Here are some epic Nicolas Cage moments, Nicolas Cage is not just an actor; he’s a force of nature, a meme-worthy legend, and a chameleon capable of taking on roles as varied as his iconic facial expressions.
From action-packed blockbusters to quirky indie films, Cage’s career has spanned over four decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Since 2007, he’s continued to serve up unforgettable moments on screen, ranging from the hilariously bizarre to the deeply moving. So, let’s take a look at 13 Nicolas Cage moments.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets – The Resolute Desk Scene
In this sequel to the 2004 hit National Treasure, Cage returned as the history-obsessed treasure hunter Benjamin Gates. The scene that steals the show is when Cage’s character breaks into Buckingham Palace.
The sheer audacity of the situation—along with Cage’s trademark intensity—makes it an unforgettable moment. His passionate explanation of the hidden treasure within the Resolute Desks is both ridiculous and mesmerizing, encapsulating everything we love about Cage.
Kick-Ass – Big Daddy’s Last Stand
Who could forget Cage’s turn as the vigilante Big Daddy in Kick-Ass? Channeling his inner Adam West, Cage delivered a performance that was as campy as it was brutal. The scene where Big Daddy is captured and ultimately perishes is a
masterclass in Cage’s ability to blend pathos with over-the-top action. His final moments, where he encourages his daughter Hit-Girl while being engulfed in flames, is both heartbreaking and quintessentially Cage.
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans is as offbeat as one would expect from a collaboration between Cage and Herzog. In one of the most bizarre scenes, Cage’s character, a drug-
addled cop, hallucinates an iguana on a table while investigating a crime scene. The moment is pure, unfiltered Nicolas Cage: weird, intense, and utterly captivating. It’s a perfect example of Cage’s ability to elevate the strange into something unforgettable.
Drive Angry – Escaping Hell
Cage took on the role of John Milton, a man who literally escapes Hell to save his granddaughter in Drive Angry. The movie is packed with over-the-top action, but the most Cage-tastic moment comes
when Milton shoots up a room full of bad guys while having sex, all set to the tune of “You Want the Candy” by The Raveonettes. The scene is so outrageous, it’s almost impossible to believe it exists—unless you remember it’s a Nicolas Cage movie.
Joe – The Snake Scene
Joe is a more subdued film, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in classic Cage moments. In one scene, Cage’s character, a brooding ex-con, confronts a rattlesnake with a calm that only Cage could pull off.
When he nonchalantly grabs the snake and dispatches it, you can’t help but marvel at his ability to blend subtlety with danger. This scene shows that even in more grounded roles, Cage’s intensity is always simmering just beneath the surface.
The Frozen Ground – The Interrogation Scene
In The Frozen Ground, Cage takes on the role of a state trooper hunting down a serial killer played by John Cusack. The interrogation scene between Cage and Cusack is a masterclass in tension.
Cage’s controlled performance, as he tries to coax a confession from the killer, is both chilling and compelling. It’s a reminder that even in more straightforward roles, Cage can deliver a powerhouse performance.
Mandy – The Chainsaw Duel
2018’s Mandy is a psychedelic fever dream of a film, and Cage is at his absolute wildest. The standout moment? A chainsaw duel that feels like something straight out of a heavy metal album cover.
It’s a visceral, bloody, and bizarrely beautiful sequence that perfectly encapsulates the film’s tone—and Cage’s willingness to go to the extremes for a role. His primal scream of grief earlier in the film is another unforgettable moment that has already become iconic in the Cage-verse.
Mom and Dad – The Basement Rampage
In Mom and Dad, Cage plays a father who, along with his wife, suddenly feels an uncontrollable urge to murder their children due to a mysterious signal. In one particularly memorable scene, Cage goes on
a sledgehammer-wielding rampage in the basement, singing “The Hokey Pokey” with manic glee. It’s a scene that perfectly balances horror with dark comedy, and no one could have pulled it off better than Cage.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – Spider-Man Noir
Even in animated form, Cage leaves a lasting impression. Voicing the monochromatic Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Cage brings his distinctive flair to the role, giving the
character a deadpan delivery that contrasts hilariously with the vibrant animation. Every line is delivered with Cage’s signature intensity, making Spider-Man Noir one of the most memorable characters in the film.
Color Out of Space – Alpaca Meltdown
Color Out of Space is a trippy adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s story, and Cage delivers one of his most unhinged performances yet. The moment when his character completely loses it over his beloved alpacas is as disturbing as it is oddly comedic.
Cage’s ability to take something as bizarre as an alpaca meltdown and make it unforgettable is a testament to his unique talent. The film itself is a kaleidoscope of madness, but Cage’s performance is the true standout.
Pig – The Restaurant Confrontation
In Pig, Cage plays a reclusive truffle hunter searching for his stolen pig. The film is understated compared to some of Cage’s more bombastic roles, but the scene where he confronts a chef in a fancy restaurant is pure emotional rawness.
Cage delivers a monologue that’s both heartbreaking and quietly powerful, proving that he doesn’t need to be loud to leave an impact. This moment is a reminder of Cage’s versatility and depth as an actor.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
In this meta-comedy, Cage plays a fictionalized version of himself—a down-and-out actor who gets mixed up in a CIA plot. The whole film is a love letter to Cage’s career, but one standout moment is when he has a conversation with his younger self
(played by a CGI-augmented Cage). The scene is as hilarious as it is surreal, and it’s a treat for fans who’ve followed his career. Cage fully embraces his persona, poking fun at his quirks while reminding us why we love him.
Sympathy for the Devil – The Final Showdown
Cage’s most recent hit, Sympathy for the Devil, sees him return to the world of psychological thrillers. In the film’s climactic final showdown, Cage’s character faces off against a seemingly unstoppable foe.
The tension is palpable as Cage delivers a performance filled with raw emotion and intensity. The scene is a masterful blend of suspense and action, with Cage once again proving why he remains one of the most captivating actors in Hollywood.
From the bizarre to the deeply emotional, Nicolas Cage has given us a treasure trove of unforgettable moments over the past two decades. Whether he’s wielding a chainsaw, breaking into historical landmarks, or playing an exaggerated version of
himself, Cage’s ability to fully commit to every role has made him a true icon. As we look back on these 13 Nicolas Cage moments, it’s clear that Nicolas Cage isn’t just an actor—he’s a genre unto himself. And we can’t wait to see what wild ride he takes us on next.
