The Dirty Dozen: 12 Wild & Wacky Movies Starring Nic Cage

One of our hardest working guys in showbiz, Nic Cage has starred in 60+ movies over the last quarter century. Up next: Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance (opening Feb. 17), which finds Cage reprising the hero from hell. In the meantime, here are 12 reminders of how Nicolas Cage has entertained us (beyond his wildly revolving hair 'dos) since the early '80s.

Kick-Ass (2010)

Vigilante superheroes are nothing new, but in this 2010 Matthew Vaughn directed action adventure flick, Cage dons a Batman-esque constume and goes by the code name Big Daddy. Teamed with his daughter, Hit Girl, and well-intentioned, yet hapless loser Dave Lizewski a.k.a. Kick-Ass, the trio set take on the corrupt and evil D'Amico family.

World Trade Center (2006)

Nicolas Cage and director Oliver Stone told the moving story of two Port Authority police officers who attempted to save lives on 9/11, were buried under the rubble, and were eventually rescued. It's a tale that demands respect and authenticity, and Cage reminded us that despite his forays into mostly genre material, he remains a fine dramatic actor.

National Treasure (2004)

There's a reason National Treasure 3 is in development. Nicolas Cage's treasure hunter Ben Gates is the closest thing Gen Z has to an Indiana Jones. He's quick with a quip, knows his history, and--ably backed by Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer--he's likely to survive any dangerous situation you throw at him.

Adaptation (2002)

Director Spike Jonze, writer Charlie Kaufman, and Nicolas Cage created the most bizarre, intriguing and beguiling movie project to come around the bend in '02. Cage was Oscar-nominated, and deservedly so, for playing a screenwriter struggling with his latest adaptation, as well as the easygoing twin brother who coasts through life.

Con Air (1997)

Directed by action movie veteran Simon West (he's currently piecing The Expendables 2 together), Cage stars as a newly released ex-con who is trapped on a transport plane with a U.S. Ranger (John Cusack) and a whole bunch of bad dudes (Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, John Malkovich, Danny Trejo, etc.) who take over the plane and plan to flee the country.

Face/Off (1997)

Face/Off is a showcase for Nic Cage. Starring opposite John Travolta as a criminal who literally swaps faces and identities with Travolta's FBI agent, the actor is able to emote and shoot handguns. Director John Woo brings out the best in both thespian movie stars. Of all Cage's genre efforts, it's the closest to his work in more dramatic projects.

The Rock (1996)

Sometimes you just want to turn off your brain, and see some great spectacle and some great actors giving it their all. In that case, watch The Rock. It's the best combination of Michael Bay pyrotechnics and an A-list call sheet - Cage, Sean Connery and the always amazing Ed Harris.

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

Think the star of Ghost Rider doesn't know his craft? Well, besides his genuine penchant for superheroes, he does have chops, and did win the Best Actor Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas. Cage is mesmerizing as an alcoholic screenwriter headed for the abyss in Las Vegas.

Red Rock West (1992)

If gritty film noir is your cup of joe, check out Cage in this overlooked gem from Last Seduction director John Dahl. The actor is spot-on at playing the wry bewilderment on the face of his ex-marine, trapped in a small town with psycho hitman Dennis Hopper and sexy femme fatale Lara Flynn Boyle.

Moonstruck (1987)

Back in the late '80s, Nicolas Cage was a legitimate sex symbol in adult romantic comedies due to Moonstruck. He's the perfect foil to Cher's comic grandstanding and particular dilemma...having to choose between nice guy Danny Aiello and his brother, Cage's passionate, one-handed baker.

Raising Arizona (1987)

One of the Coen Brothers' greatest comedies, Raising Arizona is a madcap combination of Cage at his most zaniest and the filmmakers in looney toons cartoon mode. The story, about a mismatched couple's attempt to kidnap a newborn for their family, is still funnier than anything that came out in 2008.

Birdy (1984)

As a battle-scarred war veteran attempting to coax childhood buddy Matthew Modine out of his own comatose state, Nicolas Cage arrives on the scene fully formed. It's a fine film from Midnight Express director Alan Parker, and it's headlined by a young star ready to spread his wings.

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