Nicholas Cage is known for his versatility as an actor, appearing in a wide variety of films throughout his career. You could even say that he has become somewhat infamous for taking on just about any role that is put before him.
However, some underrated movies are often overlooked. From the action thriller Snake eyes to the dark comedy-drama The weathermanare these films well worth checking out for both fans of Cage and anyone looking for a hidden gem in the cinema.
10 Snake Eyes (1998)
Snake eyes is an action thriller directed by Brian De Palma and starring Nicolas Cage as Rick Santoro, a corrupt Atlantic City police detective. The film follows Santoro as he becomes embroiled in a web of corruption and murder as he investigates the murder of a high-profile US cabinet member during a boxing match. The film is known for its stylized imagery, tense, suspenseful atmosphere, and Cage’s intense performance as the morally contradictory Santoro. Snake eyes also features appearances by Gary Sinise, John Heard and Carla Gugino.
Despite mixed reviews upon release, the film has since gained a following for its stylish direction and Cage’s over-the-top portrayal of Santoro. With a twisty plot and lots of action, Snake eyes is a gripping thriller that will keep audiences captivated.
9 Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Leaving Las Vegas is a drama film directed by Mike Figgis and starring Nicolas Cage and Elizabeth Shue. The film tells the story of Ben Sanderson, a Hollywood screenwriter who hit rock bottom due to alcoholism. He decides to move to Las Vegas where he plans to drink himself to death. On the way, he meets and falls in love with a prostitute named Sera. Leaving Las Vegas is a powerful and emotionally charged film that delves into the complexities of addiction and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
Cage won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ben, and Shue received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film also received nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
8 joe (2013)
Joe is a drama film directed by David Gordon Green and starring Nicolas Cage. The film tells the story of a hard-drinking ex-con named Joe (Nicolas Cage) who befriends a young man named Gary (Tye Sheridan) and takes him under his wing. As Joe helps Gary navigate the harsh realities of life in their small, poverty-stricken town, he begins to confront his past traumas and contemplate a change for the better.
Upon release, the film received critical acclaim, with many praising Cage’s raw and powerful performance. Cage’s portrayal of Joe as a complex and flawed character was particularly praised. Joe is a gritty and emotional film that explores themes of fatherhood, friendship and the human capacity for change. It’s a movie that will make you think long after the credits roll.
7 Lord of War (2005)
Lord of War is a 2005 crime drama film that tells the story of an international arms dealer, played by Nicolas Cage, and his rise to power in the shadowy world of arms trafficking. Directed by Andrew Niccol, the film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its strong performance while others argued that it was too scattered in its plot. Despite this, audiences were drawn to the film’s gripping storyline, and it was a box office success, grossing over $72 million worldwide.
The film received a Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking from the National Board of Review, USA. Lord of War is a powerful, suspenseful and thought-provoking film that explores the complex and morally ambiguous world of arms trading and is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
6 Men’s Matchstick (2003)
Match stick men is a crime comedy-drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman. The story follows con artist Roy Waller, played by Cage, as he struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and the return of his estranged daughter, Angela, played by Lohman. Together they plan a big con, but as the stakes get higher, Roy’s mental state deteriorates and he must confront his past and relationships. Match stick men is a smart and captivating film that offers a unique take on the crime genre and features strong performances from the talented cast. With its unique blend of humor and drama, Match stick men is an exciting and thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of human nature.
Cage and Rockwell’s performances are particularly notable for skillfully navigating the film’s tonal shifts and lending depth to their characters. The film’s depiction of OCD has also been praised for its accuracy and sensitivity. Match stick men is well worth checking out if you are a fan of crime movies or looking for a unique and entertaining movie experience.
5 The Weatherman (2005)
The weatherman is a drama film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Nicolas Cage as David Spritz, a successful weatherman and family man struggling to connect with his loved ones and find meaning in his life. As he struggles to cope with the pressures of his job and the expectations of his family and friends, David begins to question everything he thought he knew about himself and his place in the world. With a powerful performance from Cage and an intriguing story that explores themes of identity, family and the search for happiness, The weatherman is a powerful and moving film. So if you’re looking for a movie that makes you think, feel and question the meaning of life, this is the perfect movie for you.
4 The Rock (1996)
The stone is an action thriller film directed by Michael Bay and starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris. The film follows a group of elite US government agents who are sent to infiltrate Alcatraz Island and stop a group of rogue marines who have taken control of the island and its deadly arsenal. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $335 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound. The film features intense action sequences, thrilling suspense and a high stakes plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The talented cast and the director’s signature style make for a thrilling and unforgettable movie experience. Widely regarded as one of the best action movies of the 1990s, The Rock is still loved by audiences for its thrilling action sequences and star-studded cast.
3 Bad Lieutenant: New Orleans Port of Call (2009)
Bad Lieutenant: New Orleans port of call is a gritty crime thriller directed by Werner Herzog and starring Nicolas Cage. Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, the film follows the story of a corrupt and drug-addicted police lieutenant, Terence McDonagh (Nicolas Cage), who becomes embroiled in a series of dangerous and violent investigations.
As McDonagh sinks deeper and deeper into his addictions and moral decay, he must face the darkness within himself to solve the case and bring justice to the city. With a powerful and raw performance from Cage, Bad Lieutenant: New Orleans port of call is a mesmerizing and unforgettable film that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche and the corruption within the criminal justice system. It’s a must-watch for crime drama fans and those interested in exploring complex moral issues on the big screen.
2 Adaptation (2002)
Amendment is an American comedy-drama film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film stars Nicolas Cage as twin brothers, both struggling screenwriters, one of whom is a highly successful commercial writer and the other a failing writer of literary adaptations. The film’s plot is a satirical reflection on the struggle to transform a non-fiction book into a Hollywood movie, as well as the themes of identity, creativity, and the nature of adaptation itself.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep. It’s a witty, clever, self-referential film that explores the creative process of turning a book into a movie. The film is a must-see for all film buffs and anyone interested in the creative process of filmmaking.
1 Valley Girl (1983)
Valley girl is a romantic comedy directed by Martha Coolidge, starring Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman. The film tells the story of a Hollywood punk rocker and a preppy San Fernando Valley girl who fall in love despite the disapproval of their friends and family. Set in the 1980s, the movie features a great soundtrack of 1980s new wave and punk rock music. Valley girl was a commercial success and helped launch the careers of Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman.
The film also featured performances by other notable actors such as Michael Bowen and Elizabeth Daily. It’s a fun and nostalgic trip back to the 80’s and a must-watch for fans of 80’s romantic comedies and nostalgia. Valley girl is a perfect mix of romance, humor and 80s nostalgia, making it a movie that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.