1. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
John Wayne-led classic directed by John Ford. Costner calls it his top pick, praising its masterful screenplay—“a really well‑written screenplay,” he emphasized.
2. The Searchers (and Other John Ford/Wayne Collaborations)
While not in his top four, Costner admires films like The Searchers, Fort Apache, and Rio Grande—noting their moral complexities and their influence on character development.
3. Unforgiven
Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning Western made a big impression on Costner. He praised its powerful script, saying “that screenplay… was spectacular.” The film’s gritty tone and realism clearly resonated with him.
4. Open Range
The one Western Costner directed and starred in. He speaks fondly of the filmmaking experience and says he “now feels comfortable just watching it.” The film is often applauded for its slow-burn storytelling and climactic shootout.
Honorable Mentions
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How the West Was Won: The film that sparked Costner’s love for Westerns at just seven years old.
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Silverado and Wyatt Earp: Two key Western roles that helped define his early screen persona.
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Dances With Wolves: His most celebrated directorial work that earned seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
Why These Films Matter to Costner
Writing & Character Depth
He’s drawn to stories with morally complex characters and scripts that carry real emotional weight.
Authenticity
Costner dislikes superficial, glamorized Westerns. He values realism, including location shooting and nuanced portrayals of indigenous characters and frontier life.
Personal Legacy
With Open Range and Dances With Wolves, Costner became more than a Western actor—he turned into a genre guardian and a passionate filmmaker keeping the Western alive.
What It Means for Western Fans Today
Rediscover the Classics
If you love layered narratives and moral tension, John Ford’s Liberty Valance and Eastwood’s Unforgiven are required viewing.
Explore Costner’s Films
Open Range and Dances With Wolves remain powerful, emotionally grounded entries in the genre.
Look Ahead to His New Vision
With Horizon: An American Saga, Costner continues evolving the Western by funding and directing a bold, multi-film story about the American frontier.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Costner’s favorite Westerns say a lot about him—not just as an actor, but as a storyteller who values depth, integrity, and realism. From classic John Ford dramas to his own emotionally driven projects, he’s laid out a cinematic roadmap that honors the genre’s roots while reimagining its future. Whether you’re new to Westerns or a lifelong fan, this list is a great place to saddle up and dive in.
FAQs
1. Why is Liberty Valance Costner’s top Western?
Because of its exceptional screenplay and storytelling. Costner appreciates its thoughtful dialogue and moral layers.
2. Is Open Range available to watch today?
Yes. It’s available for streaming on several platforms, including Prime Video.
3. Which film inspired Costner’s love for Westerns?
How the West Was Won sparked his passion when he saw it at age seven.
4. What makes Costner’s Westerns stand out?
Authenticity, deep character development, emotional storytelling, and high production values set his films apart.
5. What’s next for Costner in the Western genre?
His upcoming film series Horizon: An American Saga is a passion project meant to redefine and expand the modern Western.
