Nicolas Cage’s latest film The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent has hit theaters and revived interest in the sometimes controversial actor. Cage was regarded as one of the most popular actors of the 1990s and 2000s, with a Best Oscars win and a string of blockbuster hits to his name. However, a string of less successful projects and direct-to-DVD releases have seen Cage’s reputation maligned.
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Nonetheless, by starring roles in movies by excellent filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, the Coen Brothers, John Woo, and Brian de Palma; Cage’s filmography is full of eccentric and boisterous performances that have made him one of the most iconic actors of his generation.
Bringing Out The Dead (1999) – 3.6/5
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Although Cage often played more comedic roles as he progressed further into movie stardom in the 1990s, he capped off the decade with one of his darkest and most dramatic roles. He portrays a sleep-deprived paramedic in Martin Scorsese’s intense psychological thriller which remains of his best performances.
Cage gives one of the most haunted and dark performances of his career in the film that was written by Paul Schrader. Cage’s performance is reminiscent of many of the other great performances across Schrader and Scorsese’s filmography, including Ethan Hawke and Robert De Niro.
Mandy (2018) – 3.6/5
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The 2018 psychedelic horror film was a return to the mainstream for Nicolas Cage, after years of performances in hardly seen films that mostly were not released in theaters. The performance has seemingly sparked Cage’s rise back into the mainstream that continued with his role in 2021’s Pig.
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Cage received effusive praise for his performance in the film and tapped into many of his classic roles for the modern horror cult classic. Cage’s intense and occasionally disturbed performance is a great match for the film’s colorful and gory horror.
Leaving Las Vegas (1995) – 3.7/5
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Mike Figgis’ 1995 film was lauded upon its release while picking up four Oscar nominations, leading to the first and only Best Actor win for Nicolas Cage. Cage plays a former Hollywood screenwriter who struggles with alcohol addiction and has lost everything as a result. Cage received universal acclaim for his performance.
Cage embodied the highs and lows of his character’s odyssey through Las Vegas while getting to do some of the showiest acting of his very showy career. The role is one of his most purely dramatic performances, lacking in much of the comedy that was his staple throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
Rumble Fish (1983) – 3.7/5
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Nicolas Cage’s first significant film role was a supporting role in Rumble Fish, a film directed by his legendary uncle Francis Ford Coppola. Cage was able to start honing his acting craft in the movie alongside great actors like Mickey Rourke, Dennis Hopper, and Laurence Fishburne.
The film came on the heels of a run of all-time great movies from Coppola including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and The Conversation, though Rumble Fish remains one of his most eclectic works. Cage’s acting prowess was on display in the film even at an early age.
Wild at Heart (1990) – 3.8/5
Although it was not a box office success, David Lynch’s film won the Palm d’Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival and has had a lasting legacy amongst film fans. The film came out just before Twin Peaks premiered thus vaulting David Lynch into the pantheon of modern American filmmakers.
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Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern have the starring roles in Lynch’s absurd black comedy romance – and Cage’s almost mystical eccentricities perfectly capture the filmmaker’s now-famous style. The film marked the end of Cage’s run as a romantic lead as his career shifted more towards action movie roles.
Moonstruck (1987) – 3.8/5
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Norman Jewison’s 1987 movie about an Italian-American widow who falls for her new fiancé’s brother was the 8th highest-grossing film of its year according to Box Office Mojo. The film has had a long-lasting legacy thanks to the performances from Cher and Nicolas Cage at its heart.
Cage was just 23 years old when the movie was filmed and gives a remarkable performance for his age. The film made Cage an instant heartthrob, and along with Raising Arizona it vaulted the actor into more starring roles with great filmmakers that kicked off his legendary career.
Pig (2021) – 3.8/5
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Although Pig is the only movie from the 2020s on this list, it is hardly recency bias that has given this film such a lofty reputation just a year after its release. It was the first feature film from director Michael Saronski and has quickly become a cult favorite worthy of its reputation.
Nicolas Cage’s grimy and intense performance as a man in search of his kidnapped truffle pig is perfectly suited for Saronski’s film and marked a major return to form for the actor. The performance may mark a renaissance for Cage as an actor, especially with his highly anticipated movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent set to release on April 22.
Raising Arizona (1987) – 3.8/5
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The American Film Institute listed Raisin Arizona at #31 on its list of the best comedies of all time, and Nicolas Cage’s hilarious performance at the center is one of the biggest reasons for its success. Despite initially mixed reviews, the Coen brothers’ film has earned its reputation as one of the great comedies in film history.
Cage brings a heavy southern drawl to his performance, and alongside Holly Hunter, he perfectly executed the vision of the movie’s absurd plot. The Coen brothers emulated the films of Preston Sturges for their black comedy, and Cage embodies the essence of slapstick at the film’s core.
Adaptation. (2002) – 4/5
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Nicolas Cage received his second Oscar nomination for this 2002 masterpiece directed by Spike Jonze. He brilliantly plays two different roles in the film, portraying the film’s screenwriter Charlie Kaufman as well as his fictional twin brother Donald Kaufman.
Cage stars in the film alongside other legendary actors Chris Cooper and Meryl Streep, both of whom were also nominated for Oscars. His incredible acting is on display in the film as he perfectly portrays the nuances of both of his characters, and his performance is hilarious from start to finish.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) – 4.4/5
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Though Nicolas Cage is not best known for his voice work, his top-ranked movie is the visionary winner of the 2019 Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Fans will have to wait to see if Cage will appear in the film’s sequel set to be released in October 2022.
Cage brings a perfect gruff and gritty sensibility to his role as Spider-Man Noir that plays perfectly next to other great voice performances from Jake Johnson, Mahershela Ali, Hailee Steinfeld, and many other stars.
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