Fans of Val Kilmer have a long list of movies to cue up if they want to remember the screen icon through his work. From action-packed blockbusters to poignant dramas, to a revealing documentary, Kilmer’s versatility as an actor shone through in every role he took on.
Here’s a look at ten of his most iconic movie roles:
‘Real Genius’ – 1985
Before his name became synonymous with drama and action, Val Kilmer showcased his comedic chops as Chris Knight, a tech prodigy and prankster in this science fiction comedy. Knight’s irreverent humor and quick wit turned the movie into a cult classic and showcased Kilmer’s spot on comedic timing.
‘Top Gun’ – 1986
The Tom Cruise blockbuster put Kilmer in the role of nemesis to Cruise’s hero character “Maverick,” skyrocketing the actor to instant worldwide fame. Kilmer played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, the cocky and competitive naval aviator always looking to undercut his competitors. And Kilmer’s shirtless scene playing beach volleyball with Cruise and other cast members elevated his heartthrob status as well.
‘Willow’ – 1988
Epic fantasy film “Willow” follows Willow Ufgood, played by Warwick Davis, as he embarks on a quest to protect a baby princess destined to overthrow an evil queen. The film showcased Kilmer as Madmartigan, a swashbuckling rogue who reluctantly agrees to help Willow in his quest. Kilmer’s lighthearted portrayal of the swordsman and ability to switch between comedy and action made Madmartigan a standout character. The film also had a dramatic effect on Val Kilmer’s personal life. His on-screen chemistry with Joanne Whalley, who played Sorsha, bled over into a real life romance, as the two actors later married. That marriage, Kilmer’s only one, lasted eight years and produced two children, Mercedes (33) and Jack (29) who are both actors.
‘The Doors’ – 1991
Kilmer transformed into Jim Morrison, the enigmatic lead singer of The Doors, in this biographical film. IMDb says of Kilmer’s embodiment of the iconic singer, “Val Kilmer delivers an uncanny portrayal, with vocals indistinguishable from Morrison’s originals.”
Kilmer famously immersed himself in the character, asking cast and crew to refer to him as Jim throughout filming. At the time, while promoting the film, Kilmer said, “”I sang every song Jim sang, in the same keys, and I sang them live. I wanted to capture the raw energy of his performances.” IMDb reports that there were rumors Kilmer even had to seek therapy to help him detach from the character once filming ended.
‘Tombstone’ – 1993
In this modern Western classic, Kilmer delivered a scene-stealing performance as Doc Holliday, a gunslinger battling illness and alcoholism. His portrayal was both intense and nuanced, earning him widespread acclaim. Once again, Kilmer immersed himself in the role, losing weight to reflect Holliday’s battle with tuberculosis. While promoting the movie, Kilmer said, “I wanted to honor the truth of Doc Holliday’s character, his loyalty to Wyatt Earp, and his unyielding spirit despite his struggles.” The film also brought the world quotable lines from Kilmer’s character like “I’m your huckleberry.”
‘Batman Forever’ – 1995
Val Kilmer took on superhero status when he put on the black mask of Batman in the 1995 film “Batman Forever” opposite Jim Carey as The Riddler. The Joel Schumacher film was a box-office hit. Critics praised Kilmer’s ability to bring depth to both sides of the Caped Crusader’s personality, as millionaire Bruce Wayne and his vigilante alter-ego Batman. Despite the film’s success, Kilmer chose not to return to the Batman role in subsequent films. In his autobiographical documentary “Val,” Kilmer said he found the role creatively unfulfilling. The actor also said he felt restricted by the bulky Bat suit, which limited his ability to express emotions and interact naturally with co-stars.
‘Heat’ – 1995
In Michael Mann’s crime thriller, Kilmer took on the role of Chris Shiherlis, a skilled thief entangled in a high-stakes game with the LAPD. Sharing the screen with legends like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Kilmer was praised for holding his own with a compelling performance.
‘The Saint’ – 1997
In “The Saint,” Kilmer took on the role of Simon Templar, a master of disguise. The film allowed Kilmer to display his versatility, as he seamlessly transitioned between various personas as part of a thrilling plot of espionage and intrigue. While the film was a modest success with mixed reviews, Kilmer had positive things to say about his participation in the film, saying, “It was like playing multiple roles in one film, which was both exciting and demanding.”
‘Val’ – 2021
The famously private actor let fans get a glimpse of the man behind his iconic roles in his 2021 documentary, “Val.” The deeply personal film offered viewers an intimate look at Kilmer’s life and career. It featured never-before-seen footage spanning over 40 years. Narrated by his son, Jack Kilmer, the documentary explored Kilmer’s journey as an actor, his struggles with throat cancer and his reflections on fame and creativity.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ – 2022
Val Kilmer’s final film role was his poignant return to his iconic “Iceman” character in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick.”
In the film, Iceman is now an admiral and a mentor to Tom Cruise’s Maverick.
By the time of shooting, Kilmer had lost much of his ability to speak due to throat cancer. His struggles were incorporated into his storyline. In one memorable scene, Iceman communicates with Maverick by typing on a computer. But eventually Kilmer speaks in a raspy voice, telling Cruise’s character, “the Navy needs Maverick. The kid needs Maverick. That’s why I fought for you. That’s why you’re still here.”
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Val Kilmer’s Ten Most Iconic Movies