Kevin Costner Defeats Clint Eastwood And John Wayne As The Biggest Western Star Ever

Dances with Wolves stands as arguably one of the most triumphant debut films by a new director in cinematic history. This sweeping three-hour epic follows Kevin Costner portraying a Union lieutenant amidst the tumult of the American Civil War. Through his service, Costner’s character forges a profound connection with a community of Sioux Native Americans, leading to a transformative journey. 

Despite a modest domestic opening weekend earning less than a million dollars from its $22 million production budget, its acclaim swiftly spread through word of mouth. Ultimately, Dances with Wolves concluded its 1990-1991 domestic box office run with over $184 million, while its global earnings soared to an unparalleled $424.2 million, nearly twenty times its initial budget. It went on to win seven Academy Awards, including awarding Kevin Costner with his first Oscar for Best Director, a rare occurrence for debut auteurs.