Kevin Costner Has Become the King of Westerns — See His 6 Films, Ranked
While Yellowstone might have introduced a new generation of fans to Kevin Costner's skills in the realm of westerns, many of us know that the 69-year-old actor has been leaving his mark on the genre for decades. Although John Dutton has earned his title as one of the most revered cowboys to grace the screen, we've seen him bring many to life over the years. Here, take a look at our ranking of the best Kevin Costner westerns of his career.
Kevin Costner westerns
6. Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 (2024)
Kevin Costner's most recent passion project hit the screen at the end of June, and the film captures the essence of the western genre expertly. Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 takes place in Civil War era America and chronicles the gradual expansion into the American west. Aside from the gripping storytelling, the setting and scenery has also been celebrated by viewers, allowing one to truly immerse themselves in the epic tale.
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5. Silverado (1985)
Silverado tells the story of a group of misfit cowboys, consisting of Kevin Costner, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover and Scott Glenn, who descend upon a town that they learn is suffering at the hands of a greedy leader.
“Being awarded that part was just a total gift,” Costner told Cowboys & Indians Magazine in 2020. “It was a career-making role, a scene-stealing role.
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4. Wyatt Earp (1994)
Kevin Costner brought the famed figure of Wyatt Earp to life in this 1994 film. Wyatt Earp tells the story of the life of this western lawman, from his early origins to the days in which he made his name.
"That movie took about 113 days to make. I loved living in that era," he told PEOPLE of the 1994 classic.
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3. Let Him Go (2020) Kevin Costner westerns
Costner leads alongside Diane Lane in this film about two parents who, when their son passes, set out on a mission to rescue their grandson from the abusive husband their daughter-in-law got re-married to, despite the hesitation of Costner's character.
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"I saw this as a thing where you realize that, sometimes, you have to go down this path with someone you love so much, to do something that they’re so compelled to do — and you know it’s wrong," Costner told Cowboys & Indians Magazine of what attracted him to the film. "Everything in your body is saying it’s wrong. Everything in your mind, your experience, is saying this is wrong. You understand emotionally why she’s doing it. But at the end, the logic of human behavior is abandoned."
2. Open Range (2003) Kevin Costner westerns
A group of cattlemen are headed on a long cattle drive when one of their men doesn't return after making a stop in small village for supplies. Heading into the town to investigate, they learn he had been jailed and beaten within this town run by a corrupt leader. Despite being eventually released, this group of cowboys plot for revenge. Starring Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, Diego Luna, Abraham Benrubi and Annette Bening.
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1. Dances With Wolves (1990) Kevin Costner westerns
A Civil War lieutenant assigned to a remote outpost forms a unique relationship with the Sioux. The film was Costner's directorial debut, and he also starred in and produced it.
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