“I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character,” Heat director Michael Mann said of Val Kilmer’s immense talents upon news of the actor’s ing last week at the age of 65. From absurd spoof comedies to sky high blockbusters to deep reflections of the soul, Kilmer traversed myriad genres across the course of his four decades on the big screen, a lightning rod of charisma few could hold a candle to.

After losing the use of his voice due to a battle with throat cancer, Kilmer pulled back from the spotlight, but he made a return for one final feature in 2022, reprising his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick. When Tom Cruise’s protagonist Pete “Maverick” Mitchell goes to see his old frenemy for counsel, Iceman tells his former colleague “It’s time to let go.” Dry eyes would be difficult to find anywhere near the vicinity of this scene, even more so now that it reflects the mourning process for those who knew Kilmer, and those who have benefited from the gifts he gave to the world of cinema.

“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said on stage at this year’s CinemaCon. “I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us. Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him.”

Here are some of those wonderful times, as Letterboxd write tributes to Kilmer in recent reviews from a selection of his most memorable features:

Tombstone (1993)

Directed by George P. Cosmatos
Written by Kevin Jarre

“Not Jim Morrison. Not Batman. Not Iceman.

Doc Holliday. THAT’S the role I’ll always first think of when I hear Val Kilmer’s name.

Look, Tombstone is pretty silly, there’s no denying it. It’s corny at times, and it can be predictable and melodramatic. But it knows EXACTLY what type of movie it is, and everyone is really going for it in each of their performances. And no one is doing that better than Val Kilmer. If Kilmer and Kurt Russell weren’t in this movie, it simply wouldn’t be nearly as good. Kilmer in particular is perfect - his Doc Holliday is the perfect example of a sarcastic, smartass antihero that is also a loyal friend that audiences can’t help but love. We would have watched five more movies featuring him, if we could have. It’s a perfect performance that is equal parts crowd-pleasing and an example of pure talent. The movie has so many memorable, rewatchable moments, but all of the best ones feature Kilmer’s performance.” —Shawn

A testament to Kilmer’s talent, because a lot of this movie feels like you’re literally watching the actual Doors performing in concert. It’s weird when you that what you’re watching and hearing is basically just Val Kilmer and a cover band absolutely nailing it. His singing voice sounds astonishingly like Morrison’s. All the concert scenes really stood out as the best parts as I took this movie in again after so many years.” —_DMK_

Real Genius (1985)

Directed by Martha Coolidge
Written by Neal Israel, Pat Proft and PJ Torokvei

“The unique thing about Val Kilmer is that he could have been Marlon Brando with his Method Acting talent (most evident in The Doors and Tombstone, where he sinks almost unrecognizably into character) or Tom Cruise (with his smoldering good looks and movie star charm). But, as Real Genius demonstrates, he could also have easily been his generation’s Groucho Marx.

Finding someone who can do one of those things is hard enough. Finding someone who can do all of those things (and more) is damned near impossible. That’s what a treasure Val Kilmer was and why his recent ing hits so hard. It would have hit harder, however, if he’d had more work in the past 25 years that reminded us how damned talented he was (at least there was Kiss Kiss Bang Bang which, hey, even reminded us how funny he could be all over again).

I’ve watched most of his big movies a dozen times, which is why I revisited Real Genius after hearing of his death because I instantly loved it and I’ve only seen it once before.

RIP Val. Your legend will endure forever.” —Dale Nauertz

Thunderheart (1992)

Directed by Michael Apted
Written by John Fusco

“Just a little paragraph on Val… He, and John Cusack, for a giant portion of my developmental stages were icons to me. Strange, addictive creatures of sorts. But Val was oily. Pantheresque. Funny, serious, frightening, gorgeous. I was always in awe of his tableau and his mystery. I loved him dearly. His face lit up many darkened nights alone in my bedroom through divorces, house moves, friends staying over, party movies or nights of solo decompression. I liked that he thought himself the funniest person on earth and that if you didn’t get it, that’s your problem… A last true eccentric and to me a cinematic god. A constant refrain through my life and a face I see in dreams at times. Goodnight Val, I hope whichever celestial plane you have landed on is kind to you in your eternity.” —findlay

Heat (1995)

Written and directed by Michael Mann

“The sun rises and sets with her… the glances on the balcony… the signal. Full-heartedly believe this is one of the most romantic films ever made and Val is such a big reason why. What a special performance <3” —ashleigh

“Val Kilmer will always be my favourite Batman/Bruce Wayne, and his chemistry with Nicole Kidman’s Dr. Chase Meridian might have been my sexual awakening. Kilmer’s ability to find the darkness within the character is brilliant, and a testament to his ability to bring a sense of realism to a film so steeped in the imaginary.” —Eli Gallagher

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Written and directed by Shane Black

“Highly underrated crime noir from writer-director Shane Black. His screenplay is clever, witty, stylish and immensely entertaining from start to finish. Robert Downey Jr. made a career comeback with this film, and it’s honestly my favorite role of his. He’s very charismatic and funny, adding some perfect narration. Val Kilmer gets one of his best roles in a hilarious ing turn, delivering some rapid-fire dialogue. Several memorable, laugh-out-loud lines in this one.” —Matt Petush

Top Secret! (1984)

Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker
Written by Abrahams, the Zuckers and Martyn Burke

“Wanted to honor Val Kilmer by going back to where it all started, a Zucker brothers comedy. His effortless swagger, charisma, and comedic timing were absolutely perfect in pulling off this role. Everything about this performance was absolutely great, not only in a Zucker brother sense but he was also quite the talented singer and dancer. RIP to one of the coolest motherfuckers in cinema.” —JTMcB

Willow (1988)

Directed by Ron Howard
Written by Bob Dolman, from a story by George Lucas

“I loved watching this so much when I was younger. I can’t the last time I saw it but so much of it has stayed in my memory.

I really wanted to watch something that had the true essence of Val Kilmer. And this movie really has it all. That he was so handsome but wasn’t afraid to make a fool of himself. He could look grimy as heck but his charisma shines through all the mud. And even though he would act like the toughest bad ass, he had the biggest heart.

Love you, Val. Thank you for everything. ❤️” —Marcie

Top Gun (1986)

Directed by Tony Scott
Written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr.

“RIP VAL ❤️

Ice is the best and most complex character in this movie. He’s the antagonist in the sense that he’s philosophically opposed to the protagonist, but he’s actually a good and diligent guy. The kind of guy you want as a coworker and as a friend.

This shit made me emotional, man.” —Laz Alberto

Kill Me Again (1989)

Directed by John Dahl
Written by Dahl and David W. Warfield

“Beautifully lensed Nevada noir composed entirely of stock elements (PI with a heart of gold and a gambling problem, a woman in trouble with a suitcase of stolen cash, Michael Madsen has a knife) that manages more than the sum of its parts by sheer confidence and competence. Everyone is aces here, but Kilmer is the reason to seek this one out. Truly a generational talent, he was a steady presence over four decades of studio filmmaking who never gave his characters anything less than all the depth and charm he could muster. Really gonna miss this soulful himbo.” —harry

MacGruber (2010)

Directed by Jorma Taccone
Written by Taccone, Will Forte and John Solomon

“This movie is the best kind of stupid. It wastes zero time getting into the absurdity that is MacGruber, and the laughs pretty much never stop. Will Forte is an absolute gift, every odd little choice he makes as MacGruber sends me into a giggle fest, while Val Kilmer makes for the absolute best villain with some all time great deadpan deliveries.” —BrandoNotMarlon

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner and Simon Wells
Written by Philip LaZebnik

“The voice acting all around is the best part of the film, which says so so much because the hand drawn animation is the best I’ve ever seen from a 2D animated film. With work from the legendary James Baxter, this film stands with such a high scale of quality that can’t be matched in my mind. The late Val Kilmer, and Ralph Fiennes absolutely take the cake for outstanding vocal performances that will not leave my mind for years to come. Every line, every delivery sits on repeat in my brain and each time sends shivers down my spine. I simply can’t get enough of it.” —Jaxen Henry

Val (2021)

Directed by Ting Poo and Leo Scott

“I had been wanting to watch this for some time and had just never gotten around to it. I figured in light of his recent ing there was no better time than now…

It was really interesting getting insights into his work and how he had approached it as well as getting glimpses into his personal life. It made me feel a sort of connection to someone whose works had been part of more core memories for me than I had realized and left me feeling even more gratitude for them than previously. All of his home movies gave me a sense of nostalgia as well. I have half a mind to go through his filmography and just jot down anything I haven’t seen yet and make a watchlist. I highly recommend this one if you’re just a casual movie fan like myself or a hardcore one. It should be an essential watch for any aspiring actor or actress too.

Thanks for everything Val.” —Shaun