Kevin Costner's 10 Best Action Movies

Kevin Costner has established himself as a multifaceted actor, seamlessly transitioning between dramatic roles and action-packed adventures throughout his career. Known for his compelling performances, Costner has tackled a variety of characters, from iconic law enforcement officers to complex anti-heroes. His foray into the action genre showcases his physical prowess and ability to portray characters with depth and authenticity. While Costner has been in many underrated movies, his action films carry a unique blend of intensity and emotional resonance, making them memorable experiences for audiences.

While Costner is often celebrated for his work in dramas and westerns, his action films deserve recognition for their gripping narratives and dynamic performances. From high-stakes thrillers to adrenaline-fueled blockbusters, Costner’s action roles highlight his versatility as an actor and his commitment to the story he is telling. These films encapsulate a range of human experiences, blending action with personal stakes that resonate long after the credits roll.

10 3,000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

A Kevin Costner Action Movie With A Unique Premise

3,000 Miles to Graceland casts Costner as the ruthless criminal Thomas J. Murphy, who, along with a gang of Elvis impersonators, plans a heist during an Elvis convention in Las Vegas. The film is packed with shootouts, betrayals, and high-octane chases, making it one of Costner’s most fast-paced roles. His portrayal of the cold-blooded leader of the gang adds an edge to the ensemble cast, which includes acting legend Kurt Russell, Courteney Cox, Christian Slater, and more.

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While 3,000 Miles to Graceland wasn’t a massive box office hit, Costner’s departure from his typical heroic roles makes it stand out. His ruthless, villainous performance is chilling and captivating, adding complexity to the film’s action-packed storylines. The blend of crime thriller and action heist genres makes 3,000 Miles to Graceland an exciting and underrated entry in Costner’s career.

9 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Kevin Costner Takes On An Iconic Character

In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner takes on the iconic role of Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor. Set against the backdrop of medieval England, the film features plenty of sword fights, archery, and large-scale battles as Robin Hood leads his band of Merry Men against the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Alan Rickman. It’s a classic film packed with plenty of action-packed scenes and was a massive box office hit as well.

Costner was criticized for his accent, but he was praised for his heartfelt portrayal of Robin Hood and firm conviction. The film’s impressive action sequences and epic scope have left a lasting impact, and Costner’s depiction of Robin Hood firmly established him as a prominent action star of the early ’90s.

8 Wyatt Earp (1994)

Kevin Costner Takes The Law Into His Own Hands

Kevin Costner plays Wyatt Earp, the iconic lawman, in this expansive Western film. The film delves into Earp’s entire life, starting from his early years and culminating in his renowned confrontation at the O.K. Corral. Throughout the movie, audiences are treated to thrilling gunfights and intense confrontations, highlighting Costner’s skill at capturing the character’s emotional complexity and meeting the role’s physical demands.

The portrayal of Wyatt Earp in the movie didn’t receive the same level of attention as the film Tombstone, which was released around the same time. However, Costner’s nuanced performance of the complex lawman deserves more recognition. The film’s well-crafted action sequences, coupled with its deliberate pacing, provide ample room for a more profound exploration of Earp’s character. Costner’s dedication to the role shines through, making this movie a standout in his filmography.

7 No Way Out (1987)

Kevin Costner’s Take On A Political Conspiracy

No Way Out is a gripping political thriller that stars Kevin Costner as Tom Farrell, a dedicated Navy officer entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and deceit. It combines heart-pounding suspense with intense action sequences, including high-stakes chases and gripping confrontations. As Farrell fights to clear his name, he becomes embroiled in uncovering a sinister government conspiracy in a movie that skillfully adds a layer of tension and suspense to the plot.

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Costner delivers a captivating performance, skillfully balancing intense action sequences with his character’s increasing sense of desperation. The film’s intricate plot twists and layered storyline position it as one of the more intellectually stimulating action-thrillers of the 1980s. While it may not achieve widespread acclaim as one of the best action movies of all time, Costner’s portrayal of a fugitive adds a compelling emotional dimension, setting No Way Out apart in a crowded genre.

6 The Guardian (2006)

Kevin Costner Stars Alongside Ashton Kutcher

The Guardian 1

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PG-13ActionDrama

The Guardian is an action-drama film directed by Andrew Davis. It stars Kevin Costner as a veteran rescue swimmer who trains new recruits after a tragic incident. Ashton Kutcher plays a young, brash recruit who joins the elite Coast Guard unit. The film explores themes of mentorship, sacrifice, and resilience within the perilous world of sea rescues.

Cast Kevin Costner , Ashton Kutcher , Sela Ward , Melissa Sagemiller , Clancy Brown , Omari Hardwick Character(s) Ben Randall , Jake Fischer , Helen Randall , Emily Thomas , William Hadley , Carl Billings Director Andrew Davis Release Date September 29, 2006 Studio(s) Touchstone Pictures , Beacon Pictures , Contrafilm Distributor(s) Buena Vista Pictures Writers Ron L. Brinkerhoff Runtime 139 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

The Guardian stars Costner as Ben Randall, a veteran Coast Guard rescue swimmer who trains a younger recruit played by Ashton Kutcher. The film centers on their dangerous missions in treacherous seas, with Randall’s past experiences weighing heavily on him as he pushes the next generation to take over. It combines mentorship drama and high-stakes action, with intense rescue scenes adding tension.

Kevin Costner’s Highest-Grossing Movies	Worldwide Global Box Office
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)	$874 million
Man Of Steel (2013)	$670 million
Dances With Wolves (1990)	$424 million
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)	$390 million
Waterworld (1995)	$264 million
Hidden Figures (2016)	$236 million

Though The Guardian often focuses on the mentor-student relationship, the action scenes are spectacular, highlighting the dangerous work of the Coast Guard. Costner’s grounded performance as a man haunted by past failures lends the film emotional weight, and the tension between the characters adds to the film’s gripping pace. The Guardian remains an underappreciated entry in Costner’s action catalog, delivering a mix of emotion and adrenaline rarely seen in other movies of the genre.

5 The Bodyguard (1992)

A Career-Defining Role For Kevin Costner

In The Bodyguard, Kevin Costner plays Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent hired to protect pop superstar Rachel Marron, played by Whitney Houston, from a deadly stalker. As the tension between the pair grows, so does their romantic chemistry, making for a suspenseful blend of action and drama. The film is known for its intense moments, including a climactic showdown that keeps viewers on edge until the very end.

Despite being remembered more for its soundtrack and romance, The Bodyguard is a solid action film in Costner’s filmography. The actor’s portrayal of a hardened bodyguard who must navigate his personal feelings while maintaining his professional duty gives the film a gritty depth. His calm and controlled performance, combined with the film’s tense action sequences, elevate this movie above many similar films from the era.

4 Waterworld (1995)

One Of The Most Controversial Films Of Kevin Costner’s Career

Waterworld is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the Earth is completely covered in water. Costner plays the Mariner, a drifter with gills who fights to survive and protect a woman and child from ruthless pirates. The film is filled with large-scale action sequences and innovative stunts, offering a unique vision of a dystopian future ahead of its time in world-building.

Waterworld
was the most expensive movie ever made at the time, with a total budget of $172 million (pushed to $235 million considering marketing and distribution costs) – an exorbitant amount for a film in the mid-’90s.

While Waterworld was criticized for its budget at the time of release, Costner’s intense portrayal of a lone wanderer trying to survive in a chaotic world remains a highlight. The film is visually ambitious, and the action scenes are still impressive today. Despite initial reviews, it has since gained a cult following, with Costner’s performance at its core and one that has been remembered fondly.

3 Thirteen Days (2000)

Kevin Costner Explores The Threat Of Nuclear War

Thirteen Days is a political thriller set during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Costner plays Kenny O’Donnell, a close advisor to President John F. Kennedy. The film focuses on the tense 13 days in October 1962 when the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. Though Thirteen Days is primarily a political drama, it features high-stakes tension and action-like pacing as the characters navigate one of the most dangerous periods in modern history.

President Kennedy frequently used recording machines during meetings at the White House, and the majority of the dialogue in the film was directly lifted from these tapes.

While not a traditional action film, Thirteen Days showcases Costner’s ability to bring intensity to dramatic roles, and it is known as one of his best movies. His portrayal of O’Donnell, a key figure behind the scenes of this geopolitical standoff, is both commanding and deeply human. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere, driven by the real threat of war, adds an action-thriller vibe to the movie, making it a standout among Costner’s more traditional action roles.

2 Mr. Brooks (2007)

Kevin Costner’s Darkest Role

In the movie Mr. Brooks, Kevin Costner portrays Earl Brooks, a highly accomplished individual concealing a sinister side – he is a serial killer. Struggling to contain his homicidal impulses, he is drawn into a perilous confrontation with a photographer who attempts to extort him. The film artfully combines psychological tension with gripping action sequences, depicting Brooks as he grapples with the complexities of leading a double life.

Costner’s haunting depiction of an apparently unremarkable man concealing a dark and sinister aspect to his person is a striking departure from his usual on-screen characters. The movie’s intense suspense and sudden outbursts of violence make it a distinctive addition to his action-packed body of work. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Brooks defies the audience’s preconceptions of Costner as an actor, enriching his repertoire with added complexity.

1 Open Range (2003)

Kevin Costner Shows His Aptitude For An Old School Western

In the film Open Range, Costner delivers a compelling performance as Charley Waite, a rugged and determined cattleman who, alongside Robert Duvall’s character, stands up to a deceitful rancher. The movie expertly weaves a sense of anticipation with its deliberate pacing, culminating in a meticulously orchestrated shootout that serves as a defining action sequence in modern Western cinema.

In Open Range, Kevin Costner delivers a nuanced performance as a man grappling with the shadows of his tumultuous history. The film’s breathtaking cinematography and compelling storyline are often celebrated, but it’s Costner’s portrayal that truly stands out as a testament to his acting prowess. The action sequences are authentically grounded, and Costner’s directorial choices effectively highlight the intense emotional tension that underpins each confrontation. This hidden gem excels not only as a Western but also as a compelling action film in general.

Kevin Costner

Discover the latest news and filmography for Kevin Costner, renowned for Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone.

Birthdate January 18, 1955 Birthplace Lynwood, California, United States Height 6 feet 1 inch Notable Projects Yellowstone , Dances With Wolves , The Untouchables

Kevin Costner’s 10 Best Action Movies