5 Great Val Kilmer Movies That Are Seriously Underrated
Val Kilmer is one of those actors you really can’t forget even when they pass on. Just like Heath Ledger and Brandon Lee, Kilmer became a hero in his own right much in part due to his role as Batman in Batman Forever. Yet, he managed to stand out of that state with movies like Top Gun, Heat, The Prince of Egypt, and much more. If there’s ever one thing for certain, Kilmer left a lasting impact on the film and television industry, and that’s a fact.
However, even amidst his most popular films, there are a few that lurk within Kilmer’s filmography that are heavily underrated to this day. Though some of them may not be as known or as big as others, they have the potential to become cult classics as with others in the past. Here are the best 5 Val Kilmer movies that are very underrated!
1. Kill the Irishman (2011)
Kilmer is undoubtedly a really great action star, but there was something about 2011’s Kill the Irishman that seemed to hit harder than others. Here, Kilmer stars as Detective Joe Manditski, who seeks to undo the corruption of real-life criminal Danny Greene in the 1960s.
The biographical action flick, while having developmental problems of its own, is one to be remembered for its amazing cast. With the likes of Ahsoka’s Ray Stevenson and Daredevil: Born Again’s Vincent D’Onofrio also featured, Kilmer proves that he’s got the skills capable to play powerful characters in autobiographical films.
Where to stream: Hoopla, Plex, Prime Video, Starz, Tubi
2. Felon (2008)
While Felon went straight to video, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t an enjoyable experience. In fact, Kilmer delivers a very solid performance, alongside True Detective’s Stephen Dorff, in this prison film based on the events that took place in the 1990s in the California State Prison in Corcoran.
Felon’s plot is as straightforward as you can imagine, with Kilmer portraying the tough John Smith as the two work together to expose the prison violence occurring during their sentences. Sure, the film might present a stereotypical vision of what prison life looks like. Fortunately, there are a few hints of depth and brevity to some characters that work in tandem with Kilmer and Dorff’s performances to make the film entertaining.
Where to stream: Fubo, Roku, Tubi
3. Thunderheart (1992)
Thunderheart is certainly one of those classic films, like Tombstone, that cemented Kilmer’s acting career as one of the greats. The 1990s filled Kilmer’s filmography with iconic roles and his role as agent Ray Levoi really shined due in part to the film’s take on the unique events of the 1973 Wounded Knee incident.
Alongside the likes of Sam Shepard and The Last of Us’s Graham Greene, Kilmer’s performance was undeniably intense. His chemistry with Shepard’s agent Frank Coutelle certainly makes for one of the most incredible watches that many should look back on alongside Kilmer’s more popular films.
Available to rent on Google Play, Amazon Video, Apple TV
4. Spartan (2004)
2004’s Spartan brought a new shade of acting to Kilmer’s methodology as the political thriller brought his action and dramatic chops together. Kilmer stars as Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert John Scott, who’s tasked with rescuing the captured daughter of the United States president. To put it simply, think Taken meets The Manchurian Candidate.
Kilmer is joined by a flurry of stars, from Kristen Bell to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Clark Gregg, in presenting a thrilling story with a ton of action. While its plot may be conventional, the character writing is pretty great as you don’t know what to fully expect. If you’re looking for a packed movie with Kilmer at the helm, then Spartan may be just for you.
Where to stream: Hoopla
5. The Salton Sea (2002)
The Salton Sea may have had an initial limited release, but it left something for audiences to really chew on. With Kilmer taking the spotlight as the somewhat-insane Danny Parker/Tom Van Allen, he truly delivers one of the most compelling performances as he essentially plays two different characters with two opposite lives.
Once again, Kilmer is joined by the likes of D’Onofrio, Adam Goldberg, and Luis Guzmán, but there’s something about its choppy narrative style that stuck with audiences. As such, this makes The Salton Sea one of those Kilmer films that should be up there as one of the actor’s most memorable movies.
Available to rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.