Nicolas Cage: The Ultimate Ranking of His Most Unforgettable Performances

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Over four and a half decades, Nicolas Cage’s acting career has shown remarkable versatility, spanning numerous roles such as a newcomer in Hollywood seeking to break free from the shadows of nepotism, an independent cinema favorite, a rebellious artist with a cause, an action movie star, a staple on video-on-demand platforms, and a balanced performer who excels both in indie and commercial projects. Despite bearing the famous surname Coppola, Cage has consistently refused to be confined to any specific category.

Throughout his career, Nicolas Cage has consistently reinvented himself, leaving viewers in a state of perpetual guesswork about his on-screen persona. As soon as audiences feel they’ve figured out the ‘Nicolas Cage character’, he abruptly alters direction. His acting talent is vast and versatile, sometimes leaving spectators bewildered, leading to his frequent appearance in memes and YouTube videos. While these can be amusing, they often oversimplify or trivialize his work, which has led some younger critics to label him as a “poor actor.

However, Nicholas Cage’s understanding of acting extends to his roots in silent films and theater, which gives him a unique on-screen bravery that can sometimes be off-putting for critics and viewers. Yet, despite being in movies that fell short, Cage has never given a “bad” performance. Essentially, Nicholas Cage is nothing more than an actor, embodying all the aspects that term implies.

As a devoted fan, I was left speechless and somewhat taken aback, yet not in an uncomfortable way, by Nicolas Cage’s recent roles – as Longlegs in Oz Perkins’ eponymous film of 2024 and as the titular character in Lorcan Finnegan’s Surfer. It’s incredible to see this legendary actor continue to captivate audiences with his talent, especially when his performances have led him to star in the highest-grossing indie film of the year!

With anticipation building for his next project, it seems fitting to reminisce about some of Nicolas Cage’s most memorable roles. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and appreciate the brilliance that is Nicolas Cage.

  • Wild at Heart (1990)

    It might come as a shock that Nicolas Cage and David Lynch collaborated just once, but their collaboration in “Wild at Heart” is an unforgettable spectacle. In this film, based on Barry Gifford’s novel, Cage plays Sailor Ripley, a character who wears a snakeskin jacket influenced by Elvis and embodies nonchalance. Alongside his partner Lula (Laura Dern), Sailor breaks parole and flees from California to Texas. Their journey across the American Southwest is punctuated by encounters with Lula’s mother, Marrietta (Diane Ladd), who is hired to eliminate Sailor. Cage delivers a captivating performance in this role, one that echoes Marlon Brando in “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951) and captures certain aspects of mid-20th century masculinity, yet simultaneously deconstructs these qualities as Sailor’s rebellious actions and self-centeredness consistently give way to Lula and genuine romance.

    • Face/Off (1997)

    It’s impossible not to be impressed by Cage’s skill in delivering big, intense performances and leaving no stone unturned, which is exactly what he does in John Woo’s movie “Face/Off” as a hired terrorist named Castor Troy. When FBI Agent Sean Archer (played by John Travolta) goes through an experimental medical procedure to swap faces with Troy to get information about the location of a bomb, Troy recovers from a coma without his face and decides to wear Archer’s face instead. This crazy idea offers both actors, who are known for their bold decisions, a chance to mimic each other’s mannerisms and vocal tics, playing two characters in a single film. From the very first scene, where Troy is disguised as a Priest, Cage brings a wild, uncontrolled energy to the role. Although he’s not typically known for playing villains, Cage enjoys this opportunity, and even when playing the heroic Archer, he doesn’t shy away from embracing the intense quality that Travolta brings to Archer at the start of the film.

    Longlegs (2024)

    In Oz Perkins’ latest horror film, titled “Longlegs,” Nicolas Cage portrays a chilling serial killer. Unlike his previous devilish roles, this time he delivers a disquieting spectral presence that clashes with FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe). His voice, eerily reminiscent of Tiny Tim’s but with a sinister twist, and his heavily enhanced facial features create an unsettling image. This character seems to appear omnipresent, yet it is the appearance of Longlegs that would incite fear in anyone, regardless of who played the role.

    In Cage’s portrayal, Longlegs’ character is humanized by a scene where he visits a local hardware store and encounters a teen who views him as odd rather than scary. This interaction reveals Longlegs’ vulnerability, suggesting a fragile masculinity that belies his power. It hints at his mortality, reminding us that beneath the serial killer facade lies possibly a former aspiring rockstar enamored with T. Rex and the occult, who may have stumbled upon evil and become its servant. Despite his horrifying actions and the secrets they conceal, this perspective makes him seem less intimidating and more understandable.

  • Dream Scenario (2023)

    As a gamer diving into Kristoffer Borgli’s mind-bending black comedy horror game, I find myself in the shoes of Paul Matthews, an unremarkable evolutionary biology professor. At first, I’m popping up in people’s dreams in amusing and peculiar ways, but soon enough, these dreams transform into harrowing nightmares.

    In this dream world, I get a chance to express myself through various impressionistic forms that take the shape of sketches within the dreamscape. Meanwhile, reality sees Paul transitioning from an ordinary Joe to a celebrated figure, then a menacing monster, and eventually, a forgotten outcast with no place left to hide. It’s quite the rollercoaster ride!

    Nicolas Cage delivers a poignant and sincere portrayal in this role, and while the movie has its humorous moments, especially during the dream sequences, Cage never trivializes the character of Paul Mathew. A scene where Paul attempts an affair with a young intern at the marketing firm leads to an embarrassing sequence of flatulence and premature ejaculation, which is arguably the most cringeworthy and uncomfortable moment in the film. This scene, which could easily be a typical frat-bro comedy moment, becomes a raw depiction of human vulnerability thanks to Cage’s acting, a depth rarely explored or appreciated in many films. By the movie’s end, it is safe to label Paul Mathew as one of Cage’s most moving roles.

    • Moonstruck (1987)

    Despite not frequently being associated with romantic comedies, it’s worth noting that Nicolas Cage made a significant mark in one of Hollywood’s top rom-coms, “Moonstruck.” Directed by Norman Jewison, this film features Cage as Ronny Cammareri, an Italian-American baker who develops feelings for his estranged brother’s fiancé, Loretta Castorini, portrayed by Cher. What sets “Moonstruck” apart is its unconventional nature and the depth of the characters, Loretta and Ronny, who are more than just attractive faces spouting typical romantic lines. Instead, they are complex individuals, raw, emotional, and burdened with anger and past grievances. This isn’t a story about young love but rather mature lovers who have experienced heartbreak. Yet, despite the tragedy, “Moonstruck” maintains a unique sense of humor. Even Ronny’s personal tragedy – losing his hand to a bread slicer after a dispute with his brother and being left by his wife – is humorously portrayed, not in a laugh-out-loud way, but in the realization that our main characters had idiosyncrasies, could be melancholic, self-deprecating, and sometimes appeared homeless.

    Mandy (2018)

    In this phase of his acting career, Nicholas Cage was mostly known for appearing in numerous independent films and providing voiceovers for several animated productions. This came after a series of financial and critical failures in Hollywood. Although his non-Hollywood live-action roles had minimal cultural impact, Panos Cosmatos’ film “Mandy” rekindled conversations about Cage and even changed the narrative. Despite “Mandy” not being a box office success, it developed a devoted fanbase and, among horror enthusiasts and cinephiles, proved that Cage’s talent was more than just internet memes. For a specific group of viewers, “Mandy,” along with the 2018 film “Mom and Dad,” reignited fascination with Cage Rage, which gained popularity from the viral YouTube video titled “Nicolas Cages Losing His Shit” by Harry Hanrahan.

    In the movie “Mandy,” Tom Cage delivers a raw and sometimes comically extreme portrayal of Red Miller, a man seeking vengeance against a cult and their biker gang who murdered his wife, Mandy (played by Andrea Riseborough). Despite its fantastical and dreamlike elements, the film is fundamentally about Red’s grief. This is evident when Red, overwhelmed with sorrow, drinks an entire bottle of vodka after the brutal murder of his wife. Even in the movie’s most bizarre moments, Cage’s powerful emotional range, particularly his unrestrained and unfiltered pain, keeps the story grounded in reality.

  • Vampire’s Kiss (1988)

    Speaking of unsettling expressions of unrestrained emotions, let’s discuss Robert Bierman’s film “Vampire’s Kiss“, where Nicolas Cage portrays his most eccentric character yet as Peter Loew, a man who thinks he’s transformed into a vampire after an encounter. Prior to this belief, Loew is depicted as a reprehensible, self-centered, misogynistic literary agent, characterized by his narcissism and self-absorption. As his fantasies of a one-night stand with a vampire, Rachel (Jennifer Beals), unfold, his behavior becomes increasingly delusional. His therapist, Dr. Glaser (Elizabeth Ashley), tries to offer some rationalization for Peter’s hallucinations, such as an incident involving a bat he can no longer recall. However, instead of seeking help, Peter embraces his delusion, existing in both the real and fictitious worlds. His conviction that he is a vampire provides him an outlet for the depravity that was already within him.

    The story starts with Peter’s consumption of insects, which leads to a progression of disturbing behaviors towards his secretary Alva (María Conchita Alonso), culminating in an attempted rape. A later event finds Peter adorning fake vampire teeth and brutally attacking a woman at a nightclub by tearing out her throat. Johnny Cage portrays Peter as a manic-depressive character, tormented by extreme mood swings that swing between hedonism and suicidal tendencies. Cage skillfully makes this pitiful character captivating to watch. In the third act, as Peter stumbles through the streets of New York City begging for someone to end his life, it’s challenging not to feel sympathy towards him, but Cage gives the character such depth that you reluctantly want him to survive.

  • Raising Arizona (1987)

    In the regional crime comedy by the Coen brothers titled “Raising Arizona“, Nicolas Cage portrays Hi McDunnough, a kind-hearted yet sometimes foolish character. Hi and his wife Ed (played by Holly Hunter) long to start their own family, but due to Ed’s infertility and Hi’s criminal history, they struggle to conceive or adopt. As a result, they devise a plan to steal one of the quintuplets born to local business tycoon Nathan Arizona (Trey Wilson) and his spouse. However, Hi is tempted back into a life of crime by his old associates, while also feeling the pull of the responsibilities that come with love, marriage, and parenthood. Meanwhile, the formidable bounty hunter Leonard Smalls (Randall “Tex” Cobb) pursues them relentlessly, determined to return the stolen baby to Nathan Arizona using any methods necessary.

    In an unusual style filled with magical realism and absurdity, the Coens manage to evoke genuine empathy for characters Hi and Ed. It’s important to note that they aren’t portrayed as villains; instead, Nicolas Cage and Tom Waits brilliantly convey their inherent goodness. They are essentially dreamers, and this vulnerability is beautifully exploited by the actors. One of the most impactful scenes in Cage’s career is his heartfelt monologue about dreams at the end of the film, delivered with a touching blend of human authenticity and hopefulness.

  • Bringing Out the Dead (1999)

    Martin Scorsese’s film “Bringing Out the Dead” takes viewers on a harrowing journey through the streets of New York City, depicting a nightmarish version of hell. In this role, Nicolas Cage portrays Frank Pierce, a paramedic who is pushed to the edge of madness by his depression, insomnia, and the fact that he hasn’t been able to save anyone for three long months. Over the course of three nights, Pierce works alongside Larry (John Goodman), a hopeful and ambitious colleague; Marcus (Ving Rhames), a religious man; and Tom (Tom Sizemore), a volatile and unstable individual, as they respond to overdoses, suicides, and cardiac arrests that significantly impact Pierce’s daily life.

    Tormented by the spirits of those he couldn’t rescue, Pierce seeks comfort in the presence of an ex-addict named Mary (Patricia Arquette). The movie Bringing Out the Dead portrays Pierce as a tormented savior, much like Christ after his time in Hell, who has dedicated his life to helping others but yearns for redemption. Nicolas Cage powerfully depicts the worn-out, stooped, and almost skeletal Pierce, who appears to be death personified. Every glance and word radiates fatigue, and this exhaustion extends beyond the screen, making viewers feel a sense of relief when he finally gets some rest, as if a burden has been lifted from us all.

    • Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

    Leonardo DiCaprio’s Academy Award-winning portrayal is truly captivating. However, it poignantly encapsulates the devastation of self-destruction. The film directed by Mike Figgis, adapted from the semi-autobiographical novel of John O’Brien, features DiCaprio as screenwriter Ben Sanderson. After losing his job, family, and friends due to his alcoholism, Ben decides to travel to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. In Las Vegas, Ben develops a friendship with a prostitute named Sera (Elisabeth Shue). They make an agreement where he won’t criticize her profession and she won’t urge him to stop drinking.

    In the movie, the pair’s charming bond adds a touch of lightheartedness, but it becomes evident that despite growing feelings for each other, nothing will deter Ben from his self-destructive journey, and Sera cannot prevent him from carrying out his intentions. Cage delivers a stellar performance as Ben, infusing humor, wisdom, and compassion into the character, making his self-destruction all the more poignant, despite its predictable outcome. Cage skillfully portrays a fully realized human being who is perpetually drunk yet fragile enough to be endearing, but one we, like Sera, cannot afford to place too much faith in.

    Pig (2021)

    Initially, when the movie Pig was introduced, its plot summary of a lone truffle hunter pursuing his abducted foraging pig seemed reminiscent of the action-packed style of John Wick. Thus, it’s understandable that viewers might have anticipated a Cage Rage-style B-movie. However, director Michael Sarnoski’s Pig is far from this. Instead, it offers a thoughtful exploration of themes like love, loss, and creativity. Nicolas Cage delivers one of his best performances as Rob, a former renowned chef who secluded himself in the woods following his wife’s death. This role is particularly meaningful to Cage, being both his personal favorite and the film he most desires audiences to watch. So, what makes a truffle hunter teaming up with a young, presumptuous restaurant supplier, Amir (played by Alex Wolff), so captivating? As Rob puts it, “We don’t have many things worth caring about.

    Sarnoski views life not as something owned by others, but as a genuine journey filled with meaningful experiences that matter. For Rob, his pig was significant because it helped him preserve the love for his wife and maintain connections with people, even at a distance. This theme is further developed in “A Quiet Pace: Day One“. By acknowledging life’s transience, Rob offers insights into what remains and how we are remembered. It’s no wonder that “Pig” is Cage’s favorite piece, as it embodies the artistic pursuit and creation of lasting impacts through performances – ideals that align with Cage’s aspirations. Even in the face of challenges, this ideal resonates strongly with one of our most extraordinary and unforgettable performers.

  • Adaptation (2002)

    In a meta-comedy by Spike Jonze titled Adaptation, Nicolas Cage offers an outstanding dual performance as the troubled, introverted screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his fictional twin brother Donald. While Charlie grapples with depression, social anxiety, and a desire to reject conventional screenwriting in adapting Susan Orlean’s book The Orchid Thief, Donald confidently embraces the tropes of storytelling, finding great success. Cage expertly portrays the nuances and quirks that distinguish each character, preventing Donald from devolving into a caricature of Charlie. This masterful blend of acting, direction, and writing is a testament to the creative minds behind the film.

    Although Charlie and Donald are polar opposites, there’s a grain of truth in Donald’s thought process that makes him impersonate Charlie to interview Susan Orlean (portrayed by Meryl Streep). This unusual scenario leads to the adaptation of “The Orchid Thief” through Hollywood lenses, transforming Orlean’s real-life book into a highly fictionalized tale about her character having a clandestine love affair with the orchid thief, John Laroche (Chris Cooper). This film version uses the flowers as ingredients for a mind-bending drug. The narrative and tone of this movie are complex and challenging for an actor to portray. However, Nicolas Cage effortlessly navigates these waters, establishing an emotional bond between the two characters, which in reality represents Charlie Kaufman grappling with his own desires and apprehensions as a writer.

    Toward the end, Donald Cage as a character delivers a profound statement that serves as an inspiring motto for artists: “You are defined by what you love, not by what loves you.” Undeniably, in the face of accolades, criticisms, and external pressures, Nicolas Cage clearly embodies this truth.

    As the story comes to a close, Donald Cage’s character delivers a powerful line that resonates deeply with artists: “You are defined by what you love, not by what loves you.” It’s evident that Nicolas Cage lives by this philosophy, as he navigates through praise, criticism, and external expectations.

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2025-05-24 19:26