As a longtime admirer of Western films and a connoisseur of the genre, I wholeheartedly concur that Kevin Costner deserves a place on that mythical Mount Rushmore of Western actors. His portrayals of rugged, resilient characters who navigate the harsh realities of frontier life have become iconic in their own right.
Due to Kevin Costner’s exceptional performances in numerous classic Western films, he seemed perfectly suited to play John Dutton in the Yellowstone series… that is, until his surprising decision to leave Paramount Network’s neo-Western drama. Fingers crossed that his departure from the show won’t mean a farewell to this genre for him.
If Clint Eastwood continues to excel in action-packed films, even into his nineties, I don’t see any reason for Kevin Costner to retire. Let’s commemorate his illustrious cinematic journey by exploring some of his best Western performances. Here’s a guide on how to watch the top Western movies featuring this actor.
Silverado (1985)
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Starring: Kevin Kline, John Glenn, Danny Glover, Kevin Costner
What it’s about: Four misfits become travel partners en route to a town where they become heroes in the 1880s.
As a gamer putting on my cowboy hat, let me tell you why I think Silverado is one of Kevin Costner’s top Western films. This movie, available on Netflix, happens to be another gem in Costner’s Western collection where he portrays the quick-draw character Jake. It’s the start of an enduring love affair between him and the genre that never fails to thrill me.
How to watch Silverado
- Stream Silverado on Netflix
- Rent or buy Silverado on Amazon
- Buy Silverado on Blu-ray on Amazon
Dances With Wolves (1990)
Director: Kevin Costner
Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene
What it’s about: A decorated Civil War-era soldier befriends a Sioux tribe and learns their ways.
As a devoted fan, I’d like to express why I believe “Dances with Wolves” is one of Kevin Costner’s finest Western performances: This captivating ’90s movie wasn’t just a Best Picture Oscar recipient, but it also brought Kevin Costner the prestigious Academy Award for Best Director.
How to watch Dances with Wolves
- Stream Dances with Wolves on MGM+
- Stream Dances with Wolves on AMC+
- Rent or buy Dances with Wolves on Amazon
- Buy Dances with Wolves on Blu-ray on Amazon
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Starring: Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman
In brief: Tale of transformation: from a weary gunslinger into an enduring symbol of Western legends.
One way of paraphrasing your sentence could be: “Kevin Costner’s performance as Wyatt Earp in the movie, a collaboration with the director of Silverado, is highly praised due to its grand scale and powerful acting, even though it was released around the same time as another film about the same character (Tombstone).
How to watch Wyatt Earp
- Rent or buy Wyatt Earp on Amazon
- Buy Wyatt Earp on Blu-ray on Amazon
Open Range (2003)
Director: Kevin Costner
Starring: Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, Michael Gambon
The main theme revolves around a retired gunfighter seeking retribution against an unscrupulous landlord, who has abducted one of his ranch hands.
What makes Open Range one of Kevin Costner’s finest Western performances: In the genre he is well-known for, Kevin Costner reappeared as both director and actor in the fast-paced film version of Lauran Paine’s novel, titled Open Range.
How to watch Open Range
- Stream Open Range on Amazon Prime
- Buy Open Range on DVD on Amazon
Let Him Go (2020)
Director: Thomas Bezucha
Starring: Kevin Costner, Diane Lane
In the early ’60s Montana, a former sheriff and his spouse embark on a risky solo mission to save their grandson who has been abducted from his widowed mother-in-law.
One reason why Let Him Go stands out among Kevin Costner’s Western films: Although Kevin Costner himself doesn’t categorize it as a Western, it’s undeniable that Let Him Go – a film that concludes dramatically – is an exhilarating tale of self-administered justice, reminiscent of the spirit often shown in the Old West, based on Larry Watson’s novel.
How to watch Let Him Go
- Stream Let Him Go on Peacock
- Rent or buy Let Him Go on Amazon
- Buy Let Him Go on Blu-ray on Amazon
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)
Director: Kevin Costner
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington
Main Theme: Exploring the emotional upheaval during the U.S. Civil War from various perspectives, including a horse dealer, his kin, and their adversaries.
One of Kevin Costner’s standout Western films is “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” which marks one of his most significant endeavors to date. Unfortunately, the sequel, titled “Chapter 2,” has been removed from the planned 2024 movie lineup, leaving the future of this four-part series uncertain.
How to watch Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1
- Stream Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 on Max
- Rent or buy Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 on Amazon
- Buy Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 on Blu-ray on Amazon
Waterworld (1995)
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Starring: Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Dennis Hopper
In a bleak, flooded future, an intrepid sailor is unwillingly drawn into a quest with a woman and a child, seeking a legendary elevated territory.
What makes Waterworld one of Kevin Costner’s outstanding Western-style films: Although Waterworld isn’t a typical Western, its atmosphere and themes share similarities with classic Westerns, and Kevin Costner’s character in the film can be likened to some of the genre’s well-known antiheroes who are outlaws.
How to watch Waterworld
- Stream Waterworld on Starz
- Rent or buy Waterworld on Amazon
- Buy Waterworld on Blu-ray on Amazon
BONUS: Hatfields & McCoys (2012)
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Starring: Kevin Costner, Bill Paxton
Topic Overview: The escalating, often brutal conflict between two families residing along the boundary of West Virginia and Kentucky, a saga steeped in legend.
“The reason ‘Hatfields & McCoys’, a highly successful three-part miniseries on the History Channel, is considered among Kevin Costner’s best Western movies is because he won an Emmy and Golden Globe for his portrayal of ‘Devil’ Anse McCoy in it.
How to watch Hatfields & McCoys
- Buy Hatfields & McCoys on Amazon
- Buy Hatfields & McCoys on Blu-ray on Amazon
BONUS: Yellowstone (2018-Present)
Starring: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser
The Storyline: A Montana-based ranching family takes all essential measures to safeguard their cherished territory.
One reason Kevin Costner’s Western movies stand out is because he won a Golden Globe for his role as John Dutton in the TV series “Yellowstone,” created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. This modern Western show has kept audiences hooked with its realistic and intense storyline, even after Costner left the show.
How to watch Yellowstone
- Stream Yellowstone on Peacock
- Buy Yellowstone on Amazon
- Buy Yellowstone on Blu-ray on Amazon
Many enthusiasts of this genre likely concur with me that if there were a Mount Rushmore featuring the four most distinguished Western film actors, it’d undeniably showcase the face of Kevin Costner among them.
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2024-11-25 00:07