All Kevin Costner Western Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

Over the years, Kevin Costner has repeatedly explored the American frontier, immersing himself in stories of cattle towns, law enforcement, and pioneers. Additionally, he’s directed several large-scale period productions set in these eras. His western filmography spans from timeless 19th-century narratives to contemporary and mid-20th century tales that maintain the same rugged landscapes, rural governance, and tension within open country settings.

Here’s my take:

In this rundown, I’ve gathered all the feature films where Kevin Costner is firmly rooted in the classic western style – whether he’s acting, directing, or both. The list is organized as a countdown, starting with the least-ranked film and moving up to the number one spot. It delves into each movie’s storyline breadth, important creative partnerships, and behind-the-scenes aspects that help define its place within the genre. I hope you enjoy exploring Costner’s western legacy!

‘The Postman’ (1997)

In a post-societal breakdown, the narrative centers around a wanderer who dons an old postman’s outfit and delivers letters among scattered communities across the American West. The protagonist journeys through sparsely inhabited territories, comes across a militia led by a self-proclaimed general, and aids in reestablishing communication between towns using makeshift mail routes and community gatherings.

In this adaptation, Kevin Costner takes on both directing duties and the lead role, drawing from David Brin’s original novel while filming extensively in Utah, Oregon, and Washington. The movie showcases scenes involving convoys, worn-out vehicles, and freshly constructed settlements. Will Patton portrays the main antagonist, while Olivia Williams is a crucial ally who helps rejuvenate the local community.

‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’ (2024)

In the multi-film Western project, the initial installment explores the lives of settlers, soldiers, and native communities as western towns, trails, and new homes sprout along rivers. The interwoven narratives shift between isolated outposts, wagon trains, and burgeoning settlements, while portraying conflicts that span from land disputes to attacks and retaliation.

In a new take, Kevin Costner is both the director and lead actor alongside Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, and Jena Malone. The team constructs authentic period towns and camps in expansive Southwestern landscapes, utilizing real-life props, horseback riding scenes, muzzle-loading guns, and freight trains to depict travel and town activities.

‘Wyatt Earp’ (1994)

In this biographical western, we journey with a lawman from his rural Midwestern upbringing, through his buffalo hunting adventures, deputy duties, and the infamous gunfight in Tombstone. The story unfolds further as his family and their friend Doc Holliday tackle lingering dangers beyond the town’s boundary, and deal with complex jurisdictional issues spanning county lines.

In this rendition, Lawrence Kasdan serves as director while Kevin Costner portrays Wyatt Earp, with Dennis Quaid essaying the role of Doc Holliday. Supporting actors include Gene Hackman, Mare Winningham, Michael Madsen, and Joanna Going. The filmmaking process involves constructing expansive city streets and trail landscapes to depict the transition from unrestricted cattle roaming to bustling towns connected by railways. Important scenes are set in courtrooms, jails, and train stations from the era.

‘Let Him Go’ (2020)

Based on Larry Watson’s novel, the narrative revolves around an elderly rancher and his spouse taking a trip across the expansive northern prairies to retrieve their grandson. Their mission sets the stage for an encounter with a family who have influence over a secluded ranch home and its nearby county roads due to fear and allegiance.

Thomas Bezucha both writes and directs a movie featuring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as the main couple. Lesley Manville and Jeffrey Donovan portray members of the family they encounter. The film employs rural sheriff stations, small-town diners, and remote bridges to create a journey that transverses lightly guarded borders, drawing attention to the constraints of law enforcement in less densely populated regions.

‘The Highwaymen’ (2019)

In simple terms, this film is about the thrilling chase of notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde by two former Texas law enforcers, Frank Hamer and Maney Gault. The story unfolds as they conduct investigations across multiple states, visiting crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, and working with local officials to identify patterns and set up roadblocks in remote areas.

In this retelling, John Lee Hancock serves as the director, with Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson taking on the main characters, while Kathy Bates portrays the role of the Texas governor. The film meticulously recreates the travel experience of the 1930s through classic cars, rural homes, and gas stations. It follows a gripping chase using county records, radio broadcasts, and surveillance that ultimately leads to a meticulously planned roadside trap.

‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2’ (2024)

In the second chapter, the narrative weaves together various threads of frontier life as settlers, wanderers, and military units react to the repercussions of previous disputes and growing tension over land and resources. The plot progresses by following several families and rival groups, while also introducing new towns, river crossings, and encampments that mark contested paths.

In this new iteration, Kevin Costner once more assumes both directing and acting roles, joined by a familiar cast of players along with fresh additions to the mix. The narrative weaves multiple storylines together, much like its predecessor, employing an expansive production style. This includes meticulously crafted street facades, stock corrals, and forts constructed specifically on Southwestern sites. For scenes involving wagon travel, river work, and nighttime operations, the film utilizes practical effects and a large number of extras to create an authentic feel.

‘Silverado’ (1985)

A quartet of voyagers join forces on their journey and reach a tough frontier settlement ruled by a powerful strongman and his sheriff. The alliance challenges this regime via jail breakouts, clashes in the pastures, and confrontations on the main street, all while safeguarding families and enterprises that have been oppressed by the town’s hierarchical system of power.

Lawrence Kasdan helms the production starring Kevin Costner as the swift-shooting character Jake, accompanied by Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, and Danny Glover. Brian Dennehy and Jeff Goldblum are among the adversaries in this movie. It was filmed on expansive Western sets boasting saloons, corrals, and a complete main street. The film showcases stagecoach stops, trail camps, and horseback pursuits across Southwestern vistas.

‘Open Range’ (2003)

In a storyline, two independent cattle farmers who manage their herds on common pastures find themselves at odds with a dominant rancher and his law enforcer henchman, following a disagreement regarding water usage and grazing privileges. The narrative unfolds as both parties prepare for an imminent showdown, while also delving into daily routines such as trail journeys, supply collections, and the palpable anxiety that permeates a neutral town sandwiched between them.

Kevin Costner takes on both the director’s role and stars alongside Robert Duvall, Annette Bening, and Michael Gambon. Filming was carried out in Alberta, where they built an authentic frontier town complete with boardwalks, stables, and other outdoor structures for extensive scenes. The movie employs real cattle handling, historical firearms, and wetland environments to make the action feel tangible and rooted in daily life and local business activities.

‘Dances with Wolves’ (1990)

At a distant frontier post on the vast prairie, an officer from the Union finds himself gradually weaving ties within a Native American Lakota community. As the rhythm of seasons and buffalo herds ebb and flow, and military movements alter the landscape, the story unfolds around his friendships with Kicking Bird and Wind In His Hair, as well as his complex relationship with Stands With A Fist. The narrative intensifies as encroaching armies transform each settlement.

In this version, Kevin Costner takes on both directing duties and a lead role, basing his work on Michael Blake’s novel. The filmmaking process includes extensive shooting in expansive prairie environments. Notable aspects include incorporating the Lakota language, setting up full Native American camps, depicting cavalry patrols, and showcasing buffalo herds. Dean Semler handles the cinematography, while John Barry provides the music to enhance the period atmosphere and the beats of travel and camp life.

Tell us your own order in the comments and share which Costner western you revisit most.

2025-08-21 02:15