Val Kilmer’s filmography spans several decades and includes everything from box office hits to overlooked gems. Often remembered for his magnetic screen presence and unexpected versatility, Kilmer’s roles cross genre lines, veering from historical epics to animated dramas, crime thrillers, and offbeat comedies. Whether in a leading role or as a scene-stealing supporting character, Kilmer left a lasting mark on cinema that continues to be appreciated long after some of his films left theaters.
Following his passing at the age of 65, audiences have revisited his work with a renewed appreciation for the range and depth he brought to every performance. His death marked the end of a singular career, but the legacy of his roles lives on, with many of his characters still deeply embedded in pop culture.
These are the best Val Kilmer movies, ranked not just by box office performance or critical reception, but by the lasting impression of his performances and the quality of the films themselves.
12. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
In one of Kilmer’s most understated contributions, he lent his voice to Moses in The Prince of Egypt, a rare instance of traditional animation taking on a religious epic. The DreamWorks feature follows the Biblical story of Moses as he discovers his identity and ultimately leads his people out of Egypt. Kilmer also voices the presence of God in the film, an unusual dual performance that adds to its gravitas. While the animation and sweeping score carry much of the film’s emotional weight, Kilmer’s vocal performance captures the vulnerability and inner conflict of a man caught between two worlds. His exchanges with Ralph Fiennes, voicing Rameses, help give the film its emotional tension. Among Val Kilmer’s best performances, this one often flies under the radar but deserves recognition for its quiet strength.
11. True Romance (1993)
In True Romance, Kilmer appears in a surreal and uncredited role as the ghostly vision of Elvis Presley—or more accurately, a figment of Christian Slater’s character’s imagination. Credited only as “Mentor,” Kilmer plays the King of Rock as a kind of spiritual advisor, appearing in moments of psychological crisis. The film, directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino, is a violent and fast-paced romantic crime story full of eccentric characters, and Kilmer fits right into its unpredictable tone. Though his screen time is brief, the performance lingers—odd, offbeat, and emblematic of Kilmer’s willingness to take unconventional roles. It’s one of the more curious entries in the list of underrated Val Kilmer performances.
10. Batman Forever (1995)
Kilmer took on the mantle of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever, stepping in for Michael Keaton during a pivotal transition in the franchise. The film moved toward a brighter, more commercial aesthetic, which led to mixed results. Kilmer’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne is more restrained compared to the over-the-top villains played by Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, and while he doesn’t redefine the role, he offers a moody, introspective take on the character. The tension between Kilmer and director Joel Schumacher reportedly made production difficult, and this would be his only outing as Batman. Still, the film’s commercial success kept Kilmer in the mainstream conversation and marks a significant moment in his career. Among Batman actors ranked, Kilmer’s take remains divisive but far from forgettable.
9. Willow (1988)
Initially dismissed by critics, Willow has earned cult status over time, and so has Kilmer’s role in it. He plays Madmartigan, a brash and somewhat ridiculous swordsman whose reluctant heroism becomes one of the film’s emotional anchors. While the fantasy tale leans heavily on tropes familiar to fans of Tolkien and Lucas, Kilmer’s performance injects charisma and comedy that elevate the film. He plays the rogue archetype with a self-awareness that feels ahead of its time, helping the film maintain relevance even decades after its release. It’s one of the most memorable Val Kilmer movie roles for fans of 1980s fantasy.
8. Thunderheart (1992)
Often overlooked, Thunderheart is a political thriller that blends crime drama with social commentary. Kilmer plays an FBI agent with distant Native American ancestry who is sent to investigate a murder on a reservation. What begins as a procedural becomes a story about identity, cultural conflict, and institutional mistrust. While the film does veer into problematic tropes at times—especially with its white savior framing—it makes space for strong performances from Indigenous actors, especially Graham Greene. Kilmer brings nuance to his role, particularly in scenes that explore the tension between personal discovery and professional duty. It’s not a flawless film, but it’s one of the most grounded performances of Val Kilmer’s career.
7. Top Gun (1986)
As Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, Kilmer delivers one of his most iconic roles in Top Gun. Initially a cold and cocky foil to Tom Cruise’s Maverick, Iceman eventually reveals himself as a capable and honorable counterpart. Kilmer plays the role with a precise blend of arrogance and discipline, standing out even among the film’s testosterone-heavy energy. His return in the 2022 sequel brought a sense of emotional closure and renewed appreciation for the original. Top Gun is often remembered for its soundtrack and aerial stunts, but Kilmer’s Iceman is part of what helped it become a cultural touchstone. It’s easily one of the best-known Val Kilmer performances, and one that still resonates with fans new and old.
6. The Saint (1997)
In The Saint, Val Kilmer plays Simon Templar, a master of disguise and professional thief who gets tangled in a geopolitical conspiracy involving cold fusion, Russian oligarchs, and a brilliant scientist played by Elisabeth Shue. Based loosely on the classic British TV series of the same name, the film was positioned as a potential franchise-starter in the wake of Mission: Impossible’s success—but it never quite reached those heights.
Despite the uneven plot and pacing, Kilmer’s performance is the real draw. He inhabits multiple disguises and identities with flair, from a South African mercenary to a nerdy academic, showing off both his comedic and dramatic range. There’s a self-awareness in the performance that makes it feel like Kilmer is having fun with the material, even when the movie itself veers into camp. While The Saint didn’t earn widespread critical acclaim at the time, it has since become a cult favorite among fans of ’90s thrillers and remains a testament to Kilmer’s charisma in leading-man territory. It’s one of the most versatile Val Kilmer roles—and a reminder of how easily he could carry a film on his own.
5. Top Secret! (1984)
Kilmer’s film debut came with Top Secret!, a spoof comedy from the team behind Airplane! that combined Cold War spy tropes with Elvis Presley musical numbers. He plays American rock star Nick Rivers, who stumbles into a resistance plot while on a European concert tour. The movie is wall-to-wall with absurd gags, wordplay, and slapstick, and Kilmer’s deadpan delivery anchors the chaos. Unlike many debut roles, Kilmer doesn’t fade into the background—he sings his own songs, throws himself into the physical comedy, and handles the satire with the confidence of a seasoned comic. Though it didn’t achieve the long-term fame of other genre parodies, it’s still remembered fondly by fans of offbeat humor. Kilmer’s performance here laid the groundwork for his ability to slip between genres, and it remains one of his most delightful early roles.
4. The Doors (1991)
Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors is perhaps his most transformative performance. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film doesn’t shy away from mythologizing Morrison’s life and self-destruction, but it’s Kilmer’s committed portrayal that gives it emotional weight. From the physical resemblance to the spot-on vocals—yes, Kilmer did much of the singing himself—his embodiment of the iconic frontman is uncanny. The film itself is uneven, swinging between biopic tropes and psychedelic excess, but Kilmer remains its steady core. His portrayal avoids caricature, offering a haunting look at the isolation that can accompany fame. While the movie sparked controversy for its factual liberties, Kilmer’s performance is still widely regarded as one of the most impressive Val Kilmer performances to date.
3. Heat (1995)
Though Heat is most often remembered for the on-screen pairing of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Kilmer’s performance as Chris Shiherlis is a vital part of the film’s ensemble. Directed by Michael Mann, this sprawling Los Angeles crime saga explores both sides of the law with surgical precision. Kilmer plays a member of De Niro’s crew—a skilled thief with a turbulent personal life. His arc is filled with tension, particularly in scenes that highlight the toll of a double life. Kilmer doesn’t dominate the screen, but he doesn’t need to; his presence adds to the film’s layered emotional texture. His chemistry with Ashley Judd, who plays his wife, and his silent anguish in the film’s later moments are standouts. It’s a testament to Kilmer’s ability to elevate a supporting role into something that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll. In terms of ensemble pieces, this is undoubtedly one of the strongest Val Kilmer performances.
2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
In Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Kilmer plays Gay Perry, a sharp-tongued private investigator who gets unwillingly paired with a petty thief-turned-actor (Robert Downey Jr.) during a murder investigation. The film, written and directed by Shane Black, is a twisty noir with a dark comedic edge and razor-sharp dialogue. Kilmer leans into the role with timing and energy that proves he hadn’t lost any of his comedic instincts. His back-and-forth with Downey is the soul of the film, and their odd-couple chemistry helps balance the violence and complexity of the plot. While Downey’s performance earned more attention due to his comeback narrative, Kilmer’s work here is equally essential. This film is often cited as a hidden gem, and Kilmer’s portrayal is a big reason why. It’s one of the most underrated Val Kilmer roles and a clear showcase of his still-potent screen presence in the 2000s.
1. Tombstone (1993)
Few performances in Kilmer’s career have had the staying power of his portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone. Set in the lawless days of the American West, the film chronicles the legendary conflict at the O.K. Corral and its aftermath. While Kurt Russell leads the film as Wyatt Earp, it’s Kilmer who steals nearly every scene he’s in. As the tuberculosis-stricken, whiskey-swilling Holliday, Kilmer delivers a performance full of sharp wit, quiet despair, and fierce loyalty. His line delivery—ranging from sardonic to heartbreaking—has become endlessly quotable. Despite receiving no major awards recognition at the time, his work in Tombstone has since been hailed as one of the best supporting performances of the 1990s, and arguably, the best of his career. The character’s tragic charisma, combined with Kilmer’s physical transformation and immersive acting, makes Tombstone a fitting top pick on any list of Val Kilmer’s best movies.
