Nicolas Cage Movies: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Nicolas Cage has built one of the most unpredictable and exciting filmographies in modern cinema. From an Oscar-winning performance in Leaving Las Vegas to cult horror classics like Mandy, his career spans over four decades and more than 110 films. This guide covers his best movies, a complete chronological filmography, new and upcoming releases for 2025 and 2026, which titles are streaming on Netflix, and a deep dive into his horror work.
Born Nicolas Kim Coppola, the actor changed his surname early in his career to forge his own path. His versatility has taken him from blockbuster action hero (The Rock, National Treasure) to indie darling (Pig, Dream Scenario). Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, the range of Nicolas Cage movies offers something for every taste.
What Are the Best Nicolas Cage Movies?
Best Rated
Leaving Las Vegas (1995) – 7.3 IMDb
Newest Release (2025)
The Surfer (2025)
On Netflix
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Renfield
Top Horror
Longlegs (2024), Mandy (2018)
- Nicolas Cage has appeared in over 110 films since 1981, making him one of the most prolific actors of his generation.
- His best‑rated film remains Leaving Las Vegas (1995), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Cage has experienced a significant career resurgence since 2018, particularly in the horror and genre‑bending space.
- Netflix currently holds streaming rights for several of his most popular 2020s titles, including The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
- His career can be divided into four distinct eras, from early comedies to his current horror renaissance.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicolas Kim Coppola |
| First Film | Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) |
| Total Film Credits | 110+ |
| Academy Awards | 1 (Best Actor, Leaving Las Vegas) |
| Most Prolific Decade | 1990s and 2020s (tied) |
| Upcoming 2025 Film | The Surfer |
| Upcoming 2026 Film | Untitled Project |
Nicolas Cage Movies in Order: Complete Chronological Filmography
Early Career (1981–1989)
Cage’s first credited film role was in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), but he gained attention with Valley Girl (1983) and the Coen brothers’ Raising Arizona (1987). Moonstruck (1987) showed his comedic range, and Vampire’s Kiss (1989) hinted at the wild energy that would define his later work.
Mainstream Stardom (1990–1999)
This decade brought his Oscar win for Leaving Las Vegas and a string of blockbusters: The Rock (1996), Con Air (1997), and Face/Off (1997). He also starred in the romantic drama City of Angels (1998) and Bringing Out the Dead (1999).
Action and Blockbuster Phase (2000–2009)
The National Treasure franchise (2004, 2007) became a box‑office phenomenon. Ghost Rider (2007) and Knowing (2009) cemented his action‑star status, while Adaptation (2002) earned him a second Oscar nomination.
The Renaissance (2018–Present)
Beginning with the psychedelic horror Mandy (2018), Cage entered a creatively rich period. Pig (2021), Dream Scenario (2023), and the self‑referential The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) earned critical acclaim. His horror output, including Longlegs (2024), has been particularly strong.
As of early 2025, Nicolas Cage has more than 110 film and television credits. The exact number is difficult to pin down because of cameo roles and direct‑to‑video releases, but his output remains among the most extensive of any working actor.
For a complete, year‑by‑year list of every film, see the Nicolas Cage complete filmography.
New and Upcoming Nicolas Cage Movies (2025 and 2026)
The Surfer (2025)
A psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan, The Surfer premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Cage plays a man whose beach holiday descends into a tense confrontation with local surfers. It holds an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes as of early 2025.
The Carpenter’s Son (2025)
This horror film sees Cage as a carpenter in a rural community. Early reviews have been mixed, with a 30% Rotten Tomatoes score. It is currently available on Netflix in several regions.
Gunslingers (2025)
A crime‑horror hybrid that received a 5% Rotten Tomatoes score. Despite the poor critical reception, it remains a title of interest for completionist fans.
Untitled 2026 Project
Cage has confirmed at least one major role in pre‑production for a 2026 release. Specific details have not been announced, so the title and genre remain uncertain.
The Surfer is confirmed for 2025. 2026 projects are announced, but release dates can change. Always check official studio announcements for the latest schedule.
Which Nicolas Cage Movies Are on Netflix?
Streaming availability changes regularly, but as of early 2025, Netflix in the UK and several other markets includes the following notable Nicolas Cage titles:
- The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
- Renfield (2023)
- Longlegs (2024)
- Arcadian (2024)
- The Surfer (2025)
- Gunslingers (2025)
Other streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime and MGM+ host titles like Spider‑Noir (2026) and Madden (2026). Because rights rotate, it is wise to confirm current availability directly on Netflix or your preferred service.
The list above reflects UK streaming data at the time of writing. Licences differ between countries, so what is on Netflix in one territory may not be available in another. Use a service like JustWatch to check your local options.
Nicolas Cage’s Career Timeline: Key Milestones
- 1982 – First film appearance (uncredited) in Best of Times; first credited role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. (Source: Wikipedia)
- 1995 – Wins Academy Award for Best Actor for Leaving Las Vegas. (Source: IMDb)
- 1996–1997 – Blockbuster run with The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)
- 2004 – National Treasure becomes his highest‑grossing film worldwide. (Source: IMDb)
- 2018 – Mandy premieres, marking the start of his critical resurgence. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)
- 2024 – Longlegs earns 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, his best‑reviewed horror film. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)
- 2025 – The Surfer premieres at Cannes. (Source: Wikipedia)
Clarifying Common Confusions: The ‘Plane’ Movie and Release Dates
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| There is no Nicolas Cage movie called Plane. The 2023 film Plane stars Gerard Butler. | Some viewers confuse Con Air (1997) or The Retirement Plan (2023) with a title called “Plane.” Neither is officially called that. |
| The Surfer is confirmed for a 2025 release. | Exact global release dates for The Surfer in all territories are not yet finalised. |
| Netflix currently streams several 2020s Cage films, including Longlegs and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. | Streaming rights change monthly; the list may differ by the time you read this. |
Why Nicolas Cage Matters: The Renaissance
From Oscar winner to cult icon, Cage’s career has defied easy categorisation. After a mid‑2000s slump of straight‑to‑video projects, the period from 2018 onward has been widely described as a “Cage Renaissance.” Films like Mandy (2018), Color Out of Space (2019), and Pig (2021) earned acclaim from critics who had written him off. His willingness to take risks, often in low‑budget horror and surreal dramas, has re‑established him as a beloved auteur.
Part of his appeal lies in his unpredictability. He can deliver a restrained, melancholy performance in Dream Scenario (2023) and then play a vampire in Renfield with full‑throttle absurdity. This range, combined with a prolific output, makes his filmography uniquely valuable for both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles.
Where Do We Get This Information?
The filmography, ratings, and biographical facts in this guide are drawn from established databases and official sources. Key references include:
- Nicolas Cage on IMDb – for film credits and ratings.
- Nicolas Cage on Rotten Tomatoes – for critic scores and consensus.
- Nicolas Cage Wikipedia – for biographical details and career timeline.
- Nicolas Cage on Letterboxd – for community rankings and fan perspective.
- Netflix (check availability) – for current streaming status.
What Is the Best Way to Start Watching Nicolas Cage Movies?
For newcomers, a good starting point is the trifecta of his most acclaimed films: Leaving Las Vegas (drama), Face/Off (action), and Pig (modern drama). To explore his horror side, begin with Mandy and the 2024 hit Longlegs. For a complete list in release order, see the Nicolas Cage movies ranked chronologically guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Nicolas Cage movies are there?
As of 2025, Nicolas Cage has appeared in over 110 films across four decades.
What was Nicolas Cage’s first movie?
His first film appearance was in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), though he had an uncredited role in the 1981 film Best of Times.
Did Nicolas Cage win an Oscar?
Yes, he won Best Actor for Leaving Las Vegas (1995).
Is Nicolas Cage related to Francis Ford Coppola?
Yes, he is the nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola.
What is the Nicolas Cage plane movie?
There is no Nicolas Cage movie simply called Plane. He starred in Con Air (1997), which involves a plane, and more recently The Retirement Plan (2023), which features a plane. The 2023 film Plane stars Gerard Butler.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.