Since his feature film debut in 1984, Val Kilmer has crafted a truly impressive resume. He starred in some of the biggest movies, played some iconic characters, and shared the screen with some of the most renowned actors in the history of cinema. Characters such as Simon Templar, Jim Morrison, and Bruce Wayne and actors such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Nicole Kidman have all been part of his illustrious filmography. Over the years, Kilmer showcased his versatility in many different genres, including drama, action, and even fantasy.

During a career spanning four decades, Val Kilmer's movies have made nearly four billion dollars at the global box office, and he has been nominated for multiple industry awards. He has played both heroes and villains, as well as romantic leads and gritty action heroes. Kilmer has even shown his comedy skills on a few occasions and lent his voice to animated productions. With such a varied career, Val Kilmer has established himself as one of Hollywood's finest.

10 The Saint (1997)

Directed by Phillip Noyce

With the James Bond franchise seeing a successful resurgence in the 1990s, it was not surprising that another spy-focused franchise was resurrected. Based on the TV show from the '60s, starring Roger Moore, there were high hopes for this slick reboot. While it didn't manage to achieve as much lasting success as its two inspirations, it performed well at the box office and showcased Kilmer's leading man credentials and bankability.

Val Kilmer's performance as Simon Templar was full of charisma, charm, and force. He's very magnetic and believable as a suave spy, and with, perhaps, a stronger script, the film may have done even better. The mystery is satisfying, the action is exciting, and the focus on the titular character's master of disguise abilities was very entertaining. It's not the best reviewed of his many movies, but it's an important part of his filmography that still stands up today.

9 The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)

Directed by John Frankenheimer and Richard Stanley

Based on the H.G. Wells classic, the behind-the-scenes story of this movie is just as entertaining as the movie itself. In fact, a documentary has been made about it which has received much better reviews than The Island of Dr. Moreau. There was tension on set, the initial director was replaced after the film started shooting, and the cast was said to clash with the crew as well as each other. Val Kilmer himself requested to play a different role. It's very interesting to watch the film knowing how tense the shooting environment was.

The Island of Dr. Moreau follows a shipwrecked man who lands on an island inhabited by strange creatures and two very eccentric people. Marlon Brando plays the titular doctor, and his very mild dedication to the role is visible in his performance. Kilmer portrays his assistant whose descent into madness is a great showcase of the actor's skills as his behavior gets more erratic and unpredictable. While the film wasn't a critical or financial success, it lives on in infamy and is worth seeing if only for that reason.

8 The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

Directed by Stephen Hopkins

In a tale of man vs. nature, the story follows Col. John Henry Patterson (Kilmer) who is engineering the building of a railway bridge in Kenya. His workers are hunted and killed by two ferocious lions who seem to find pleasure in their predatory activities. Based on true events, there is a lot of tension and the stakes feel genuinely high. The cinematography is beautiful and the lush shots of the terrain will appeal to anyone who appreciates nature.

Kilmer's subdued and earnest performance is a calming contrast to Michael Douglas's portrayal of the game hunter who is tasked with helping Patterson hunt the beasts. Their on-screen chemistry and opposing characters work very well as they lead this action-adventure thriller.

But the true stars of this film were the lions, as any scene involving them was an absolute highlight. From their majestic and ferocious beauty to the way they were shot and edited, each sequence that involved the animals really stood out.

7 Batman Forever (1995)

Directed by Joel Schumacher

In Joel Schumacher's first foray into the world of Batman, the shift in tone from Tim Burton's versions could be felt immediately. Having a new actor play Bruce Wayne was only one of the differences, with Gotham going from dark and gothic, to more neon and techno in feel. The villains include The Riddler (Jim Carey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) who did a great job of bringing their outlandish characters to life. Carrey, in particular, manages to steal every scene he's in, and his costumes are outstanding.

Nicole Kidman brings some gravitas and glamor to the table in her role, as the love interest, and audiences were introduced to Robin for the first time in this run. Kilmer was a solid Batman, as he managed to convey the stoic darkness that the character needed and had the right amount of charm that Bruce Wayne needed as well. The action sequences made the whole film a dazzling spectacle, and it's an entertaining ride from start to finish. It was the highest-grossing film of the year and had a fantastic theme song in Seal's "Kiss From a Rose".

6 Willow (1988)

Directed by Ron Howard

This beloved sci-fi fantasy film stars Warrick Davis in the titular role of an aspiring sorcerer who teams up with some outlandish characters to topple the evil queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). Kilmer plays the charismatic and brave swordsman, Martigan, whose character arc is very satisfying to watch. He starts as a bit arrogant and unreliable, but his friendship with Willow and his courage throughout their journey allows him to develop into a more heroic and loyal companion.

The film is charming and heartwarming, with plenty of action and many comedic moments. Kilmer, in particular, was able to bring a bit of cheeky charm to the role, with some great line delivery. The film is often revisited by its loyal fans, and the world it has built remains popular with a 2022 serialized sequel. The original Willow earned nearly $200 worldwide and has a lot of appeal to viewers of any age.

5 The Doors (1991)

Directed by Oliver Stone

Biopics are not an easy genre for film, as people are perceived differently by everyone. Musical biopics are particularly divisive because fans of the artists have such a strong connection to their memory and discography, that it's practically impossible to appease everybody. In The Doors, it's clear that Oliver Stone greatly respected the legacy of Jim Morrison and his band, as the story of this iconic frontman delves deep into his artistry and troubled psyche.

In one of his most critically acclaimed roles, Val Kilmer captures the essence of the rockstar and transforms both his appearance and voice to fit Morrison's. He is magnetic, raw, and full of emotion, and it's most certainly one of his best performances to date. The film captures the counterculture energy of the 1960s very well, and the musical sequences were shot beautifully. The chaos of fame, drugs,and rock' n' roll are also explored in depth in this psychedelic production.

4 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Directed by Shane Black

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang plays homage to neo-noir detective novels in a tongue-in-cheek way. Breaking the fourth wall, very over-the-top scenarios and some quality chemistry between the two charismatic leads add a lot to the charm of the film. The initial premise sums up what the audience can come to expect from this quirky caper. Robert Downey Jr. plays a Harry Lockhart petty criminal who somehow manages to get an audition for a Hollywood film while being pursued by the police.

The two create magic on-screen and the film was widely well-received and reviewed and holds a very impressive score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Val Kilmer's role is of a detective tasked with training Lockhart, and his deadpan performance as a no-nonsense sleuth is a great foil to Downey Jr's bumbling quips. The two create magic on-screen and the film was widely well-received and reviewed and holds a very impressive score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. A wonderful showcase of dry humor at its finest, and it's interesting seeing a pre-Tony Stark performance from RDJ.

3 Top Gun (1986)

Directed by Tony Scott

In a role that made his career take off, Val Kilmer plays LT Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. He starts as an antagonist and rival of Tom Cruise's Maverick, but as the film progresses, so does his character's arc. He embraced the arrogant energy that the role required and was believable as the more heroic version he developed into. It was heartwarming to see him reprise his role in Top Gun: Maverick and see how far he had come as a character and that he was still looking out for his Air Force family.

The film was a global smash hit and one of the biggest films of the '80s. It made stars of its cast, and still holds up today, as evidenced by the success of its very late-in-the-game sequel. Embracing themes of loyalty, kinship, and bravery, all set to a banging soundtrack, there's a reason why Top Gun is many people's favorite film. The action is exhilarating, and it leaves viewers with the feeling of vertigo, but in the best possible way.

2 Heat (1995)

Directed by Michael Mann

Acting in the same film as Al Pacino and Robert De Noro is no mean feat, but Val Kilmer manages to hold his own beside these Oscar-winning greats. A dangerous game of cat and mouse is the premise of this high-octane crime thriller, with De Niro playing a master criminal and Pacino as his LAPD detective nemesis.

Kilmer is part of the criminal contingent and a master marksman who plays a very important part in a very important shootout scene. He serves as more of the heart of the film, with his home life with his wife (Ashley Judd) which shows how much of a toll his lawbreaking activities have on him and their relationship.

Widely lauded as one of the best crime thrillers in history, Heat is filled with tension, intensity, and an intricate plot. Seeing pieces shift a round and fit together feels very satisfying and the scene between Pacino and De Niro at the diner feels like a historic event. It holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and made nearly $200 million worldwide. With thrilling action, a very clever plot, and incredible acting, this film is a must-watch.

1 Tombstone (1993)

Directed by George P. Cosmatos

This timeless western sees Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) take up his badge again and restore order to a troubled town. Filled with gun-slinging action and a surprising amount of heart, Tombstone shows just how to blend real historical events with fun storytelling. The ensemble cast features some big names, including Charlton Heston, Bill Paxton, and Sam Elliott, with Kilmer more than holding his own as Doc Holiday. In fact, he manages to steal every scene he's in.

As the terminally ill, sharp-tongued gunfighter, Kilmer mixed his impressive comedic timing with a more emotional and introspective portrayal of a man facing his own mortality. His dedication to the role can be seen in his physical transformation and well-considered mannerisms, as he traverses the precarious terrain of the Old West. His chemistry with on-screen best friend Wyatt Earp is a highlight, and the film focuses on honor and loyalty at a very precarious time in history. Considered one of the best modern westerns, Tombstone still holds up with every rewatch.