Six Nicolas Cage Films Every True Fan Should See
Nicolas Cage turns 62 this January, and his career is a wild ride through genres and unforgettable roles. Think you know his best work? These six films might just surprise you.
On 7 January 2026, Nicolas Cage celebrates his 62nd birthday—a milestone for an actor whose career has been anything but predictable. While many younger viewers might first recall his turn as the flaming-skulled antihero, Cage’s body of work is a patchwork of eccentric choices, bold performances, and a style he’s dubbed “Nouveau Shamanic.” He’s never been one for half-measures, preferring to fully inhabit his roles, sometimes to the point of living alone in a haunted castle or taking on parts that defy easy categorisation. If you consider yourself a proper fan, these six films are essential viewing.
Ghost Rider: The Devil’s Bargain
For a certain generation, Cage is forever linked to Johnny Blaze, the daredevil who makes a pact with the Devil and pays dearly for it. Released in 2007, this Marvel adaptation predates the MCU’s dominance and offers a darker, more earnest take on comic book material. Cage’s Blaze is a man torn between guilt and redemption, a stuntman by day and a vengeful spirit by night. The film’s critical reception was less than glowing, but his performance as Ghost Rider remains a cult favourite, with fans still clamouring for his return to the role.
Pig: Quiet Grief in the Woods
When word got out that Cage would star in a film about a man searching for his stolen pig, many braced themselves for another wild ride. Instead, Pig delivers a subdued, deeply felt meditation on loss and the culinary world. Cage’s Rob, a truffle hunter living in isolation, is a far cry from his more unhinged characters. The film’s quiet intensity and refusal to play to expectations allow Cage to show a side rarely seen—restrained, mournful, and quietly powerful. It’s a performance that upends the stereotype of Cage as Hollywood’s wild man.
Face/Off: Swapping Identities
Few films capture the sheer audacity of Cage’s approach quite like Face/Off. Here, he and John Travolta play a terrorist and an FBI agent who literally swap faces, leading to a dizzying game of cat and mouse. The premise is bonkers, but it’s the commitment from both leads that sells it. Cage, tasked with mimicking Travolta’s mannerisms (and vice versa), turns in a performance that’s both grounded and gloriously over-the-top. The film’s blend of action, melodrama, and slow-motion chaos is pure 90s excess, and Cage is at the centre of it all.
Raising Arizona: Comedy on the Run
Before he became synonymous with action and intensity, Cage showed off his comedic chops in this Coen Brothers caper. As H.I. McDunnough, an ex-con with a heart of gold and a penchant for trouble, Cage brings a manic energy to the role. The plot—centred on a baby-napping scheme gone awry—is as absurd as they come, but it’s Cage’s offbeat charm and distinctive narration that keep the film from spinning off the rails. His “Woody Woodpecker” hair and poetic musings are unforgettable, and the film remains a high-speed chase through the American Southwest that’s as fresh now as it was in the 80s.
Adaptation: Double Trouble
In Adaptation, Cage takes on the challenge of playing twin brothers—one neurotic and self-doubting, the other breezy and oblivious. The film, penned by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Spike Jonze, is a meta exploration of creativity, loneliness, and the quest for originality. Cage’s ability to distinguish the two characters through subtle shifts in voice and posture is nothing short of masterful. The role earned him his second Oscar nomination, and many critics consider it his most technically accomplished work.
Leaving Las Vegas: Descent and Redemption
Long before he became an internet meme or action staple, Cage delivered a searing performance in Leaving Las Vegas. As Ben Sanderson, a screenwriter intent on drinking himself to death in the neon-lit city, Cage is raw, vulnerable, and utterly convincing. His relationship with Sara, a sex worker, forms the emotional core of the film. The portrayal of addiction is unflinching, and Cage’s work here won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. It remains a benchmark for cinematic depictions of self-destruction and fragile hope.
Which of these films stands out for you? Share your thoughts below.