I've Watched Every Kevin Costner Western: Here Are The Only 3 Worth Your Time (Yellowstone Excluded)

The world of Westerns is so enormous that it’s always a blast when you find something that really makes your heart beat faster. For many viewers the mere fact that Kevin Costner is in a particular movie is enough to tune it in. But sometimes, his presence is not enough to turn the western movie into a masterpiece.

Kevin Costner is for real the star of the genre, he was in 9 Westerns so far, and that’s not even counting Yellowstone. While the hardcore fans of the actor will claim that every one of them is a great watch, I am here to persuade you not to waste your time on all of them, but instead watch these 3 movies to really enjoy the genre.

Dances With Wolves (1990)

This is a classic of the genre. The movie features Kevin Costner as a leading star, but he also was the one who directed it. At the center of the movie there’s a story of 1st Lieutenant John Dunbar. Tired from every aspect of his life, he makes a decision that will change it all.

He literally abandoned everything he had as a soldier and decided to live with Sioux Native Americans. He becomes a member of Sioux, but soon faces an unpredictable battle with his former comrades...

The movie is highly praised by both critics and viewers and even won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner. This definitely turns the movie into a must-watch.

A Perfect World (1993)

Now this legendary movie is directed by a not less important figure in the world of Westerns, Clint Eastwood. Although the movie wasn’t a commercial success, it still made a huge impact on society and is considered to be one of his best works.

Kevin Costner again plays the main character. His screen name here is Butch Haynes and he is an escaped ex-criminal who takes a little boy hostage during his run from the law. Costner’s performance was one thing that critics highlight as the most significant thing about the movie.

The Postman (1997)

This movie is actually classified as a Neo-Western, and among the audience it's not even considered to be Costner's finest work. But hear me out on why you need to see it. The movie follows Kevin Costner's character "The Postman" as he wanders the dried-up United States. It's the most unlikely patriotic movie you could ever imagine, but it's definitely an interesting watch if you're tired of John Dutton vibes.