Val Kilmer remembered: Top 6 best films of the Batman Forever star

Dubai: Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, who died on April 1 aged 65, starred in many memorable films since his breakthrough role as ace pilot Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in 1986’s Top Gun.

Kilmer brought iconic characters like Batman and rock star Jim Morrison of The Doors to life. His last role on screen was a reprisal of his ‘Iceman’ character for Top Gun’s blockbuster sequel, 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. 

We list six of his most engaging films: 

While Tom Cruise was undoubtedly the lead star of this 80s action blockbuster, Kilmer made a huge impact as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, a talented but arrogant pilot who frequently clashes with Cruise’s daredevil character Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell. Kilmer reprised his role in the sequel, 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. 

To play an iconic musician who acquired cult status after his death at a young age would be a coveted accomplishment for any actor. Kilmer managed to deftly pull off this compelling portrayal of troubled rock star Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, in this biographical film about the band’s influence on music and culture. 

Kilmer’s popularity soared when he donned the cape of DC Comics’ most iconic superhero, Batman. Kilmer’s take on the caped crusader in this memorable film was enhanced by a killer soundtrack that included Seal’s haunting tune Kiss From A Rose. Sadly, there was never another Batman film with Kilmer, who added charisma and an air of mystery to the role. 

A largely panned adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel, The Island of Dr Moreau courted controversy for its troubled production as well as alleged unprofessional behaviour of its stars. But Kilmer’s energetic performance as Dr. Montgomery, assistant to a vivisecting scientist (Marlon Brando) who wants to create animal-human hybrids, has often been praised. 

An underrated action thriller that deserves to be revisited, The Saint stars Kilmer as Simon Templar, a professional thief and master of disguise who stays one step ahead of the law while looking out for the good guys. Empire magazine praised Kilmer in its review: “Although questions may hang over the movie's storyline and basic construction, his strident, leading-man presence is beyond debate.”

In this thrilling Western based on true events from 1880s Arizona, Kilmer stars as Doc Holliday, ailing gunfighter and friend to renowned peace officer Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell). "It’s Kilmer who delivers the standout performance, giving fresh shadings to the lethal but humorous Doc Holliday," wrote Variety in its review.