It goes without saying that Val Kilmer should’ve been a megastar. He had all the charisma, charm, and cool needed to be the kind of superstar celebrity of the old guard. But more in love with the work than the fame and fortune, Kilmer ultimately followed a different path, one where he pursued a multitude of endeavors outside of film and solidified himself as one of your favorite actors’ favorite actors. Often the best part of anything he was end, he leaves behind a vast filmography filled with iconic performances and hidden gems that are – if for no other reason – watchable because he makes them watchable. He will be sorely missed, so I thought it best to honor him by sharing some of my personal favorite performances.
There are far too many to choose from and no particular order they can be placed in, so we’ll just highlight a few that make my own personal list of greats. These are in no way a definitive list of his best films, and frankly he’s filmography is just far too long and vast to ever make one with any kind of finality. So if your favorite isn’t on here, don’t worry. There are no wrong answers when it comes to the greats, and Val Kilmer is absolutely deserving of such a title. So, here are some of my personal favorite performances from the legendary actor!
“The Saint“
Remember when I said he’s the best part of anything he’s in even when the movie isn’t all the great? Well, “The Saint” is a perfect example of this. A middling 90s espionage thriller with a banging soundtrack (something we really don’t do anymore but totally should) the film has plenty of issues and unfolds with some pretty nonsensical science mumbo jumbo. But “The Saint” is also a showcase for Val Kilmer’s diversity and variety, allowing him to don a myriad of costumes and accents and just have a blast being silly and weird. He is incredibly charming and cool here, and has some pretty terrific chemistry with Elizabeth Shue. He is the only reason I can recommend “The Saint,” but it certainly serves as a reminder of just how much he elevates something simply by existing.
“Felon“
Another hidden gem with a ridiculous premise and a somewhat disjointed narrative, “Felon” is a film that I happened to discover at a rather impressionable time in my life and thus makes the favorite list. As a film it’s probably better than you might think despite starring Stephen Dorff, and Val Kilmer isn’t onscreen all that much. But when he is, he beautifully portrays a broken man who has accepted his fate, and honestly brings more gravitas to a role that doesn’t deserve it. But that’s Kilmer for you; no matter how small or silly the role, he approached the work like a master and always gave everything he had. If you don’t mind Dorff at the center (and he’s actually pretty good here) I’d recommend “Felon” as a watch. It’s pretty solid even if it’s a little rough around the edges.
“Heat“
The pinnacle “Dudes Rock!” film, no list would be complete without “Heat.” Bank robbers and hockey masks and machine gun shootouts solidify this one as peak dude cinema. And in an all star cast with every single role being filled by a recognizable name, Kilmer still manages to stand out and make his presence felt. His subplot is deeply affecting and emotional, and where he is left at the end of the film is truly heartbreaking. Just one of the many skills Kilmer possessed; a magnetism that, even when surrounded by some of the best actors in Hollywood can still manage to make himself memorable and a stand out. Can’t wait to rewatch “Heat” again. Like right now, I think I’m gonna fire it up!
We can’t wait for the sequel.
“Willow“
Talk about a standout! I unapologetically love “Willow,” as it was a film I was raised on as a child. But as I’ve grown older and revisit it from time to time, I am all the more struck by just how good Val Kilmer is as Madmartigan. Essentially the Han Solo of “WIllow,” Kilmer explodes onto the screen about 30 minutes in and immediately becomes the one and only person you want to see from then on. Bursting with suave and cool and narcissistic charisma, Kilmer is also deeply funny in “Willow,” with some of the best and most quotable lines throughout. He proves that he really can do it all be the kind of iconic hero we copy over and over again in fantasy adventure stories. This might be in my top 3 if I were to be forced to commit to a list, and I don’t think I would get much objection. I mean c’mon, he’s the greatest swordsman that ever lived!
“Top Gun” / “Top Gun: Maverick“
I’m putting both of these together because they exist almost 40 years apart and still hold strong. Of course, you wouldn’t really have Val Kilmer without “Top Gun,” and while you could make the argument that “Real Genius” is true film break out, I think it’s here where we’re able to see what he’s truly capable of and begin to see the makings of a what should’ve launched him into superstardom. Kilmer is the definition of cool as Iceman, and even when you’re not suppose to like him, you kind of can’t help but be drawn to him. Sure, “Top Gun” gives him a redemption of sorts in the end, but it’s really Kilmer’s immense presence that makes it all feel earned. and then there’s his brief appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick,” proving that even the most hardened “hell ya brother, MURICA” filmbros cry at movies. Even without works and the ability to speak, Kilmer’s very presence is enough. Rarely do these kinds of nostalgia pandering inclusions work, but my god does it work in “Top Gun: Maverick” and remains a touching send off to Kilmer and his career.
“Tombstone“
You could probably switch out every other film mentioned prior and be correct, but the only unchangeable inclusion has to be “Tombstone.” It is the pinnacle of Kilmer performances, the most iconic and the most quotable by miles. Not only is it some of the best work of Kilmer’s long career, he also plays the definitive Doc Holiday and does so with such veracity that there is really no other Doc Holiday portrayal. He is the barometer with which all other Holiday’s are measured, and transforms “Tombstone” into more than just another standard western. Like “Heat,” he’s surrounded by a who’s who of actors and manages to be the absolute best part of the entire film. Every line delivery and every line is memorable and quotable, and “Tombstone” remains one of the greatest Val Kilmer performances of our time. It just doesn’t get better than this. He’s your huckleberry, indeed.
I know there’s plenty missing from here; “Real Genius,” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “The Ghost and the Darkness,” “True Romance,” and many others that could easily be included. And that’s just what happens when you lose a great. Val Kilmer leaves us with legacy of greatness that will be cherished and remembered for generations.
