Kevin Costner has enjoyed a prolific acting career spanning over four decades, marked by a diverse array of films that have earned him a permanent place in cinematic history. While his filmography is extensive, only a select few of his titles are currently available for streaming on Netflix. Renowned for his roles in iconic Westerns like Dances with Wolves and gripping dramas such as The Untouchables, Costner’s contributions to film have garnered him a devoted fan base eager to watch his work.
In the age of streaming, accessing Costner’s films has become markedly easier. However, discerning his movies has proven challenging given the multitude of platforms available, including Max, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. Though Netflix is the most widely used streaming service globally, it only boasts four of Costner’s films. Fortunately, each movie presents a rich exploration of his versatility as an actor, making them worthy of your viewing time.
4 Silverado (1985)
One of Costner’s Earliest Westerns Featuring a Star-Studded Cast
The earliest Kevin Costner film available on Netflix is the classic Western Silverado, released in 1985. In this film, Costner portrays Jake, a young cowboy who finds himself incarcerated for committing murder. Sharing the screen with a prestigious ensemble that includes Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Rosanna Arquette, and John Cleese, Silverado is a testament to Costner’s capacity to shine within a talented cast. This movie stands out not only as one of his top Westerns but also as a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.
Costner’s portrayal of Jake encapsulates youthful exuberance and raw energy, it’s a character who swings from the bars of his prison cell with the vitality of a child playing on monkey bars, setting the tone for a vibrant performance that is a highlight of the film. It’s important to note that Silverado marked one of Costner’s earliest entries into Hollywood, as just four years prior, he received his first credit in Malibu Hot Summer.
3 Molly’s Game (2017)
A Brief Yet Memorable Appearance in a Jessica Chastain Thriller
Even though Costner does not take center stage in Molly’s Game, this film is a standout entry in his repertoire and arguably one of the best offerings currently streaming on Netflix. Here, he plays Larry Bloom, the overprotective father to Jessica Chastain’s titular character, Molly. The film, based on true events and penned and directed by the celebrated Aaron Sorkin, follows Molly as she transitions from a professional skiing career to running high-stakes poker games for A-list celebrities and affluent players.
Costner delivers a powerful performance despite limited screen time. In fact, his longest scene spans merely eight minutes; however, this brief appearance becomes the film’s emotional high point, showcasing one of his most impactful performances. Even off-screen, his influence looms over the narrative, as Molly’s struggles are closely tied to her complex relationship with her father.
2 The Highwaymen (2019)
A Dynamic Duo on the Hunt for Bonnie & Clyde
The Highwaymen is Costner’s sole Netflix original film, co-starring Woody Harrelson. In this gripping narrative, Costner plays Frank Hamer, a Texas Ranger tasked with tracking down and eliminating the infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde in 1934. While the film follows a traditional manhunt narrative, its historical context enhances the stakes, showcasing Hamer’s astute detective skills amid scarce evidence.
Audiences responded positively to the film, which currently holds a commendable 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The chemistry between Costner and Harrelson is undeniable; both actors bring to life the intricate emotional layers of weary lawmen, embodying the unique melancholy that permeates the film.
1 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)
A Passion Project Where Costner Wears Multiple Hats
Demonstrating his multifaceted talent, Costner took on the roles of writer, director, and star in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, widely regarded as his magnum opus. In this ambitious project, Costner portrays Hayes Ellison, a horse trader entangled in a perilous situation after committing murder and fleeing with a character played by Abbey Lee. Notably, while the film is packed with a strong supporting cast, they do not intersect with Costner’s storyline in this initial chapter, as the film is structured as part of a forthcoming four-part saga.
Despite being the least successful of Costner’s current Netflix catalog, premiering to lukewarm reviews with a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing only $38 million against a $100 million production cost (via Box Office Mojo), Horizon remains a compelling watch. Costner’s evident passion for the narrative and his character’s arc make it one of the more intriguing films available on Netflix.
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