays an average Joe whose single vote will decide a presidential election — Swing Vote sets itself up for biting commentary but pulls every punch.
Costner’s apolitical, beer-loving character is too one-dimensional to drive the film’s moral arc. However, Madeline Carroll shines as his daughter, and supporting turns from Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, and Dennis Hopper add some charm. Unfortunately, the film avoids taking a real stand, rendering its satire toothless.
7. 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
Elvis impersonators, a Vegas heist, and bullets flying everywhere — 3000 Miles to Graceland is a chaotic action movie that’s too over-the-top for its own good. Costner plays a villainous criminal in one of his weakest performances, though he seems to enjoy playing against type.
The movie isn’t great, but it’s rarely boring. There are memorable shootouts and some surprisingly fun chemistry between Costner and Kurt Russell. It’s not a hidden gem, but it might scratch an itch for fans of loud, messy action flicks.
6. Dragonfly (2002)
Often dismissed as one of Costner’s worst films, Dragonfly actually has more merit than its 7% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests. The supernatural thriller sees Costner as a grieving doctor who believes his late wife is trying to contact him from the afterlife.
The setup is emotional and promising, and Costner delivers a sincere performance. Unfortunately, the film loses focus as it prioritizes mystical lore over emotional resonance. The result is a muddled but not entirely unwatchable film with missed potential.
5. Mr. Brooks (2007)
This psychological thriller offers one of Costner’s most intriguing roles — a successful businessman hiding a secret life as a serial killer, egged on by an imaginary alter ego (played with eerie charm by William Hurt).
While Mr. Brooks doesn’t fully capitalize on its gripping premise, it remains a fascinating and unique entry in Costner’s filmography. Demi Moore and Dane Cook’s side plots weigh the film down, and the slick editing clashes with the story’s darker tones, but there’s still plenty here to enjoy.
4. The Upside of Anger (2005)
A heartfelt dramedy anchored by an outstanding performance from Joan Allen, The Upside of Anger explores family dysfunction with sincerity and wit. Costner plays a washed-up baseball player who becomes romantically involved with Allen’s character, and their chemistry is effortless.
While the film occasionally loses focus with too many subplots, the emotional core between Costner and Allen keeps it grounded. It’s a slow burn, but a rewarding one for those interested in character-driven stories.
3. The Guardian (2006)
A spiritual predecessor to Top Gun: Maverick, The Guardian sees Costner in full mentor mode, training a new generation of Coast Guard swimmers. Ashton Kutcher plays his cocky protege, and together they navigate action-packed training montages and life-or-death rescues.
The formula is familiar, but Costner’s gravitas sells the part of a worn-down veteran with heart. It’s a crowd-pleaser with emotional payoff and some genuinely exciting sequences, proving Costner still had blockbuster energy in the 2000s.
2. Thirteen Days (2000)
A tense political thriller dramatizing the Cuban Missile Crisis, Thirteen Days is among the best historical dramas of the decade. Costner plays Kenny O’Donnell, a close advisor to President Kennedy, during a time when the world teetered on the edge of nuclear war.
Though O’Donnell’s role in history is exaggerated for cinematic effect, the film delivers exceptional tension and compelling performances. It’s smart, sharply directed, and serves as a reminder of the stakes world leaders face behind closed doors.
1. Open Range (2003)
Costner shines as both star and director in Open Range, a beautifully shot, character-driven Western that feels like a throwback to the genre’s golden age. Set in a time of lawlessness and quiet dignity, the film balances introspective moments with bursts of brutal, realistic violence.
Supported by a stellar cast including Robert Duvall and Annette Bening, Open Range showcases Costner’s deep understanding of the Western genre. It’s thoughtful, well-paced, and easily his best film of the 2000s.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Costner’s 2000s filmography may not have had the consistent highs of his earlier decades, but it highlights his willingness to take risks and try new things — from thrillers to satires to supernatural dramas. Even when the films themselves falter, Costner’s presence never truly disappears.
Whether as a grizzled cowboy, conflicted killer, or washed-up hero, his star power endures — and if Horizon is any indication, he’s far from done telling stories.
