Few actors in Hollywood engage audiences like Nicolas Cage. Ever since the 1980’s, Cage has become one of the greatest actors in the film industry. Whether it’s alcohol addicts, psychopathic serial killers or frustrated writers, Cage has portrayed many strong characters. Despite his tendency for over-acting, Cage has built a legacy that’s lasting. Here’s my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Leaving Las Vegas
Alcohol addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed a close companion endure the grim consequences of alcohol addiction. An alcoholic, he always loved engaging in excessive heavy drinking without concern for consequences that could be tragic. Nothing in the whole world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. Our friendship ended when I decided I could no longer bear witnessing him getting wasted. Few films that I’ve ever seen have captured the damaging consequences of alcohol addiction as powerfully as “Leaving Las Vegas”. Released in 1995, Nicolas Cage’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting alcohol addiction on the big-screen. In the greatest role of his career, Nicolas Cage embodies an alcoholic screenwriter that engages in heavy drinking causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most sensitive role. It isn’t easy for portray an alcohol addict, but Cage succeeds tremendously. Cage effectively captures the consequences faced by an alcohol addict through his dazed expressions. For instance, the scene in which Ben experiences a nervous breakdown in a casino after a night of heavy drinking represents the most emotional work that the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” Nicolas Cage’s greatest movie is its meaningful message. The film delivers a profound message about the dangerous consequences of alcohol addiction that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction causing lives of screenwriters to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate whose movies audiences appreciate.
2. Longlegs
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I became terrified of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered in an incident causing emotional damage. Stabbed to death in the shower, my housekeeper became the victim of a murder. Police never investigated the reason for a murder leaving my family affected. As someone haunted by long-lasting memories of a housemaid’s murder committed by serial killers, I loved “Longlegs”. Released in 2024, Nicolas Cage’s movie did an extraordinary job of capturing the lives of psychopathic serial killers committing crimes that are long-lasting. In the most villainous role of his career, Nicolas Cage transforms into a sadistic serial killer that evokes fear. Cage has often been criticized for over-acting in movies, but in “Longlegs” he uses it as a technique to create a serial killer that’s terrifying. Cage has always had a strong voice that he uses in his movies to evoke terror, and “Longlegs” showcases his strengths as an actor. For instance, the interrogation scene in which agent Lee Harker questions Longlegs about his crimes is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Longlegs” one of Cage’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a poignant message about dangerous serial killers which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of sadistic serial killers committing shocking murder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that always thrives playing villainous characters in memorable films audiences treasure.
3. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a frustrating process causing authors to face stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. There have been several times when I have drawn a blank struggling coming up with compelling ideas for my writing. I have often stayed up all night being unable to write. As someone impacted by the frustration of writer’s block, I identified deeply with “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Nicolas Cage’s Oscar-winning movie did an exceptional job of depicting writer’s block on the big-screen. In the most complex role of his career, Nicolas Cage embodies a pair of siblings facing writer’s block that’s a burden to bear. Double roles are tricky to pull off effectively in movies. However, Nicolas Cage pulled it off in “Adaptation”. Cage uses his body language in order to portray a pair of sibling writers seeking to publish a book adaptation. For instance, the scene in which Charlie struggles to put pen to paper showcases the actor at his best. In the end, “Adaptation” leaves an impression because of its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message that would resonate with everyone that has experienced writer’s block. A fantastic depiction of authors that experience frustration seeking to commemorate an adaptation, it’s a fabulous reminder of an actor whose movies deserve celebration.
4. Pig
A lifelong love for cooking runs in my family. Cooking is an activity that had a positive impact on my father’s well-being. I remember forming a strong bond with my father that loved cooking dishes that he grew up to treasure. A captivating cook, he took great interest in recipes that he recorded in a notebook. As someone with fond memories of a father that loved cooking dishes which were big, I adored “Pig”. Released in 2021, Nicolas Cage’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the life of a washed-up chef losing his love for cooking. In the most subtle role of his career, Nicolas Cage embodies an aging chef embarking on a mission to locate a pig he holds dear. Cage uses his subtle expressions rather than words to capture emotional turmoil faced by a chef whose career is on the decline. For instance, the restaurant scene in which Robin confronts a chef is the most subtle work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Pig” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a strong message about animal abuse which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of chefs pursuing passion for cooking, its a breathtaking reminder of an actor that thrives playing complex characters whose movies are worth celebrating.
5. Moonstruck
Brothers are strong figures that have shaped my identity. As far back as I remember, I have always shared a bond with my brother. I have grown up to value a sibling that inspires me to make dreams come true. While we have had our fair share of arguments, our relationship has never fallen apart. Few films I’ve seen have captured obstacles that can leave bonds between brothers struck as powerfully as “Moonstruck”. Released in 1987, Nicolas Cage’s movie did an excellent job of capturing tension between siblings. In the most likeable role of his career, Cage embodies a man facing tension when he falls in love with his brother’s fiancee. It gave the actor an opportunity to showcase a soft side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Ronny is first introduced showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Moonstruck” successful is its message. The film delivers a poignant message about brotherhood that resonates. 40 years following the release of a film about lovers that are moonstruck, it’s a strong reminder of an actor with luck that has never lost abilities to leave audiences awestruck.
6. Mandy
One of the criticisms often levelled against Nicolas Cage as an actor is his over-acting. The actor has often been criticized for going over-the-top adopting expressive emotions to play every character. While these criticisms are definitely valid, there are times when Cage’s over-acting can work in favour of a movie. In 2018, Cage effectively used his technique of over-acting to create a compelling character in his film “Mandy”. In the most over-the-top role of his career, Cage embodies a psychotic man seeking vengeance for his wife’s death causing despair. It’s a role that allows Cage to showcase how over-acting can work in the favour of a movie. As powerful as Red’s desire for vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with a larger-than-life presence that thrives playing commemorated characters in movies attracting a huge audience.
7. National Treasure
Archaeology is a field that my grandfather has grown to treasure. I recall joyous memories of a grandfather that loved making archaeological discoveries. I remember he would often speak fondly of ancient artifacts in history that he considered to be national treasure. As someone cherishing joyous memories of a grandfather that loved archaeology, I adored “National Treasure”. Released in 2004, Nicolas Cage’s movie depicted an archaeologist seeking to uncover national treasure artifacts. In the most adventurous role of his career, Cage embodies a historian embarking on dangerous adventures to find artifacts that are precious. As advantageous as artifacts Benjamin seeks to discover, it’s a powerful reminder of an adventurous actor that thrives at playing heroic characters in movies audiences consider precious.
8. Raising Arizona
Child abduction is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from discussing a serious subject matter that rarely attracts audiences to the theatre. In an industry that has avoided an issue associated with stigma, it’s worth discussing “Raising Arizona”. Released in 1987, the Coen Brothers’ movie did an admirable job of depicting child abduction through comedy. In the most comical role of his career, Cage embodies a reckless ex-convict that kidnaps babies causing fear. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare opportunity to showcase his special aptitude for comedy. Cage showcases comedic timing that isn’t evident in all his films. As precious as babies kidnapped by convicts in Arizona, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
9. Face/Off
When it comes to the greatest action movies ever made that audiences are fond of, it’s worth discussing “Face/Off”. Ever since its release in 1997, John Woo’s blockbuster has stood the test of time as an action classic that audiences adore. With its awe-inspiring action, sharp storytelling and entertainment-value, the film has earned a cult following. Arguably, the main reason why the film is widely regarded as a classic today is because of Nicolas Cage. In the most iconic role of his career, Cage embodies an enthusiastic FBI agent undergoing a surgery to catch a terrorist evoking fear. Working alongside John Travolta who is also extraordinary, Cage demonstrates his natural charisma. As powerful as Castor’s desire to put on a new face, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor thriving playing complex heroes in movies audiences embrace.
10. Ghost Rider
Nicolas Cage is one of those actors known for movies that are guilty pleasures. Guilty pleasures are movies that aren’t great in quality but still entertaining to watch. For instance, “Ghost Rider” is a guilty pleasure movie I treasure. Released in 2007, Mark Steven Johnson’s movie was a financial disaster that didn’t please critics. Nevertheless, it’s a movie I’ve grown up to value. In the most outlandish role of his career, Nicolas Cage embodies a stunt motorcycle driver that becomes a comic-book hero without fear. It’s a role that gave Cage a chance to demonstrate his aptitude for playing commemorated characters with rage. As powerful as the Ghost Rider’s head that’s set ablaze, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to amaze audiences whose movies I will always treasure even when they don’t attract critical praise.
The Film Buff 
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