Val Kilmer’s five greatest performances

Posted On April 2, 2025April 2, 2025

In the wake of Val Kilmer’s sad death at the age of 65, tributes have been pouring in for an actor who was once one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. In the 1980s, Kilmer shot to fame in the spoof Top Secret! and became the ultimate sidekick in Top Gun before cementing his leading man status with a role in the beloved fantasy adventure Willow. Moving into the ’90s, he became an A-lister who led major blockbusters like Batman Forever and The Saint but would also show up for a scene-stealing cameo in a movie like True Romance.

Unfortunately for Kilmer, though, he was often his own worst enemy, and his notoriously temperamental behaviour rubbed plenty of directors and even fellow actors the wrong way over the years. His star therefore dimmed considerably after the ’90s, but he would still make gems like Wonderland, Felon, and MacGruber from time to time.

In later years, a battle with throat cancer left Kilmer unable to speak without a voice box. Ever the artist, though, he was able to turn his incredible life story into a poignant documentary entitled Val, which used extensive footage shot by the actor himself across decades. It was a true insight into the personal and professional life of a man who was often difficult but whose talent was never in question.

Over the years, Kilmer delivered a considerable number of very good performances, but he also left audiences with many genuine classics that have stood the test of time. These are, for our money, his five greatest ever, and they speak to the versatility of an actor who could deliver true greatness when he was given the opportunity.

Val Kilmer’s five greatest performances:

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