Though Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves wasn’t Kevin Costner’s finest cinematic hour, the 1991 swashbuckler still pulled off a stunning feat, coming remarkably close to surpassing Terminator 2: Judgment Day at the box office, showcasing Costner’s star power.
Terminator 2’s Unexpected Rival: Kevin Costner’s Box Office Blitz
Terminator 2: Judgment Day remains a pinnacle of sequel excellence, building brilliantly on its groundbreaking predecessor. Yet, this 1991 sci-fi titan was nearly dethroned at the box office by none other than Yellowstone star Kevin Costner’s ambitious epic, which raked in a colossal $390 million worldwide, stealing the summer spotlight.
That under-the-radar challenger? Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner’s swashbuckling 1991 adventure. Often dismissed as a guilty pleasure, it’s an underrated gem with enduring charm—chances are, you’ve heard its iconic theme or tales of its wild ride.
Critics and fans slammed it as a far cry from Costner’s top-tier work, but the numbers roared louder: Robin Hood came razor-close to topping Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T2, cementing its status as a visionary hit that boldly pushed boundaries ahead of its time.
Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood Nearly Out grossed Terminator 2
In June 1991, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves hit theaters, a rousing action-adventure starring Kevin Costner as Robin Hood. Portraying an English nobleman, Costner’s Robin leads a ragtag band of villagers to exact vengeance on the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham, blamed for his father’s murder, in a film that nearly outshone Schwarzenegger’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day at the box office.
While Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (June 1991) didn’t boast a flawless screenplay, its swashbuckling heart won over audiences. Per IMDb, Kevin Costner’s action-adventure epic, where he played the noble outlaw seeking vengeance against the Sheriff of Nottingham, grossed an impressive $390 million globally. Meanwhile, August 1991 saw the release of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sci-fi juggernaut directed by James Cameron.
With Cameron’s masterful direction, Terminator 2 dominated the box office, raking in over $500 million worldwide, according to IMDb. Its cutting-edge effects and gripping story cemented it as a legendary sequel. Yet, despite the gap in directorial polish and narrative styles, Costner’s Robin Hood came remarkably close to matching T2’s haul—an astonishing feat for a film critics often knocked for uneven pacing and lackluster humor.
Flawed but spirited, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves held its own against one of cinema’s greatest sequels, proving Costner’s star power and the timeless pull of its medieval tale. The near-upset at the box office underscores its underrated charm, making it a standout in 1991’s cinematic showdown.
Kevin Costner’s Hits Eclipse His Misses
Kevin Costner’s magnetic star power has often turned films into gold, even if not every project was a critical darling. Blockbusters like Dances with Wolves and JFK earned both massive box office success and widespread acclaim, cementing Costner as a Hollywood heavyweight.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) was no flop, raking in a robust $390 million globally despite mixed reviews. While films like The Postman, Waterworld, and Wyatt Earp tanked at the box office, Costner rebounded with sharper focus, starring in stronger projects that showcased his resilience and knack for crowd-pleasers.
Critics weren’t kind to Robin Hood, with Roger Ebert slamming it as a “murky, unfocused, violent, and depressing” take on the classic tale. Yet, the naysayers missed the mark—Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was far more than a grim misfire, delivering rousing action, romance, and a timeless appeal that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Although the film had its fair share of inconsistencies in pacing and didn’t know whether to be a serious drama or show its flair for comedy, it was by no means “a depressing version” of the original tale. Though it might not have been one of the best films of the time, it was certainly a good film. What do you think about this movie? Let us know in the comments below.
Why Critics Missed the Mark on Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Alan Rickman’s electrifying performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham stole the show in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. His wickedly funny portrayal injected humor into an otherwise earnest narrative, making the villain unforgettable. Rickman’s gleeful menace elevated every scene, proving the film had more spark than critics allowed.
Morgan Freeman’s Azeem was another standout, bringing depth and gravitas to the 1991 epic. His nuanced performance as Robin’s loyal companion added heart and cultural richness, ensuring the supporting cast wasn’t just window dressing. Azeem’s memorable presence helped ground the film’s ambitious scope.
The movie delivered on its promise of adventure with thrilling escapes, grand-scale battles, and impressive stunts that pushed the boundaries for its era. From daring swordfights to sweeping forest ambushes, Prince of Thieves captured an epic scale that kept audiences on the edge of their seats, defying claims of being merely “murky.”
Despite a darker tone compared to earlier Robin Hood tales, the film offered a bold, innovative take. Nearly every character w
as fleshed out with care, avoiding the flat archetypes common in action flicks. This attention to detail gave the story a fresh, forward-thinking edge that felt ahead of its time.
Yes, pacing hiccups and a tonal tug-of-war between drama and comedy created some uneven moments, but calling it “depressing,” as Roger Ebert did, misses its vibrant spirit. Far from a cinematic misstep, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was a solid, entertaining ride. What’s your take on this underrated gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Trailer Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Trailer Terminator 2