Acclaimed, celebrated, ridiculed, and criticized—yet through it all, Oscar winner Nicolas Cage has consistently delivered unforgettable performances, investing his full passion into every role. While his fearless artistic risks sometimes catapulted him into meme-worthy territory, his raw, electrifying talent remains undeniable.
From beloved romantic comedies to emotionally devastating dramas—not to mention iconic '90s action blockbusters—Cage's filmography is remarkably extensive. That's why we expanded this "Best Of" list to 15 entries instead of the standard top 10. Collaborating with visionary filmmakers like David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay, Ridley Scott, and his uncle Francis Ford Coppola, he's crafted some of cinema's most legendary performances. (For true Cage enthusiasts, check out the 40 greatest Nicolas Cage moments curated by a superfan who's watched his entire catalog.)
Over four prolific decades, Cage has mastered every genre imaginable—whether rescuing San Francisco from bioterrorism or embarking on a self-referential Vegas odyssey as himself. Here, we present the definitive ranking of Nicolas Cage's greatest films.
