Acclaimed, celebrated, ridiculed, and criticized—Oscar winner Nicolas Cage has undeniably poured his heart into every role, delivering raw, unfiltered passion on screen. While some of his bold artistic choices have cemented his place in internet meme culture, Cage’s electrifying talent remains undeniable.
From beloved romantic comedies to emotionally gripping dramas and blockbuster '90s action films, Cage’s filmography is so extensive that we’ve expanded this "Best Of" list to 15 instead of the usual top 10. Collaborating with legendary directors—David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay, Ridley Scott, and even his uncle Francis Ford Coppola—he’s crafted some of cinema’s most unforgettable performances. (For more iconic moments, check out our list of 40 standout Cage scenes, curated by a superfan who’s seen every one of his films.)
Over his four-decade career, Cage has mastered every genre—from averting a chemical disaster in San Francisco to a self-referential Vegas rampage where he plays himself. Here, we highlight the finest films in Nicolas Cage’s extraordinary career.
