When an actor is lucky enough to have a career as long and varied as Val Kilmer, there is inevitably going to be a variety of projects that have had very different types of reception. From the heights of Top Gun to some made-for-TV movies with not a lot of critical love, the late Val Kilmer’s filmography has it all.
Val Kilmer was in smash-hit blockbusters as well as some films that slipped under the radar. Some of the pictures he chose to do had a lot of potential and were arguably good, but that does not always translate to success and critical acclaim. These underrated gems may have not found enough love when they first came out or got lost in the sands of time, but are genuinely worth revisiting.
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10
Kill Me Again (1989)
Directed by John Dahl
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Made relatively early in Val Kilmer’s career, this neo-noir thriller is often forgotten. He went on to many more bankable and recognizable features, so few people return to this film. But, some moments make for a fascinating watch. Joanne Whalley is the femme fatale, and there is plenty of mystery, intrigue, and murder that are synonymous with this type of genre. Some modern takes on the film noir thriller can fall a bit short, like Killer Heat from 2024, but, perhaps, because of the additional 36 years added to this film, it makes for a pleasant watch nowadays.
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Kill Me Again
R
Drama
Action
Thriller
Crime
Release Date
October 27, 1989
Runtime
94 minutes
Cast
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Joanne Whalley
Fay Forrester
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Val Kilmer
Jack Andrews
-
Michael Madsen
Vince A. Miller
-
Nick Dimitri
Marty
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The fake death setup is surprisingly clever and seeing it come together is very satisfying, and seeing Kilmer in a role that’s much less ostentatious than some of his more well-known performances feels very surprising. His range comes through, and he leads the film very well. While it was not a big box office success, Rotten Tomatoes currently scores it at 100%, with a limited number of reviews.
9
The Snowman (2017)
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
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After the phenomenon that was The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and The Killing, Nordic noir became a huge phenomenon. The darkness of these Scandinavian stories lent itself very well to thrillers, horrors, and mysteries, and this take on the Jo Nesbø novel was a valiant attempt to bring the gory story to life.
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In the snowy depths of Norway, a serial killer commits gruesome murders, leaving a suspicious snowman at each scene. The cast features many huge stars, including Michael Fassbender and J.K. Simmons, with Val Kilmer taking on a supporting role. The story itself is fascinating and keeps the audience involved and intrigued, and there’s a lot of darkness in front of the camera as well as in front.
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The Snowman
R
Mystery
Thriller
Crime
4/10
Release Date
October 20, 2017
Runtime
119minutes
Cast
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James D’Arcy
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Charlotte Gainsbourg
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Kilmer was going through some harrowing health problems which add to the raw vulnerability of his performance. Seeing his resilience shine through is one of the more personal reasons to watch the film. Fans of the genre will appreciate the atmospheric setting, and though the film is far from perfect, it’s a very decent psychological thriller that has flown under the radar for too long.
8
At First Sight (1999)
Directed by Irwin Winkler
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Those unfamiliar with this underrated melodrama might recognize the title from an episode of Friends, where Ross and Chandler compete about whose rented tuxedo is cooler. One of them was said to be worn at the premiere of this film, and while it’s not an actual part of the film’s history, it actually managed to keep its legacy alive in a way.
Seeing as Kilmer has not done all that many romantic films, this one certainly stands out among the ones he did. It’s worth seeing him in a more emotional and loving light.
The actual story is quite endearing and follows a visually impaired man who undergoes risky surgery to regain his sight. The emotional impact of seeing the world in a whole new way is explored in depth and challenges Virgil’s identity and challenges his relationship with Amy.
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At First Sight
PG-13
Drama
Romance
10/10
Release Date
January 15, 1999
Runtime
128 minutes
Cast
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Mira Sorvino
Amy Benic
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Val Kilmer
Virgil Adamson
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She was played by Mira Sorvino not long after her Oscar win. Despite their combined star power, the film did not do as well as expected at the box office or with critics. But, seeing as Kilmer has not done all that many romantic films, this one certainly stands out among the ones he did. It’s worth seeing him in a more emotional and loving light.
7
Wonderland (2003)
Directed by James Cox
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Val Kilmer enjoyed taking on some truly challenging roles and the one of John Holmes, a drug-addicted adult film star, is certainly one of his most troubled characters. The nonlinear series of events ties together some grisly murders, botched robberies, and the seedy dealings of the criminal underworld.
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It’s based on a shocking true story and is told from opposing perspectives, allowing viewers to see different views of the same events. The actor had been known for his more heroic roles and the darkness, gritty realism and disturbing subject matter paint him in a completely new light.
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Wonderland
R
Crime
Release Date
October 23, 2003
Runtime
104 minutes
Cast
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Dylan McDermott
David Lind
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Val Kilmer
John Holmes
-
Kate Bosworth
Dawn Schiller
-
Josh Lucas
Ron Launius
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The film’s subject matter makes it one that’s certainly not for everyone, but its storytelling and realism make it stand the test of time. The cast features some huge names, like Carrie Fisher and Lisa Kudrow, who were both associated with a more clean-cut image, so experiencing them in this world is also something quite unique. Kilmer’s performance in the integration room will stay with audiences long after the film ends.
6
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Directed by Stephen Hopkins
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If one were to read out the names Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas in the voice of a movie trailer narrator, it would feel like a smash-hit blockbuster in the making. But, this thrilling action-adventure did not manage to set the box office alight, despite some beautiful cinematography and thrilling human vs. beast rivalry. It tells the true story of two lions that would continuously attack a group of people working on the construction of a railway track.
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The Ghost and the Darkness
R
Thriller
Adventure
Action
Drama
Horror
History
8.5/10
Release Date
October 11, 1996
Runtime
109 Minutes
Cast
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Michael Douglas
Charles Remington
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Val Kilmer
Col. John Henry Patterson
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With the juxtaposition of nature and industry, the themes of the film challenge the two. While the hunters are set on killing these dangerous animals, questions arise about whether they should be in their territory in the first place. It’s based on a true story and leaves viewers with a lot of questions and musings at the end. The location is shown beautifully in a series of shots that focus on beautiful sunsets and sprawling landscapes, but the movie does not get talked about enough anymore.
5
Spartan (2004)
Directed by David Mamet
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This clever political thriller sees Val Kilmer embrace his action-hero side. He plays a very cool and restrained character who feels imposing and in control. He delivers Mamet’s razor-sharp dialog with a steely demeanor and deeply felt power. The mystery keeps viewers intrigued as Robert Scott falls deeper into the rabbit hole, trying to figure out who can be trusted. The lack of global success could be down to Mamet’s convoluted style, which does not necessarily resonate with a certain part of the action film demographic.
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Spartan
R
Action
Crime
Drama
Mystery
Thriller
Release Date
March 12, 2004
Runtime
106 minutes
Cast
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Val Kilmer
-
Tia Texada
-
Derek Luke
-
Jeremie Campbell
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It’s not just a series of mindless explosions and car chases, but rather a challenge to morality and expectation. The supporting cast features some notable names, like William H. Macy and a young Kristen Bell, but it is Kilmer who carries the film on his broad shoulders. Rotten Tomatoes has it at 65%, which feels right because while the film might not be for everyone, there is definitely a lot of potential.
4
The Missing (2003)
Directed by Ron Howard
Given the caliber of names involved, it is surprising how underrated this film really is. It was not a box office success, it did not dominate the awards circuit and seems to remain a hidden gem that only those who have discovered it can truly appreciate. Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones both star alongside Kilmer, and Ron Howard directed this Western thriller. There is a kidnapping, revenge, and a race against time.
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The Missing
R
Western
Thriller
Release Date
November 26, 2003
Runtime
137 minutes
Cast
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Tommy Lee Jones
-
Cate Blanchett
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Evan Rachel Wood
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Jenna Boyd
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All the elements of a great film are seemingly there. For those who enjoy a character-driven drama with some outstanding acting and a complex story at its center, The Missing should tick all the boxes. Val Kilmer is not a huge part of the film but makes an impact in the scenes he does have. Val Kilmer wrote his name in Western cinema history with Tombstone, but The Missing deserves some love too.
3
The Salton Sea (2002)
Directed by D.J. Caruso
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Another Val Kilmer project that sees him in the role of a drug-riddled member of the seedy underbelly of society. However, not all is as it seems in this powerful thriller that deals with themes of grief and revenge. The actor takes on two roles, one as an undercover agent who wants to avenge his wife’s brutal murder, and the other sees him thrive in a dark world that is meant to merely observe. He does a great job of bringing this character to life, constantly blurring the lines of reality and hallucination.
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The Salton Sea
R
Crime
Drama
Mystery
Thriller
8/10
Release Date
February 2, 2002
Runtime
103 minutes
Cast
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Val Kilmer
Tom Van Allen | Danny Parker
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Vincent D’Onofrio
Pooh-Bear
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It feels like he is at his career best as he brings so many players to this character, alongside a stellar cast that includes Vincent D’Onofrio, BD Wong, and Peter Sarsgaard. The film is violent, dirty, and heavy, but definitely worth seeing especially to see how far Kilmer was able to push himself. It’s clear that a nuanced noir film was something he enjoyed returning to, and it can be seen in his dedication to the craft.
2
Thunderheart (1992)
Directed by Michael Apted
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The story follows an FBI agent of mixed Sioux heritage who investigates a murder on Native American land. The sensitive subject matter is dealt with as best as it can for the year 1992, shedding light on the continuing issues between the settlers and the people who had lived on the South Dakota lands for centuries before.
It is a great film to watch to honor his memory, as he delivers one of his most memorable performances.
Val Kilmer’s character undergoes an identity awakening as he encounters the injustice and corruption that exists within a broken system. It’s an important story told very well, with a powerful mystery, and even more powerful character development.
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Thunderheart
R
Crime
Mystery
Thriller
Release Date
April 3, 1992
Runtime
119 minutes
Cast
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Sam Shepard
Frank Coutelle
-
Val Kilmer
Ray Levoi
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Graham Greene
Walter Crow Horse
-
Fred Ward
Jack Milton
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Sadly the film was not a big hit at the box office, but critics recognized its quality, and it currently holds a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. A lot of it has to do with the wonderful supporting cast and the standout lead role that Kilmer gave his all. It is a great film to watch to honor his memory, as he delivers one of his most memorable performances.
1
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Directed by Shane Black
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True Val Kilmer fans will not find this film underrated in any way, as they have most likely seen it multiple times and appreciate how brilliant it is. However, at the time of its release, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang certainly did not get its flowers, and it is not as widely known as similar films of the genre. This witty, sharp noir comedy allows the actor to create one of his most sensational performances. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer bring the banter to life in the most hilarious and biting way.
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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
R
Crime
Comedy
Mystery
8/10
Release Date
November 18, 2005
Runtime
103 minutes
Cast
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Robert Downey Jr.
-
Val Kilmer
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Probably too clever and ahead of its time, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang only just about broke even at the box office but has become a bona fide cult classic. The premise sees a deadpan detective try and coach a smart-mouthed petty thief who somehow manages to land a role in a Hollywood production. It’s a commentary on the film industry itself and does not shy away from biting sarcasm. While everybody puts in some fantastic performances, it is Val Kilmer as Gay Perry who steals the show.
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Category: Entertainment