Val Kilmer is one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation. With a career spanning over four decades, he has delivered countless memorable performances across a wide range of genres. From action blockbusters to quirky comedies to gritty dramas, Kilmer has proven his acting chops time and again.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the 10 best Val Kilmer movies of all time. These are the roles that showcase Kilmer at his absolute finest, leaving an indelible mark on cinema history. So sit back, relax, and join us on this journey through the incredible filmography of the one and only Val Kilmer.
1. Tombstone (1993)
In this classic Western, Val Kilmer delivers an unforgettable performance as the legendary Doc Holliday. His portrayal of the witty, tuberculosis-ridden gunslinger is both captivating and authentic. Kilmer’s chemistry with Kurt Russell, who plays Wyatt Earp, is a highlight of the film. With iconic lines like “I’m your huckleberry” and “I’m in my prime,” Kilmer steals every scene he’s in. Tombstone showcases Kilmer’s ability to fully immerse himself in a role and bring a historical figure to life on the big screen. His performance is a testament to his skill as an actor and has solidified his place in Western film history.
2. Top Gun (1986)
Val Kilmer’s turn as the cocky and competitive Iceman in Top Gun is one of his most iconic roles. Playing opposite Tom Cruise’s Maverick, Kilmer brings a sense of rivalry and tension to the film that elevates the drama. His character’s arc, from antagonist to respected teammate, is a crucial part of the story. Kilmer’s charisma and screen presence are on full display in this blockbuster hit. Top Gun not only launched Kilmer’s career into the stratosphere but also cemented his status as a Hollywood heartthrob. His performance continues to be celebrated by fans decades later.
3. Heat (1995)
In Michael Mann’s crime thriller Heat, Val Kilmer plays Chris Shiherlis, a member of a professional heist crew led by Robert De Niro’s character. Kilmer brings depth and complexity to his role, portraying a man torn between his loyalty to the crew and his desire for a normal life with his wife (played by Ashley Judd). Kilmer’s scenes with De Niro and Al Pacino are electric, showcasing his ability to hold his own against acting heavyweights. Heat is a prime example of Kilmer’s talent for taking on challenging roles in gritty, realistic films.
4. The Doors (1991)
Val Kilmer’s portrayal of rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s biopic The Doors is nothing short of mesmerizing. Kilmer fully embodies the charismatic and troubled frontman, capturing his mannerisms, voice, and stage presence with eerie accuracy. His performance is so convincing that even the surviving members of The Doors praised his work. Kilmer’s dedication to the role, which included extensive research and learning to sing like Morrison, is evident in every scene. The Doors showcases Kilmer’s ability to disappear into a character and deliver a powerhouse performance that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
5. Willow (1988)
In this fantasy adventure, Val Kilmer plays the roguish swordsman Madmartigan, who reluctantly becomes the protector of a baby prophesied to bring about the downfall of an evil queen. Kilmer brings humor, charm, and swashbuckling heroics to the role, making Madmartigan a fan-favorite character. His chemistry with co-star Warwick Davis (who plays the titular character, Willow) is a highlight of the film. Willow showcases Kilmer’s versatility as an actor and his ability to bring a sense of fun and adventure to a fantasy setting. The film has since become a beloved cult classic.
6. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
In this neo-noir comedy, Val Kilmer plays a private detective named “Gay Perry” who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s character, a petty thief turned actor. Kilmer’s performance is a standout, as he delivers sharp one-liners and brings a sense of world-weariness to his role. His chemistry with Downey Jr. is electric, and their banter is one of the film’s greatest strengths. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang marked a career resurgence for Kilmer, reminding audiences of his comedic timing and ability to elevate any material he’s given.
7. Thunderheart (1992)
Val Kilmer stars as an FBI agent of mixed Sioux heritage who is sent to investigate a murder on a Native American reservation in Thunderheart. Kilmer brings a sense of authenticity and sensitivity to his portrayal, as his character grapples with his own identity and the complexities of life on the reservation. The film tackles important themes of cultural identity, racism, and the strained relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government. Kilmer’s performance is a testament to his ability to bring depth and nuance to a challenging role.
8. Real Genius (1985)
In this cult classic comedy, Val Kilmer plays Chris Knight, a brilliant but irreverent science prodigy at a prestigious university. Kilmer’s performance is a perfect blend of wit, charm, and mischievous energy. He brings a sense of fun and rebellion to the role, making Chris Knight an iconic character in the pantheon of ’80s comedy heroes. Real Genius showcases Kilmer’s comedic timing and ability to carry a film with his charisma and screen presence. The film has since become a beloved favorite among fans of the genre.
9. Spartan (2004)
Val Kilmer plays a special operations agent tasked with finding the kidnapped daughter of a high-ranking government official in this taut thriller directed by David Mamet. Kilmer brings a sense of intensity and focus to his role, portraying a man who will stop at nothing to complete his mission. The film is a showcase for Kilmer’s ability to carry a story with his commanding screen presence and deliver a gripping performance in a minimalist setting. Spartan is a prime example of Kilmer’s talent for taking on challenging roles in thought-provoking films.
10. The Saint (1997)
In this action-packed remake of the 1960s TV series, Val Kilmer plays Simon Templar, a master thief and disguise artist known as “The Saint.” Kilmer brings a sense of suave charm and quick-witted intelligence to the role, making Simon Templar a compelling and likable protagonist. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to carry a big-budget action movie with his charisma and physicality. The Saint also highlights Kilmer’s talent for accents and disguises, as he seamlessly transforms into various characters throughout the film.
11. Top Secret! (1984)
Val Kilmer made his feature film debut in this hilarious spoof of Elvis musicals and Cold War spy movies. Playing an American rock star who gets caught up in an East German espionage plot, Kilmer showcases his comedic chops and impressive singing voice. His performance is a perfect blend of earnestness and absurdity, as he navigates the film’s rapid-fire jokes and sight gags with ease. Top Secret! introduced audiences to Kilmer’s versatility as an actor and hinted at the impressive career that would follow.
12. The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
In this historical adventure film, Val Kilmer plays a British engineer tasked with building a railway bridge in 19th-century East Africa, only to find his project threatened by a pair of man-eating lions. Kilmer brings a sense of determination and vulnerability to his role, as his character grapples with the challenges of the African wilderness and his own personal demons. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to anchor a story with his strong screen presence and deliver a compelling performance in a period setting.
13. Felon (2008)
Val Kilmer delivers a powerful supporting performance in this gritty prison drama. Playing a hardened convict who takes a newly incarcerated family man (played by Stephen Dorff) under his wing, Kilmer brings a sense of world-weariness and hard-earned wisdom to his role. His scenes with Dorff are a highlight of the film, as the two actors play off each other with intensity and authenticity. Felon showcases Kilmer’s ability to make a strong impact in a supporting role and elevate the material with his presence.
14. The Salton Sea (2002)
In this neo-noir thriller, Val Kilmer plays a jazz musician turned drug addict who seeks revenge against the dealers responsible for his wife’s death. Kilmer brings a sense of raw emotion and desperation to his performance, as his character navigates the seedy underworld of methamphetamine dealers and corrupt cops. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to fully inhabit a character and deliver a gritty, intense performance in a dark and stylized setting. The Salton Sea is a testament to Kilmer’s talent for taking on challenging and unconventional roles.
15. Wonderland (2003)
Val Kilmer delivers a chilling performance as porn star John Holmes in this true crime drama based on the infamous Wonderland murders. Kilmer fully transforms himself into the troubled and manipulative Holmes, capturing his charisma, drug addiction, and moral decay with disturbing accuracy. The film is a showcase for Kilmer’s ability to disappear into a role and bring a real-life figure to the screen with authenticity and depth. Wonderland is a testament to Kilmer’s fearlessness as an actor and his willingness to take on dark and controversial material.
16. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
In this animated biblical epic, Val Kilmer lends his voice to the character of Moses, bringing a sense of strength, compassion, and inner conflict to the iconic role. Kilmer’s vocal performance is a key part of the film’s emotional resonance, as he conveys Moses’ journey from privileged Egyptian prince to humble leader of the Israelites. The Prince of Egypt showcases Kilmer’s talent for voice acting and his ability to bring depth and nuance to an animated character.
17. Deja Vu (2006)
Val Kilmer plays a supporting role in this sci-fi thriller about a federal agent (played by Denzel Washington) who uses experimental technology to try to prevent a terrorist attack. Kilmer brings a sense of gravitas and authority to his role as a senior FBI agent, serving as a mentor and sounding board for Washington’s character. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to make a strong impact in a limited amount of screen time and his talent for playing complex, multi-layered characters in a genre setting.
18. Red Planet (2000)
In this science fiction adventure, Val Kilmer plays an astronaut who leads a mission to Mars in an attempt to colonize the planet. Kilmer brings a sense of determination and resourcefulness to his role, as his character grapples with the challenges of survival on the hostile Martian landscape. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to anchor a story with his strong screen presence and deliver a compelling performance in a visually stunning setting. Red Planet is a testament to Kilmer’s versatility as an actor and his talent for bringing depth to genre roles.
19. At First Sight (1999)
Val Kilmer delivers a sensitive and nuanced performance in this romantic drama about a blind man who regains his sight through surgery. Kilmer fully inhabits the character, capturing the joy, confusion, and emotional upheaval of experiencing vision for the first time. His chemistry with co-star Mira Sorvino is a highlight of the film, as the two actors convey the challenges and rewards of a relationship tested by extraordinary circumstances. At First Sight showcases Kilmer’s ability to bring authenticity and depth to a complex and emotionally charged role.
20. Thunderheart (1992)
In this mystery thriller, Val Kilmer plays an FBI agent of mixed Native American heritage who is sent to investigate a murder on a reservation. Kilmer brings a sense of inner conflict and cultural identity to his role, as his character grapples with his own heritage and the tensions between the FBI and the Native American community. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to bring depth and nuance to a politically charged story and his talent for playing complex, multi-layered characters.
21. The Missing (2003)
Val Kilmer plays a supporting role in this Western thriller about a woman (played by Cate Blanchett) who seeks the help of her estranged father (played by Tommy Lee Jones) to rescue her kidnapped daughter. Kilmer brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to his role as a ruthless army scout with a dark past. His scenes with Jones are a highlight of the film, as the two actors play off each other with intensity and grit. The Missing showcases Kilmer’s ability to make a strong impact in a supporting role and his talent for playing morally ambiguous characters in a Western setting.
22. Pollock (2000)
In this biographical drama about the life of artist Jackson Pollock, Val Kilmer plays Willem de Kooning, a fellow abstract expressionist painter. Kilmer brings a sense of charisma and artistic intensity to his supporting role, capturing de Kooning’s competitive relationship with Pollock and his own creative struggles. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to fully inhabit a real-life figure and bring depth and nuance to a limited amount of screen time. Pollock is a testament to Kilmer’s talent for playing complex, multi-layered characters in a historical setting.
23. Kill the Irishman (2011)
Val Kilmer delivers a powerful supporting performance in this true crime drama about Irish-American mobster Danny Greene (played by Ray Stevenson). Kilmer plays Joe Manditski, a Cleveland police detective who becomes obsessed with bringing Greene to justice. Kilmer brings a sense of world-weariness and determination to his role, as his character navigates the corrupt world of organized crime and his own personal demons. Kill the Irishman showcases Kilmer’s ability to make a strong impact in a supporting role and his talent for playing complex, morally ambiguous characters in a gritty crime drama.
24. Conspiracy (2008)
In this historical thriller, Val Kilmer plays MacPherson, a retired Marine colonel who uncovers a conspiracy involving the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Kilmer brings a sense of gravitas and determination to his role, as his character races against time to prevent a modern-day assassination attempt. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to anchor a story with his strong screen presence and deliver a compelling performance in a suspenseful, politically charged setting. Conspiracy is a testament to Kilmer’s versatility as an actor and his talent for bringing depth to genre roles.
25. The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans (2009)
Val Kilmer plays a supporting role in this gritty crime drama directed by Werner Herzog and starring Nicolas Cage as a corrupt police detective. Kilmer brings a sense of sleaze and moral decay to his role as Cage’s partner, a fellow cop who enables and profits from his corruption. The film showcases Kilmer’s ability to fully inhabit a morally bankrupt character and hold his own against Cage’s manic energy. The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans is a testament to Kilmer’s fearlessness as an actor and his willingness to take on dark and controversial material in a challenging role.
So there you have it, folks – the 10 best Val Kilmer movies of all time. From gunslinging cowboys to rock and roll legends to elite fighter pilots, Kilmer has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. His incredible range, undeniable charisma, and total commitment to his craft have made him a true Hollywood icon.
Whether you’re a die-hard Kilmer fan or a casual admirer, these 10 films are essential viewing. They represent the very best of what this talented actor has to offer, showcasing his incredible versatility and magnetic screen presence. So fire up your favorite streaming service, sit back, and enjoy the incomparable Val Kilmer at the height of his powers. You won’t be disappointed.
