The 4 Val Kilmer ’80s Movies That Made Him Instantly Iconic

Before becoming Batman, Jim Morrison, or Doc Holliday, the late Val Kilmer—who passed away Tuesday at age 65—established his extraordinary versatility through four standout performances in the 1980s that showcased his remarkable range as a performer. From spy spoofs to science fiction comedies and military blockbusters to fantasy adventures, Kilmer’s first decade in Hollywood exhibited the distinctive charisma and acting prowess that would define his celebrated career.

Top Secret!

Kilmer’s cinematic journey began with 1984’s Top Secret! — an absurdist comedy from the creators of Airplane! that parodied both Elvis Presley rock musicals and espionage thrillers. As American heartthrob singer Nick Rivers who becomes entangled with the French Resistance in East Germany, Kilmer displayed natural comedic timing while performing his own vocals for the film’s soundtrack. The movie featured countless visual gags and wordplay that have secured its reputation as a cult classic, with Kilmer’s straight-faced delivery perfectly complementing the surrounding lunacy.

Real Genius

The following year, Kilmer cemented his status as a rising star in Real Genius, portraying Chris Knight, a brilliant but eccentric science prodigy at a prestigious technical university. Knight’s irreverent attitude toward authority and academic pressure resonated with viewers, while Kilmer infused the character with both mischievous charm and surprising depth. His performance balanced humor with subtle commentary on the burdens of exceptional talent. Despite its modest commercial reception, the film has grown in appreciation over time, with Kilmer’s charismatic portrayal of a genius who refuses to surrender his individuality remaining particularly memorable.

Top Gun

In 1986, Kilmer achieved mainstream recognition as Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Tony Scott’s blockbuster Top Gun. Though initially reluctant to accept the role, Kilmer transformed what could have been a one-dimensional antagonist into a complex rival for Tom Cruise‘s Maverick. His portrayal of the methodical, by-the-book fighter pilot who challenges Maverick’s impulsive approach created the perfect foil in this military adventure. The infamous volleyball scene and the iconic teeth-chomp moment have become enduring cultural touchstones, demonstrating Kilmer’s ability to create memorable character moments with minimal dialogue. He would go on to reprise the role in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.

Willow

Kilmer continued his impressive 1980s run with Willow (1988), Ron Howard’s fantasy epic produced by George Lucas. As the roguish swordsman Madmartigan, Kilmer infused what might have been a standard Han Solo-inspired mercenary with a distinctive flair and unexpected vulnerability. His chemistry with Warwick Davis’s titular character and romantic storyline with Joanne Whalley (whom Kilmer would later marry) added emotional resonance to the adventure. Madmartigan remains one of his most beloved characters, showcasing his gift for combining swashbuckling heroism with self-deprecating humor.

These four performances established the foundation for Kilmer’s later acclaimed work in films like Tombstone, Heat, and The Doors. While subsequent roles would demonstrate his uncanny ability to transform completely into historical figures and fictional characters, these early performances revealed a performer with impressive versatility and undeniable star power. Together, they create a portrait of an actor who could seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, leading man and ensemble player, heartthrob and character actor—talents that defined Kilmer’s cinematic legacy until his death in 2025, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate new generations of film enthusiasts.