From ‘National Treasure’ to ‘Longlegs’: Top 5 Nicolas Cage movies you need to watch right now

Nicolas Cage is perhaps one of the most versatile actors in the industry. The man has worked across various genres and played differing roles, including a treasure hunter, an angel, a chemical weapons specialist, a baker and even an NYPD cop; he’s done it all. While Cage’s portfolio contains countless films you can add to your watchlist, here are the top 5 titles you need to watch right now.

One of his quirkier and more comical roles, ‘Moonstruck’ was released in 1987 and is one of his popular films from his early years in cinema. The film centers around a hot-tempered baker who ends up falling for his brother’s fiancée. Starring opposite Cher, Olympia Dukakis, and many others, Cage’s portrayal of Ronny is highly praised and a must-watch if you want to understand the actor’s diverse acting range.

There are two films in the ‘National Treasure’ franchise, and Cage has gloriously led both. The main premise centers around Cage’s character, who comes from a family of treasure hunters, and is on a crusade to find a mythical treasure lost years ago. When his boss becomes his enemy, he is forced to devise a plan to steal the Declaration of Independence. The first film was released in 2005, while the follow-up was released in 2007.

Released in 1989, this is easily one of the actor’s best films. The tale follows a literary editor who sleeps with a mysterious woman and is bitten on the neck. When unexplainable things start to happen, he becomes convinced that a vampire bit him and that he has become one himself. He ends up playing the part all too well, wearing fake fangs and stalking women at night.

The plot for ‘Knowing’ revolves around an MIT astrophysics professor discovering a mysterious note from his son’s allotted time capsule gift. While written years ago, it details disasters around the world. Spanning events over the course of 50 years, everything happening around him points to the fact that the world may be ending. This film uses themes of mystery, disaster, and alien/sci-fi, creating an intricate storyline, which Cage leads with awe. The film was released in 2009.

Released in 2024, this is one of the actor’s latest roles that surprised everyone. Cage plays Longlegs, a cult serial killer who has been terrorizing a small town without leaving a trace. When FBI agent Harker is assigned to the case, things begin to unravel for her as she uncovers the truth. Not only that, but she also ends up finding out that she herself is connected to the murders.