Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor, has experienced a rollercoaster of reactions from audiences and critics alike—praised, applauded, mocked, and maligned. Yet, he has consistently poured his heart and soul into every role, showcasing his vigorous and explosive talent. While some of his bold creative choices have landed him in the realm of internet memes, there's no doubt about his dedication to his craft.
Cage's filmography spans acclaimed romantic comedies, soul-crushing dramas, and some of the most iconic action blockbusters of the 1990s. His resume is so extensive that we've expanded our "Best Of" list to 15, rather than the usual top 10. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with powerhouse 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 cinema history. (For an even deeper dive into his work, check out the 40 best Nicolas Cage moments compiled by a dedicated Cage superfan who has seen every film he's starred in.)
Over his four decades in the industry, Cage has explored every genre imaginable. From thwarting a chemical gas attack in San Francisco to embarking on a lethal bender in Las Vegas, and even playing a meta-version of himself in a film reflecting on his own career, these are our selections for Nicolas Cage's top movies of all time.
