Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor, has been celebrated and criticized in equal measure, yet he has consistently poured his heart and soul into every role. His bold and sometimes unconventional choices have occasionally landed him in the realm of internet memes, but there's no denying the vigor and intensity of his performances.
Cage's filmography spans acclaimed romantic comedies, heart-wrenching dramas, and some of the most iconic action films of the 1990s. His extensive body of work is so impressive that we've expanded our "Best Of" list to include 15 films, rather than the usual top 10. Throughout his career, Cage has collaborated with legendary directors such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay, Ridley Scott, and his uncle, Francis Ford Coppola, delivering some of the most unforgettable performances in cinema. (For more unforgettable moments, check out the 40 best Nicolas Cage moments compiled by a dedicated Cage fan who has seen every film he's starred in.)
Over his four decades in the industry, Cage has explored every genre imaginable—from thwarting a chemical gas attack in San Francisco to embarking on a deadly spree in Las Vegas, and even playing a version of himself in a meta-narrative about his own career. Here, we present our selection of Nicolas Cage's best movies, showcasing the breadth and depth of his talent.
