Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor, has experienced a rollercoaster of public opinion—from praise and applause to mockery and criticism. Yet, throughout his career, Cage has consistently delivered performances with unparalleled passion and intensity. His bold and sometimes unconventional choices have occasionally catapulted him into the realm of internet memes, but his dynamic and explosive talent remains undeniable.
Cage's filmography spans acclaimed romantic comedies, heart-wrenching dramas, and some of the most iconic action blockbusters of the 1990s. His extensive body of work is so rich that we've expanded our "Best Of" list to include 15 films, rather than the standard top 10. Throughout his career, Cage has collaborated with legendary 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 cinematic history. (For more on Cage's iconic moments, don't miss the list of the 40 best Nicolas Cage moments compiled by a dedicated 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 deadly bender in Las Vegas—where he even played a version of himself in a meta-exploration of his own career—these selections represent what we believe to be Nicolas Cage's finest cinematic achievements.