Oct 12 2009
The Top 10 Val Kilmer Movie Roles
It’s been an argument of my buddy Nick that Val Kilmer is the best actor of our generation. And by our generation I’m referring to guys between the ages of 27-33ish. That’s a pretty bold statement because you’re pitting him up against the likes of guys like Ed Norton, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Matt Damon.
But then again, when I look at Val’s resume, it’s pretty damned impressive. And when you look at his best performances in movies, they are right up there with these other guys.
While I don’t think he’s necessarily the best, Kilmer’s had some damned good roles. Here are my top ten.
10. Nick Rivers - Top Secret
People might put this role higher up but you’re lucky I even put it on here. When you see this movie as an adult it’s just not that funny. I’m sorry. Still though, Kilmer definitely carries this film.
9 . Elvis/Mentor - True Romance
You might not see his face, but you certainly feel his presence.
8 . Simon Templar - The Saint
Very solid role and I know all you internet/techy movie people will want this role higher but it’s just impossible for me to put this role ahead of the ones you’re about to read.
7 . Madmartigan - Willow
People always forget about this role. Do you realize how cocky and awesome Madmartigan is in this flick? “You ARE great!” Guy can fight hoards of people while drunk and still take care of a little baby in one hand. He’s the man.
6 . Chris Knight - True Genius
Personally this might be my favorite role of Val Kilmer ever. No it’s not his best acting performance but anyone who knows Val Kilmer knows how awesome this role is. Not to mention the T-shirts!
5 . Ice Man Ted Kzinski - Top Gun
If you take out all the homoeroticism in this movie, Ice Man is a classic character that will always be remembered.
4. Chris Shiherlis - Heat
This is another role that goes overlooked. A broken down criminal who is addicted to gambling and is constantly pushing away his beautiful wife. Kilmer nails this role and you can tell the man definitely did his research and preparation for it.
3 . John Holmes - Wonderland
These last three roles is when you can tell Kilmer actually gets overtaken by his character. This is where you truly believe that Kilmer is the character you see in the movie. It’s pretty scary. And in all honesty these three placements could all be number one. Anyone who hasn’t seen Wonderland really should solely for Kilmer. Kate Bosworth is damned good too.
2. Doc Holliday - Tombstone
I thought Kilmer was amazing as Doc Holliday. Probably the best portrayal of Holliday by any actor. His detail in the alcoholism and sheer badassness of his gunfighting is truly a sight to see.
1. Jim Morrison - The Doors
The fact that Kilmer had to go to therapy after this role goes to show how far one will go to “get it right.” Amazing singing voice and there are parts in this movie where you have to think that Kilmer was actually on drugs. It was incredible.
*Honorable mention - That afterschool special called “One Too Many” where he gets hit by a car. That was awesome.
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Madmartigan is by far my favorite
Oh man, how could you leave out Detective “Gay” Perry from Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang! Awesome role for Val! Another underappreciated role was as Danny Parker in The Salton Sea.
@ Tyler
Good call on Perry.
@ frank
Madmartigan is my favorite, too. Peck!
@ Madison - Thank you!
I have always thought that Val never got enough credit for everything he does. My gang of friends and I are always quoting Top Secret and Real Genius lines by Val to this day! “Your mom puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?”
“It’s been an argument of my buddy Nick that Val Kilmer is the best actor of our generation. And by our generation I’m referring to guys between the ages of 27-33ish. ”
You’re really limiting an understanding of your readers ages
and also you should better define “Actors of Generation” considering Kilmer is 50 years old and precedes your generation twice over.
Regardless, this is an excellent list and well-defined document.
Nice compilation of some of the worst movies of the recent past.
I started boycotting Oliver Stone movies after seeing The Doors. Man, that was bad.
It’s a given- if your movie has Val Kilmer, Tim Curry, or Shaq in it, it sucks.
P.S. I have to hand it to your friend, he must smoke some excellent weed.
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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Spartan, and Salton Sea easily trump The Saint, True Romance (great film and all and nice cameo - but c’mon!), and Top Secret.
I gotta agree with Tyler, both awesome movies with good performances and great characters in each
I saw this article and first character that came to mind was Gay Perry. I love love love Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He had too many good lines.
Kilmer in Heat made guys with long hair look hot.
Personally, I loved Mindhunters. And his death in that movie was so insane, it was awesome.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang getting excluded off of lists like this is exactly why we’ll never see a movie as brilliant as it again.
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#1 = “Gay” Perry from Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.
COME ON!
Yup, another vote for Gay Perry. Val and Robert Downey together in that film were unstoppable.
No “Real Genius?”
I’m with you on most of them, and I agree with the others about Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, but how could you leave off Spartan??
@Junkie1: Real Genius was #6. He just got the heading wrong.
Real Genius….not True Genius