Val Kilmer’s 10 Most Iconic Performances

This article was originally published in 2021 and was republished in light of his death in April 2025.

While other actors have gained more credibility in being transformative, in his own modes, Val Kilmer has put together one of Hollywood’s most versatile cinematography. He took John Wayne and brought the overjoyed camp to sci-fi and fantasy, making it easy to make, both seductive and stupid. In every performance, his velvety voice is recognised as unprecedented as if he was lending his windpipe to another man.

Now the voice is almost silent. Muted by throat cancer, which is threatening his career and life. However, Kilmer has found a new way to express herself. 2021 documentary Valson Jack speaks his words and speaks of the illness with frankness that he rarely called in his own mouth. “It’s difficult to talk and understand,” he said through Jack. “But I would like to talk about my story more than ever.”

So is us too. There was never a better time than celebrating Kilmer’s greatness. In that spirit we have gathered this list of his 10 most iconic performances. These are not “best” in the traditional sense, and some have actually been nominated for Razzies for the worst actor. Instead, this is the collection of the most typical Kilmer-esque roles whose commitment remains unshakable, and his surprise never stops and he will never forget.

– Wren Graves