Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor, has experienced a rollercoaster of reactions to his work—ranging from praise and applause to mockery and criticism. Yet, no matter the response, Cage has consistently poured his heart and soul into every role he's taken on. His bold and often unconventional choices have occasionally propelled him into the realm of internet memes, but there's no denying the explosive and vigorous talent he brings to the screen.

Throughout his career, Cage has starred in a diverse array of films, from acclaimed romantic comedies and soul-crushing dramas to some of the most iconic action blockbusters of the 1990s. His filmography is so extensive that we've expanded our "Best Of" list to include 15 standout movies, rather than sticking to the usual top 10. Cage has collaborated with renowned directors such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay, Ridley Scott, and his own uncle, Francis Ford Coppola, delivering some of the most unforgettable performances in cinematic history. (For even more memorable moments, don't miss the list of the 40 best Nicolas Cage moments compiled by a dedicated Cage superfan who has seen every one of his films.)

Over his four decades in the industry, Cage has explored every genre imaginable. From thwarting a chemical gas attack in San Francisco to embarking on a deadly bender in Las Vegas—playing a meta-version of himself reflecting on his own career—these are our selections for Nicolas Cage's greatest movies of all time.