Kevin Costner’s underrated racing movie, The Art of Racing in the Rain, found on Prime Video, has defied lackluster critical response to become a heartfelt favorite among viewers, who see it as an emotional gem. Despite not achieving box office fame or critical acclaim, this film has resonated deeply with fans, leaving a powerful impact that sets it apart in Costner’s extensive filmography.
Costner’s Quiet Triumph in a Diverse Career
In Hollywood, where blockbuster success often defines an actor’s legacy, Kevin Costner has managed to craft one of the most varied and respected careers over more than four decades. Renowned for his performances across genres, he is widely acknowledged by his peers and audience alike for his lasting contributions. While many films in his repertoire are celebrated, The Art of Racing in the Rain stands out as a lesser-known but deeply affecting entry.
Released in 2019 and adapted from Garth Stein’s best-selling novel, the movie brings audiences into a moving story told from the perspective of Enzo, a lovable golden retriever voiced by Costner himself. The film, helmed by Simon Curtis, manages to faithfully translate the emotional depth of the novel onto the screen while carving its own path through the way it blends lessons about love, loss, and perseverance. Viewers are drawn in by Enzo’s unique narration, which provides an earnest and sometimes heartrending look at the lives of people and their canine companions.
Why This 2019 Release Resonates Despite the Numbers
The Art of Racing in the Rain may not have been warmly embraced by critics—it currently holds a 44% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.6 rating on IMDb, and its $33.7 million global box office performance was modest. Despite this, the movie has earned a place in the hearts of those seeking emotional storytelling. Fans frequently express how the film distinguishes itself through its profound but simple narrative, relying on Enzo’s observations to shed light on human struggles from an outside perspective.
Unlike more traditional dog-centric films like Marley & Me or Beethoven, Costner’s project uses the racing world as an evocative backdrop rather than a gimmick, steering away from familiar formulas and inviting viewers to feel an authentic connection to the characters. The combination of canine wisdom and the thrill of racing creates a different kind of sports drama, one that delivers hope and heartbreak in equal measure.
Passionate Reactions from Fans Versus Critics
Critical response labeled the film as melodramatic, with some reviewers describing it as
“another one of those brazenly old-fashioned melodramas”
—Standard. Detractors often pointed to its reliance on emotional tropes, calling its approach formulaic and overly sentimental. Yet, many viewers have passionately defended the film, openly sharing their emotional reactions and underscoring how it has touched them more deeply than many movies ever do.
Some fans recount how watching Enzo accompany Denny on their last lap together elicited strong feelings, reinforcing the movie’s status as a premier ‘sob story’. It is a film many claim they cannot bring themselves to watch a second time, not because it lacks quality, but because its moving narrative lingers long after the credits roll, prompting even the most stoic individuals to cherish their pets a bit more tightly.
The Movie’s Emotional Legacy and Its Place Among Racing Films
The heart of The Art of Racing in the Rain lies in its ability to humanize loss, love, and resilience through the eyes of a devoted pet, while the racing sequences provide adrenaline and metaphorical resonance. The unique voice that Kevin Costner lends to Enzo enhances the storytelling, amplifying the emotional highs and lows for viewers, many of whom now rank the film among the best racing dramas—despite what the box office and critics say.
With Brad Pitt’s much-anticipated F1 movie on the horizon, this is an opportune moment for audiences to explore racing-themed cinema. Costner’s 2019 tearjerker is available to stream on Prime Video, and its emotional journey makes it a must-watch for those who appreciate stories about perseverance and connection, both on and off the racetrack.
The Art of Racing in the Rain stands as a testament to the kind of storytelling that, regardless of critical reception, finds lasting resonance with an appreciative audience. As viewers continue to share their stories and reactions, it is clear that this Kevin Costner underrated racing movie has secured a special place in the hearts of movie lovers, prompting reflection and tugging at heartstrings long after the final scene.
