Kevin Costner has never been one to play it safe. He’s the kind of star who puts everything on the line for his projects—sometimes literally. Over the years, he’s poured his own money into his films, taking on financial risks that most Hollywood A-listers would shy away from. So, when he mortgaged his house and reportedly sacrificed his marriage to bring Horizon: An American Saga to life, it barely raised eyebrows. And when the film flopped, it wasn’t exactly shocking either. Costner has always operated on a grand scale, for better or worse, ever since his directorial debut Dances with Wolves became a massive success in 1990.
But whether his films soar or stumble, one thing remains clear: Costner is a true believer in the power of cinema. His projects may sometimes fall into the trap of excess, but they are never uninspired. He takes big swings, unafraid of where they might land, and in an industry driven by formulas and box office guarantees, that alone is worth admiring.
Given his penchant for sweeping narratives and larger-than-life storytelling, it’s no surprise that Costner has equally bold taste in the movies he admires. In a 2024 interview with The New Yorker, he was asked to name films he considered perfect. His picks? Five classics from Hollywood’s golden age:
The Wizard of Oz
Giant
The Sand Pebbles
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Cool Hand Luke
At first glance, these films seem wildly different—spanning fantasy, Western epics, psychological drama, and historical adventure. But if there’s one thread that ties them all together, it’s the spirit of individualism. Whether it’s Randle McMurphy challenging authority in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Dorothy defying the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, or Paul Newman’s Cool Hand Luke refusing to break under the weight of oppression, these films celebrate rebels—characters who push against the system, often at great personal cost.
It’s easy to see how these stories resonate with Costner. His own characters often embody that same defiant streak—a mix of Paul Newman’s wry nonconformity and Steve McQueen’s brooding rebellion. Even Horizon, despite its struggles, echoes the sweeping, multi-generational scope of Giant, exploring the West as both a land of endless opportunity and crushing hardship.
Costner never explicitly stated that these films shaped his work, but their influence is undeniable. He gravitates toward movies with a sense of nostalgia—stories that harken back to a time when Hollywood was driven by character, not spectacle. And in an industry that often prioritizes franchises over artistry, Costner’s relentless pursuit of old-school, character-driven storytelling makes him a rare breed. He may not always hit the mark, but he never stops swinging.
