Val Kilmer wasn’t your average Hollywood leading man. He was crazy in the best sense of the word—risking everything, taking offbeat roles, and leaving behind a legacy of work that was both intense, comedic, and unforgettable. Now, after his death at 65, fans are reminiscing one last time about the wild ride of his film career. From cult classics to genre-breaking blockbusters, here are 10 fantastic Val Kilmer movies that remind us he was simply one of a kind.
10. Top Gun (1986) – Ice Cold and Iconic
Kilmer’s take on Iceman—Maverick’s suave, arrogant adversary—marked Top Gun forever as an ’80s icon. It’s absurd that he didn’t even want to play the role at first, but his sharp delivery and relaxed demeanor made Icman unforgettable. That closing scene with Tom Cruise? Cinematic history.And his touching, brief cameo in Top Gun: Maverick years later was the heart of that sequel.
9. Batman Forever (1995) – A Moody Bat
Not stepping into the Batsuit after Michael Keaton was an easy task, but Kilmer gave Gotham a brooding Bruce Wayne. The film itself was flashy and frenetic, but Kilmer added some stability to it with a performance that showed a hero torn between his past and his duty. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Batman, but Kilmer did own the character.
8. Willow (1988) – A Hero in Chaos
As the self-important swordsman Madmartigan in Willow, Kilmer was sparks of electricity. Half clown, half magnet, he brought humor, attitude, and genuine heart to this cult fantasy staple. Fumbling into combat or pilfering hearts with a glance, Kilmer’s Madmartigan remains indelible—and one of his signature performances.
7. The Doors (1991) – Channeling Jim Morrison
Playing Jim Morrison wasn’t another acting job for Kilmer—it was a metamorphosis. He performed the songs himself, learned Morrison’s tics, and disappeared entirely into the role. His performance conveyed the frontman’s charisma and self-destructive binges so perfectly, even the surviving members of The Doors were left reeling. The fact that he didn’t receive an Oscar nomination still rings wrong.
6. Tombstone (1993) – “I’m Your Huckleberry”
Few Western heroes are as quotable—or as unnerving—as Kilmer’s Doc Holliday. Dying of tuberculosis and yet the quickest draw in the house, Kilmer’s performance is infused with gallows humor, unspoken tragedy, and cold fury. His interpretation of Holliday isn’t memorable—literally, it’s a legend. No wonder fans still quote him whenever they can.
5. Heat (1995) – Among the Greats
Sharing screen time with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Kilmer was able to hold his own in Michael Mann’s contemporary crime epic. Chris Shiherlis, his character, may not have the largest amount of lines, but without him, it all falls apart. Kilmer brought intensity as well as subtlety to the character of a doomed, loyal thief, making him one of the most human aspects of the film.
4. Real Genius (1985) – Nerd Comedy Gold
Before nerds became awesome, there was Real Genius. And at its heart was Kilmer’s Chris Knight—a brainy slacker who made science look much more cool than it is. With machine gun one-liners and no respect for the establishment, Kilmer set the tone with casual charm. It’s a cult classic for a reason.
3. Thunderheart (1992) – A Hidden Gem
Too often ignored, Thunderheart featuredKilmer at his finest. As an FBI agent of Native American background assigned to investigate a reservation murder, he deals with cultural animosity, personal identity, and corruption with restraint and depth. It’s one of his more serious films—and one of his least appreciated.
2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) – Witty, Sharp, and Underrated
Sarcastic as PI Gayay Perry, who has no use for nonsense, Kilmer was deadpan, biting, and funny. With Robert Downey Jr., he made Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a contemporary noir-comedy jewel. It’s Kilmer at his best—funny, fast-talking, and totally in charge.
1. Top Secret! (1984) – The Wild Debut
This is where it all started. Kilmer’s on-screen debut in this wacky spy spoof revealed his comedic skills, musical ability, and lack of fear—all at once. He sang, danced, mocked Elvis, and somehow got away with making every ridiculous joke work. Top Secret! may not have been a hit, but it established Kilmer as an unconventional, risk-taking talent from the very beginning.
Val Kilmer’s filmography is a snapshot in time of daring decisions, compelling performances, and genre-bending characters. He didn’t pursue stardom—he pursued roles. And in pursuing them, he left us indelible moments that will last long beyond the end credits.