10 Best Val Kilmer Movies Ranked

Since his feature film debut in 1984, Val Kilmer has crafted a truly impressive resume. He starred in some of the biggest movies, played some iconic characters, and shared the screen with some of the most renowned actors in the history of cinema. Characters such as Simon Templar, Jim Morrison, and Bruce Wayne and actors such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Nicole Kidman have all been part of his illustrious filmography. Over the years, Kilmer showcased his versatility in many different genres, including drama, action, and even fantasy.

During a career spanning four decades, Val Kilmer’s movies have made nearly four billion dollars at the global box office, and he has been nominated for multiple industry awards. He has played both heroes and villains, as well as romantic leads and gritty action heroes. Kilmer has even shown his comedy skills on a few occasions and lent his voice to animated productions. With such a varied career, Val Kilmer has established himself as one of Hollywood’s finest.

10

The Saint (1997)

Directed by Phillip Noyce

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The Saint

pg-13

Release Date

April 4, 1997

Runtime

116minutes

Director

Phillip Noyce

Writers

Phillip Noyce

Cast

The Saint is a 1997 action film starring Val Kilmer, Elisabeth Shue, and Rade Serbedzija. Directed by Phillip Noyce, The Saint centers on Simon Templar (Kilmer), who goes up against a traitor of the Russian government when he tries to steal their plans for cold fusion. The film received mixed to positive reviews upon release.

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With the James Bond franchise seeing a successful resurgence in the 1990s, it was not surprising that another spy-focused franchise was resurrected. Based on the TV show from the ’60s, starring Roger Moore, there were high hopes for this slick reboot. While it didn’t manage to achieve as much lasting success as its two inspirations, it performed well at the box office and showcased Kilmer’s leading man credentials and bankability.

Val Kilmer’s performance as Simon Templar was full of charisma, charm, and force. He’s very magnetic and believable as a suave spy, and with, perhaps, a stronger script, the film may have done even better. The mystery is satisfying, the action is exciting, and the focus on the titular character’s master of disguise abilities was very entertaining. It’s not the best reviewed of his many movies, but it’s an important part of his filmography that still stands up today.

9

The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)

Directed by John Frankenheimer and Richard Stanley

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The Island of Dr. Moreau

PG-13
HorrorSci-FiThriller

Release Date

August 23, 1996

Runtime

96 Minutes

Director

John Frankenheimer, Richard Stanley

Writers

H.G. Wells, Richard Stanley, Ron Hutchinson

Cast

The Island of Dr. Moreau is a science fiction horror film directed by John Frankenheimer. It stars Marlon Brando as Dr. Moreau and Val Kilmer as Montgomery, who are on an isolated island where Moreau conducts genetic experiments that transform animals into human-animal hybrids. The film explores themes of scientific ethics and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

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Based on the H.G. Wells classic, the behind-the-scenes story of this movie is just as entertaining as the movie itself. In fact, a documentary has been made about it which has received much better reviews than The Island of Dr. Moreau. There was tension on set, the initial director was replaced after the film started shooting, and the cast was said to clash with the crew as well as each other. Val Kilmer himself requested to play a different role. It’s very interesting to watch the film knowing how tense the shooting environment was.

The Island of Dr. Moreau follows a shipwrecked man who lands on an island inhabited by strange creatures and two very eccentric people. Marlon Brando plays the titular doctor, and his very mild dedication to the role is visible in his performance. Kilmer portrays his assistant whose descent into madness is a great showcase of the actor’s skills as his behavior gets more erratic and unpredictable. While the film wasn’t a critical or financial success, it lives on in infamy and is worth seeing if only for that reason.

8

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

Directed by Stephen Hopkins

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The Ghost and the Darkness

The Ghost and the Darkness

R
ThrillerAdventureActionDramaHorrorHistory

Release Date

October 11, 1996

Runtime

109 Minutes

Director

Stephen Hopkins

Writers

John Henry Patterson, William Goldman

Cast

The Ghost and the Darkness is a 1996 film directed by Stephen Hopkins, starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas. The film is based on the true story of two man-eating lions in Tsavo, Africa, who terrorized the workers constructing a railway bridge in 1898. Val Kilmer plays the engineer tasked with overseeing the construction, and Michael Douglas portrays a seasoned hunter brought in to deal with the lions.

Main Genre

Thriller

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In a tale of man vs. nature, the story follows Col. John Henry Patterson (Kilmer) who is engineering the building of a railway bridge in Kenya. His workers are hunted and killed by two ferocious lions who seem to find pleasure in their predatory activities. Based on true events, there is a lot of tension and the stakes feel genuinely high. The cinematography is beautiful and the lush shots of the terrain will appeal to anyone who appreciates nature.

Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in Tombstone and Roger Ebert in a movie theater

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Kilmer’s subdued and earnest performance is a calming contrast to Michael Douglas’s portrayal of the game hunter who is tasked with helping Patterson hunt the beasts. Their on-screen chemistry and opposing characters work very well as they lead this action-adventure thriller.

But the true stars of this film were the lions, as any scene involving them was an absolute highlight. From their majestic and ferocious beauty to the way they were shot and edited, each sequence that involved the animals really stood out.

7

Batman Forever (1995)

Directed by Joel Schumacher

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Batman Forever

PG-13

Release Date

June 9, 1995

Runtime

117 Minutes

Director

Joel Schumacher

Writers

Bob Kane, Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, Akiva Goldsman

Prequel(s)

Batman, Batman Returns

Cast

  • Headshot Of Jim Carrey In The North America Rights

    Jim Carrey

  • Headshot Of Nicole Kidman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's 'A Family Affair'

    Nicole Kidman

  • Shot Of Tommy Lee Jones In The Los Angeles premiere of 'Finestkind'

    Tommy Lee Jones

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After Tim Burton’s plans for a third Batman film fell through, director Joel Schumacher took over the franchise with 1995’s Batman Forever. Replacing Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer stars as Bruce Wayne opposite to Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, who play The Riddler and Two-Face, respectively. Batman Forever also marks the first time Robin appears on the big screen since Burt Ward reprised his Boy Wonder role in 1966’s Batman: The Movie.

Story By

Bob Kane, Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler

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In Joel Schumacher’s first foray into the world of Batman, the shift in tone from Tim Burton’s versions could be felt immediately. Having a new actor play Bruce Wayne was only one of the differences, with Gotham going from dark and gothic, to more neon and techno in feel. The villains include The Riddler (Jim Carey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) who did a great job of bringing their outlandish characters to life. Carrey, in particular, manages to steal every scene he’s in, and his costumes are outstanding.

Nicole Kidman brings some gravitas and glamor to the table in her role, as the love interest, and audiences were introduced to Robin for the first time in this run. Kilmer was a solid Batman, as he managed to convey the stoic darkness that the character needed and had the right amount of charm that Bruce Wayne needed as well. The action sequences made the whole film a dazzling spectacle, and it’s an entertaining ride from start to finish. It was the highest-grossing film of the year and had a fantastic theme song in Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose”.

6

Willow (1988)

Directed by Ron Howard

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Willow

PG
FantasyAdventureDramaRomanceAction

Release Date

May 20, 1988

Runtime

126 minutes

Director

Ron Howard

Writers

Bob Dolman

Cast

In Ron Howard’s 1988 fantasy film, the titular Willow (Warwick Davis) must go on a quest to protect a human baby from the clutches of the evil Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) with the help of mercenary Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and a cast of other colorful fantasy characters. Although it never quite achieved cult-classic status, the movie did launch Davis’ career, and led to the creation of a sequel television series on Disney+ in 2022. 

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This beloved sci-fi fantasy film stars Warrick Davis in the titular role of an aspiring sorcerer who teams up with some outlandish characters to topple the evil queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). Kilmer plays the charismatic and brave swordsman, Madmartigan, whose character arc is very satisfying to watch. He starts as a bit arrogant and unreliable, but his friendship with Willow and his courage throughout their journey allows him to develop into a more heroic and loyal companion.

The film is charming and heartwarming, with plenty of action and many comedic moments. Kilmer, in particular, was able to bring a bit of cheeky charm to the role, with some great line delivery. The film is often revisited by its loyal fans, and the world it has built remains popular with a 2022 serialized sequel. The original Willow earned nearly $200 worldwide and has a lot of appeal to viewers of any age.

5

The Doors (1991)

Directed by Oliver Stone

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The Doors

R
BiographyDramaMusic

Release Date

March 1, 1991

Runtime

140 minutes

Director

Oliver Stone

Writers

Randall Jahnson, Oliver Stone

Cast

The Doors is a biographical film directed by Oliver Stone that chronicles the rise of Jim Morrison and The Doors, one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s. Starring Val Kilmer as Morrison, the film delves into the band’s tumultuous career, exploring Morrison’s artistic ambitions and turbulent lifestyle. Meg Ryan co-stars as Pamela Courson, Morrison’s long-time companion, further enriching the narrative of fame and excess.

Main Genre

Biography

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Biopics are not an easy genre for film, as people are perceived differently by everyone. Musical biopics are particularly divisive because fans of the artists have such a strong connection to their memory and discography, that it’s practically impossible to appease everybody. In The Doors, it’s clear that Oliver Stone greatly respected the legacy of Jim Morrison and his band, as the story of this iconic frontman delves deep into his artistry and troubled psyche.

In one of his most critically acclaimed roles, Val Kilmer captures the essence of the rockstar and transforms both his appearance and voice to fit Morrison’s. He is magnetic, raw, and full of emotion, and it’s most certainly one of his best performances to date. The film captures the counterculture energy of the 1960s very well, and the musical sequences were shot beautifully. The chaos of fame, drugs,and rock’ n’ roll are also explored in depth in this psychedelic production.

4

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Directed by Shane Black

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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

R
CrimeComedyMystery

Release Date

November 18, 2005

Runtime

103 minutes

Director

Shane Black

Writers

Brett Halliday, Shane Black

Cast

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a comedy crime movie starring Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. The movie follows a New York-based thief who finds himself in Hollywood after being mistaken for a famous actor. Once in Los Angeles, he ends up in the middle of a murder investigation.

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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang plays homage to neo-noir detective novels in a tongue-in-cheek way. Breaking the fourth wall, very over-the-top scenarios and some quality chemistry between the two charismatic leads add a lot to the charm of the film. The initial premise sums up what the audience can come to expect from this quirky caper. Robert Downey Jr. plays a Harry Lockhart petty criminal who somehow manages to get an audition for a Hollywood film while being pursued by the police.

The two create magic on-screen and the film was widely well-received and reviewed and holds a very impressive score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Val Kilmer’s role is of a detective tasked with training Lockhart, and his deadpan performance as a no-nonsense sleuth is a great foil to Downey Jr’s bumbling quips. The two create magic on-screen and the film was widely well-received and reviewed and holds a very impressive score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. A wonderful showcase of dry humor at its finest, and it’s interesting seeing a pre-Tony Stark performance from RDJ.

3

Top Gun (1986)

Directed by Tony Scott

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Top Gun

PG

Release Date

May 16, 1986

Runtime

110 minutes

Director

Tony Scott

Writers

Jack Epps Jr., Jim Cash

Cast

In this classic action flick, Tom Cruise stars as daring young pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Among the other students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, he competes to be best in the class, and learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.

Budget

$15 million

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In a role that made his career take off, Val Kilmer plays LT Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. He starts as an antagonist and rival of Tom Cruise’s Maverick, but as the film progresses, so does his character’s arc. He embraced the arrogant energy that the role required and was believable as the more heroic version he developed into. It was heartwarming to see him reprise his role in Top Gun: Maverick and see how far he had come as a character and that he was still looking out for his Air Force family.

The film was a global smash hit and one of the biggest films of the ’80s. It made stars of its cast, and still holds up today, as evidenced by the success of its very late-in-the-game sequel. Embracing themes of loyalty, kinship, and bravery, all set to a banging soundtrack, there’s a reason why Top Gun is many people’s favorite film. The action is exhilarating, and it leaves viewers with the feeling of vertigo, but in the best possible way.

2

Heat (1995)

Directed by Michael Mann

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Heat

R

Release Date

December 15, 1995

Runtime

170 minutes

Director

Michael Mann

Writers

Michael Mann

Cast

Michael Mann’s classic crime thriller Heat was released in 1995 and stars Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro as two men on opposite sides of the law whose live become tangled and destabilized in an intense game of cat-and-mouse. When one heist led by master thief Neil McCauley is compromised due to a clue left behind, LAPD Lieutenant Vincent Hanna finds himself obsessed with pursuing them in an ever-escalating war – one that may cause significant collateral damage. 

Budget

$60 million

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Acting in the same film as Al Pacino and Robert De Noro is no mean feat, but Val Kilmer manages to hold his own beside these Oscar-winning greats. A dangerous game of cat and mouse is the premise of this high-octane crime thriller, with De Niro playing a master criminal and Pacino as his LAPD detective nemesis.

Kilmer is part of the criminal contingent and a master marksman who plays a very important part in a very important shootout scene. He serves as more of the heart of the film, with his home life with his wife (Ashley Judd) which shows how much of a toll his lawbreaking activities have on him and their relationship.

Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer hold big guns on the poster for 1995's Heat

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Widely lauded as one of the best crime thrillers in history, Heat is filled with tension, intensity, and an intricate plot. Seeing pieces shift a round and fit together feels very satisfying and the scene between Pacino and De Niro at the diner feels like a historic event. It holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and made nearly $200 million worldwide. With thrilling action, a very clever plot, and incredible acting, this film is a must-watch.

1

Tombstone (1993)

Directed by George P. Cosmatos

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Tombstone

R
WesternBiographyDrama

Release Date

December 25, 1993

Runtime

130 minutes

Director

George P. Cosmatos, Kevin Jarre

Writers

Kevin Jarre

Cast

  • Headshot Of Bill Paxton

    Bill Paxton

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    Charlton Heston

  • Headshot Of Sam Elliott

    Sam Elliott

  • Cast Placeholder Image

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Tombstone is a Western film loosely based on true events. When a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys ride into a town and slay several police officers for revenge for the death of two of their gang members, word of their misdeeds reaches the ears of a retired lawman. Gathering a group together, the new vigilantes will defend the town and aim to end the terror of the Cowboys.

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This timeless western sees Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) take up his badge again and restore order to a troubled town. Filled with gun-slinging action and a surprising amount of heart, Tombstone shows just how to blend real historical events with fun storytelling. The ensemble cast features some big names, including Charlton Heston, Bill Paxton, and Sam Elliott, with Kilmer more than holding his own as Doc Holiday. In fact, he manages to steal every scene he’s in.

As the terminally ill, sharp-tongued gunfighter, Kilmer mixed his impressive comedic timing with a more emotional and introspective portrayal of a man facing his own mortality. His dedication to the role can be seen in his physical transformation and well-considered mannerisms, as he traverses the precarious terrain of the Old West. His chemistry with on-screen best friend Wyatt Earp is a highlight, and the film focuses on honor and loyalty at a very precarious time in history. Considered one of the best modern westerns, Tombstone still holds up with every rewatch.