10 Best Kevin Costner Movies Beyond Westerns
Kevin Costner might be famous for riding horses across dusty plains, but his talent stretches far beyond cowboy boots and tumbleweeds. On baseball diamonds, in high-stakes Secret Service missions, and navigating Prohibition-era Chicago, he brings heart, grit, and charm to every role.
Action, drama, comedy: Costner makes each performance memorable, proving why he remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars. Dive into his filmography, experience the range of a true cinematic legend, and discover the movies that prove Costner can do it all.
1. Bull Durham (1988)
Baseball has never looked cooler than when Costner stepped up to the plate as ‘Crash’ Davis. Playing a veteran catcher who’s seen it all, he mentors a hotshot rookie pitcher while navigating the quirky world of minor league sports.
Romance blooms with Susan Sarandon’s character, creating one of cinema’s most beloved love triangles. The film captures the soul of America’s favorite pastime with humor, heart, and some seriously quotable lines.
Critics adored how authentically it portrayed baseball culture, making every swing feel real and every joke land perfectly.
2. The Untouchables (1987)
Prohibition-era Chicago becomes a battleground when Costner transforms into Eliot Ness, the incorruptible lawman determined to take down Al Capone. Directed by Brian De Palma, this crime thriller crackles with tension from the first frame to the last.
Costner holds his own alongside powerhouse performers like Sean Connery and Robert De Niro. The famous train station shootout scene remains one of cinema’s most unforgettable action sequences.
His portrayal of justice-driven determination helped cement his status as Hollywood’s go-to hero for righteous causes.
3. Field of Dreams (1989)
If you build it, they will come—and audiences definitely showed up for this magical baseball fantasy. Costner plays Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears mysterious voices urging him to construct a baseball field in his cornfield.
What follows is a heartwarming journey about second chances, father-son relationships, and following your dreams no matter how crazy they seem. The film beautifully blends sports, nostalgia, and supernatural elements without ever feeling forced.
Grab tissues because the ending will have you crying happy tears guaranteed.
4. No Way Out (1987)
Pentagon intrigue meets edge-of-your-seat suspense in this twisty thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. Costner stars as Tom Farrell, a naval officer who gets tangled in a murder investigation with shocking political implications.
The film masterfully builds tension through clever plotting and Costner’s convincing portrayal of a man trapped in an impossible situation. Gene Hackman co-stars as his commanding officer, adding gravitas to every scene.
That jaw-dropping twist ending? Still talked about decades later by thriller fans everywhere.
5. The Bodyguard (1992)
Former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer becomes the ultimate protector when he’s hired to guard superstar singer Rachel Marron from a dangerous stalker. Costner’s stoic, professional demeanor creates perfect chemistry with Whitney Houston’s glamorous diva character.
The film became a cultural phenomenon, partly thanks to Houston’s powerhouse vocals on the soundtrack. Their forbidden romance sizzles despite Frank’s strict no-involvement policy with clients.
Who could forget that iconic scene where he carries her through the crowd? Pure movie magic that defined romantic thrillers for years.
6. JFK (1991)
Oliver Stone’s controversial examination of President Kennedy’s assassination found its moral compass in Costner’s portrayal of Jim Garrison. As the New Orleans district attorney who challenged the official story, he delivers passionate courtroom speeches that still resonate today.
The film weaves together conspiracy theories, historical footage, and dramatic recreations into a compelling three-hour epic. Costner anchors the sprawling narrative with conviction and determination.
Whether you buy the conspiracy theories or not, his performance makes you believe in the importance of questioning official narratives.
7. Thirteen Days (2000)
October 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, and Costner brings that terrifying moment to life as presidential advisor Kenneth O’Donnell. Working alongside President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, he navigates political pressure, military hawks, and impossible decisions.
The film captures the claustrophobic tension of those thirteen days when humanity’s survival hung in the balance. Costner’s Boston accent might be debatable, but his intensity never wavers.
History buffs will appreciate the attention to detail in recreating this pivotal Cold War moment.
8. Hidden Figures (2016)
NASA’s Space Task Group gets humanized through Costner’s portrayal of Al Harrison, a director who values talent over prejudice during the space race. Though his role supports the incredible true story of African American mathematicians, he makes every scene count.
His character’s famous sledgehammer moment—literally destroying segregated bathroom signs—symbolizes breaking down institutional racism. The film celebrates unsung heroes while showing how allies can make real differences.
Costner brings warmth and authority to a supporting role that helps elevate the entire inspiring narrative.
9. A Perfect World (1993)
Escaped convict Butch Haynes kidnaps a young boy during his flight from justice, creating an unlikely bond that challenges everything we think about good and evil. Costner delivers one of his most nuanced performances, showing vulnerability beneath his character’s criminal exterior.
Director Clint Eastwood crafts a thoughtful character study disguised as a chase thriller. The relationship between captor and captive evolves into something surprisingly touching and complex.
T.J. Lowther shines as the kidnapped boy, but Costner’s layered portrayal makes you question who really needs saving here.
10. The Guardian (2006)
Coast Guard rescue swimmers risk everything to save lives at sea, and Costner embodies that heroism as legendary swimmer Ben Randall. Now training the next generation, he pushes recruits to their limits while dealing with his own haunted past.
Ashton Kutcher plays his talented but troubled student, creating dynamic mentor-protege tension throughout. The film showcases spectacular water rescue sequences that highlight these unsung heroes’ incredible bravery.
Action-packed and emotionally resonant, it proves Costner can still command the screen while passing the torch to younger stars.
