Val Kilmer’s 10 Most Underrated Movies

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.

10

Kill Me Again (1989)

Directed by John Dahl

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.

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

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.

Related

10 Most Iconic Characters Of Val Kilmer’s Career

Val Kilmer played some iconic and memorable characters who will forever be cherished by fans of the actor and his movies.

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.

The Snowman

4/10

Release Date

October 20, 2017

Runtime

119minutes

• 
  
• 
  

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

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.

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.

At First Sight

Release Date

January 15, 1999

Runtime

128 minutes

• 
  
• 
  

  Val Kilmer

  Virgil Adamson

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

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.

Related

Val Kilmer’s Iceman Return In Top Gun: Maverick Was The Biggest Reason The Movie Worked So Brilliantly

The late, great Val Kilmer only appears in one scene from Top Gun: Maverick, but it is this moment that lingers longest in the memories of viewers.

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.

Wonderland

Release Date

October 23, 2003

Runtime

104 minutes

• 
  

  Dylan McDermott

  David Lind

• 
  
• 
  

  Kate Bosworth

  Dawn Schiller

• 
  

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

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.

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

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.

Spartan

Release Date

March 12, 2004

Runtime

106 minutes

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.

The Missing

Release Date

November 26, 2003

Runtime

137 minutes

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Thunderheart

Release Date

April 3, 1992

Runtime

119 minutes

• 
  

  Sam Shepard

  Frank Coutelle

• 
  
• 
  

  Graham Greene

  Walter Crow Horse

• 
  

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

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.

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.