Every Kevin Costner Western, Ranked by IMDb Scores

Ready for another round of Kevin Costner? Then I have the perfect list for you. Kevin Costner has become synonymous with a good western. Horizon: An American Saga still has 2 chapters to go so we can expect more surprises from our King of Westerns.

And if you only know him as John Dutton from Yellowstone, you'll be surprized to learn that Costner's relationship with the Western genre runs much deeper. From directing to starring, Costner is the epitome of what a modern Western should be.

9. Wyatt Earp (1994): The West's Most Famous Lawman

• On IMDb, Wyatt Earp is rated 6.7/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Wyatt Earp has 31% from critics and 61% from the audience.

Coming in at number nine is Wyatt Earp. It may be at the bottom of our list, but don't let that fool you. This film is still a solid piece of western cinema. Costner takes on the legendary lawman in a three-hour epic that digs deep into Earp's life story.

In fact, the entire cast delivers solid performances and while it may be old school in its approach, it has the essence of what makes Westerns great.

Available on: Fandango At Home, Microsoft Store, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

8. Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024): A Great Return to the Roots

• On IMDb, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is rated 6.7/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 has 51% from critics and 70% from the audience.

Horizon marks Costner's grand return to directing and what a comeback it is! This epic saga about America's expansion westward is split into multiple chapters, with Chapter 1 hitting theaters in summer 2024. While critics seem a bit divided, audiences are totally here for it.

The first part is just the beginning. Speaking to Deadline, Costner revealed:

“I’m going to make 3 [more chapters]. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’m going to make it and then I’m going to make the fourth one.”

Available on: Netflix, Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Microsoft Store.

7. Let Him Go (2020): A Modern Western with Classic Heart

• On IMDb, Let Him Go is rated 6.7/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Let Him Go has 85% from critics and 76% from the audience.

Don't let anyone tell you they don't make Westerns like they used to. Let Him Go proves they do, just with a contemporary vision added to it. In this neo-western thriller, Costner plays a retired sheriff who goes on a mission with his wife (Diane Lane) to rescue their grandson.

Though it may move at a slower pace than some viewers expect, the film dares to build suspense and rewards you at the end.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home.

6. Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 (2024): Continuing the Legacy

• On IMDb, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 is rated 7.2/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 has 54% from critics.

Just when you thought the first chapter had set the bar high, Chapter 2 rides in with even more intensity and heart. This sequel deepens the stories set up in Chapter 1 and explores new territory both physically and emotionally.

Unfortunately, Chapter 2 is not available for streaming or online purchase.

5. Silverado (1985): A Classic Western Ensemble

• On IMDb, Silverado is rated 7.2/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Silverado has 78% from critics and 79% from the audience.

Silverado follows a band of misfits who unite against injustice in a small town. It was the first western Kevin Costner had ever starred in. In an interview with Cowboys&Indians, Costner reflected:

“It was just a fabulous time. And it was a fabulous role for me. And I knew what it was going to do for my career.”

Available on: Netflix, MGM Plus, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Fandango At Home.

4. Open Range (2003): A Classic Story of Justice

• On IMDb, Open Range is rated 7.4/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Open Range has 79% from critics and 84% from the audience.

Open Range is a story about cattlemen who end up in a serious conflict with a corrupt rancher.

Not only did Costner star in this film, he also directed it. Open Range is a classic that many people hold close to their hearts (and rightly so). It is everything we love about Westerns (including that epic final gunfight scene).

Available on: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home.

3. Hatfields & McCoys (2012): The Great Feud

• On IMDb, Hatfields & McCoys is rated 7.9/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Hatfields & McCoys has 85% from the audience.

Hatfields & McCoys opens our top 3. The miniseries explores the bitter rivalry between two families, showing how small disagreements can escalate into generational conflict. When asked if he had any reservations about doing the TV project, Costner told Vulture:

“I had no misgivings. I knew exactly what I was stepping into; I felt armed with the story.”

Available on: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

2. Dances With Wolves (1990): The Oscar-Winning Masterpiece

• On IMDb, Dances With Wolves is rated 8.0/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Dances With Wolves has 87% from critics and 87% from the audience.

Dances With Wolves is one of Costner's most acclaimed westerns. It won 7 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director (Costner). The film follows Lieutenant John Dunbar's transformation as he meets and gradually becomes accepted by a Sioux tribe.

In an interview to Yahoo Entertainment, Costner revealed:

“I was nervous enough being a director on it. And I remember the very first day, the very first shot I set up was even wrong. That’s the shot you’re supposed to get right, the first shot, because the whole crew’s watching you. Like, ‘Does he know what he’s doing?’”

Available on: fuboTV, MGM Plus, Philo, Microsoft Store, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home.

1. Yellowstone (2018-2024): The Modern Classic

• On IMDb, Yellowstone is rated 8.6/10.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, Yellowstone has 83% from critics and 76% from the audience.

There was no doubt that Yellowstone would be number one. As a modern western drama series, Yellowstone brought something fresh to the genre while staying true to its roots. John Dutton, played by Costner, became an instant icon. He's the powerful rancher fighting to protect his land and legacy in Montana.

Available on: Peacock Premium, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home.