Nicolas Cage, the Oscar-winning actor, has experienced a rollercoaster of reactions throughout his career—from praise and applause to mockery and criticism. Yet, he remains unwavering in his dedication, infusing each role with his full heart and soul. While some of his daring creative decisions have landed him squarely in the realm of internet memes, there's no question about Cage's dynamic and explosive talent.
Cage has starred in critically acclaimed romantic comedies, emotionally devastating dramas, and some of the most iconic action blockbusters of the 1990s. His filmography is so extensive that we've expanded our "Best Of" list to 15 entries, rather than the standard top 10. He has collaborated with acclaimed directors such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay, Ridley Scott, and even his uncle, Francis Ford Coppola, delivering some of the most unforgettable performances in cinematic history. For those interested in even more Cage highlights, don't miss the 40 best Nicolas Cage moments, compiled by a devoted fan who has seen every film in his oeuvre.
Over his four decades in the acting world, Cage has explored every genre imaginable. From thwarting a chemical gas attack in San Francisco to embarking on a deadly bender in Las Vegas—where he essentially played a version of himself in a meta-adventure reflecting on his own career—these are our selections for Nicolas Cage's best movies ever.