Remembering Val Kilmer: His 5 Greatest Movies of All Time

The death of American actor Val Kilmer, known for his compelling performances and dedication to his craft, has been confirmed.

According to his daughter Mercedes, the icon passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 65, following a short battle with pneumonia.

Throughout his illustrious career in Hollywood, Kilmer played different characters, leaving an indelible mark in the film industry. To honor his legacy, here are five of his most memorable films that showcased his acting prowess.

Surprisingly, Val Kilmer never wanted to appear in Top Gun as he considered it a "silly," "warmongering" film. However, he later reversed his decision and saw his career move to the next level.

Kilmer said in his 2020 memoir, "I'm Your Huckleberry," "I didn't want the part. I didn't care about the film. The story didn't interest me. My agent, who also represented Tom Cruise, basically tortured me into at least meeting Tony Scott, saying he was one of the hottest directors in town."

In the 1986 movie, the actor portrayed the confident and competitive fighter pilot Iceman. His rivalry with Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, created some of the movie's most exciting moments.

Kilmer's character garnered a big fan base, all thanks to Iceman's calm attitude and slicked-back hair, a perfect contrast to Maverick's wild nature.

Even decades after the film aired, fans still remember Kilmer's favorite line, "You can be my wingman anytime."

His epic portrayal of Iceman made him a star and helped "Top Gun" become one of the most loved action movies ever. In 2022, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman in "Top Gun: Maverick."

Playing a real person can be difficult, but Kilmer took on the job in the 1991 movie, "The Doors," as he completely transformed into Rock Legend Jim Morrison.

Val Kilmer didn't just look the part; he moved, sang, and even talked like Morrison, making it difficult for fans to distinguish his voice from the rocker's.

Kilmer's performance captured the famous musician's deep struggles and wild energy, reportedly leaving Morrison's former bandmates amazed at how real it felt.

Two years after appearing in The Doors, Val Kilmer played Doc Holliday in "Tombstone."

In the film, the late actor portrayed a gambler and gunfighter who stood by his best friend, Wyatt Earp.

Despite being weak and sick in the movie, Kilmer's character, Holliday, was full of wit, charm, and humor. His one-liners like "I'm your Huckleberry" became legendary, and he stole every scene he was in.

Kilmer's performance was so powerful that, to this day, critics and fans still consider it the best portrayal of Doc Holliday in film history.

His ability to mix humor, intelligence, and vulnerability made his character truly unforgettable.

Not everyone can pull off the role of Batman, but Kilmer brought a fresh and memorable take on "Batman Forever."

Following Michael Keaton's departure from the role, Kilmer stepped in and gave audiences a new version of Bruce Wayne and the Dark Knight.

He balanced the character's serious and heroic sides while adding depth and emotion.

Val Kilmer's character's chemistry with Nicole Kidman's Dr. Chase Meridian and his interactions with Chris O'Donnell's Robin made the film stand out.

Although the actor's performance was praised for bringing a mix of charm and mystery to the role, Kilmer admitted that it wasn't easy at first.

"It was frustrating until I realized that my role in the film was just to shut up and stand where I was told," he said in the documentary, "Val."

Many years later, fans still debate whether Kilmer was one of the best Batman actors. However, there is no denying that his portrayal of the Caped Crusader left a lasting impression.

Kilmer played Chris Shiherlis, a skilled but troubled thief in "Heat," regarded as one of the greatest crime movies ever made.

He starred alongside movie legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, delivering an emotional performance that made his character just as important as the two leads.

Kilmer's character wasn't just about action. He also showed the struggles of a man trying to balance his dangerous job with his personal life.

Even though Kilmer wasn't the main character, his role was unforgettable and added great depth to the story. The actor described working with the cast and director as "pure joy."

Val Kilmer gave fans many unforgettable performances, and these five movies testify to his incredible talent. He had a special way of making every role his own, bringing heart, humor, and depth to each character.

Though he may be gone, his movies will continue inspiring and entertaining people for years. His legacy as one of Hollywood's most talented actors will never be forgotten.