Val Kilmer, a versatile actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at 65. Kilmer, the youngest actor accepted to Juilliard School at 17, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most. He had recovered from a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis and said he “had no regrets” in his documentary Val.
His films have gained popularity and continue to thrive online. Some success is attributed to his performance, while others are largely due to his contributions. His death at 65 has highlighted his cultural impact and lasting impact. This list ranks his best films based on quality, role, and cinematic artistry.
7. Montgomery in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
Directed by John Frankenheimer
This is the most bonkers and controversial role of Kilmer’s career. The Island of Dr. Moreau was plagued with behind-the-scenes drama, including an aging Marlon Brando, two directors, and horrible weather. Val Kilmer’s aloof, erratic actions don’t help either. To make matters worse, Kilmer is asked to perform a lengthy impersonation of Brando’s Moreau later in the movie.
Kilmer’s obnoxious behavior during filming was attributed to his unexpected divorce from his wife, Joanne Whalley. He bullied and obstructed the cast, delivering unscripted dialogue and criticizing the director’s ideas, resulting in unusable footage.
Overall, it’s a movie so terrible that it has a 2014 documentary called Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau. But as bad as it is, Kilmer’s bizarre performance is electric.
Buy it on Amazon
6. Virgil in Hardwired (2009)
Directed By Ernie Barbarash
Cuba Gooding Jr.’s career had flatlined, so he was cranking out straight-to-video schlock like the sci-fi dud Hardwired. Like a dynamic duo, his and Val Kilmer’s careers collided in this horrible film.
Val Kilmer plays a shady character who cares more about the company’s financial success than Gibson’s pain. Although it is being marketed as a costarring role, Kilmer has a brief on-screen appearance and a flat, matter-of-fact delivery.
At almost 50, his career had slumped, and this atrocious wig didn’t help.
It’s available on Amazon
5. Gallagher in Red Planet (2000)
Directed By Antony Hoffman
As a skilled space jockey with a background in science and mechanics, Val Kilmer is credible. But the filming of Red Planet was plagued by the typical problems brought on by Val Kilmer, who insisted on making changes on-set, refused to leave his trailer, and Sizemore eventually beat the living daylights out of Kilmer. Additionally, the production was in a development race with Disney’s Mission to Mars, which marginally got it in front of the cameras first.
After Red Planet, Val Kilmer’s opportunities for big-budget films faltered.
It’s available on Amazon
4. Agent Pryzwarra in Deja Vu (2006)
Directed By Tony Scott
Kilmer portrays the mysterious FBI agent Andrew Pryzwarra, who joins forces with U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) to find the person responsible for a devastating explosion on a ferry in New Orleans.
He reunited with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tony Scott, his former Top Gun producer and director. Although he doesn’t take the stage among the supporting cast, Val Kilmer’s appearance is pleasant and lends the group some legitimacy.
It’s available on Amazon
3. KITT in Knight Rider (2008)
When NBC decided to reboot the 80s classic Knight Rider, they hired Will Arnett. Unfortunately, NBC replaced Arnett as the voice of KITT on its Knight Rider relaunch with Val Kilmer due to a dispute with automakers. While the show got mixed reviews, some complained that his voice lacked the personality of the original show. But IGN said they enjoyed his “Matter of fact” delivery.
It’s available on Amazon
2. Batman / Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995)
Directed By Joel Schumacher
Batman Forever has a messy balance between campy comic book shenanigans and Gotham’s dark criminal world. However, Kilmer was tasked with the impossible task of replacing Michael Keaton, and he does an acceptable job.
The Batman sequel and Kilmer’s performance in the film fall in the middle of fan rankings, with similarities to The Dark Knight but not as derided as Batman & Robin (the best comic book movie ever). Despite this, the film remains a box office hit.
It’s available on Amazon
1. Chris Knight in Real Genius (1985)
Directed By Martha Coolidge
Kilmer’s comedic career is limited, but his performance in Real Genius, a college comedy, is exceptional. Starring a gifted senior at a tech school, Kilmer mentors a nerdy student, leading to collegiate hijinks.
Making its debut during the period of other high-concept teen comedies such as Weird Science and Back to the Future. The movie stands out with a sci-fi subplot involving space lasers. Kilmer’s charisma and deeper insecurity make it a must-watch.
It’s available on Amazon
Which is your favorite role by Val Kilmer? Which did you hate? Let us know in the comments below!
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