One of the quintessential movie stars of the 1990s, Kevin Costner is celebrating his birthday Tuesday, Jan. 18, with a treasure trove of memorable and dynamic performances in his arsenal.
The California-born actor has run the gamut of blockbusters and hard-hitting dramas. In the 1980s, he appeared in films such as “Frances” (1982), “Testament” (1983) and “Silverado” (1985) before helming the gangster film “The Untouchables” (1987) from Brian De Palma, which won best supporting actor for his co-star Sean Connery. The same year, he starred in the military thriller “No Way Out,” which co-starred Gene Hackman and Sean Young.
Costner became a megastar with his one-two punch in baseball-themed films “Bull Durham” (1988) and “Field of Dreams” (1989). His dance (no pun intended) came when he made his directorial debut “Dances With Wolves,” which went on to win seven Oscars, including best picture, which Costner shared as one of the producers with Jim Wilson. He also took home a second statuette for directing. He was also nominated for best actor, losing the prize to Jeremy Irons for “Reversal of Fortune.”
Showing he’s not done yet, he’s shown that his second wind in this latter part of his career is just as rich as his first half with standout performances in films like “The Upside of Anger” (2005) and “Hidden Figures” (2016).
His work on television is well-regarded, such as the miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys,” which won him an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award, and most recently on Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone,” though this list focuses on his best film performances. Variety ranks his 10 best performances down below:
Honorable mentions: “The Untouchables” (1987), “Tin Cup” (1996), “Thirteen Days” (2000)
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Image Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Robin of Locksley
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Kevin Reynolds
Written by: Pen Densham, John WatsonThe scene that proves it: “Then by God, we take it back.”
Listen, I’m aware this inclusion could be controversial, especially considering some of Costner’s more critically acclaimed roles aren’t included in this top 10, but this is my childhood talking. Improved by everyone around him, particularly Alan Rickman and Morgan Freeman, Costner’s take on the vigilante works so well, even more than 30 years later.
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The Bodyguard (1992)
Image Credit: ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Frank Farmer
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Mick Jackson
Written by: Lawrence KasdanThe scene that proves it: Protecting Rachel
The protector and the supportive love to Whitney Houston’s Rachel, whose life is being threatened by an unknown killer, is what movie stars ought to be. The critics were not entirely on board with the tale, but the box office was among Costner’s highest. Extra points that it produced one of the single best soundtracks of all time.
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Bull Durham (1988)
Image Credit: ©Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Crash Davis
Distributed by: Orion Pictures
Directed by: Ron Shelton
Written by: Ron SheltonThe scene that proves it: “I don’t believe in quantum physics when it comes to matters of the heart.”
Set against the backdrop of Minor League Baseball as the veteran catcher Crash Davis, who has to mentor a young pitcher (played enjoyably by Tim Robbins), this film is peak Costner in cinema history. Still, his natural charisma is what shines brightly through the film’s sensational story.
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Hidden Figures (2016)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection Role: Al Harrison
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios)
Directed by: Theodore Melfi
Written by: Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi (based on “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly)The scene that proves it: “No more colored restrooms. No more white restrooms.
The best picture-nominated biopic, which looks at three women instrumental in guiding the United States to the moon, is powerfully charged, and Costner is a standout. While Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and the Oscar-nominated Octavia Spencer brought in the lion’s share of acclaim, it was Costner’s lead scientist who sees the stupidity in segregated bathrooms that has him making his moment.
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No Way Out (1987)
Image Credit: ©Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Tom Farrell
Distributed by: Orion Pictures
Directed by: Roger Donaldson
Written by: Robert Garland (based on “The Big Clock” by Kenneth Fearing)The scene that proves it: “You wanted me to be her lover, I was her lover.”
It’s always seemed like “No Way Out” walked so movies like “A Few Good Men” (1992) and “The Firm” (1993) could run years later. The political thriller from Roger Donaldson has Costner starring as Tom Farrell, a navy officer who’s framed for murder. The film’s big twist has him executing some of his more delicate moments in cinema.
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The Upside of Anger (2005)
Image Credit: ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Denny Davies
Distributed by: New Line Cinema
Directed by: Mike Binder
Written by: Mike BinderThe scene that proves it: “I’m so sick of being your bitch.”
This role reminded the world that Costner was a fantastic actor, after multiple bombs that preceded Mike Binder’s comedic gem. Alongside a vibrant Joan Allen, who, along with Costner, should have received Oscar attention, the two make magic on screen full of laughs and dramatically riveting minutes.
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Dances with Wolves (1990)
Image Credit: ©Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Lieutenant Dunbar
Distributed by: Orion Pictures
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Written by: Michael Blake (based on “Dances with Wolves” by Michael Blake)The scene that proves it: “I am Dances with Wolves.”
Costner’s acting is often overlooked for his reliable directing hand for his best picture winner. His compassion given to John Dunbar as he navigates a Sioux tribe isn’t as stale as reinterpretations we’ve seen in films before and after it. His efforts were rewarded with his sole acting nomination in his career, which is disappointing considering he continues to be impressive even decades later.
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A Perfect World (1993)
Image Credit: ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Robert ‘Butch’ Haynes
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Written by: John Lee HancockThe scene that proves it: “Damn boss…shot twice in the same day.”
A classic tear-jerker from the early 1990s, Clint Eastwood and Costner come together to tell the story of an escaped convict who kidnaps a young boy, whom he grows to love. Butch’s flaws and tenderness marry beautifully in this film that stands as one of Costner’s most spirited performances.
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Field of Dreams (1989)
Image Credit: ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Ray Kinsella
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson
Written by: Phil Alden Robinson (based on “Shoeless Joe” by W.P. Kinsella)The scene that proves it: “Not invited?”
Phil Alden Robinson’s gift to cinema has Costner leading a baseball fairytale alongside James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta and Amy Madigan. His Ray, an Iowa farmer who’s inspired to pursue his dream, hits on every cylinder, including a finale that stands as one of the best to close out the 1980s.
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JFK (1991)
Image Credit: ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Jim Garrison
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Written by: Oliver Stone, Zachary SklarThe scene that proves it: “We might as well build ourselves another government…”
What’s interesting about a career like Costner’s is he doesn’t seem to have an “undeniable best” performance, and this list could change from year to year. This time, his teaming with Oliver Stone looks at the assassination of JFK and the conspiracy theories that surrounded his death. Costner’s Jim Garrison, the lawyer that tries to prove the plot to take out the president, is calculated and sophisticated in all the best ways that Costner has displayed throughout his career.