“The Top Kevin Costner Film From Each Decade of His Career”
Kevin Costner has appeared in a slew of iconic films throughout his career, and many of them are still regarded as some of the best in their respective decades. After his breakout role in Silverado, Costner’s presence dominated the screen in the 1980s and 1990s. He had all the qualities of a leading man: striking looks, natural charm, and undeniable acting talent.
At the height of his career, it seemed like Costner couldn’t miss. His films were major box-office successes, from JFK and The Bodyguard to his directorial triumph Dances with Wolves, which earned both critical and commercial acclaim. But after the troubled production of Waterworld, his star power began to fade.
However, Costner never truly disappeared. In the last 30 years, he’s experienced both highs and lows, from films like 3000 Miles to Graceland to roles in hits like Man of Steel and the hit series Yellowstone. Costner has even carved out a niche with his Western films, a genre that has become almost synonymous with his name. Through it all, he’s delivered at least one standout movie per decade.
The Untouchables (1987)
The Untouchables was a pivotal moment in Kevin Costner’s career. It marked a significant test of his leading-man status, and the film delivered in spades. A reimagining of the classic 1950s TV show, The Untouchables stands as a quintessential example of old-school filmmaking. Director Brian De Palma’s atmospheric direction, combined with Ennio Morricone’s sweeping score, makes for a compelling watch.
The film features an all-star ensemble cast, including Sean Connery—who received a career-reviving Oscar for his role—Robert De Niro as the chilling Al Capone, and the introduction of Andy Garcia and Patricia Clarkson. Costner plays Eliot Ness, whose journey from a law-abiding officer to a man willing to compromise his morals to bring down the mob is both riveting and heartbreaking. The film’s iconic stairway shootout is one of its many unforgettable sequences.
Dances with Wolves (1990)
In 1990, Costner took a massive gamble with Dances with Wolves. As both the lead actor and the director, he was taking on a genre that had been considered dead for over a decade—Western films. Not only did he succeed, but he created a cultural touchstone. Costner plays Lt. John Dunbar, a suicidal Union soldier who befriends a Native American tribe and ultimately becomes deeply immersed in their way of life.
While the film has been critiqued for its portrayal of Native American culture and the “White Savior” trope, it still remains a deeply emotional and heartfelt story. The film was a massive success, sweeping the Academy Awards and winning Best Picture and Director for Costner. Although some still debate whether Goodfellas deserved to win that year, Costner’s film revitalized the Western genre and remains a beloved classic.
Open Range (2003)
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Costner’s career had been in decline following films like Waterworld and The Postman. Yet in 2003, he returned to the Western genre with Open Range, one of the highlights of his later career. Directed by and starring Costner, the film follows two drifters—Charley (Costner) and Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall)—as they confront a ruthless land baron.
While the film doesn’t break new ground, its strong performances and slow-building tension make it a standout. The romantic subplot between Charley and Sue (played by Annette Bening) adds a layer of emotional depth, and the film culminates in a gritty, realistic shootout. It may be a bit long-winded at times, but Open Range remains a solid and satisfying entry in Costner’s filmography.
Molly’s Game (2017)
In the 2010s, Costner’s roles leaned into the mentor archetype, often playing wise, older figures to younger leads. In Molly’s Game, he plays the stern father of Jessica Chastain’s title character, a woman who ran illegal high-stakes poker games for high-profile figures. The film, directed by Aaron Sorkin in his directorial debut, follows Molly’s journey as she gets tangled in the dangerous world of gambling.
While the film is Chastain’s showcase, Costner makes a significant impact in his limited screen time. His most notable scene is an emotional exchange with Molly, in which he delivers a raw, cathartic moment that highlights his acting skill. Molly’s Game didn’t get as much attention as it deserved, but it remains a fantastic character study with a sharp script and a strong ensemble cast.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)
Costner’s career has also ventured into ambitious territory with his recent project, Horizon: An American Saga. The film, the first in a planned series of four Westerns, has not garnered much success at the box office, but it remains an ambitious and deeply personal project for the actor. Costner poured his own money into the production and filmed the first two parts back-to-back, hoping to create a sprawling epic about the American frontier.
Though Horizon: Chapter 1 is flawed—some storylines are more engaging than others—it’s an example of Costner’s determination to create something lasting. The film has moments of brilliance, such as a harrowing Apache raid and rich character development. While it’s a dense and somewhat meandering film, Horizon has the potential to grow into something remarkable as the saga progresses.
Kevin Costner’s career is a testament to his versatility and endurance in Hollywood. From his peak in the 1980s and 1990s to his more recent ventures in both film and television, Costner has consistently delivered powerful performances across a wide range of genres. Despite the ups and downs, he continues to show that he’s one of the most enduring talents in the industry.
