Top 10 Val Kilmer Movies - Price Prediction

Val Kilmer has had one of the most versatile acting careers among his contemporaries since making his debut in the 1980s. He boasts an extraordinary screen presence and a unique talent for adapting it to numerous roles, seamlessly transitioning from light-hearted comedies to gritty action films to biographical dramas.

Simultaneously, Kilmer possessed a mysterious charm: Unlike most other actors, he never gave the impression of being completely understood by the audience. Instead, there was always a hint of something unexplored, an aspect that remained obscure – precisely what kept us eager to watch him repeatedly.

As a film aficionado, I find myself captivated by the journey of Val Kilmer. At just 17, he made history as the youngest student to be accepted into the esteemed Juilliard Drama School, setting the stage for his remarkable career. Swiftly moving from the theater to the silver screen, by the early ’90s, he had become one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures. However, Kilmer showed little interest in the glamorous side of Tinseltown and instead found solace on a ranch in New Mexico, sending personally crafted audition tapes to directors and producers who held his interest.

Throughout his career, Kilmer continued to take on diverse roles, never compromising the caliber of his performances. By the end of his journey, he had graced more than 70 films and numerous stage productions with his talent.

In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, which affected his ability to speak, yet he persisted and continued to appear on screen and attend events honoring his illustrious career that spans over four decades. Here is a collection of his most iconic roles – the man who, as immortalized in Tombstone, will forever be remembered as our ‘huckleberry.’

Top Secret! (1984)

In a twist of fate, Kilmer made his big-screen debut not as Hamlet on stage as he had envisioned during his time at Juilliard, but as a ’50s-style American rock ‘n’ roll singer with a secret spy mission in the Zucker-Abraham-Zucker sequel to their hit comedy, Airplane!. The humor is over-the-top, barely any moment passes without some joke – from gigantic telephones to a bookstore scene filmed backward. Kilmer masterfully embodies his character, striking the perfect balance of seriousness and confusion. He’s fully aware of the absurdity surrounding him, yet never seems to be in on the joke, much like Leslie Neilson in Airplane!. This is a performance that could trip up even experienced comedic actors, but Kilmer navigates it flawlessly – an impressive accomplishment for his first role on screen.

Real Genius (1985)

Under the guidance of director Martha Coolidge, who had previously introduced Nicolas Cage to stardom in the underrated ’80s comedy masterpiece “Valley Girl” two years prior, “Real Genius” stands as one of the forgotten jewels in the decade’s comedic crown. The narrative centers around a brilliant young science prodigy named Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret), who attends a college reminiscent of Cal Tech and becomes embroiled in a sinister professor’s plot to construct a lethal laser for the military. In this tale, it is Kilmer’s character, the brilliant, carefree, and eccentric Chris Knight, who steals the show whenever he appears on screen. Kilmer exhibits an intriguing blend of coolness and inexplicable quirkiness that keeps audiences captivated, all while deftly handling the comedic aspects with finesse. Despite Mitch being the central character, it is Kilmer whose acting prowess leaves a lasting impression; it’s evident which of the two actors was destined for larger roles down the line.

Top Gun (1986)

In a significant shift from his previous roles, Val Kilmer‘s portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the movie Top Gun catapulted him into national prominence. This role was a stark contrast to his other big-screen appearances and posed a challenging task. The lead character in the film was played by Tom Cruise, as a young, arrogant fighter pilot aiming to overcome the shadows of his past. For the movie to succeed, director Tony Scott required an adversary who could measure up to Cruise, arguably the most magnetic and self-assured movie star of the last four decades, in terms of both swagger and allure. Kilmer delivered on this challenge. Gone were any traces of the quirkiness and comedic delivery that characterized his earlier roles. Instead, Kilmer crafted a character exuding cool confidence whose icy ego perfectly aligned with his nickname. Yet, despite this frosty demeanor, Kilmer’s charm was so palpable that when the movie asked us to side with him again at the end – in the iconic reconciliation scene with Cruise – we did so without reservation. His brief reappearance on screen in 2022’s sequel Top Gun: Maverick was moving, intense, and best left unspoiled.

The Doors (1991)

By 1991, Val Kilmer had established himself as a notable actor, and solidified his status by delivering an exceptional, shape-shifting performance in Oliver Stone’s biopic The Doors, where he convincingly portrayed Jim Morrison. Not only did Kilmer act as Morrison, but he also sang the film versions of The Doors’ songs. For the soundtrack release, the original songs were used instead. This performance is a remarkable blend of depth and subtlety, supported by countless hours Kilmer spent with band producer Paul Rothchild, learning about Morrison’s peculiarities. Unlike his earlier roles, where he captivated audiences with his ability to embody larger-than-life personas, Kilmer crafted a character whose inner struggles and turmoil were the primary focus. In this portrayal, most of Morrison’s actions stemmed from what was happening within him. He embodied a character grappling with profound, internal storms and battles, and it felt entirely authentic.

Thunderheart (1992)

In 1992, Director Michael Apted produced the poignant documentary “Incident at Ogalala” focusing on Native American activist Leonard Peltier. Following this, Apted sought approval from Sioux leaders of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to loosely adapt Peltier’s story for a film production. This marked the first time a Hollywood director was permitted to shoot there, resulting in “Thunderheart.” Val Kilmer portrays Ray Levoi, an FBI agent who is half-Native American but has distanced himself from his indigenous roots. Assigned to investigate a murder on the reservation, he grapples with this aspect of his identity, as well as its ties to ongoing historical injustices. Kilmer delivers a powerful performance that combines grit with vulnerability, creating a character that breaks away from typical stereotypes often seen in films like this.

True Romance (1993)

The movie “True Romance,” penned by Quentin Tarantino, is renowned for several reasons. It was this film that catapulted him into the limelight in the glitzy world of Hollywood. Notably, it showcases standout performances from actors such as Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, and Brad Pitt. However, it’s Val Kilmer who seems to outshine them all, embodying the spirit of Elvis Presley. Though his role is brief, appearing as a sort of spiritual guide for the film’s protagonist, who’s on the run with his spouse (portrayed by Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette), Kilmer’s portrayal of Presley is eerily fitting, imbuing the movie with a near-mythical quality that makes it indelible in our memories. Additionally, the enigma surrounding Kilmer’s presence in “True Romance” – he’s rarely fully seen – mirrors his real-life persona as a Hollywood maverick, forging a career independently on his own terms.

Tombstone (1993)

The tombstone features an array of talents, ranging from Kurt Russell, Charlton Heston, and Bill Paxton to Michael Biehn, Sam Elliott, and Billy Zane. However, it’s Val Kilmer who truly captivates the audience. His portrayal of Doc Holliday in the timeless American tale of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral sets the benchmark for all future interpretations of Holliday – a challenging feat considering previous actors like Kirk Douglas, Victor Mature, Stacy Keach, and Dennis Quaid have played the role. Kilmer seamlessly embodies the notorious gunfighting dentist, down to his Southern accent, decay, and mannerisms with his mustache. His striking line deliveries make the character unforgettable. When Kilmer delivers lines such as “Why, Johnny Ringo, you look like somebody just walked over your grave,” or “Not me – I’m in my prime,” or the iconic “I’m your huckleberry,” it evokes a desire to laugh, shudder, and stand up and applaud all at once, due to his ability to transform a questionable character into nobility. It may well be Kilmer’s most memorable performance throughout his career.

Heat (1995)

In the nineties, Kilmer’s last notable film was Michael Mann’s Heat. He portrayed Chris Shiherlis, a partner of Robert De Niro’s criminal mastermind Neil McCauley within their gang. Their group executes a sequence of escalating and risky heists, eventually drawing the attention of Al Pacino’s tenacious detective Vincent Hanna. While De Niro and Pacino undeniably dominated this crime epic that ranks among the best in American cinema history, Kilmer more than held his ground. Despite also starring as Batman at the same time, Kilmer resisted the temptation to overshadow others by hogging the limelight, instead demonstrating a keen understanding of the script’s dynamics. The film’s success relied on maintaining tension centered around the central conflict between the two lead stars, and so Kilmer skillfully assumed a supporting role without compromising his gritty authenticity. Character actors are often hailed as some of the finest, and in this film, Kilmer proved he could excel in that capacity too.

The Salton Sea (2002)

As his career advanced, Val Kilmer, much like other actors, found himself taking on fewer leading roles in large-scale productions. However, the caliber of his acting performances remained consistently high. In the 2000s, he was involved in many mid-budget projects that spanned various genres, and one particularly outstanding example is the relatively overlooked film “The Salton Sea.” This movie showcases Kilmer at his most somber and worn-out as Danny Parker, a former trumpet player who has descended into the world of meth in southern California. Surrounded by ruthless gangsters and unyielding law enforcement, Parker is simultaneously trying to safeguard his attractive neighbor (Deborah Kara Unger) and solve the murder of his own wife. This gritty neo-noir crime film features elements of comedy, and if you were unfamiliar with Kilmer’s extensive acting resume, you wouldn’t suspect that he had once played the role of a heartthrob in Hollywood films.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

In “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” directed by Shane Black, Kilmer may have found one of his most cherished later roles. The storyline revolves around a New York actor (Robert Downey Jr.) who gets entangled in a Hollywood murder mystery and interacts with Kilmer’s character, Perry – a gay private investigator. Kilmer portrays Perry as smooth and sarcastically amused, contrasting with Downey’s chaotic energy. Unlike many of his previous roles, this one showcases Kilmer’s magnetic star power prominently. The film allows us to appreciate the dual charisma of these two exceptional actors. Their interactions are brilliant, resulting in a remarkable comedic chemistry that encompasses physical humor, witty banter, and an iconic on-screen kiss. This performance encapsulates several aspects of Kilmer’s career – comedy, aloofness, and captivating screen presence – reminding us of his exceptional talents.

Bonus: Val (2021)

I found this documentary, titled “Val“, incredibly captivating. It’s skillfully crafted from interviews with the legendary Val Kilmer himself, voiceovers by his son Jack, and countless hours of home videos that Val recorded since childhood, up until his illustrious film career. This film chronicles Val’s journey, offering an unvarnished look into his life, successes, regrets, and his unique perspective on acting. The documentary’s power isn’t just in its introspective reflection on his career, but also in the rare behind-the-scenes glimpses it provides. Interestingly, Val wrote the voiceover, which is delivered by his son due to the vocal changes he experienced post-cancer treatment.

In “Val“, we witness Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Rich Rossovitch (known as “Slider”), and others on the set of Top Gun. We also see Val’s self-made audition tapes that he sent to filmmakers like Oliver Stone and Stanley Kubrick. However, it’s not just about the glamour; we also see less flattering footage, such as his heated arguments with director John Frankenheimer on the set of The Island of Dr. Moreau, one of the most infamous film disasters from the ’90s.

This isn’t a promotional piece, but a heartfelt effort by Val to understand and reconcile with his life. In its sincerity, “Val” stands as a poignant tribute to this remarkable man.

The 10 Funniest Movies of the Last Ten Years (2015-2024)

10. The Trip to Spain (2017)

There’s nothing quite as entertaining as the ongoing comedy series, “The Trip,” a travelogue franchise written and directed by Michael Winterbottom featuring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. In each episode, the actors portray fictionalized versions of themselves, embarking on a gastronomic journey through various regions. They savor the local cuisine, reflect upon their lives and careers, and engage in a perpetual contest to be crowned the ultimate Michael Caine imitator. Initially humorous, these films have evolved over time into thought-provoking pieces, as Steve and Rob confront issues of mortality and professional setbacks. If you’re new to this series, begin with the first installment, “The Trip,” and continue until you reach “The Trip to Greece.

9. Blockers (2018)

To demonstrate that modern Hollywood can still breathe fresh life into traditional comedies, consider watching the film “Blockers“. Instead of centering on the usual teenagers eager to lose their virginity on prom night, this movie cleverly focuses on the anxious parents (Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, and John Cena) who find themselves in an unexpected predicament. The high school students, played by Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon, are also present, but this time their antics serve as a secondary plot. This unconventional approach provides an intriguing twist for a sex comedy, and the cast, led by director Kay Cannon, delivers it with charm and panache.

8. Good Boys (2019)

The idea that young boys behaving inappropriately might seem like an old trick, a last-ditch effort to shock viewers who have seen it before, especially in teen comedies about immature males. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Good Boys was funnier and more insightful than expected about this difficult, humorous phase of childhood. The film has the right balance of crude humor and realistic characters for a young adolescent audience, causing me to laugh often and loudly. As a critic, I must admit that my laughter at the movie might say something about my own maturity level; as Robert Warshow once said, “A man-child goes to the movies. The critic must be honest enough to admit he is that man-child.

7. Girls Trip (2017)

Assemble an outstanding ensemble of comedians, including Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and particularly Tiffany Haddish, in a movie set against the backdrop of New Orleans and rated R, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a bawdy, hilarious film. The movie Girls Trip was so amusing that it even managed to secure a few accolades, with Haddish winning Best Supporting Actress honors from organizations such as the New York Film Critics Circle. And I can guarantee: After watching this film, you’ll never view a grapefruit in the same way again.

6. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

For approximately two years, my oldest daughter’s preferred movie was “The LEGO Batman Movie.” I honestly can’t count how many times we watched it during that period. To put it simply, this film is one of the most entertaining comedies from the last ten years. It’s packed with visual jokes, clever puns, and references to lesser-known Batman trivia. Not to mention Will Arnett’s brilliantly arrogant voice acting as LEGO Batman. I’ve seen a lot of children’s movies over the past decade; some were funny, others were not so much. Without a doubt, “The LEGO Batman Movie” is the funniest among them all.

5. Jackass Forever (2022)

The most outrageous comedy of the past decade brought together the wittiest and most inventive makers of slapstick humor for another round of daring stunts and playful pranks, not to mention an unprecedented number of male nude scenes in a mainstream Hollywood film. As they approach their 40s and 50s, the Jackass crew may have slowed down physically, but they’ve never been more hilarious. New additions such as Rachel Wolfson and Sean “Poopies” McInerney showcased their ability to handle tasks like getting stung by scorpions or being drenched in disgusting bodily fluids with ease. If this is the last Jackass, they certainly ended on a high note. (It’s easy to achieve a high point after taking a hit to the groin.)

4. Game Night (2018)

Ah, “Game Night”. It’s based on a straightforward idea – a regular game night among friends that spirals into ridiculous fun – that takes comedy to another level with its witty humor, standout performances by Rachel McAdams and Jesse Plemons, and a visual aesthetic more refined than most mainstream Hollywood comedies of the past decade. This is one of those films that you’ll know will be re-watched countless times even after your first viewing.

3. Bad Trip (2021)

In a remarkably believable narrative, “Bad Trip” weaves its tale by means of some incredibly audacious hidden-camera pranks. The duo, Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery, portray friends embarking on a road trip to New York, accompanied by Howery’s fugitive sister (the hysterically funny Tiffany Haddish, nearly as amusing in this film as she was in “Girls Trip” ). The kindness and compassion displayed by the everyday people they meet throughout their journey almost brings back your trust in humanity. Overall, “Bad Trip” stands as a remarkable testament to the influence of films in general, and particularly the impact of the movie “White Chicks“.

2. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

The film “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” might not have been a box office success (earning only $9.6 million during its entire run, fewer than what Battlefield Earth made in just one weekend opening), but it’s unlike any other movie from the past decade. Andy Samberg’s character sings an unusually blunt song about asking for sex that is as efficient as the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, and Mariah Carey claims humility with a boast that she’s the most humble person she knows. In essence, Popstar is one of the funniest comedies in recent memory, while the Mona Lisa is often seen as overrated and insignificant.

1. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo released their highly anticipated sequel to “Bridesmaids” with this hilarious comedy titled “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar“. The story follows them as two friends who lose their jobs at a store in Soft Rock, Nebraska, and decide to use their severance on an extravagant trip to Florida. In Florida, they meet an attractive enigma (played by Jamie Dornan) who is part of a plan to ruin the town using genetically-modified mosquitoes. Wiig and Mumolo deliver outstanding performances, discussing topics such as Tommy Bahama clothing and the charm of the name Trish. The script is filled with witty dialogue that will be remembered until the genetically-modified mosquitoes attack us all. In these trying times, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” appeared like a pair of glittering pants, shining brightly to guide us out of the gloom.

2025-04-02 16:55