Sadly, nowadays Nicolas Cage is often thought of as a joke or a meme. Too bad. But he is actually a really good actor and in the 1990s he was one of my favorite actors. Recently, of course, he's been able to pick the turds with remarkable precision, but I'm hoping that run runs out soon enough. As I was debating this with a co-worker, I thought I should come up with my personal Top Ten Nic Cage films and looking through his filmography, he's had plenty to choose from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Cage_filmography
Well, then 10 turned into 20 as I was mulling it over, but feel free to count the extra ten as honorable mentions, though there are some great movies there.
20. Windtalkers (2002)
This is probably a very little-seen movie, but I actually saw it in theaters and own the DVD (as I do most if not all of these). It took an intriguing topic of Navajo code-talkers during WWII, and while not the best war movie, it is visually interesting (directed by John Woo), and Cage gives a really strong performance. People thought it overlong, but war epics usually are.
19. World Trade Center (2006)
This Oliver Stone film probably suffered because of the too-soon factor, but it's actually a very good film. It takes guts to make a movie like this a few years after a huge tragedy like 9/11 and make a solemn and worthy film. Great and human performances by the two leads.
18. City of Angels (1998)
I'm a sucker for a good romantic (chick flick) movie, just the softie that I am, and this was one of my favorite such movies back in '98-99. Cage and Meg Ryan (at the height of her cuteness) are great together and the film looks pretty nice. And a pretty cool soundtrack to boot.
17. National Treasure (2004)
This is a stupid movie. But it's a good stupid movie. It's fun and exciting and it's super fast-paced. It's no Indiana Jones, but it's almost the next best thing.
16. Moonstruck (1987)
I'm not a big fan of Cher, but I am a big fan of the 1980s and Cage and 1980s Cage. This is another fun and light movie, and if it's playing on TV while I'm flipping through channels, I'll definitely stay and watch.
15. Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
Really one of the best Cage performances here and it's a very under-seen film. The look and the mood are very stark and dreamlike. And it's a Martin Scorsese movie. That alone is good news. What else could you ask for?
14. Wild at Heart (1990)
From Scorsese we move onto Lynch. What a crazy movie. Cage here is his usual still-'80s self with chock-full of cool supporting characters. And nice music, too.
13. The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)
Buried within many many terrible movies of the period was this surprising and disturbing crime thriller that sort of signaled that Cage may not be done yet.
12. Red Rock West (1993)
In a way similar to Wild at Heart and Bringing Out the Dead, this is a little-seen film with lots of great stars and another great Cage performance. Very western, very noir, very early-'90s.
11. Lord of War (2005)
I don't know if this one is also little-seen, but I don't see it mentioned a lot when Cage movies are discussed. Maybe it's just me but I loved this one. So dark. And funny. It's shot amazingly and directed perfectly by the talented Andrew Niccol. And Cage is at the top of his game.
10. 8mm (1999)
And here we go with the Top Ten, and probably an unpopular choice, but this is a really really good movie. Extremely dark. Great performances throughout, especially by James Gandolfini (pre-Sopranos, I think).
9. Joe (2013)
This is Cage getting back to respectability, I hope. I haven't yet seen what he's got in the pipeline coming, but this was a welcome return to form. Not Academy Award form, but getting there... Do more of this, Nic!
8. The Weather Man (2005)
This is most likely another "huh?" for a lot of people, but I really really like this one. Cage plays Cage perfectly here and I don't understand why it's not more popular. I guess it's not exactly a crowd-pleaser.
7. The Rock (1996)
Speaking of crowd-pleasers, how about this one? Like National Treasure, this is a stupid movie that's exceptionally well made. It's got great performances, awesome music and stunts, and this is Michael Bay before he became "Michael Bay". Good shit.
6. Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
More '80s and more Cage, and this time there's time travel! Plus an early Jim Carrey cameo! Pretty unique performance by Cage, too.
5. Adaptation (2002)
And speaking of unique, this had to be in the Top Five, obviously. Great movie, great dual role played by Cage, which got him an Oscar nomination.
4. The Family Man (2000)
This is a sweet and just great film. I don't think it would be at the top of many best-of lists, but it's definitely at the top of mine for the year and the decade. If you haven't seen it, watch it ASAP!
3. Raising Arizona (1987)
Cage. Coens. Eighties. Fun.
2. Matchstick Men (2003)
Like The Weather/Family Man, this is another early 2000s film that I really really really like. I love this heartbreaking masterpiece for lots of reasons, including the great performance by the beautiful and rarely seen Alison Lohman, and Ridley Scott's impeccable direction, and also for the - spoiler! - twist that apparently everyone saw coming but me. But I'm gullible like that. I get absorbed and lost in the movie and let it all come at me.
1. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
There could be no other number one, obviously. The guy won the Oscar for Best Actor for Pete's sake and so well deserved. Can't watch this one too often. But it's an all-time classic, a perfect film.
So that's it. What are your favorite Nicolas Cage movies? Post your own Top 10 or whatever list!
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