Recently, Nicolas Cage appeared on a fresh edition of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sharing insights about his career and naming the top five films he believes define his work. The host invited Cage to reflect on his body of work, and the actor opened up about the roles that left the strongest imprint on him and on audiences. The conversation touched on a mix of dramatic turns, boundary-pushing thrillers, and character studies that have become part of Cage’s enduring legacy.
The actor spoke from the heart about the projects that resonate with him the most. He highlighted Pig as a personal favorite, explaining that it stands out as an especially meaningful experience among his many performances. He also expressed affection for Mandy, a visually bold film directed by Panos Cosmotas, and for Raising the Dead, a project directed by Martin Scorsese that remains a notable collaboration in his career. In addition, Cage recalled the unconventional energy of Bad Lieutenant, directed by Werner Herzog, and praised Joe, a drama led by David Gordon Green. These selections reveal a palette that values intense character work and artistic risk-taking, underscoring Cage’s willingness to explore stark, unconventional spaces in cinema.