Kevin Costner’s 10 Best Non-Western Movies

Kevin Costner is famous for his westerns, and films like Dances With Wolves and the show Yellowstone have made him a modern icon of the genre. However, some of his most successful movies aren’t westerns at all, proving he’s a versatile actor who hasn’t limited himself to just one type of role.

Even early in his acting career in the 1980s, Kevin Costner commanded attention on screen, quickly leading to starring roles. A series of successful films starting in 1985 made him a major star, and he soon became one of Hollywood’s biggest names.

I’ve always been a huge Costner fan, and while he’s done so much across all sorts of films, he’s really become known for westerns – they’ve almost become his signature. He’s gotten a lot of praise for those, and for his sports dramas too, but honestly, I think his most impressive work is actually in other areas. It’s easy to get stuck on those genres, but there’s so much more to his career than just those!

Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (1991)

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a lighthearted and over-the-top movie, but it’s also one of Kevin Costner’s most enjoyable films. Costner plays the legendary Robin Hood, battling the evil Sheriff of Nottingham with the help of his loyal companions. Because it doesn’t try to be overly serious, the movie perfectly suits its fantastical story.

Critics were divided on the movie, but it was a huge hit with audiences and continued Kevin Costner’s impressive run of successful films. While it doesn’t reach the heights of his more serious roles, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining movie. Costner has starred in many better films, but few are as easy to watch again and again as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The Company Men (2010)

Kevin Costner is a major star, so it’s rare to find a truly overlooked film in his work. But The Company Men definitely fits that description. It’s a compelling story about the challenges faced by men who’ve lost well-paying jobs, and Costner plays a significant supporting role, willingly sharing the spotlight with his fellow actors.

The Company Men is a realistic and heartfelt drama that honestly portrays the anxieties of the recent recession. Despite dealing with tough subject matter, it’s ultimately an optimistic story, and a refreshingly simple one in a cinematic landscape often filled with spectacle. Kevin Costner and the rest of the cast deliver excellent performances, though the film itself hasn’t gained much recognition, which is a shame given the actors involved.

No Way Out (1987)

Kevin Costner gained significant recognition in the late 1980s, and starred in the suspenseful thriller, No Way Out, which many consider to be overlooked. He played a Navy officer investigating a murder, alongside Sean Young and Gene Hackman. As the investigation unfolds, it quickly becomes clear the case has far-reaching, international consequences.

No Way Out is a gripping and twisty thriller that perfectly captures the anxious atmosphere of the 1980s Cold War. It also benefits from showcasing Kevin Costner as a rising star. While the plot gets a little too outlandish at times, preventing it from reaching true classic status, it remains one of Costner’s strongest films.

Tin Cup (1996)

Kevin Costner is known for his sports movies, and Tin Cup is his take on the classic golf film. The movie stars Costner as a former professional golfer who tries to revive his career after a long break. Tin Cup skillfully combines elements of sports and romance, managing to balance both genres effectively.

What makes Tin Cup so enjoyable is how genuinely charming it is, largely thanks to the great performances by Kevin Costner and Rene Russo. The film remains a favorite among golf fans and continues Costner’s impressive run of successful sports movies. However, it hasn’t achieved the same level of widespread recognition as some of his other popular films.

Thirteen Days (2000)

Kevin Costner has appeared in many historical films, but Thirteen Days doesn’t often get the attention it deserves compared to his more popular movies. The film focuses on the 13 days of intense tension during the Cuban Missile Crisis, showing President Kennedy and his team as they navigated this difficult period. Costner plays the role of Kenneth O’Donnell, an assistant to the President.

As a movie fan, I think what really makes Thirteen Days so gripping is David Self’s writing. It’s amazing how much tension and energy the film has, especially considering it’s mostly dialogue-driven – there aren’t a lot of explosions or chases! It genuinely puts you right in the middle of that incredibly stressful situation, and it lets Kevin Costner and the rest of the cast really shine. If you’re into history, you’ll absolutely love it, but it might not grab everyone.

JFK (1991)

Oliver Stone’s film JFK is a landmark movie from the early 1990s. Kevin Costner plays Jim Garrison, a district attorney who becomes convinced there was a conspiracy surrounding President Kennedy’s assassination. The film features a strong cast, and many consider it to be one of Costner’s finest performances.

Although the movie is quite long, it efficiently explains its complicated parts and ultimately makes a convincing argument. Stone consistently tackles controversial subjects, and this film doesn’t shy away from its most debated ideas. JFK is a great movie, but its length makes it difficult to watch repeatedly.

A Perfect World (1993)

Clint Eastwood’s movies often explore complex emotions and meaningful ideas, and A Perfect World is no exception. The film stars Kevin Costner as an escaped convict who takes a young boy on the run, while a determined lawman pursues them across the American Southwest. Despite some disagreements between Eastwood and Costner during filming, the movie turned out exceptionally well.

I have to say, seeing Kevin Costner in A Perfect World was a real surprise. He’s usually the ultimate good guy, but this role, Butch Haynes, is wonderfully complex – far more layered than anything I’ve seen him do before. The film itself was a huge success when it came out, but it feels strangely forgotten now. Trust me, this is Costner at his absolute peak, and it deserves a revisit. It’s a fantastic movie, and one I think people should remember.

Bull Durham (1988)

Kevin Costner and baseball just seem to go hand-in-hand, and that’s especially true in the movie Bull Durham. The film stars Costner as an experienced catcher who mentors a promising but troubled young pitcher. Bull Durham is a heartfelt tribute to the game of baseball, but it’s also a wonderfully charming love story.

Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon have fantastic chemistry, and their playful romance is one of the best parts of ’80s movies. While many baseball films came out around the same time as Bull Durham, very few were as well-made. It’s arguably Costner’s best movie outside of the western genre, aside from a handful of other great films he’s been in.

The Untouchables (1987)

Kevin Costner quickly became famous thanks to a series of successful films, but The Untouchables really boosted his career. This popular film by Brian De Palma features Costner as Eliot Ness, a determined federal agent trying to take down criminals during the Prohibition era. Its over-the-top style makes it different from other gangster movies.

Unlike many crime films of its time, The Untouchables doesn’t romanticize criminal activity and presents a more hopeful view of justice. Kevin Costner is excellent as the calm and determined Eliot Ness, and the movie is packed with exciting action that keeps it engaging. While other gangster films might be considered superior, this remains a defining film in Costner’s career.

Field Of Dreams (1989)

Just a year after his successful baseball film, Kevin Costner followed it up with Field of Dreams. The movie centers around a farmer who feels driven to build a baseball field on his land, hoping to bring back the spirits of baseball greats. At its heart, Field of Dreams is all about nostalgia and beautifully embodies the feeling and essence of the game.

While Kevin Costner is good in Field of Dreams, the movie truly shines thanks to its overall cast and dreamy atmosphere. It’s a deeply inspiring story that manages to avoid being overly sentimental. Aside from his westerns, Field of Dreams is arguably Costner’s best film.

2025-11-01 15:02