Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor, has experienced a whirlwind of reactions throughout his career—from praise and applause to mockery and criticism. Yet, through it all, Cage has consistently delivered performances filled with heart and soul. His bold and sometimes unconventional creative choices have occasionally led him into the realm of internet memes, but his dynamic and explosive talent remains undeniable.
Cage's filmography spans acclaimed romantic comedies, soul-crushing dramas, and some of the most iconic action films of the 1990s. His extensive body of work is so impressive that we've expanded this "Best Of" list to include 15 standout films, rather than the usual top 10. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned directors such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay, Ridley Scott, and even his uncle, Francis Ford Coppola, delivering some of the most memorable performances in cinematic history. (For an even deeper dive into his career, don't miss the compilation of the 40 best Nicolas Cage moments crafted by a dedicated Cage enthusiast who has seen every film he's starred in.)
Over his four decades in the industry, Cage has explored every genre imaginable. From saving San Francisco from a chemical gas attack to embarking on a wild, lethal bender in Las Vegas—and even playing a version of himself in a meta-adventure reflecting on his own career—these selections represent our picks for Nicolas Cage's best movies of all time.
