The 1990s were a fantastic time forNicolas Cageand a decade that featured some of his greatest film roles. After building up his reputation throughout the 1980s, this was the era that Cage really broke into the mainstream to become a household name and one of the biggest movie stars Hollywood had ever seen. Not only did this period feature his Oscar-winning performance inLeaving Las Vegas, but Cage also proved his skills as a major action hero in a number of now-iconic movies, includingCon AirandFace/Off.
Many of thebest Nicolas Cage movieswere released during the 1990s, as he proved himself a sternly committed actor willing to take serious risks. While there were some truly disappointing releases during this decade,the fact that Cage was willing to fail and come back swinging proved him an actor of great determination and ability. The 1990s was a fascinating time in the history of cinema, and it’s a testament to Cage’s unique appeal and tireless work ethic that he excelled across action, comedy, and drama during this time.
19Deadfall (1993)
Nicolas Cage as Eddie King
With an abysmal0% score on Rotten Tomatoes,Deadfallwas truly the bottom of the barrel when it came to Nicolas Cage movies in the 1990s. As a lackluster thriller co-written and directed by Cage’s brother Christopher Coppola,Deadfallwas just one in a career full of forgettable movies from Coppola, and it failed to recapture the spirit and appeal of the film noirs it was influenced by. While most actors would try to ensure audiences forgot about such a major failure,Cage shockingly reprised his role as Eddie King in the equally terrible spin-off straight-to-video releaseArsenalin 2017.
Deadfall
Cast
Deadfall is a 1993 crime drama directed by Christopher Coppola. Nicolas Cage stars as Eddie, an eccentric con artist, alongside Michael Biehn as Joe, a man seeking revenge for his father’s death. The film delves into the world of complex cons and intertwining relationships, presenting a story of deceit and betrayal set against a grim backdrop.
18Trapped In Paradise (1994)
Nicolas Cage as Bill Firpo
Despite boasting a talented cast including Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz, and Dana Carvey as three hapless brothers, the Christmas crime comedyTrapped in Paradisewas one of the most forgettable entries in Cage’s filmography. With a story involving the Firpo brother’s wayward plans to rob a bank on Christmas Eve,Trapped in Paradiseboasted a few laughs but was so predictably uninspired that it failed to make any impact. This was a box office failure for a reason and best avoided by all except Cage completionists.
Trapped in Paradise
Trapped in Paradise is a 1994 comedy film directed by George Gallo. It stars Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz, and Dana Carvey as three brothers who plan to rob a bank in the small town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, only to find themselves stuck there due to a snowstorm. The film explores themes of redemption and family amidst their comedic misadventures in the holiday season.
17Snake Eyes (1998)
Nicolas Cage as Detective Rick Santoro
While the idea of Nicolas Cage teaming with the legendaryScarfacedirector Brian de Palma sounded ingenious, the resulting film was less than stellar.Snake Eyescast Cage as a detective investigating a political assassination at a boxing match in Atlantic City that had very little to offer in terms of originality or engagement.Snake Eyeswas a stylish thrillerthat featured an interesting performance from Cage; however, the talents of its actors and director felt wildly underutilized.
Snake Eyes
Snake Eyes, directed by Brian De Palma, is a suspense thriller starring Nicolas Cage as a corrupt Atlantic City cop who witnesses an assassination during a boxing match. As he investigates, he uncovers a web of conspiracy and deceit, challenging his loyalty and morality. The film also features performances by Gary Sinise and Carla Gugino, and showcases De Palma’s signature style and craftsmanship in building tension.
Fire Birds
Fire Birds is a 1990 action-adventure film directed by David Green. The movie stars Nicolas Cage, Tommy Lee Jones, and Sean Young and follows an elite team of U.S. Army helicopter pilots tasked with taking down a powerful drug cartel in South America. The film focuses on the intense training, complex missions, and personal dynamics within the team as they strive to overcome both internal and external challenges.
15Kiss Of Death (1995)
Nicolas Cage as Little Junior Brown
Kiss of Deathwas aworthy film noir remakeof the original 1947 film that maintained the essential character dynamics of its story while updating it for the 1990s. Released in the same year as Nicolas Cage’s Oscar-winning performances inLeaving Las Vegas, this was yet another testament to his skills as a scene-stealing actor of great skill. As the psychotic mobster Little Junior Brown,Kiss of Deathwas a prime example of Cage’s unique stylethat exemplified why he’s built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable performers.
Kiss of Death
Kiss of Death is a crime thriller directed by Barbet Schroeder, starring David Caruso, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nicolas Cage. Released in 1995, the film follows ex-convict Jimmy Kilmartin as he navigates the dangerous criminal underworld after reluctantly re-entering it to help a police investigation. The plot intensifies as alliances shift and Jimmy seeks redemption while protecting his family.
14Amos & Andrew (1993)
Nicolas Cage as Amos Odell
Nicolas Cage and Samuel L. Jackson teamed up for the underrated buddy comedyAmos & Andrew. WithJackson as a wealthy playwright who was mistaken by police for a thief and Cage as the real criminalwho the cops brought in to try to cover up their racist mistake,Amos & Andrewwas a subtle social commentary full of clever dialogue and some great onscreen chemistry. While the class consciousness and racial themes ofAmos & Andrewwere sometimes awkwardly juxtaposed with sitcom-style comedic sequences, this was also part of the charm of this forgotten gem of 1990s action moves.
Nicolas Cage as Johnny Collins
e
Although Nicolas Cage’s straight-to-video erotic thrillerZandaleereceived negative reviews upon release, looking back on it today, it has all the tenets of a classic Cage guilty pleasure. With a strong supporting cast including Steve Buscemi and Marisa Tomei, as well as newcomer Erika Anderson in a spellbinding performance as Zandalee Martin, this story of illicit affairs and criminal behavior was a hilariously campy romantic tragedy. With plenty of steamy action and a toxic love triangle,Zandaleewas a lot of fun and didn’t pretend to be more than that.
Zandalee
Zandalee is a dramatic film directed by Sam Pillsbury, featuring Nicolas Cage as the free-spirited artist Johnny Collins and Judge Reinhold as his friend Thierry Martin, who is struggling with personal issues. The movie delves into a complex love triangle that upends the lives of the characters involved, set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. The film also stars Erika Anderson as Zandalee, who becomes entangled in Johnny and Thierry’s tumultuous relationship.
12City Of Angels (1998)
Nicolas Cage as Seth
As a loose remake of Wim Wender’s West German classicWings of Desire,City of Angelscasts Nicolas Cage as an angel falling in love with a mortal woman and wishing to be human. While it lacked the intense emotion and philosophical depth of Wender’s original,City of Angelswas a melodramatic story that shamelessly aimed to tug on viewers' heartstrings and was highly effective for those willing to give themselves over to it.City of Angelswas a truly love-it-or-hate kind of moviethat featured some great onscreen chemistry between Cage and his co-star Meg Ryan.
City of Angels
City of Angels is a romantic fantasy drama directed by Brad Silberling. Starring Nicolas Cage as Seth, an angel who falls in love with Maggie, a heart surgeon played by Meg Ryan, the film explores the intersection of celestial and human experiences. Seth faces a profound decision as their worlds converge. The film, set in Los Angeles, is known for its evocative portrayal of love and choice.
11Guarding Tess (1994)
Nicolas Cage as Agent Doug Chesnic
Whilepairing Nicolas Cage with the legendary cinematic icon Shirley MacLainemay seem like an unusual combination at first glance, upon further inspection, it was a match made in heaven. With incredible on-screen chemistry together, Cage played the Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the former First Lady, played by MacLaine. Along the way, the pair develop a powerful bond in a movie that showcased Cage’s talents in pure comedies and was yet another example of MacLaine’s star power, even as she entered her later years.
Guarding Tess
Guarding Tess is a comedy-drama film directed by Hugh Wilson, starring Nicolas Cage and Shirley MacLaine. Set in a small town in Ohio, the film follows Secret Service agent Doug Chesnic, assigned to protect former First Lady Tess Carlisle. Despite their clashing personalities and Tess’s insistence on bending the rules, an unexpected bond develops between the two as they navigate numerous challenges and reveal deeper layers of their complex relationship.
10Honeymoon In Vegas (1992)
Nicolas Cage as Jack Singer
Honeymoon in Vegaswas a Nicolas Cage rom-comin which he played Jack Singer, a private detective who promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never get married. However, this promise tested his relationship with Betsy Nolan Singer (Sarah Jessica Parker), and even though the two decided to tie the knot, a $65,000 gambling debt meant he was forced to allow another man to spend the weekend with his fiance. This outrageous screwball comedy kept things light and breezy throughout and was an enjoyable showcase of Cage’s strengths as a comedic leading man.
Honeymoon In Vegas
Honeymoon In Vegas is a comedy film directed by Andrew Bergman, starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker. The movie follows a private investigator who hesitates to commit to marriage but faces unforeseen complications during a trip to Las Vegas. As events unfold, he must navigate comedic obstacles in a high-stakes environment.
