Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic and talented actors, has left behind a body of work that spans multiple genres, from action-packed thrillers to heartfelt dramas. With his passing on April 2, 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit his incredible performances. Here are Val Kilmer’s 10 best movies currently available on streaming platforms, ranked in descending order.
10. The Doors (Prime Video)
Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors is nothing short of mesmerizing. His immersive performance as the legendary frontman of The Doors captures Morrison’s wild charisma and tragic downfall with eerie accuracy. His commitment to the role was so intense that even Morrison’s bandmates admitted they sometimes couldn’t tell the difference. If you’re a fan of classic rock and powerhouse performances, this is a must-watch.
A biographical depiction of 1960s rock band singer Jim Morrison aka the ‘Electric Poet’. Initially a film student, Morrison rose to fame as the band’s lead singer-songwriter but died at the age of 27.
9. Batman Forever (Available to Buy & Rent Online)
Say what you will about Batman Forever, but Kilmer’s turn as the Caped Crusader deserves more love. He brought a quiet intensity to Bruce Wayne while handling the campy 90s Gotham with ease. The film may not be the best in the Batman franchise, but Kilmer’s performance remains a highlight, standing tall amidst the neon-lit chaos of Joel Schumacher’s vision.
Batman must stop Two-Face, who seeks revenge from him after a courtroom accident leaves him disfigured on one side, and The Riddler, who wants to drain information from all the brains in Gotham.
8. Val (NOW TV)
Few documentaries are as personal and poignant as Val, a deeply moving reflection on Kilmer’s career and battle with throat cancer. Assembled from decades of home video footage, the documentary provides a rare, intimate glimpse into his life, struggles, and artistic journey. Watching it now, in the wake of his passing, makes it an even more emotional and essential experience.
A look at the daily life of actor Val Kilmer with never-before-seen images spanning forty years of his career.
7. Top Secret! (Paramount Plus)
One of Kilmer’s most underrated films, Top Secret! is a riotously funny spoof that combines The Naked Gun’s absurd humor with Cold War espionage antics. Playing an Elvis-style rock star thrown into a spy adventure, Kilmer showcases his comedic chops and musical talents in a way rarely seen in his later work. It’s a must-watch for fans of clever, off-the-wall comedy.
Nick Rivers, a highly successful rock star, travels to East Germany to perform at a cultural festival. After falling in love with an actress, he soon gets involved in a resistance movement.
6. The Saint (Paramount Plus / NOWTV)
Another overlooked gem, The Saint lets Kilmer flex his charm and versatility as master thief Simon Templar. With an arsenal of disguises and a blend of espionage, action, and romance, this 90s thriller may not have hit the heights of James Bond, but Kilmer’s performance elevates it to cult-classic status. A reminder that, given the right material, he could do just about anything.
Simon, a thief and a master of disguise, is hired by the Russian mafia to steal a priceless cold fusion formula from a scientist, Emma. But he deviates from his plans after he falls in love with Emma.
5. Willow (Disney+ / ITVX)
A fan-favorite fantasy epic, Willow saw Kilmer embrace swashbuckling adventure as the roguish Madmartigan. His charisma and humor make him the standout of the film, delivering iconic lines with a devil-may-care attitude. With the recent Willow series reigniting interest in the franchise, now’s the perfect time to revisit Kilmer’s scene-stealing performance.
Willow, a farmer, is entrusted with the task of delivering Elora, a princess who is destined to defeat the evil Queen Bavmorda, to the humans to keep her safe. However, he faces a lot of obstacles.
4. The Prince of Egypt (NOW TV)
Kilmer lent his voice to not one but two pivotal roles in DreamWorks’ stunning animated masterpiece The Prince of Egypt. As both Moses and the voice of God, Kilmer brought weight and humanity to the biblical epic, making it one of the most emotionally powerful animated films ever made. The breathtaking animation and soaring soundtrack only enhance his already commanding vocal performance.
Moses, a prince of Egypt, flees the country when he discovers his Hebrew origins. After a few years, he has an encounter with God who tells him to free the Hebrew slaves and lead them to Canaan.
3. Top Gun (Netflix / Paramount Plus)
As the cocky and confident Iceman, Kilmer cemented his place in pop culture history with Top Gun. His legendary rivalry (and eventual bromance) with Tom Cruise’s Maverick remains one of the most iconic dynamics in 80s cinema. With Top Gun: Maverick proving how much love remains for these characters, revisiting the original film feels more essential than ever.
After losing his friend, top pilot Maverick is given a second chance to redeem himself. He struggles to be at his best and also gets romantically involved with his civilian instructor, Charlie.
2. Heat (Disney+)
Michael Mann’s Heat is a crime thriller masterpiece, and Kilmer’s portrayal of expert marksman Chris Shiherlis is an unforgettable part of its legacy. Sharing the screen with legends like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, Kilmer more than holds his own, bringing depth and vulnerability to his hardened criminal. The action is flawless, the tension unbearable, and the performances – Kilmer’s included – are nothing short of legendary.
McCauley, a professional thief, hopes to pull off one last heist before he retires. However, he is under the constant surveillance of a police detective, Hanna, who tries to thwart his plan.
1. Tombstone (Disney+ / Channel 4)
“I’ll be your Huckleberry.” With that one line, Kilmer etched himself into cinematic history as the effortlessly cool and dangerously witty Doc Holliday in Tombstone. His portrayal of the infamous gunslinger is nothing short of iconic, stealing every scene he’s in with razor-sharp delivery and a tragic undercurrent of mortality. Whether you’re watching for the action, the drama, or just Kilmer’s magnetic presence, Tombstone is the definitive Val Kilmer experience.
Wyatt lives a difficult life, always dealing with outlaws. He moves to Tombstone, Arizona, to finally relax, but he runs into the Cowboys and must bring peace back to the town.
Val Kilmer’s career was filled with unforgettable performances, and these 10 films showcase just how diverse and brilliant he was as an actor. While there are other notable entries (The less said about The Island of Dr. Moreau, the better), these films ensure that his legacy will live on for generations.
Which of these will you be streaming first?
