Kevin Costner streaming resurgence is in the spotlight as The Untouchables, his renowned 1987 crime drama, rapidly climbs the streaming charts nearly four decades after its theatrical debut. This renewed attention comes even as Costner navigates mixed reactions to his current project, Horizon: An American Saga, and continues to be celebrated for his broad-ranging film career, highlighted by major films and series like Yellowstone.
The Untouchables Enters the Top Streaming Ranks
The Untouchables has secured a place among the Top 10 most-streamed movies on Tubi, reaching a fresh generation of viewers since its original release in 1987. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film is set in Prohibition-era Chicago and stars Kevin Costner as federal agent Eliot Ness. Ness is depicted as relentlessly pursuing the infamous crime figure Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro, whose portrayal stands out as one of his defining roles. Ness’s mission is complicated by rampant police corruption, and to combat Capone’s criminal enterprise, he assembles a trusted team of lawmen. Sean Connery appears as Jimmy Malone, Ness’s invaluable mentor and a pivotal figure in the battle against organized crime.
“After building an empire with bootleg alcohol, legendary crime boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro) rules Chicago with an iron fist. Though Prohibition agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) attempts to take Capone down, even his best efforts fail due to widespread corruption within the Windy City’s police force. Recruiting an elite group of lawmen who won’t be swayed by bribes or fear, including Irish-American cop Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery), Ness renews his determination to bring Capone to justice.”
— Film Synopsis
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Released in 1987, The Untouchables achieved significant box office success, earning $127 million globally, with $76.2 million coming from domestic U.S. ticket sales and $50.8 million from international markets. In today’s dollars, that revenue would surpass $300 million, an impressive amount for a standalone period film. Both audiences and critics acclaimed the film, praising its direction and performances.
Sean Connery’s portrayal of Jimmy Malone proved particularly memorable, earning him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor—his only Oscar—and a Golden Globe in the same category. Connery’s character was celebrated as a central force in the narrative, guiding Kevin Costner’s Eliot Ness through the perils of combating organized crime in a city riddled with corruption.
Main Cast Members of The Untouchables
The Untouchables featured a memorable cast, with Kevin Costner as federal agent Eliot Ness and Sean Connery as veteran officer Jimmy Malone. Robert De Niro contributed a powerful performance as Al Capone, adding to the film’s appeal. The ensemble’s strong chemistry and compelling character portrayals contributed to the enduring status of this crime classic.
The Enduring Impact of a Classic
The Untouchables remains available to stream for free on Tubi, continuing to gain new audiences and reinforcing Kevin Costner’s legacy as a versatile performer. This recent streaming popularity not only showcases lasting interest in crime classics but also reflects the continued relevance of stories centered on justice, loyalty, and integrity in the face of adversity. As viewers return to this celebrated film, the Kevin Costner streaming resurgence becomes a testament to his enduring impact on both cinema and television. The film stands as a reminder of the collaborative talents of Costner, Connery, De Niro, and director Brian De Palma, each leaving a lasting mark on Hollywood’s portrayal of historical crime dramas.
