Kevin Costner's Best Movie Roles: 'The Bodyguard,' 'JFK' and More

Kevin Costner has appeared in over 50 movies to date, so it’s not easy choosing the iconic actor’s best film roles. However, critics and fans would argue out of all the box office hits he’s starred in throughout his decades-long career, Bodyguard, JFK and Waterworld are some of his all-time favorites.

The Hollywood heartthrob has been in showbiz for a long time now, but he first got his start in the early ’80s after graduating from California State University in 1978. Kevin made his debut performance in 1981’s Sizzle Beach, U.S.A., which led to roles in 1982’s Night Shift, 1983’s Testament and 1985’s American Flyers.

The Academy Award winner got his big break in Hollywood when he was cast in the critically acclaimed film The Untouchables in 1987. His fame and fortune skyrocketed, and Kevin further cemented his status as a beloved movie star with roles in 1988’s Bull Durham, 1989’s Field of Dreams and 1990’s Dances With Wolves, which he also directed, among many more.

While juggling his hectic life as a famous celebrity, Kevin also celebrated some personal milestones. Aside from marrying his college sweetheart, Cindy Costner, in 1978, the couple welcomed their eldest daughter, Annie Costner, in 1984. They also became the parents of daughter Lily Costner in 1986, and son Joe Costner in 1988.

After becoming a dad, Kevin continued working as an actor. Throughout the ’90s, he picked up acting credits in films like JFK, The Bodyguard, A Perfect World, Waterworld and For Love of the Game. Sadly, the Postman actor and Cindy called it quits after 16 years of marriage in 1994.

Fortunately, Kevin stayed busy with his Hollywood career and eventually found love with his second wife, Christine Baumgartner. The sweet lovebirds tied the knot in 2004 and expanded the doting dad’s family with the birth of son Cayden in 2007, followed by son Hayes in 2009 and daughter Grace in 2010.

Although the Big Chill star makes his acting career a top priority in his life, nothing will take precedence over his wife and kids. During an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly in June 2018, Kevin said while “movies are magic” to him, he’s the happiest when he’s surrounded by his family.

“You get to play heroes in the movies, but there’s a moment in time where you’re just a father and you get to go home,” he gushed at the time. “I have played two roles in my life, one I get paid to do, which is the movies, and the other one is being a father, for which I’ll be rewarded my whole life.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see Kevin’s best film roles through the years!

‘Field of Dreams’ — 1989

Kevin portrayed the incredible role of a farmer named Ray in the 1989 hit film Field of Dreams. In the movie, his character builds a baseball diamond on his land after hearing a mysterious voice from the cornfield saying, “If you build it, he will come.” After completing the field, ghosts of baseball legends began emerging from the crops to play. In the end, Ray learns an important lesson.

‘Dances With Wolves’ — 1990

The movie icon won two Golden Globes, two Academy Awards and many more accolades for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dunbar in the 1950 film Dances With Wolves. The movie tells the story of the Civil War soldiers’ relationship with a band of Lakota Indians. Kevin’s character ends up falling in love with a woman in the tribe, but disaster strikes when Union soldiers arrive with new designs for the land.

‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ — 1991

Also in 1991, the dad of six starred as Nobleman crusader Robin of Locksley in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Kevin’s character breaks out of a Jerusalem prison with the help of a fellow prisoner — played by Morgan Freeman — and travels back home to England. However, he soon returns to find that his father killed and he must save the kingdom from the villanois sheriff.

‘A Perfect World’ — 1993

In 1993’s A Perfect World, Kevin portrayed an escaped state prisoner named Butch who kidnaps a young boy. After embarking on a road trip together, the two develop a surprising bond, but Butch is ultimately captured anyway. Texas Ranger Red Garnett, who is played by Clint Eastwood, struggles with pursuing Butch to the fullest extent of the law after learning he has a good heart.

‘Waterworld’ — 1995

After polar ice caps melted and most of the globe is underwater, the Mariner – played by Kevin — must adapt to the new way of life by developing gills. In 1995’s Waterworld, the actor goes through a series of twists and turns to escape from the hostile environment before finding the key to the mythical Dryland.