20 Best Nicolas Cage Movies: The Wild & Wonderful World of Cage

Nicolas Cage is an American actor, producer, and director who has had a prolific career spanning several decades.

He is known for his unique style and his ability to take on a wide range of roles, from quirky and offbeat to serious and dramatic.

Cage has won numerous awards throughout his career, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Leaving Las Vegas”. He has starred in a variety of films, including action movies, comedies, dramas, and thrillers.

Best Nicolas Cage Movies

Cage is a versatile actor who has left a lasting impact on the film industry, and his movies continue to be popular with audiences around the world.

1. The Rock (1996)

“The Rock” is an action film directed by Michael Bay, released in 1996. The film stars Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris. Here’s a brief synopsis and some key information about the movie:

Synopsis: A group of rogue U.S. Marines seize control of Alcatraz Island, taking tourists hostage and threatening to launch missiles at San Francisco if their demands are not met. To stop them, a team of commandos is assembled, including a former British spy (Connery) and a chemical weapons specialist (Cage).

Cast: Sean Connery plays John Mason, a former SAS operative who has been imprisoned in Alcatraz for over 30 years.

Nicolas Cage plays Dr. Stanley Goodspeed, a chemical weapons specialist who is recruited to help defuse the missiles. Ed Harris plays General Francis X. Hummel, the leader of the rogue Marines.

Reception: “The Rock” was a commercial success, grossing over $335 million worldwide. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its action sequences and performances, while others criticized its plot and characterization.

Awards: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing, and won a BMI Film Music Award for composer Hans Zimmer.

Legacy: “The Rock” is considered one of the defining films of the 1990s action genre, and is often cited as one of Michael Bay’s best movies. Its influence can be seen in subsequent action films, and it has gained a cult following among fans of the genre.

2. Con Air (1997)

“Con Air” is a 1997 action thriller film directed by Simon West and starring Nicolas Cage, John Malkovich, and John Cusack.

The film follows the story of a former Army Ranger, Cameron Poe (played by Nicolas Cage), who is released from prison and is on a plane full of dangerous criminals being transported to another prison.

When the plane is hijacked by the criminals, Poe must try to save his fellow passengers and stop the criminals from escaping.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, but was a box office success, grossing over $224 million worldwide. It has since become a cult classic and is known for its over-the-top action sequences and memorable one-liners.

3. Kiss of Death (1995)

“Kiss of Death” is a 1995 crime thriller film directed by Barbet Schroeder and starring David Caruso, Nicolas Cage, and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is a remake of the 1947 film of the same name, which was directed by Henry Hathaway.

The film tells the story of Jimmy Kilmartin (Caruso), a reformed criminal who is forced back into a life of crime when he gets caught up in a drug deal gone wrong.

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He must work with an aggressive and unorthodox cop, Calvin Hart (Cage), to catch the ruthless drug lord Little Junior Brown (Jackson) and clear his own name.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the cast and the intensity of the action scenes, while others criticized the uneven pacing and lack of originality compared to the original film.

Despite this, “Kiss of Death” was a moderate box office success and has since gained a cult following among fans of crime thrillers.

4. Valley Girl (1983)

“Valley Girl” is a 1983 romantic comedy film directed by Martha Coolidge. The movie is a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” set in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California.

The story revolves around a privileged and popular girl named Julie (played by Deborah Foreman) who falls in love with a rebellious and unconventional punk rocker named Randy (played by Nicolas Cage).

Despite the opposition from Julie’s friends and parents, the couple pursues their relationship with passion and intensity.

The film features an upbeat soundtrack that includes popular songs from the 1980s, such as “I Melt with You” by Modern English and “A Million Miles Away” by The Plimsouls. “Valley Girl” was a commercial success and helped to launch Nicolas Cage’s career as an actor.

The movie has since gained a cult following and has been praised for its quirky humor and portrayal of teenage romance. In 2020, a musical adaptation of the movie was released, featuring songs from the 1980s as well as original music.

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5. Face/Off (1997)

“Face/Off” is a 1997 action thriller directed by John Woo and starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta. In the film, Cage plays Castor Troy, a criminal mastermind who undergoes a face transplant to assume the identity of Sean Archer, a federal agent who is trying to capture him.

However, things get complicated when Archer wakes up from a coma and decides to undergo the same procedure in order to take revenge on Troy.

The film received positive reviews for its over-the-top action sequences and the performances of Cage and Travolta, who both played dual roles in the movie. “Face/Off” was also a commercial success, grossing over $245 million worldwide.

One reason to watch “Face/Off” is for the over-the-top action scenes and the creative use of slow-motion shots and stylized violence that are hallmarks of John Woo’s directing style.

Another reason is for the performances of Cage and Travolta, who both deliver memorable and entertaining performances in their dual roles.

Lastly, the film’s themes of identity and revenge make for an engaging and thrilling plot that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

6. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

“Leaving Las Vegas” is a 1995 drama film directed by Mike Figgis and starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue. It tells the story of a suicidal alcoholic named Ben Sanderson (Cage) who travels to Las Vegas to drink himself to death.

Along the way, he meets a prostitute named Sera (Shue), and the two develop an unlikely friendship and bond.

Here are three reasons to watch “Leaving Las Vegas”:

Nicolas Cage’s performance: Cage delivers an unforgettable performance as Ben Sanderson, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

His portrayal of a man consumed by alcoholism and his own self-destructive tendencies is both heartbreaking and captivating to watch.

A poignant exploration of addiction: “Leaving Las Vegas” offers a harrowing look at addiction and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and those around them.

The film doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of Ben’s alcoholism, but it also portrays him with empathy and compassion.

Unique storytelling: The film’s non-linear narrative structure and visual style are distinctive and add to the overall mood and tone of the story.

Director Mike Figgis’ use of natural lighting and handheld cameras gives the film a raw, documentary-like feel that draws viewers into the characters’ emotional journeys.

7. City of Angels (1998)

“City of Angels” is a 1998 romantic fantasy film directed by Brad Silberling and starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan.

The film is a remake of the 1987 German film “Wings of Desire” and follows the story of an angel named Seth (played by Nicolas Cage).

who falls in love with a human woman named Maggie (played by Meg Ryan). Seth must decide whether to remain an angel or become human in order to be with Maggie.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, but was a box office success, grossing over $200 million worldwide. The film is known for its beautiful cinematography and memorable soundtrack, which features the hit song “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls.

8. Bringing Out the Dead (1999)

“Bringing Out the Dead” is a 1999 drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader, based on the novel of the same name by Joe Connelly. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, and Ving Rhames.

The movie tells the story of Frank Pierce (Cage), a burnt-out paramedic working in New York City who is haunted by the ghosts of the people he failed to save.

Over the course of three successive nights, Frank navigates the city’s streets in his ambulance, encountering a variety of characters and situations that challenge his sanity and sense of purpose.

The film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising Scorsese’s direction and Cage’s performance, while others criticized the film’s uneven tone and pacing.

Despite this, the movie has gained a cult following over the years and is considered by many to be an underrated gem in Scorsese’s filmography.

“Bringing Out the Dead” was also notable for its collaboration between Scorsese and Schrader, who previously worked together on classic films such as “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull.”

9. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

“Gone in 60 Seconds” is a 2000 action heist film directed by Dominic Sena and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Randall “Memphis” Raines, a retired car thief who is forced to come out of retirement when his brother is in danger.

To save his brother’s life, Memphis must steal 50 high-end cars in a single night, with the help of his old crew. The cars are all on a “hit list” compiled by a criminal mastermind known as “The Carpenter,” who has threatened to kill Memphis’ brother if the cars are not delivered on time.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Angelina Jolie, Giovanni Ribisi, Robert Duvall, and Christopher Eccleston. The movie is known for its thrilling car chases and stunts, as well as its use of exotic and expensive cars.

“Gone in 60 Seconds” was a commercial success and grossed over $237 million worldwide. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film has become a cult classic and is popular among car enthusiasts and action movie fans.

10. The Weather Man (2005)

“The Weather Man” is a 2005 comedy-drama film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Nicolas Cage. In the film, Cage plays David Spritz, a successful Chicago weatherman who is struggling to maintain his personal and professional life.

His estranged wife is having an affair, his father is battling cancer, and he is constantly harassed by strangers on the street who recognize him from his job.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Cage’s performance and the film’s exploration of mid-life crisis and family dynamics, while others criticized it for being tonally inconsistent and lacking in humor.

One reason to watch “The Weather Man” is for Nicolas Cage’s nuanced and understated performance, which showcases his range as an actor beyond his more flamboyant roles.

The film also offers a poignant and relatable exploration of the challenges of mid-life and family relationships, which may resonate with viewers. Lastly, the film’s cinematography and score are visually striking and complement the melancholic tone of the story.

11. Matchstick Men (2003)

“Matchstick Men” is a 2003 comedy-drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, and Alison Lohman.

It tells the story of a con artist named Roy (Cage) who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and his attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter Angela (Lohman) while pulling off a major scam with his partner Frank (Rockwell).

Here are three reasons to watch “Matchstick Men”:

Strong performances: The film features standout performances from its cast, particularly Nicolas Cage, who delivers a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of a flawed character struggling with mental illness.

Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman also deliver strong performances, adding depth and complexity to their respective roles.

Surprising twists and turns: “Matchstick Men” features a cleverly crafted plot that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. The film’s many twists and turns add to its overall suspense and make for an engaging and satisfying viewing experience.

Exploration of mental illness: The film’s portrayal of Roy’s obsessive-compulsive disorder is sensitive and realistic, shedding light on the challenges faced by those with mental illness.

The film doesn’t shy away from showing the impact of Roy’s condition on his relationships and daily life, but also portrays him as a sympathetic and relatable character.

12. The Family Man (2000)

“The Family Man” is a 2000 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Brett Ratner and starring Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni.

The film follows the story of Jack Campbell (played by Nicolas Cage), a successful investment banker who is given a glimpse of what his life would have been like if he had married his college sweetheart (played by Téa Leoni) instead of pursuing his career.

The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a moderate box office success, grossing over $124 million worldwide. It is known for its heartwarming story and strong performances by Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni.

13. Raising Arizona (1987)

“Raising Arizona” is a 1987 comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, starring Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter.

The movie follows the story of H.I. McDunnough (Cage), a small-time criminal who falls in love with Edwina “Ed” (Hunter), a policewoman. The two get married and attempt to start a family, but discover that Ed is infertile.

They decide to kidnap one of the quintuplets born to a wealthy local businessman, Nathan Arizona (Trey Wilson), in order to raise him as their own child.

But things quickly spiral out of control as H.I.’s criminal past catches up with him, and they find themselves on the run from a group of colorful characters including a vengeful ex-convict named Gale Snoats (John Goodman) and his biker friends.

“Raising Arizona” is widely regarded as one of the Coen brothers’ best films, known for its quirky characters, offbeat humor, and fast-paced storytelling.

The film has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as a classic of the 1980s independent film scene. The performances of Cage and Hunter are particularly notable, as they bring a level of heart and sincerity to their roles amidst the film’s absurdity.

14. 8MM (1999)

“8MM” is a 1999 thriller film directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Nicolas Cage.

The film tells the story of a private investigator named Tom Welles (played by Cage) who is hired by a wealthy widow to investigate an 8mm film found in her late husband’s safe, which appears to depict a real-life murder.

As Welles delves deeper into the dark underworld of illegal pornography, he discovers that the footage may be part of a snuff film and becomes obsessed with finding the truth.

Along the way, he enlists the help of a young adult film store clerk named Max California (played by Joaquin Phoenix) and uncovers a web of depravity and corruption.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Cage’s performance was praised. The movie explores the themes of obsession, voyeurism, and morality, and its intense subject matter and graphic violence earned it an R rating.

Despite its controversial nature, “8MM” was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide.

15. Wild at Heart (1990)

Wild at Heart is a 1990 American film directed by David Lynch and starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern.

The movie is based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Barry Gifford. The film follows the love story between Sailor Ripley (Cage) and Lula Pace Fortune (Dern) as they travel across the United States, encountering various eccentric characters along the way.

The movie was well received by critics and won the Palme d’Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival.

It is known for its unique style and use of surreal imagery, as well as its eclectic soundtrack, which features music by artists such as Elvis Presley, Chris Isaak, and Roy Orbison.

Wild at Heart explores themes of love, violence, and redemption, and features several memorable performances from its cast, including Cage’s over-the-top portrayal of Sailor and Dern’s tender portrayal of Lula.

The film’s dark and often bizarre tone has made it a cult classic among Lynch fans and cinephiles alike.

16. Red Rock West (1993)

“Red Rock West” is a neo-noir thriller film released in 1993, directed by John Dahl and starring Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Lara Flynn Boyle, and J.T. Walsh.

The movie follows Michael Williams (Nicolas Cage), a drifter who stops in the small town of Red Rock, Wyoming, and mistakenly gets hired as a hitman by Wayne Brown (J.T. Walsh) to kill his wife, Suzanne (Lara Flynn Boyle). Michael is conflicted but decides to take the job for the money.

However, things take a turn when Michael meets Suzanne and falls for her, and she offers him double the money to kill her husband instead.

As Michael becomes involved in a dangerous game of deceit and double-cross, he finds himself being pursued by both the police and the real hitman, Lyle from Dallas (Dennis Hopper).

“Red Rock West” was praised for its performances, especially those of Cage, Hopper, and Walsh, and its tense and unpredictable plot. It has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic of the neo-noir genre.

17. Guarding Tess (1994)

“Guarding Tess” is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Hugh Wilson and starring Shirley MacLaine and Nicolas Cage.

The film tells the story of Doug Chesnic (played by Cage), a former Secret Service agent who is asked to return to duty to serve as a caretaker for Tess Carlisle (played by MacLaine), the widow of a former United States President.

Tess Carlisle is a difficult and demanding person who treats Doug Chesnic as a servant rather than a professional. Despite his initial reluctance, Chesnic develops a friendship with Tess and learns to understand her fears and needs.

As the story unfolds, Tess decides to go on a road trip to visit her daughter, and Chesnic must protect her and keep her safe from harm.

Throughout the film, there are moments of humor and tension, as well as a heartfelt message about friendship and compassion.

“Guarding Tess” received mixed reviews upon its release, but Shirley MacLaine’s performance was widely praised, and the film has since become a cult classic.

18. Snake Eyes (1998)

“Snake Eyes” is a crime thriller film directed by Brian De Palma and released in 1998.

The film stars Nicolas Cage as Rick Santoro, a corrupt Atlantic City police detective who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy surrounding the assassination of the US Secretary of Defense at a boxing match.

The film also features Gary Sinise as Kevin Dunne, a naval officer who may have been involved in the assassination, and Carla Gugino as Julia Costello, a mysterious woman who becomes a key figure in the investigation.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its stylish direction and performances while others criticized its convoluted plot and implausible twists.

Despite the mixed reception, “Snake Eyes” was a moderate box office success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.

Notably, the film is known for its use of long, continuous takes, including a famous 12-minute opening sequence shot in a single take. The film’s score was composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto and contains elements of jazz and electronica.

19. National Treasure (2004)

National Treasure is a 2004 American action-adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, and Sean Bean.

The film follows Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage), a historian and amateur cryptologist, as he tries to uncover the truth behind a secret treasure map that he believes is hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence.

With the help of his friend Riley Poole (Bartha) and National Archives conservator Abigail Chase (Kruger), Gates steals the Declaration of Independence to protect it from being stolen by Ian Howe (Bean), a former colleague who seeks to profit from the treasure.

As they decipher clues and evade law enforcement, Gates and his team discover that the treasure is actually a vast amount of wealth accumulated by the Founding Fathers of the United States, which they intended to use to fund a new nation.

National Treasure was a commercial success, grossing over $347 million worldwide. It was followed by a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, in 2007.

The film has been praised for its thrilling storyline and entertaining performances, although some critics have criticized it for its historical inaccuracies.

20. Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

“Bangkok Dangerous” is an action thriller film directed by the Pang Brothers and starring Nicolas Cage. The film is a remake of the Pang Brothers’ own 1999 film of the same name. It was released in 2008.

The plot follows an experienced hitman named Joe (Nicolas Cage) who travels to Bangkok to carry out a series of assassinations. While there, he hires a local pickpocket named Kong (Shahkrit Yamnarm) to help him navigate the unfamiliar city.

As Joe carries out his missions, he becomes increasingly conflicted about his violent lifestyle and begins to form a bond with Kong.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its action sequences and others criticizing its plot and characters. Despite its mixed reception, “Bangkok Dangerous” was a box office success, grossing over $42 million worldwide.

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3 Reasons To Watch Nicolas Cage Movies

Unique Performances: Nicolas Cage is known for his unique and often over-the-top performances that make his characters unforgettable.

He has a certain charisma and energy that makes him stand out in any role he plays, whether it’s a comedic or dramatic one. His range as an actor is impressive, and he has tackled a variety of genres throughout his career.

Memorable Characters: Nicolas Cage has played many iconic characters that have become ingrained in pop culture.

From his role as the quirky high schooler in “Valley Girl” to his portrayal of the brooding anti-hero in “Ghost Rider,” Cage has created some of the most memorable characters in film history.

Entertainment Value: Nicolas Cage movies are often entertaining and enjoyable to watch, even if they are not critically acclaimed. Many of his films are action-packed, full of suspense, and have a certain level of absurdity that makes them entertaining in their own right.

Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling adventure or a good laugh, Nicolas Cage movies have something for everyone.

Best Nicolas Cage Movies – Wrap Up

Nicolas Cage is an accomplished actor with a diverse range of performances in various genres, from action to drama to comedy.

These movies showcase Cage’s versatility as an actor, and each offers something unique for fans of his work. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping drama, a thrilling action movie, or a quirky comedy, there’s a Nicolas Cage movie out there for you to enjoy.