Why Kevin Costner Owns the Modern Western
When it comes to Westerns in modern Hollywood, few actors have carried the genre like Kevin Costner. He doesn’t just act in Westerns—he lives them. From directing Oscar-winning frontier epics to playing stoic ranchers in gritty dramas, Costner’s presence in the genre feels both timeless and authentic.
He’s not just a guy in a cowboy hat—he’s the face of the American West on screen.
So let’s saddle up and rank all six of Kevin Costner’s Western movies, from solid to legendary.
6. Wyatt Earp (1994)
Role: Wyatt Earp
Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan
Let’s start with Wyatt Earp, the ambitious but often overshadowed biopic of the legendary lawman. Released the same year as Tombstone, this film suffered unfair comparisons to Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell’s version.
While Costner’s take is more historically grounded and somber, it lacks the flash and pacing of its rival. Still, it’s a thoughtful portrait of a complex man—and Costner delivers a nuanced performance that deserves more love than it gets.
Why It Ranks Here: Too long and too serious for some viewers, but it offers depth and strong storytelling.
5. Let Him Go (2020)
Role: George Blackledge
Directed by: Thomas Bezucha
Not a traditional Western, but Let Him Go blends the genre with neo-Western thriller vibes. Costner plays a retired sheriff on a mission to rescue his grandson from a dangerous family in the Dakotas.
It’s slow-burning, dark, and emotionally driven. Think No Country for Old Men meets Yellowstone, with quiet intensity and a harrowing finale. Diane Lane co-stars, and together they deliver heart-wrenching performances.
Why It Ranks Here: A modern twist on the Western, grounded in family, grief, and justice.
4. Horizon: An American Saga (2024–)
Role: Hayes Ellison
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Costner’s most ambitious Western project to date, Horizon is a multi-part saga he’s directing, co-writing, and starring in. The first installment debuted in 2024, with more chapters on the way.
Set around the American Civil War, Horizon explores expansion, sacrifice, and the cost of building a nation. While the project is still unfolding, the scope and commitment are massive.
Why It Ranks Here: Still incomplete, but it shows Costner’s dedication to preserving the Western epic on a grand scale. Expect it to climb this list over time.
3. Open Range (2003)
Role: Charley Waite
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Open Range is the kind of Western that hits you in the gut. Gritty, slow-burning, and loaded with tension, it tells the story of two free-grazers who confront a ruthless rancher in a small frontier town.
Costner directs and stars alongside Robert Duvall, and their chemistry is pure gold. The final shootout is one of the best ever filmed—realistic, brutal, and raw. This isn’t about flashy cowboys. It’s about hard men doing what must be done.
Why It Ranks Here: A near-perfect Western in tone and execution, and criminally underrated.
2. Yellowstone (2018–2023)
Role: John Dutton
Created by: Taylor Sheridan
Okay, it’s not a movie, but we’d be kidding ourselves not to include Yellowstone. Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton—the tough-as-nails patriarch fighting to keep his land—is iconic. The series revived interest in the Western genre for an entirely new generation.
The show mixes traditional Western themes—land, legacy, loyalty—with modern-day grit and high-stakes drama. It’s Costner at his most commanding.
Why It Ranks Here: Technically TV, but his performance is so powerful it deserves a spot in the conversation.
1. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Role: Lt. John J. Dunbar
Directed by: Kevin Costner
There’s no debate here. Dances with Wolves is not just Costner’s greatest Western—it’s one of the greatest Westerns ever made. He directed, produced, and starred in this sweeping epic about a Union soldier who finds meaning and connection with a Lakota tribe during the Civil War.
The film won 7 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and helped redefine the Western genre for the modern age. It’s thoughtful, culturally significant, and visually stunning.
Why It Ranks Here: It’s the film that proved Costner could do it all—and changed the course of his career.
Honorable Mentions
While not technically Westerns, these Costner roles carry that same frontier spirit:
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The Postman (1997) – Post-apocalyptic and slow-paced, but thematically Western.
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Man of Steel (2013) – As Jonathan Kent, Costner channels the strong, silent protector archetype we see in classic cowboys.
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Thirteen Days (2000) – Not a Western, but Costner’s leadership energy echoes his Western persona.
Conclusion: Costner’s Undeniable Western Legacy
Kevin Costner is more than just a Western actor—he’s a steward of the genre. From classic epics like Dances with Wolves to modern reinterpretations like Yellowstone, he brings authenticity, heart, and gravitas to every role. Whether he’s behind the camera or on horseback, he never phones it in.
His Westerns aren’t just stories—they’re statements. About land, legacy, loyalty, and the hard choices that define character.
And as Horizon unfolds, his influence is far from over.
FAQs
1. What is Kevin Costner’s best Western film?
Most fans and critics agree—Dances with Wolves stands as his finest Western achievement.
2. Is Yellowstone considered a Western?
Absolutely. While it’s set in modern times, its themes, tone, and characters are deeply rooted in the Western tradition.
3. What is Kevin Costner’s newest Western?
Horizon: An American Saga, a multi-part epic that he directed and stars in, began its release in 2024.
4. Has Kevin Costner won awards for his Westerns?
Yes. Dances with Wolves won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner.
5. Will Kevin Costner make more Westerns?
Yes! With Horizon continuing and rumors of more frontier projects, Costner shows no signs of hanging up his spurs.
