One of the most versatile, captivating and enduring actors of his generation, Val Kilmer left an indelible mark on cinema across nearly five decades. From his early comedic charm to his deeply intense dramatic turns, Kilmer brought a rare mix of charisma, mystery and emotional depth to every of the memorable roles he played. His loss at the age of 65 will certainly leave a void in the film community, and he will be deeply missed by fans and fellow artists alike.
As we reflect on his remarkable film career, perhaps the most fitting tribute is to revisit the rich history of his filmography—decade by decade—celebrating the iconic characters, notable performances and unforgettable moments that made Val Kilmer a true Hollywood original.
’80s Val Kilmer Movies
Born on December 31, 1959, Kilmer first got into acting when he became the youngest person ever (at the time) to be accepted into the Julliard School’s Drama Division at age 17. After a stint in theater, he broke into the world of film in the early 1980s.
Here are some of the independent films and early movies that took Kilmer from a rookie to a household name.
‘Top Secret!’ (1984)
Kilmer’s feature film debut—and one of his most memorable early performances—came in the cult comedy Top Secret!, where his portrayal of rock ‘n’ roll heartthrob Nick Rivers showcased both his sharp comedic timing and musical talent. Created by the team behind the movie Airplane!, Top Secret! is a riotous spoof that blends Cold War spy thrillers with over-the-top Elvis Presley-style musicals, delivering nonstop gags and genre-bending absurdity.
‘Real Genius’ (1985)
It was his breakout role in Real Genius that elevated Val Kilmer from rising talent to well-known star, as he blended sci-fi and wit with classic teen movie charm in his portrayal of the eccentric genius Chris Knight. The film not only showcased his comedic range and charisma but also laid the groundwork for what would become one of his most memorable roles of all time…
‘Top Gun’ (1986)
Whether you’ve seen it once or a dozen times, Top Gun is an undisputed classic of 1980s cinema—and a big part of its enduring legacy is thanks to Val Kilmer’s unforgettable performance as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. Playing the cool rival to Tom Cruise’s hotshot Maverick, Kilmer brought intensity, precision and a quiet authority to the role that perfectly balanced out the adrenaline-pumping film.
‘Willow’ (1988)
Another example of Kilmer’s dedication to independent film projects even after mainstream success, Willow is a late ’80s cult fantasy that blends adventure, magic and humor. As the roguish swordsman Madmartigan, Kilmer brings scene-stealing charm and wild unpredictability to one of his most beloved roles.
Val Kilmer ’90s Movies
By the 1990s, Val Kilmer had firmly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and adaptable leading men. The decade saw him take on some of his most iconic roles, from channeling Jim Morrison in The Doors to redefining Doc Holliday in Tombstone and even donning the cape as Batman.
Here are the films that showcased Kilmer at the height of his star power and cemented his status as an on-screen legend.
‘The Doors’ (1991)
In a transformative performance, Val Kilmer completely embodies rock icon Jim Morrison, capturing his magnetic presence, poetic genius and tragic descent. It’s one of Kilmer’s most acclaimed roles and a powerful example of his total immersion into character.
‘Thunderheart’ (1992)
Kilmer plays an FBI agent of Native American descent torn between duty and community as he investigates a murder on a reservation. His performance adds depth and moral conflict to this socially charged mystery thriller.
‘Tombstone’ (1993)
As the charismatic, slowly dying Doc Holliday, Kilmer steals the show with razor-sharp wit, Southern charm and simmering menace. It’s widely regarded as one of his best and most quotable roles.
‘Batman Forever’ (1995)
In one of the most camp and over-the-top entries in the Batman film franchise, Batman Forever, Val Kilmer brings a brooding intensity to his portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman. His performance adds a quieter, more introspective edge to the character, grounding the film’s flashy spectacle with moments of emotional depth.
‘Heat’ (1995)
In Michael Mann’s crime thriller, Kilmer holds his own alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as expert thief Chris Shiherlis. His intensity and visceral emotion add depth to a character caught between loyalty and survival.
‘The Ghost and the Darkness’ (1996)
Kilmer stars as real-life engineer Col. John Patterson, tasked with stopping two man-eating lions in colonial Africa. His performance grounds the film’s suspense with a sense of resolve and vulnerability.
‘The Saint’ (1997)
Kilmer showcases his range and charm as international thief and spy Simon Templar, blending action, romance and wit. The role let him flex his versatility, playing a character with many personas with ease.
2000s Movies Starring Val Kilmer
At this point, Kilmer had solidified his standing as a Hollywood star, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to explore different genres and roles within both indie and box office films. During the 2000s, he leaned into more complex, character-driven stories ranging from crime dramas, psychological thrillers, sci-fi flicks and more.
Here are some of the standout performances that defined Kilmer’s work in the 2000s.
‘The Salton Sea’ (2002)
In a highly underrated performance, Kilmer embodies Danny Parker, a man overwhelmed by grief, leading a double existence as a drug underworld informant. His haunting and multifaceted portrayal blurs the boundaries between illusion and identity in this sleek neo-noir film.
‘Alexander’ (2004)
In one of his few ventures into historical fiction, Kilmer delivers a fierce and conflicted performance as the ambitious, volatile father of Alexander the Great. His scenes are marked by emotional intensity and a physical transformation that underscores the character’s tragic arc.
‘Spartan’ (2004)
In this David Mamet thriller, Kilmer delivers an icy and morally complex portrayal of elite operative Robert Scott. His performance is precise, restrained and simmering with intensity, perfectly capturing the film’s themes and showcasing some of Kilmer’s best acting.
‘Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang’ (2005)
Kilmer is unforgettable as Gay Perry, a sharp-tongued, openly gay private detective who teams up with Robert Downey Jr.’s bumbling thief-turned-actor. After a string of films that drew mixed or negative reviews, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang served as a much-needed reminder of Kilmer’s talent and reinvigorated his reputation as a standout performer.
‘Déjà Vu’ (2006)
Another film featuring Kilmer amongst plenty of other Hollywood movie stars is Déjà Vu. In it, Kilmer portrays an FBI agent who partners with Denzel Washington to stop a terrorist plot using cutting-edge time-travel technology. His performance provides a steadying presence and subtle skepticism, enriching the film’s intricate storyline.
‘Felon’ (2008)
Kilmer transforms into John Smith, a hardened inmate who mentors a newly imprisoned man in this raw, gritty prison drama. It’s a tough, stripped-down performance that highlights his ability to disappear into intense character work.
Val Kilmer Movies 2010-2019
The 2010s introduced a more contemplative phase in Kilmer’s career. Though he continued to take on roles in various indie and genre films, Kilmer faced significant health challenges, including a struggle with throat cancer that ultimately affected his voice. Despite these obstacles, he took on numerous roles throughout the decade, some of which are below.
‘Bloodworth’ (2010)
In this Southern Gothic drama, Kilmer plays the brooding and bitter Warren Bloodworth, one of three estranged sons grappling with the return of their long-absent father. His performance adds a simmering layer of resentment and emotional weight to the film’s slow-burning family dramatics.
‘Kill the Irishman’ (2011)
Kilmer brings a commanding presence to the role of Detective Joe Manditski, a Cleveland cop tracking the rise of notorious mobster Danny Greene. As the moral anchor in a city steeped in corruption, his grounded performance adds stability and depth to this intense biographical crime story.
‘Wyatt Earp’s Revenge’ (2012)
After plenty of roles in spy and heist movies, Kilmer brings it back around to the Old West, when he portrayed Wyatt Earp recalling a manhunt from his youth. Though the film didn’t garner wide acclaim, Kilmer lends gravitas and nostalgia to the role.
‘The Snowman’ (2017)
In this thriller from Jo Nesbø’s novel, Kilmer is Detective Rafto, whose past investigation becomes crucial to a current serial killer case. Despite voice dubbing due to health, Kilmer adds a sense of unease and intrigue to the eerie film atmosphere.
Kilmer’s Final Films: 2020-2022
Despite battling health challenges, including throat cancer that permanently altered his voice, Val Kilmer continued to pursue creative endeavors into the early 2020s through select film roles and the acclaimed documentary Val (2021), which provided personal insights using his home video footage. In a full-circle moment, he made his final on-screen appearance as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a powerful and emotional reunion with the role that helped define his stardom.
Val Kilmer passed away in 2025 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of performances as daring, multifaceted and memorable as the actor himself.
‘B’Twixt Now and Sunrise: The Authentic Cut’ (2021)
In Francis Ford Coppola’s reimagined gothic mystery, Kilmer stars as a struggling writer haunted by dreams, death and a secret. His performance is introspective and surreal, adding a dreamlike weight to the film’s eerie tone.
‘The Birthday Cake’ (2021)
Kilmer plays Uncle Angelo, a feared mob boss whose presence looms over a tense family gathering. Despite limited dialogue due to his health, Kilmer commands the screen with a quiet, menacing gravitas.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)
Returning as Iceman, Kilmer delivers an emotional and poignant performance that honors both the legacy of the original film and his own journey. His brief but powerful scene with Tom Cruise is one of the film’s most heartfelt moments, serving as a moving farewell to an iconic character.
Watch Val Kilmer Movies on DIRECTV
With such a vast array of roles across genres and themes, there are more than enough Val Kilmer films to keep you entertained for years to come. You can watch them on DIRECTV anytime with unlimited cloud DVR and thousands of On-Demand movies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Val Kilmer's biggest movies?
Top Gun (1986), The Doors (1991)
What was Val Kilmer's first movie?
Top Secret! (1984)
What was Val Kilmer's last movie?
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
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