The absolute worst Kevin Costner movies that you should avoid at all costs

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Over the years, Kevin Costner has solidified his place as a versatile actor in Hollywood, captivating audiences with his performances in iconic films like “Dances with Wolves” and “Field of Dreams.” However, even the most talented actors can stumble, and Costner is no exception. In this article, we delve into the depths of disappointment and explore the worst Kevin Costner movies based on box office numbers and critical reviews. Brace yourself for a journey through the murky waters of cinematic letdowns.

Kevin Costner in 'The Postman'
IMDB.com

‘The Postman’ (1997)

“The Postman” stands as a notorious blemish on Costner’s filmography. This post-apocalyptic drama, directed by Costner himself, failed to connect with audiences and critics alike. Its lackluster plot and meandering pace, coupled with a runtime of over three hours, proved to be its undoing. Despite an ambitious premise, “The Postman” delivered a lack of emotional depth and failed to recoup its exorbitant production costs.

Kevin Costner in Waterworld
IMDB.com

‘Waterworld’ (1995)

Frequently associated with the term “box office bomb,” “Waterworld” is a prime example of a high-budget film that sank without a trace. Set in a future where the polar ice caps have melted, the film depicted a world submerged underwater. While the concept had potential, numerous production issues plagued the film, leading to massive budget overruns. The underwhelming storyline and mixed critical reception resulted in disappointing returns, tarnishing Costner’s reputation for years to come.

Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell in '3000 Miles to Graceland'
3000 Miles Productions / IMDB

‘3000 Miles to Graceland’ (2001)

Although boasting an intriguing premise, “3000 Miles to Graceland” failed to capitalize on its potential. The film followed a group of Elvis-impersonating criminals planning a casino heist during an Elvis Presley convention. Despite the star-studded cast, including Kurt Russell and Courteney Cox, the film’s convoluted plot, excessive violence, and weak character development left audiences and critics unimpressed. Box office returns were lackluster, solidifying its place among Costner’s most disappointing works.

Kevin Costner in 'Dragonfly'
IMDB.com

‘Dragonfly’ (2002)

“Dragonfly” attempted to blend supernatural elements with a psychological thriller, but the execution fell short. Costner played a widowed doctor haunted by strange occurrences he believed to be messages from his deceased wife. Despite its intriguing premise, the film failed to deliver the necessary suspense and emotional impact, resulting in a lackluster box office performance and lukewarm critical reception.

Kevin Costner in 'The Guardian'
IMDB.com

‘The Guardian’ (2006)

In “The Guardian,” Costner starred as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer training a new recruit, played by Ashton Kutcher. While the film boasted impressive action sequences and showcased the dangers faced by real-life heroes, it ultimately succumbed to formulaic storytelling and predictable character arcs. Despite its initial buzz, the film failed to make a significant splash at the box office, disappointing both audiences and critics.

Kevin Costner in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'
IMDB.com

‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ (1991)

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” attempted to bring a fresh take on the legendary character of Robin Hood. However, despite Costner’s charismatic presence, the film struggled with inconsistent accents, lackluster performances from the supporting cast, and a muddled storyline. While it enjoyed some commercial success due to its high-profile marketing and Alan Rickman’s memorable performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham, the film received mixed reviews from critics and was criticized for its uneven tone and questionable creative choices.

Kevin Costner in 'The Bodyguard'
Warner Bros. / IMDB

‘The Bodyguard’ (1992)

While “The Bodyguard” achieved commercial success primarily due to its soundtrack, featuring Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” the film itself was met with mixed critical reception. The romantic thriller starred Costner as a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, tasked with protecting a famous singer played by Houston. Despite the undeniable chemistry between the leads, the film suffered from a predictable plot, lackluster dialogue, and uneven pacing. Although it performed well at the box office, it fell short of expectations critically.

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Constance Brinkley-Badgett

Constance Brinkley-Badgett is MediaFeed’s executive editor. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital, broadcast and print journalism, as well as several years of agency experience in content marketing. She has served as a digital producer at NBC Nightly News, Senior Producer at CNBC, Managing Editor at ICF Next, and as a tax reporter at Bloomberg BNA.