The 10 Best Kevin Costner Movies, Ranked
Kevin Costner has built an impressive career as an actor and filmmaker, with several movies standing out as highlights. Here’s a ranked list of Kevin Costner’s top films, showcasing the best of his work.
No. 10: McFarland, USA
While Kevin Costner is often associated with Westerns, action, and romance, McFarland, USA is a unique entry in his filmography. Released in 2015, Costner plays Jim White, a high school cross-country coach who leads a predominantly Latino team from an underfunded school to championship success. The inspiring true story resonated with audiences, earning over $45 million on a $17 million budget.
No. 9: The Postman
Often criticized when it debuted in 1997, The Postman deserves a second look. Costner stars as a drifter in a post-apocalyptic world who tries to restore hope by delivering mail and reviving communication. Though the film’s nearly three-hour length and unconventional story initially put off viewers, Costner’s strong performance, combined with his roles as director and producer, have earned the movie cult status as an underrated gem.
No. 8: The Highwaymen
In this 2019 crime thriller, Costner teams up with Woody Harrelson as former Texas Rangers tasked with capturing Bonnie and Clyde. The film offers a gritty and compelling take on the legendary lawmen, with Costner delivering a nuanced, world-weary portrayal of Frank Hamer. The movie’s brief theatrical release before streaming on Netflix helped it gain a solid fan base.
No. 7: Wyatt Earp
Costner takes on the iconic role of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp in this 1994 Western epic. The film chronicles Earp’s life from his childhood through his tenure as a law officer and culminates with the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. With a star-studded cast including Dennis Quaid and Gene Hackman, the film captures the myth and reality of the Old West.
No. 6: Hidden Figures
This inspiring 2016 film highlights the untold story of three African American female mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. Though Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae lead the cast, Costner’s role as Al Harrison, the Space Task Group director, adds gravitas. The movie’s uplifting message helped it become a major box office success, grossing $236 million worldwide.
No. 5: Bull Durham
One of Costner’s breakthrough roles came with this 1988 romantic sports comedy. Playing veteran catcher “Crash” Davis, Costner brings charm and wit as he mentors a young pitcher (Tim Robbins) while navigating a love triangle with Susan Sarandon’s character. Bull Durham perfectly blends humor, romance, and sports drama, showcasing Costner’s versatile talents.
No. 4: JFK
Costner stars as Jim Garrison, the New Orleans district attorney who investigates a conspiracy behind President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, in this 1991 political thriller directed by Oliver Stone. Alongside an ensemble cast featuring Kevin Bacon and Tommy Lee Jones, the film was nominated for eight Oscars and remains a gripping, provocative drama.
No. 3: Field of Dreams
This 1989 fantasy sports drama is one of Costner’s most beloved films. He plays Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball field that magically attracts legendary players from the past. The film’s iconic line, “If you build it, he will come,” has become a classic piece of movie lore, symbolizing faith and hope.
No. 2: The Bodyguard
One of Costner’s biggest commercial hits, The Bodyguard (1992) stars him as Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent assigned to protect superstar singer Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston). The chemistry between Costner and Houston, along with the film’s blend of romance and suspense, made it a huge box office success despite mixed critical reviews.
No. 1: Dances With Wolves
The defining film of Costner’s career, Dances With Wolves (1990) marked his debut as a director and producer. Playing Union Lieutenant John Dunbar, he forms an unexpected bond with a Native American tribe on the frontier. The film was both a critical and commercial triumph, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and grossing nearly $425 million worldwide. This masterpiece elevated Costner to Hollywood elite status.
