My Favourite Val Kilmer Films of All-Time

Not many actors in Hollywood made movies audiences treasure like Val Kilmer. Since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Kilmer became a beloved icon. Whether it’s soaring top gun aviators, bank robbers or famous singers, Kilmer portrayed several characters. However, recently Kilmer’s career came to a closure when he passed away from Cancer. Listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Heat

Bank robbers participating in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. I remember my father was intrigued by frightening bank robbers facing danger. He would marvel at ways bank robbers got away with committing crimes without facing a price to pay. My father always enjoyed watching movies capturing intense bank robberies. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the heat of bank robberies as powerfully as “Heat”. Released in 1995, Val Kilmer’s best movie captured criminals committing bank robberies. In the greatest role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a hot-headed bank robber that commits serious crimes causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Kilmer has always excelled at playing heroes with charismatic personalities. With “Heat”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a villainous bank robber. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also amazing, Kilmer created a portrait of bank robbers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Chris becomes aware that his life is on the line causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Heat” Val Kilmer’s best movie is its appeal. Unlike most movies about bank robberies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with bank robberies to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about bank robbers facing consequences that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that manufactured unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating.

2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

L.A. is a beautiful city my brother always loved dearly. During my childhood, I bonded with a brother appreciating Hollywood. He would always marvel at the way actors prepared for roles in L.A. He yearned to visit a beautiful city that he loved dearly. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that loved a city with a bang, I adored “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. Released in 2005, Val Kilmer’s movie offered a beautiful tribute towards Los Angeles. In the most comical role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a detective investigating murders in a city facing despair. Kilmer has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” showcased his comedic talents as an actor. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Kilmer created a crime comedy that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Gay becomes aware that a murder has been committed causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crime which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has produced great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

3. Top Gun

“Top Gun” is a classic film about aviation that always earned my grandfather’s appreciation. I remember my grandfather adored a classic movie about aviators facing grave danger. He grew up to adore a movie about aviators flying fast planes with the abilities to soar. Drawn to the need for speed, he would always speak fondly about a film that gave him a drive to succeed. Ever since its release in 1986, “Top Gun” has stood the test of time as one of the greatest movies Val Kilmer ever made. In the most charismatic role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a confident aviator that forms rivalries with peers causing despair. Kilmer always had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles, and “Top Gun” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, Kilmer created a portrait of aviators that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ice gives Maverick valuable advice about aviation seeking to prepare him for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Top Gun” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated today, it has aged beautifully. As powerful as Maverick’s love for flying a plane, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that made great movies in his career which never lost abilities to entertain.

4. Top Gun: Maverick

Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned that our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with grim Cancer that caused sorrow. His sad death left my family mourning. As someone that witnessed a relative facing terminal illness that’s tragic, I adored “Top Gun: Maverick”. Released in 2022, Val Kilmer’s movie offered a spectacular sequel to a classic film. In the most emotional role of his career, Kilmer portrayed an aging aviator suffering from severe throat cancer causing despair. It’s a sensitive role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also outstanding, Kilmer created a portrait of illness that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Maverick reunites with Ice after several years becoming aware of his throat cancer causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Top Gun: Maverick” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about illness which would resonate with everyone. As strong as planes flown by Maverick, it’s a fantastic reminder of a great actor that manufactured iconic movies in his career which captivated the public.

5. The Prince of Egypt

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood. Whether it’s the prosperous oil economy or vast deserts, I grew up to value a country shaping my identity. I’ve always believed movies are an art that have rarely captured beauty of a country holding a precious place in my heart. As someone treasuring fond memories of Egypt, I adored “The Prince of Egypt”. Released in 1998, Val Kilmer’s animated movie celebrated Middle Eastern countries. In the most colourful role of his career, Kilmer portrayed an Egyptian prince facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for creating compelling animated characters he hadn’t shown before in his career. Through his commanding voice, Kilmer created an Egyptian character that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Moses becomes aware of treasure in his country is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Prince of Egypt” a classic film is its universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A dark tribute to an Arabian country that’s magical, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that manufactured movies audiences consider special.

6. Willow

Over the past decade, the fantasy genre has faced a decline in quality. With their cartoonish characters, nonsensical storytelling and poor acting, most fantasy movies have become a chore to sit through. In a genre that has lost its mojo, it’s worth praising “Willow”. Released in 1988, Val Kilmer’s movie offered a revival of the fantasy genre. In the most fantastical role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a prince seeking to defend his kingdom from monsters causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Warwick Davis who is also outstanding, Kilmer created a fantasy film that’s engaging. As strong as Willow’s desire to become a sorcerer, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that made great movies which audiences treasure.

7. Tombstone

Val Kilmer always excelled at playing anxious heroes under intense pressure. Kilmer built an image of being an actor that thrived at playing characters facing emotional damage. Kilmer’s strength for playing emotional characters that feel alone is clearly evident in his movie “Tombstone”. Released in 1993, George P. Cosmatos’ western showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a gunslinger seeking to survive in a doomed town facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Kurt Russell who is also amazing, Kilmer created a western that’s compelling. As strong as Doc Holiday’s desire to be an outlaw, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that made movies without a flaw inspiring awe.

8. True Romance

Elvis Presley is a legendary musician that my mother always loved dearly. I remember my mother adored a musician wearing blue suede shoes that shaped her worldviews. In 1993, Val Kilmer honoured the iconic musician seeking romance in his movie “True Romance”. In the most transformative role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a renowned musician that becomes involved in crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a renowned musician that’s well-known. Working alongside Christian Slater who is also amazing, Kilmer honoured a musician that’s inspiring. As strong as Clarence’s desire to make romance come true, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated movie-star that made great movies throughout his fantastic career which audiences value.

9. The Doors

Few musicians in history have earned the recognition of Jim Morrison. During the 1970’s, Morrison formed the iconic rock band The Doors composing timeless melodies. In 1991, Val Kilmer honoured the iconic musician that opened doors to success in his movie “The Doors”. In the most musical role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a renowned musician facing severe drug addiction causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for performing melodies that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Meg Ryan who is also outstanding, Kilmer honoured an iconic rock musician that’s inspiring. A magnificent tribute towards an iconic musician, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated actor that manufactured great movies throughout his impressive career which deserve appreciation.

10. Planes

Val Kilmer didn’t always make great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor made are appreciated, a few left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Planes” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Klay Hall’s animated blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Kilmer portrayed a plane with dreams of soaring in the air experiencing despair. Kilmer brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Planes” is a bad movie, it honoured Kilmer’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Dusty’s desire to win his race, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that made memorable movies I will forever embrace for inspiring me to chase my dreams of film criticism days after his heartbreaking death left tears rolling down every movie-goer’s face.