Nicolas Cage is a name that has become synonymous with over-the-top, larger-than-life acting and dynamic on-screen presence. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation as one of the most captivating and unpredictable actors of our time. Whether he's playing a charismatic hero or a quirky villain, Cage has a unique ability to pull audiences into his performances and keep them on the edge of their seats.
Cage began his acting career in the 1980s and quickly established himself as a rising star, with a string of critically acclaimed roles in films such as Moonstruck, Raising Arizona, and Peggy Sue Got Married. Over the years, he has continued to push the boundaries of his craft, taking on a wide range of characters and roles that have tested the limits of his talent.
While Cage has been known for his thrilling and unforgettable performances, the 2010s marked a particularly exciting era for the actor. Throughout the decade, he continued to stun audiences with his electrifying portrayals and kept them on their toes with his unpredictable acting choices. Whether he was taking on action-packed roles or dramatic dramas, Cage always delivered a performance that was both memorable and mesmerizing.
Despite the many challenges faced by the film industry in the 2010s, Cage continued to make a name for himself, appearing in hit after hit and building a loyal fanbase that eagerly awaited his next big screen appearance. With his magnetic screen presence and undeniable acting talent, Cage has proven that he is a true icon of modern cinema and one of the most captivating actors of our time.
So, without further ado, let's dive into our ranking of the best Nicolas Cage movies of the 2010s. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this list is sure to provide you with a wild ride through the world of one of Hollywood's most entertaining actors.
11 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice marked Nicolas Cage's return to the fantasy genre, and he didn't disappoint. In this action-packed film, Cage plays the role of Balthazar Blake, a sorcerer tasked with training a young apprentice to help him defeat the evil Morgana. With his trademark over-the-top energy and charismatic presence, Cage brings a sense of excitement and humor to the film, making for an unforgettable performance. The storyline, which follows the classic tale of the sorcerer's apprentice, is filled with magic, action, and suspense, making for a thrilling and engaging movie experience.
10 Army Of One (2016)
Army of One saw Nicolas Cage take on the role of Gary Faulkner, a man on a mission from God to capture Osama Bin Laden. In this quirky comedy-drama, Cage shines with his unique brand of humor and energy, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and heartwarming. The film's storyline, which follows Faulkner's journey to capture Bin Laden, is filled with moments of both comedy and drama, making for a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its unique blend of humor and heart, Army of One is a film that showcases Cage's versatility as an actor and his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances.
9 The Frozen Ground (2013)
In The Frozen Ground, Nicolas Cage took on the role of a Alaska State Trooper in this intense crime thriller. With its gripping storyline, the film follows the real-life investigation into a serial killer who has been targeting young women in Alaska. Cage delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the trooper determined to bring the killer to justice, delivering a portrayal that is both intense and emotional. The film's suspenseful and thrilling storyline, combined with Cage's dynamic acting, makes for a movie that is both captivating and unforgettable.
8 Mom And Dad (2017)
Mom and Dad saw Nicolas Cage take on a more sinister role as a father who turns on his children in this dark comedy-horror. With its unique and twisted storyline, the film delivers a mix of humor and horror, making for a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Cage's performance as the father who becomes possessed by a strange and violent urge to kill his children is both unsettling and hilarious, delivering a performance that is both over-the-top and captivating. With its mix of humor, horror, and suspense, Mom and Dad is a film that showcases Cage's versatility as an actor and his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances.
7 Pay The Ghost (2015)
Pay The Ghost was a haunting, suspenseful thriller that showcased Nicolas Cage's talent for playing complex and emotional characters. The film follows a father, played by Cage, who is consumed by grief after his young son goes missing on Halloween. As he embarks on a desperate search to find his child, he becomes increasingly desperate and unhinged, leading to a series of twists and turns that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Cage's performance was raw and powerful, perfectly capturing the heartbreak and desperation of a father whose world has been shattered by tragedy.
6 Drive Angry (2011)
Drive Angry was a wild, high-octane ride that showcased Nicolas Cage's ability to bring excitement and energy to the big screen. The film followed Cage's character, a vengeful ghost seeking to track down the cult responsible for his daughter's death, as he embarks on a wild and dangerous journey filled with shootouts, car chases, and plenty of over-the-top action. With his trademark intensity and larger-than-life personality, Cage delivered a performance that was both entertaining and thrilling, making Drive Angry a must-see for fans of action movies.
5 The Croods (2013)
The Croods is a family-friendly animated film that showcases Nicolas Cage's versatility as an actor. In this prehistoric adventure, Cage provides the voice for Grug, the overprotective father of a caveman family. Grug is tasked with leading his family on a dangerous journey through uncharted territory in search of a new home, and Cage brings a surprising amount of heart to the character. With a blend of humor, action, and emotion, The Croods is a movie that appeals to audiences of all ages. Cage's performance as Grug is a perfect example of his ability to bring life to even the most unconventional characters. His vocal inflections and delivery are spot-on, and he injects a surprising amount of nuance into what could have been a one-dimensional role.
4 Joe (2013)
Joe is an intense and atmospheric film that follows the story of a hard-drinking ex-con named Joe (played by Nicolas Cage) who takes a job as a lumberjack in a rural community. In this role, he meets a young man named Gary (Tye Sheridan) who is being abused by his father. Cage's raw and powerful performance as Joe is a standout in this film, as he balances the character's tough exterior with a deep well of empathy and compassion. Throughout the film, Cage commands the screen with his magnetic presence, making Joe a character that is both deeply flawed and deeply human.
3 Color Out Of Space (2019)
In this sci-fi horror film, Nicolas Cage delivers a performance that can only be described as otherworldly. As the head of a family living on a remote farm, Cage's character is tasked with navigating the strange and terrifying events that unfold after a meteorite crashes on their property. His portrayal is equal parts charming and haunting, and he fully embodies the sense of mounting dread that permeates the film. With a script that perfectly balances horror, humor, and heart, Color Out of Space is a standout in Cage's filmography and a visual treat for all sci-fi lovers.
2 Mandy (2018)
Mandy is a trippy and surreal movie that showcases Cage at his most unhinged. In this ultra-violent and trippy tale, he plays a man named Red Miller who is on a mission of revenge after his wife is murdered by a demonic cult. Cage delivers a performance that is nothing short of jaw-dropping, and his character's descent into madness is both unsettling and captivating. The film's neon-drenched visuals and heavy metal soundtrack only add to its dreamlike atmosphere, making Mandy a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
1 Kick-Ass (2010)
In this hit superhero comedy, Cage proves that he can do more than just dramatic roles. He plays a character known only as Big Daddy, a former cop who has taken it upon himself to bring justice to the streets of New York. With his witty one-liners and fearless attitude, Cage's Big Daddy is a standout in a movie filled with memorable characters. Starring alongside Chloē Grace Moretz, his performance is equal parts hilarious and heroic, and he perfectly captures the spirit of this absurd and entertaining film. Whether you're a fan of comic book movies or just looking for a good laugh, Kick-Ass is a movie that you won't want to miss.