Val Kilmer’s 10 Most Loved IMDb Hits

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The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a true legend. Val Kilmer, an artist with a deep passion for his work and versatility across various art forms, will be deeply missed. While we say goodbye, fans can immerse themselves in a rich collection of films to truly appreciate his talent spanning genres. For example, although he was often associated with dramatic roles, Kilmer’s career began in comedy, including the 1984 spoof film Top Secret!, a creation from the same minds behind Airplane!. He then starred in the clever college comedy Real Genius. Later, he achieved immense stardom during the ’90s, notably replacing Michael Keaton as Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever.

Although Batman Forever didn’t quite make it into the top 10 favorites among IMDb voters for its respective decade, it still stands out as one of the most enjoyably action-packed blockbusters from that time period. Similarly, Top Gun, Thunderheart, and The Ghost and the Darkness were not included in the top picks but are definitely worth watching on rental.

10) The Doors

Film director Oliver Stone is known for being controversial, and rightfully so, due to his films frequently being intense and lengthy. However, with “The Doors,” Stone demonstrated a suitable fit for the subject matter. Yet, it was Val Kilmer who proved to be an even better match for the material in this instance.

In essence, Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in the movie The Doors is remarkably accurate. He successfully imitates Morrison’s deep voice and conveys the singer’s charisma, as well as his enigmatic personality. To put it simply, The Doors is one of Stone’s finest films, and it owes a lot to Kilmer. Noteworthy performances by Frank Whaley, Kathleen Quinlan, Meg Ryan, and an exceptional role by Kevin Dillon round off the excellent supporting cast.

Score: 7.2

9) Top Secret!

In his debut film, Kilmer demonstrated undeniably that he was capable of headlining a major production. He shone brilliantly in Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker’s “Top Secret!”, with every scene showcasing his character’s infectious energy and innocence convincingly.

In this rephrased version, Kilmer portrays Nick Rivers, a rock star, who journeys to East Germany for his upcoming concert. Unintentionally, he gets entangled in an underground resistance group and assumes a covert role, primarily focused on rescuing a scientist from German military forces at present. His ultimate aspiration, however, is to win over the scientist’s daughter.

Score: 7.2

8) Willow

In another success following the legendary Star Wars series, the enchanting film titled Willow, produced by Lucasfilm, left and continues to captivate audiences. Ron Howard’s fantasy production offers visually stunning landscapes and features a remarkable early performance by Val Kilmer as Madmartigan and Joanne Whalley as Sorsha in later years. However, it is indisputably Warwick Davis’ movie, showcasing an outstanding performance by him.

Davis portrays Willow Ufgood, a farmer, family man, and would-be sorcerer who discovers a mysterious infant floating along his village’s riverbank. It soon becomes apparent that this child holds significant power, as evidenced by the aggressive hounds that assault his village. This baby is connected to an ominous prophecy that terrifies the malevolent Queen Bavmorda of Nockmaar. To safeguard the child, Willow joins forces with Madmartigan, a disgruntled warrior, and Sorsha, Bavmorda’s daughter, who is in hot pursuit of the baby yet stands starkly contrasted to her cruel mother.

Score: 7.2

7) The Prince of Egypt

A biblically-themed animated movie, The Prince of Egypt , struck a chord with both non-religious and religious audiences, earning critical and commercial success early on for DreamWorks Animation. Sandler’s voice acting as Moses was commendable, breathing life into the legendary character with a thoughtful and compassionate portrayal that makes him a compelling figure to support.

Kilmer is impressively complemented by Ralph Fiennes’ nuanced portrayal of Rameses, as well as the hilarious dynamic between Martin Short and Steve Martin, who play Huy and Hotep respectively. Additionally, the film stands out due to its distinctive blend of hand-drawn animation and CGI, which has remarkably retained its visual appeal from the ’90s.

Score: 7.2

6) Felon

As a cinephile, I’ve noticed that many straight-to-video films don’t leave a lasting impression or show great craftsmanship. This includes even some of Val Kilmer’s later direct-to-video projects. However, there’s one exception to this rule – the film “Felon”. Unlike most of its counterparts, “Felon” stands out as a memorable and well-made piece.

The story revolves around character Stephen Dorff as Wade Porter, who unintentionally slays an intruder with a baseball bat and ends up behind bars for this act. Upon arrival at San Quentin State Prison’s Security Housing Unit (essentially solitary confinement), he encounters John Smith, portrayed by Kilmer, who gradually takes on a guiding role in Wade’s life.

Score: 7.4

5) Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

The holiday season movie “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” much like other films by Shane Black, is a cleverly written, fashionable, and superbly acted Noir film that’s hard to resist rewatching. The chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Kilmer contributes significantly to its enjoyment, making it a delightfully entertaining movie with a captivating storyline and a blend of humor and unexpected twists that solidify its status as a cult favorite.

In a twist on the hard-boiled detective genre, the story centers around Harry Lockhart, a small-time crook played by Downey Jr., who unexpectedly lands an audition. His chaotic performance (a mix of panic and genuine terror as he’s on the run from the cops) secures him the role, leading to a chain of events where he reunites with Harmony, someone from his past, and works with Kilmer’s private investigator “Gay” Perry van Shrike to prepare for his potential cinematic breakthrough. However, before that happens, there’s a murder investigation Harmony has brought to his attention. Could this investigation and his budding acting career be intertwined in some way?

Score: 7.5

4) Tombstone

This Tombstone movie, with a hint of Kurt Russell’s direction as its lead star, is often hailed by Western film enthusiasts as their favorite; it’s even more remarkable that Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday stands out as the best aspect of this film. The movie exudes style and boasts a superb cast, serving as the cinematic standard that the following year’s Wyatt Earp aimed to achieve but fell short in miserably attempting to emulate.

The movie primarily revolves around the character of Russell’s Wyatt Earp, who aims to leave violence behind, only to find himself appointed as the sheriff of Tucson, Arizona. His brothers, Virgil (played by Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton), are determined that their new home won’t live up to its potential unless the ruthless outlaws who plague it are buried. They find an ally in the chronically drunk Doc Holliday, a man dying of tuberculosis but deeply loyal to Wyatt. If need be, he is willing to risk his life for their friendship. The relationship between Kilmer and Russell is captivating, even surpassing the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but fear not, action enthusiasts and history aficionados; the film accurately portrays that iconic event as well.

Score: 7.8

3) True Romance

In the same year, Val Kilmer worked alongside Kurt Russell, who had his breakthrough in films as an adult in John Carpenter’s “Elvis”, on “Tombstone”. Interestingly, Kilmer portrayed Elvis Presley in the Quentin Tarantino-written “True Romance”, although he is not physically present in Tony Scott’s film, appearing only in a mirror’s reflection. However, he does have a scene with Christian Slater’s character, Clarence Worley, through voiceovers in his mind.

The movie tells the story of kung-fu and Elvis admirer Worley, who marries sex worker Alabama (Patricia Arquette). To escape together, Worley initially needs to deal with Alabama’s peculiar pimp (Gary Oldman). After eliminating him, they accidentally find a briefcase filled with cocaine, and the mafia starts chasing them because of this hidden stash. A series of chaotic events unfold in the distinctive style of Tarantino.

Score: 7.9

2) Top Gun: Maverick

Although Top Gun didn’t crack the Top 10 list, the sequel Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski, certainly did. One of the rare sequels (be it a legacy or otherwise) that surpasses its original in numerous aspects, Top Gun: Maverick quickly became a modern masterpiece as soon as it began its remarkable box office success.

Now, the movie carries an even greater emotional impact due to the fact that it marks Val Kilmer’s last role as Maverick. Given his significant contribution to the franchise, it’s safe to say the film was already filled with emotion. From Maverick mentoring Goose’s son and Iceman’s involvement in that training (a connection that stemmed from Kilmer himself), the movie was already rich in emotional content. Notably, Kilmer’s single scene in the film is widely regarded as one of its strongest, which is quite remarkable given the film rarely has a slow moment.

Score: 8.2

1) Heat

It’s truly sad that “Heat 2” didn’t come out during Val Kilmer’s lifetime, as he eagerly anticipated watching it. Michael Mann’s crime epic stands among the greatest in its category, holding its own against classics like “The Godfather” and “Scarface.

As a cinephile, I’d say at the heart of “Heat” lies the intricate dance between Al Pacino’s Lt. Vincent Hanna and Robert De Niro’s bank robber Neil McCauley. Yet, it’s Val Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis who truly pulses with life within this film. A disciple of McCauley, Shiherlis has spent his existence mastering the art of bank heists, yet it becomes glaringly obvious that to persist in this lifestyle means abandoning the love of his life (Ashley Judd).

Score: 8.3

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2025-04-02 21:11