A Hollywood Icon With a Storied Career
Kevin Costner has been a fixture in Hollywood for more than four decades, balancing his career between acting, directing, and producing. Known for his rugged charm, quiet intensity, and a knack for choosing roles that connect with the American spirit, Costner has left behind a filmography that is both celebrated and debated. From Academy Award–winning epics to box office flops that later found cult status, Costner’s career is a rollercoaster that reflects the highs and lows of the movie business itself. But which of his films truly define him? Here is a ranking of Kevin Costner’s top 10 movies, from the undeniable classics to the more questionable efforts.

1. Dances with Wolves (1990)
If there is one film that defines Kevin Costner, it is Dances with Wolves. Serving as both director and star, Costner delivered a sweeping Western epic that stunned critics and audiences alike. The film went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, cementing Costner as more than just a leading man. His portrayal of Union officer John Dunbar, who finds unexpected kinship with the Lakota Sioux, captured themes of humanity, respect, and cultural conflict in a way few films have ever achieved. While some critics later accused the movie of being overly romanticized, there is no denying its cultural and cinematic impact.

2. Field of Dreams (1989)

“Is this heaven?” Field of Dreams is often remembered as the quintessential Kevin Costner film — earnest, heartfelt, and filled with Americana magic. Playing Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, Costner anchors one of the most sentimental movies ever made. The film’s blend of baseball, nostalgia, and fatherhood struck a chord with audiences, making it a permanent fixture in pop culture. It’s the kind of movie only Costner could lead without tipping into parody, thanks to his ability to embody sincerity in a way that feels completely authentic.

3. Bull Durham (1988)
Before Field of Dreams, there was Bull Durham, a baseball romantic comedy that proved Costner could balance humor and heart with ease. As “Crash” Davis, the seasoned minor league catcher tasked with mentoring a wild young pitcher, Costner brought grit and charm in equal measure. His chemistry with Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins helped create a sports film that transcended its genre, becoming a story about love, life, and second chances. Critics still hail Bull Durham as one of the greatest sports movies of all time — and Costner’s performance is a big reason why.

4. JFK (1991)
In Oliver Stone’s sprawling political thriller, Costner took on the role of Jim Garrison, the New Orleans district attorney determined to uncover the truth behind President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. JFK was controversial, divisive, and a box office hit — and Costner’s performance gave the film its grounding force. His earnest delivery and unwavering intensity helped audiences navigate Stone’s labyrinthine conspiracy theories. While the film sparked debates about history and truth, Costner’s role remains one of the most commanding of his career.

5. The Untouchables (1987)

Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables paired Costner with Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy Garcia in a stylish gangster saga. Costner played Eliot Ness, the straight-arrow federal agent determined to take down Al Capone during Prohibition. While critics at the time debated whether Costner was overshadowed by Connery’s Oscar-winning turn, Ness remains one of Costner’s most memorable characters. His clean-cut charisma was the perfect foil for De Niro’s flamboyant Capone, creating a timeless cat-and-mouse showdown that still holds up.

6. Open Range (2003)
By the early 2000s, Costner’s star power had cooled, but Open Range reminded audiences of his deep connection to the Western genre. Directing and starring in the film, he delivered a gritty and soulful story of free-grazing cattlemen caught in a violent conflict with a corrupt rancher. Supported by a strong cast including Robert Duvall and Annette Bening, Costner used Open Range to reaffirm his place as one of Hollywood’s last true cowboy figures. The film’s climactic gunfight is often hailed as one of the most realistic and gripping shootouts ever put to film.

7. Wyatt Earp (1994)
Coming off the success of Dances with Wolves, Costner sought to create another Western epic with Wyatt Earp. The film, directed by Lawrence Kasdan, aimed to tell the life story of the legendary lawman. Unfortunately, it was released just after the flashier, more concise Tombstone, leading to inevitable comparisons. While critics found Wyatt Earp too long and ponderous, Costner’s performance as the complex gunslinger has since earned a reappraisal. Today, many fans see it as a thoughtful, character-driven take on one of the West’s most iconic figures.

8. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Few Costner films are as divisive as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. On one hand, the film was a massive box office hit, delivering swashbuckling adventure to audiences around the world. On the other, critics lampooned Costner’s wandering accent and overly earnest delivery. Yet, his charisma carried the film, and Alan Rickman’s unforgettable turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham elevated it to campy classic status. For all its flaws, the movie remains an important piece of Costner’s career — proof that even his missteps could become cultural phenomena.

9. Waterworld (1995)
When it comes to Hollywood flops, Waterworld is often near the top of the list. With a ballooning budget and endless production issues, the post-apocalyptic saga became a symbol of excess. Costner, playing a mutant drifter navigating a flooded Earth, faced harsh criticism at the time. Yet, over the years, Waterworld has earned a cult following. Its ambitious world-building and environmental themes now feel strangely ahead of their time, and Costner’s brooding performance fits its gritty, doomed aesthetic. While not his finest moment, the film is an essential part of understanding his career trajectory.

10. The Postman (1997)
If Waterworld dented Costner’s reputation, The Postman nearly destroyed it. Released on Christmas Day 1997, this dystopian epic — in which Costner plays a drifter who inspires hope by reviving the postal service — was mocked mercilessly by critics. It became synonymous with Hollywood vanity projects, winning multiple Razzie Awards. Yet, like Waterworld, the film has slowly found defenders who appreciate its ambition and heart. Flawed as it is, The Postman demonstrates Costner’s willingness to take risks, even when those risks don’t pay off.

Why Kevin Costner Endures Despite the Flops
One of the reasons Kevin Costner remains beloved is his consistency in portraying characters that embody American ideals — resilience, integrity, and quiet strength. Even his less successful films reveal a passion for storytelling and a willingness to take big swings. While some actors play it safe, Costner has always gone for broke, and that bravery is part of what makes him iconic.

The Legacy of Kevin Costner’s Career
Ranking Costner’s films reminds us of the breadth of his career. From the soaring highs of Dances with Wolves and Field of Dreams to the infamous lows of The Postman, his body of work tells a story of ambition, risk, and enduring appeal. Few actors have influenced both sports dramas and Westerns as profoundly as he has. Even today, with projects like Yellowstone reigniting his fame, Costner proves that he still has the ability to command audiences’ attention.

Conclusion: The Story of a Hollywood Survivor
Kevin Costner’s top 10 films show us the full picture of a Hollywood survivor: an actor who has known triumph and humiliation but continues to leave a mark. His best movies remind us why we fell in love with him, while his worst illustrate the risks he was willing to take in pursuit of cinematic greatness. Together, they form a legacy that is uniquely Costner — bold, flawed, inspiring, and unforgettable.