Val Kilmer enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility through a variety of genres, major blockbusters, hidden gems, and timeless classics. This talented actor effortlessly transitioned between leading and supporting roles, with some of his standout performances occurring in significant supporting capacities. Furthermore, Kilmer’s journey through Hollywood is intertwined with one of the most wildly intriguing behind-the-scenes stories of any film industry narrative. Beyond achieving superstardom, he was part of significant cultural milestones that shaped the cinematic landscape.
The films in which Kilmer starred have gradually gained traction in pop culture and continue to resonate in the bustling online environment. Some of these cinematic works owe their success largely to Kilmer’s exceptional performances, while others are noteworthy for their own merits, with Kilmer playing a crucial role in their overall appeal. The actor’s tragic passing at the age of 65 serves as a poignant reminder to fans and critics alike of the indelible mark he left on screen. His cultural legacy is firmly established, with his performances continuing to resonate with both longtime admirers and new viewers long into the future. This comprehensive list ranks Val Kilmer’s finest films based on their artistic merit, Kilmer’s contribution to the storyline, and their significance within his impressive cinematic portfolio.
12
‘The Prince of Egypt’ (1998)
Voiced Moses (and the uncredited voice of God)
In the animated, faith-based cinematic masterpiece The Prince of Egypt, Val Kilmer lends his voice to the pivotal character Moses, while also serving as the uncredited voice of God. The narrative follows two brothers, Moses and Rameses, who share an unbreakable bond while growing up in a life of luxury. However, the shocking revelation of Moses’ true Hebrew heritage shatters their relationship and sets him on a transformative journey from prince to prophet, where he is called upon by God to fulfill a divine mission. His objective? To liberate his oppressed people and confront Rameses—now Pharaoh—in a dramatic confrontation. This quest triggers a series of miraculous events, culminating in the epic exodus of the Hebrew people and the legendary parting of the Red Sea.
The Prince of Egypt is a landmark achievement in the animated genre, marking its place in history as one of DreamWorks Animation’s earliest traditionally animated features. Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Moses is central to the film’s emotional depth, with the actor’s vocal performance beautifully conveying the character’s inner struggles and courageous spirit. His dynamic chemistry with Ralph Fiennes, who delivers a hauntingly powerful performance as Rameses, elevates the film even further.
11
‘True Romance’ (1993)
Voiced Elvis Presley
In the often-overlooked but critically acclaimed film True Romance, Val Kilmer takes on the role of Elvis Presley, bringing his own unique flair to the character alongside a stellar ensemble cast. Set against the backdrop of Detroit, the narrative primarily focuses on Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), a comic book store clerk whose mundane birthday is transformed when he meets the enchanting Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette). Their whirlwind romance leads Clarence into a violent confrontation with his pimp, Drexl Spivey (Gary Oldman), and results in the acquisition of a suitcase filled with uncut cocaine. With aspirations of selling the drugs and embarking on a fresh start, the couple travels to Los Angeles, only to find themselves entangled in a chaotic web of complications.
Directed by Tony Scott and penned by the brilliant Quentin Tarantino, this 1993 romantic crime film is a thrilling ride, blending dark humor with stylish violence. The film features a remarkable ensemble that includes Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken, Brad Pitt, and James Gandolfini, all delivering unforgettable performances. Kilmer’s portrayal of Presley, credited merely as “Mentor,” is both bizarre and unforgettable, appearing as a hallucinatory figure who offers cryptic wisdom to Clarence at pivotal moments.
True Romance
- Release Date
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September 10, 1993
- Runtime
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119 minutes
10
‘Batman Forever’ (1996)
Voiced Bruce Wayne / Batman
Val Kilmer’s portrayal of the iconic superhero was relatively brief, largely due to conflicts that arose between the actor and director Joel Schumacher during the production of Batman Forever. This film marked the third installment in the blockbuster Batman franchise and was the first to diverge from the original vision of director Tim Burton and star Michael Keaton. Following Warner Bros.’ disappointment with the dark themes and lower box office returns of Batman Returns, the studio aimed to create a more family-friendly superhero film with Kilmer and Schumacher at the helm. The objective was to produce a movie that would appeal to younger audiences and successfully market merchandise, particularly for McDonald’s.
The resulting film, Batman Forever, achieved box office success, though Kilmer’s performance has received mixed reviews. While it falls short of the beloved The Dark Knight and is not as widely criticized as Batman & Robin, Kilmer’s portrayal is often overshadowed by the flamboyant performances of his co-stars Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, who played the iconic villains. Nonetheless, Batman Forever remains a significant film, keeping Kilmer and the Caped Crusader alive in the cultural zeitgeist.
9
‘Willow’ (1988)
Voiced Madmartigan
Initially released to a mixed critical reception, Willow has since developed a devoted cult following, strong enough to inspire a follow-up series, though it ultimately faced cancellation and removal from Disney+. This epic fantasy produced by George Lucas draws heavily from The Lord of the Rings in its storyline, which revolves around Willow, a humble farmer played by Warwick Davis, who unwittingly becomes the protector of a baby targeted by an evil sorceress.
Kilmer takes on the role of Madmartigan, a roguish swordsman whose character arc echoes that of Han Solo. Despite the potential for Madmartigan to become a mere cliché, Kilmer’s undeniable charisma and charm breathe life into the role, making him one of the most enjoyable aspects of the film. His performance serves as a swashbuckling reminder of his star power, and much like the film itself, it is a performance that merits revisiting.
Willow
- Release Date
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May 20, 1988
- Runtime
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126 minutes
8
‘Thunderheart’ (1992)
Voiced Ray Levoi
Thunderheart stands as an underrated thriller from the 1990s, often overlooked among Kilmer’s body of work, much like other films from that decade, including The Real McCoy and The Ghost and the Darkness. This film provides a fictionalized representation of the Wounded Knee incident that transpired in 1973, when Oglala Lakota activists occupied the town in South Dakota, leading to a violent confrontation with federal agents.
The narrative weaves real historical events into a neo-Western murder mystery, effectively functioning as a social thriller, thanks in part to Michael Apted‘s documentary-style direction and cinematographer Roger Deakins‘ breathtaking visuals of the South Dakota landscapes. Despite some reliance on clichés and a white savior narrative—Kilmer’s character is depicted as having mixed Sioux heritage—the film manages to give ample representation to its Native American characters. Kilmer delivers a strong performance, and his dynamic with First Nations actor Graham Greene creates some of the film’s most compelling moments.
Thunderheart
- Release Date
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April 3, 1992
- Runtime
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119 minutes
7
‘Top Gun’ (1986)
Voiced Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky
The monumental success of Top Gun catapulted Kilmer into the limelight, and his portrayal of Iceman is a testament to his talent. As the rival to Tom Cruise‘s Maverick, Kilmer’s performance was nothing short of memorable, showcasing an arc that featured two mega-stars transitioning from adversaries to allies (highlighted by a notably suggestive volleyball scene that has become iconic).
While the film is often associated with Cruise and may not hold up to some of its nostalgic acclaim, Kilmer’s contribution was significant enough that he reprised his role in a cameo for Top Gun: Maverick, honoring the legacy of his character. The original Top Gun, released in 1986, remains a slick, entertaining slice of ’80s cinema, with Kilmer’s performance serving as a critical ingredient in its enduring appeal.
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