The best of Kevin Costner’s movies showcase the iconic career of one of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars. While a lot of fans might know Costner best for his role in Yellowstone, he has an extensive and impressive movie career behind him that helped to make him one of the biggest stars in the world, earned big box office successes, and won him a couple of Oscars over the years. Paired with his work as a director, Costner’s acting career in movies has delivered so many notable roles.
Costner’s career has had a fascinating trajectory over the years. He started out as a struggling actor with supporting roles in big movies before breaking out and becoming one of Hollywood’s most popular leading men. While he slipped away from being the biggest man in Hollywood after some cinematic failures, he bounced back and has focused more on character actor roles in a variety of films. While Costner is heavily consumed with his Horizon saga of movies right now, his best movies offer a lot for fans to look back on.
15 Man Of Steel (2013)
As Jonathan Kent
Man of Steel 8
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This new take on Superman’s origin story, Man of Steel, centers on young journalist Clark Kent/Kal-El, a being who came to Earth as a child from Krypton. Though he has trouble fitting in with his secret superpowers and questions his purpose in life, Clark is forced into action when fellow Kryptonian General Zod arrives on Earth hellbent on conquest. Clark is built by the values set upon him by his parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopted him as an otherworldly orphan, inadvertently raising him to become the hero humanity needs.
Director Zack Snyder Release Date June 14, 2013 Cast Kevin Costner , Laurence Fishburne , Richard Schiff , Amy Adams , Harry Lennix , Antje Traue , Michael Shannon , Henry Cavill , Christopher Meloni , Diane Lane , Russell Crowe Runtime 143 minutes
Kevin Costner took on an iconic DC comic book character in Zack Snyder’s kickoff of the Snyderverse while also taking part in one of the most controversial moments in comic book movie history. Man of Steel is the epic retelling of the legend of Superman with Henry Cavill taking on the role in the story of his life before moving to Metropolis as Clark Kent, living an isolated life, attempting to hide his amazing abilities from the world.
Costner is a big part of this story as Jonathan Kent, the kind farmer who adopted Kal-El as a child and raised him. This is a unique take on the paternal character, as Jonathan is a loving father, but he is convinced that Clark should not use his powers to intervene and save people because it risks exposing him to the world. The movie earned a mixed reaction, with some not liking the darker take on Superman, but it has gained more appreciation over the years. Costner helps to ground the story with his reserved yet effective performance.
14 Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (1991)
As Robin Hood
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) PG-13ActionAdventureDrama
In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Kevin Costner stars as the legendary English folk hero who returns from the Crusades to find his homeland oppressed by the Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Alan Rickman. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the film follows Robin Hood as he leads a band of outlaws to fight against injustice and restore peace. The movie also features Morgan Freeman as Azeem and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Maid Marian.
Director Kevin Reynolds Release Date June 14, 1991 Cast Kevin Costner , Morgan Freeman , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , Christian Slater , Alan Rickman Runtime 143 Minutes
Kevin Costner is perhaps not the first person fans think of to play Robin Hood, but the result is a rollicking fun adventure movie. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves finds Costner playing the legendary hero who returns to his old home of Nottingham to find it taken over by the corrupt and evil Sheriff (Alan Rickman). Hiding out in the forest and assembling an army of his “merry men,” Robin becomes an outlaw for the people.
Rent
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
on Apple TV.
There has been a lot made about Costner’s flimsy accent in the movie, and it is certainly not his best performance, but he does pull off the dashing and charming hero role better than he has been given credit for. However, the film itself excels as pure Hollywood entertainment. It is a big-budget adventure movie that is not really made the same way anymore and still holds up as a fun time decades later. However, the highlight of the movie is Rickman’s hugely entertaining villain performance.
13 McFarland, USA (2015)
As Coach Jim White
McFarland, USA 0
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McFarland, USA is a sports drama film directed by Niki Caro. It stars Kevin Costner as a high school football coach who moves to a small, predominantly Latino town in California and transforms a group of students into a championship cross-country team. Through perseverance and community support, the team overcomes various obstacles, capturing the essence of determination and unity. The film is based on a true story.
Director Niki Caro Release Date February 20, 2015 Cast Kevin Costner , Ramiro Rodriguez , Maria Bello , Johnny Ortiz , Diana Maria Riva
Kevin Costner has a quality as an actor that seems tailor-made for inspirational sports dramas. McFarland USA is one such film that stars Costner as a man who takes a job as a gym teacher at a small high school after losing his football coaching job. There he finds a group of talented Latino students who he transforms into a competitive cross-country team.
However, the formula proves to work thanks to a lot of heart, humor, and a solid lead performance from Costner.
Critics admitted that the film does not break any new ground with its familiar underdog story. However, the formula proves to work thanks to a lot of heart, humor, and a solid lead performance from Costner. He balances the mentor character well, pushing the boys to reach their full potential while also coming to understand the hardships they face. Cross-country is not a sport that is often represented in Hollywood movies, but director Nikki Caro does a good job making it exciting, easy to follow, and cinematic.
12 Molly’s Game (2017)
As Larry Bloom
Molly’s Game 
4.0 0
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With a screenplay and direction from Aaron Sorkin, 2017’s Molly’s Game is a Crime, Drama, and Biography film starring Jessica Chastain, Kevin Costner, and Idris Elba. The film follows a woman who’s running an underground Poker empire that caters to the rich and famous as it’s exposed by the FBI.
Director Aaron Sorkin Release Date December 25, 2017 Cast Idris Elba , Michael Cera , Jessica Chastain , Bill Camp , Kevin Costner , Jeremy Strong , Chris O’Dowd
Aaron Sorkin has established a successful career as a celebrated screenwriter, but Molly’s Game was the first time he stepped behind the camera to direct. This real-life story follows Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), a former Olympic athlete who makes a more infamous name for herself by hosting high-stakes poker games. Her unexpected journey to fortune ultimately puts her in the crosshairs of the law. Also at the center of the story is her struggles with her estranged father (Costner).
Costner is known as an iconic movie star, but Molly’s Game showed how effective he can be in a supporting role. His character of Larry Bloom is a complex one, as he is a flawed family man whose mistakes have led to his poor relationship with his daughter. However, when she is at her lowest, he is there with some helpful fatherly support. Sorkin delivers another clever and energetic script while also proving his skills as a director. Chastain is excellent in the complex leading role.
11 Thirteen Days (2000)
As Ken O’Donnell
Thirteen Days 0
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Thirteen Days is a drama film that recounts the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a 13-day political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. The film focuses on the decisions made by President John F. Kennedy, played by Bruce Greenwood, and his brother Robert Kennedy, played by Steven Culp, as they navigate the crisis and search for a peaceful resolution.
Director Roger Donaldson Release Date December 25, 2000 Cast Kevin Costner , Bruce Greenwood , Steven Culp , Dylan Baker , Michael Fairman
Kevin Costner has featured in a number of political thrillers throughout his career. While Thirteen Days might not be the most famous one, it is still a gripping film worth checking out. Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the movie takes a look behind closed doors as President John F. Kennedy and his most trusted advisors attempt to handle the situation before it escalates into a conflict that could end the whole world.
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Thirteen Days
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Costner plays Ken O’Donnell, a consultant and friend to President Kennedy who helps guide the president away from a devastating war. The talented cast adds a lot to this tense and compelling story of one of the most significant moments in American history. While Bruce Greenwood is the standout with his performance as Kennedy, Costner helps to ground the story with his nuanced performance within the tense and claustrophobic tale.
10 Hidden Figures (2016)
As Al Harrison
Hidden Figures 4.0 0
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Based on the lives of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, Hidden Figures tells the untold stories of the three African-American mathematicians and their work at NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe star as Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson respectively, with a further cast that includes Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Mahershala Ali.
Director Theodore Melfi Release Date December 25, 2016 Cast Taraji P. Henson , Octavia Spencer , Janelle Monae , Jim Parsons , Glen Powell , Kirsten Dunst , Aldis Hodge , Kevin Costner , Mahershala Ali
Hidden Figures is one of those incredible true stories that, amazingly, has been kept a secret for all these years. The movie stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe as the female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in the early years of NASA’s space program. Along with the rest of the supporting cast including Mahershala Ali, Kirsten Dunst, and Glen Powell, Costner stands out as Al Harrison, Henson’s tough but supportive boss.
It is a movie filled with wonderful performances and positive energy, earning it high praise from critics and three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
The movie is a charming, heartwarming, and crowd-pleasing story that celebrates these real-life individuals who never got the recognition they deserved. While the racial politics of the era are explored in a surface-level way, it is an inspiring look at people who defied society and conventions to show their brilliance. It is a movie filled with wonderful performances and positive energy, earning it high praise from critics and three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
9 Silverado (1985)
As Jake
Silverado PG-13WesternAction Where to Watch
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Four unlikely heroes, Emmett, Paden, Jake, and Mal, band together to bring justice to the lawless town of Silverado. Each character, with their unique skills and backgrounds, faces personal vendettas and moral dilemmas as they confront the corrupt Sheriff Cobb and ruthless rancher Ethan McKendrick. The film combines elements of classic Westerns with dynamic action sequences and a rich ensemble cast, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fight against tyranny in the Wild West.
Director Lawrence Kasdan Release Date July 10, 1985 Cast Kevin Kline , Scott Glenn , Rosanna Arquette , John Cleese , Kevin Costner , Brian Dennehy , Danny Glover , Jeff Goldblum , Linda Hunt Runtime 133 Minutes
In Kevin Costner’s first Western movie, the actor played a role much different from the stoic and series Western heroes he is known for. Silverado is a Western adventure with a nice comedic tone that follows a misfit collection of unlikely heroes who come together in a small town in order to right an injustice that has been done. Costner plays the youngest of the group, the gung-ho gunslinger Jake.
The movie features a standout cast that includes Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, and Jeff Goldblum. However, Costner gives a breakout performance, stealing the show with the funniest and most entertaining performance in the movie. It is a lot of fun to see him playing a wilder character like this. While the Western genre was falling out of popularity at the time, Silverado‘s fun throwback energy helped to keep it alive a little longer.
8 Open Range (2003)
As Charley Waite
Open Range RActionDramaRomance
Open Range is a Western film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. Released in 2003, the movie features Robert Duvall as Boss Spearman and Kevin Costner as Charley Waite, two cattle herders driving their herd across the American frontier. They become entangled in a violent conflict with a corrupt rancher, played by Michael Gambon. The film explores themes of justice, friendship, and redemption amidst the rugged landscapes of the West.
Director Kevin Costner Release Date August 15, 2003 Cast Kevin Costner , Robert Duvall , Diego Luna , Abraham Benrubi , Annette Bening , Michael Gambon , Michael Jeter , James Russo Runtime 139 Minutes
Following the failure of the post-apocalyptic drama The Postman, Kevin Costner took a five-year break from directing movies. When he did return, it was in a genre he was comfortable with and he reminded everyone of his immense talents behind the camera. Open Range partners Costner with Robert Duvall as two cattlemen who have a run-in with a corrupt sheriff. Costner’s character, Charley Waite, is a reformed gunslinger who finds himself drifting back to his old ways to take on this injustice.
Stream on
Open Range
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Costner is comfortable enough to give Duvall the more talkative role while delivering a quiet and reserved performance as a man with a dark past. However, the two make a terrific on-screen team as these unassuming heroes in a small but effective Western story. Costner is able to keep the audience hooked throughout, all leading to an excellent climatic shootout.
7 No Way Out (1987)
As Lieutenant Commander Tom Farrell
No Way Out 0
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No Way Out is a suspenseful political thriller directed by Roger Donaldson. Released in 1987, it stars Kevin Costner as Lt. Commander Tom Farrell, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes Pentagon cover-up following a murder. Gene Hackman and Sean Young co-star in this intricate tale of deception, intrigue, and betrayal within the corridors of power.
Director Roger Donaldson Release Date August 14, 1987 Cast Kevin Costner , Gene Hackman , Sean Young , Will Patton , Howard Duff , George Dzundza , Jason Bernard , Iman
In another one of his earliest leading man roles, Kevin Costner showed his ability to carry a complex and intriguing story in a cast that featured some big names. in No Way Out, Costner plays a naval officer who investigates the murder of a politician’s mistress who he was also involved with. As he digs deeper, he finds that he is being targeted for the coverup.
Stream on Tubi.
The movie is a throwback to the classic conspiracy thrillers and fits nicely among the best of the genre. Gene Hackman does great work as a politician at the center of the scandal. It is a star-making performance from Costner, with him excelling at playing the hero who is sometimes in over his head, but smarter than he is given credit for. No Way Out makes for a pulse-pounding thriller with plenty of twists and turns right up until the end.
6 Dances With Wolves (1990)
As Lieutenant John J. Dunbar
Dances With Wolves 18
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*Availability in US Director Kevin Costner Release Date March 30, 1990 Cast Kevin Costner , Mary McDonnell , Graham Greene , Rodney A. Grant , Floyd Westerman , Tantoo Cardinal
While he was already a star in Hollywood, Kevin Costner made a stunning debut as a director in this Western epic. Costner also stars in the film as a Union officer during the Civil War who is assigned to a remote outpost where he meets the local Native Americans in the area. As he learns more about these people and their culture, he forms a bond with them.
The epic feel of the film is captured in stunning and beautiful sequences that showcase the Western frontier.
Though some critics argued that the lack of substance of the story is a weak point of the film, Costner was praised for his direction. The epic feel of the film is captured in stunning and beautiful sequences that showcase the Western frontier. The three-hour runtime of the movie did not intimidate audiences as Dances with Wolves became a huge box office success. Its success continued at the Oscars, where it won seven awards, including Best Director for Costner and Best Picture.
5 JFK (1991)
As Jim Garrison
JFK 0
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Follows the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy led by New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison.
Director Oliver Stone Release Date December 20, 1991 Cast Sally Kirkland , Anthony Ramirez , Ray LePere , Steve Reed , Jodie Farber , Columbia Dubose
Years before Thirteen Days, Kevin Costner starred in another political thriller involving John F. Kennedy, this time surrounding the president’s assassination. Oliver Stone’s JFK tells the story of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Costner), who digs deeper into the infamous assassination and finds that the government has not told the full story to the public. This leads to him staffing one of the most shocking court cases in American history as Garrison sought to charge someone else with the murder of Kennedy.
Like much of Stone’s work, the film was met with a lot of controversy, with many criticizing its factual accuracy. However, taken as a political thriller, JFK keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with this dizzying saga of secrets and lies surrounding the assassination. The cast is filled with notable names, including Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pesci, Kevin Bacon, John Candy, and others. However, Costner’s performance helps to ground the story from spiraling out of control with all the conspiracy theories.
4 A Perfect World (1993)
As Robert “Butch” Haynes
A Perfect World (1993) 1
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PG-13CrimeDramaThriller
A Perfect World stars Kevin Costner as an escaped convict who kidnaps a young boy. As the two form an unlikely bond during their run from the law.
Director Clint Eastwood Release Date November 24, 1993 Cast Kevin Costner , Clint Eastwood , Laura Dern , T.J. Lowther , Keith Szarabajka , Leo Burmester , Bruce McGill , Bradley Whitford , Ray McKinnon , Mary Alice , John M. Jackson , Wayne Dehart , Linda Hart , Cameron Finley , Marco Perella , Margaret Bowman , James Jeter Runtime 138 minutes Expand
While Kevin Costner is often counted among the best actors who have become directors, he worked with another legend of that category, being directed by Clint Eastwood in A Perfect World. Costner plays Butch, an escaped convict who kidnaps a young boy while on the run from the law. With a determined lawman on their tail (played by Eastwood), Butch and the boy begin to develop a bond.
Rent on Apple TV.
The movie strikes an impressive balance of comedy, thrills, and drama with Costner helping achieve this through his layered character. Butch is charming and funny, but he can also be dark and threatening. The interactions with the young boy show the unique relationship with Butch seeming to want to be his protector and father figure but also just wanting a friend. It is one of Costner’s best performances and certainly his most underrated.
3 The Untouchables (1987)
As Elliott Ness
The Untouchables 2
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The Untouchables, directed by Brian De Palma, is a crime drama set during Prohibition-era Chicago. The film stars Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness, a federal agent determined to bring down the notorious gangster Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. Alongside Sean Connery as seasoned officer Jim Malone, Ness forms an elite team to combat organized crime, focusing on the legal strategy to dismantle Capone’s empire.
Director Brian De Palma Release Date June 3, 1987 Cast Kevin Costner , Sean Connery , Charles Martin Smith , Andy Garcia , Robert De Niro , Richard Bradford , Jack Kehoe , Brad Sullivan
Kevin Costner secured one of his biggest leading man roles to date in Brian De Palma’s crime epic, The Untouchables. Set during the Prohibition Era, Costner plays Elliott Ness, a determined and professional federal agent who assembled a special task force to take on notorious crime boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro). However, as the team starts to disrupt Capone’s bootlegging business, the gangster takes aim at them as well.
Costner fits the hero role perfectly with Ness as the “boy scout” lawman who wants to see justice done.
Costner fits the hero role perfectly with Ness as the “boy scout” lawman who wants to see justice done. He shows his movie star credentials, ably leading a cast with the likes of De Niro and an Oscar-winning turn from Sean Connery. It is true that the movie bears little accuracy to the actual gangster story, but it is still a highly entertaining ride with some unforgettable sequences staged by De Palma, particularly the iconic train station sequence.
2 Field Of Dreams (1989)
As Ray Kinsella
Field of Dreams 0
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Based on a novel by W. P. Kinsella, Field of Dreams stars Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, a farmer living in Iowa who one evening begins hearing a mysterious voice urging him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. An avid baseball fan, Ray takes on the project in hopes of honoring his late father. Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster also star.
Director Phil Alden Robinson Release Date May 5, 1989 Cast Amy Madigan , Kevin Costner , James Earl Jones , burt lancaster , Ray Liotta , Timothy Busfield
The sports drama Field of Dreams has gone down as one of the most heartwarming films of all time, serving as an ode not only to the sport of baseball but also to father-son relationships. It stars Costner as a man who, hearing voices, decides to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. When he does, it magically brings back the players of the 1919 Chicago White Sox, including the disgraced Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta).
The movie takes a strange fairy tale premise and turns it into a sweeping and emotional story that will resonate with many viewers. Costner is terrific in the lead role, mixing the charm of a man who is following his instincts with the anxiety of a man who may be losing his mind. The sentimentality of the film is never overdone, and it makes for a wonderful story of redemption, family, and baseball.
1 Bull Durham (1988)
As Crash Davis
Bull Durham 0
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Veteran catcher Crash Davis is brought to the minor league Durham Bulls to help their up and coming pitching prospect, “Nuke” Laloosh. Their relationship gets off to a rocky start and is further complicated when baseball groupie Annie Savoy sets her sights on the two men.
Director Ron Shelton Release Date June 15, 1988 Cast Kevin Costner , Susan Sarandon , Tim Robbins , Trey Wilson , Robert Wuhl , William O’Leary
Field of Dreams was not Kevin Costner’s only baseball film to strike a chord with audiences. Bull Durham is a romantic comedy that stars Costner as a veteran catcher on a minor-league team who begins mentoring a talented yet troubled pitcher (Tim Robbins). As the two men form an unsteady partnership a seductive fan (Susan Sarandon) comes between them.
Along with being Kevin Costner’s best sports movie, Bull Durham is just the best movie the actor has ever starred in. It is a fun look at the sport of baseball and those who play for the love of the game, even if it doesn’t always love them back. However, it is also a funny and sexy rom-com with Costner pulling off the sports hero role and the romantic lead role expertly. He has great chemistry with both Robbins and Sarandon, which makes for a wonderful sports movie love triangle long before Challengers made a splash.