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Val Kilmer was known for his roles in 'Top Gun,' 'Batman Forever' and 'Tombstone.' Where to watch his most memorable performances.

Val Kilmer, the versatile actor best known for playing "Iceman" in Top Gun and Batman in Batman Forever, died, his daughter confirmed to the New York Times on Tuesday. He was 65.

The actor, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, died from pneumonia. While his health struggles were long and difficult, his legacy in Hollywood remains undeniable.

Known for his intense immersion in his characters, Kilmer never shied away from a challenge. In 1981, he became the youngest student admitted to Juilliard, at 17 years old, the Associated Press reported. Five years later, his performance as the cocky, cool "Iceman" in 1986’s Top Gun catapulted him to stardom, establishing him as a leading man in Hollywood.

Kilmer went on to play Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), Doc Holliday in the classic Western Tombstone (1993) and Batman in Batman Forever (1995). His wide range was evident in films like Heat (1995) and True Romance (1993), where he transitioned from a leading man to a high-profile supporting player.

Kilmer’s personal life was equally colorful. He married actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the set of 1988’s Willow. The couple had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing in 1996. Kilmer shared his personal journey with fans through the documentary Val (2021), produced by his two children, which gave an intimate look at his life, career and health struggles.

Even after he retreated from Hollywood, Kilmer remained a magnetic force, and his work continues to inspire future generations of actors.

Here’s a look at some of Kilmer's most unforgettable film performances and where to watch them:

Top Gun (1986)

Val Kilmer, left and Tom Cruise, right, confront each other with two other pilots behind them.

Kilmer and Tom Cruise in Top Gun. (Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Kilmer played the rival "Iceman" to Tom Cruise's "Maverick." The movie, about Navy fighter pilots, became an instant classic and remains one of Kilmer's most recognizable roles. Three decades later, Kilmer reprised his role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), marking his emotional return to the big screen in what would be his final film appearance.

Where to watch: Streaming on Paramount+. Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Stream on Paramount+


Willow (1988)

Val Kilmer, left, in swordsman attire, and Warwick Davis, stand on a hillside.

Kilmer alongside actor Warwick Davis in a scene from Willow. (MGM/Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Kilmer starred opposite Joanne Whalley in this fantasy epic directed by Ron Howard and written by George Lucas. Playing Madmartigan, a rogue swordsman, Kilmer brought charm and wit to the movie, which has since developed a loyal following.

Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+. Available to rent or buy on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Stream on Disney+


The Doors (1991)

Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison being apprehended by the police in

Kilmer, as Jim Morrison, being apprehended by the police in The Doors. (Carolco/Getty Images)

In Oliver Stone's biographical film about the legendary rock band, Kilmer delivered a mesmerizing portrayal of Jim Morrison, fully embodying the troubled rock star.

Where to watch: Streaming on Paramount+. Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Stream on Paramount+


Tombstone (1993)

Kurt Russell, left, and Val Kilmer, in

Kurt Russell and Kilmer in Tombstone. (Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Kilmer's performance as the ailing gunslinger Doc Holliday in the gritty western is considered one of his best. His chemistry with Kurt Russell, who played Wyatt Earp, helped make Tombstone a cult favorite.

Where to watch: Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Rent or buy


True Romance (1993)

Christian Slater, left, and Val Kilmer, right, as an Elvis-like apparition.

Christian Slater and Kilmer in True Romance. (Warner Bros./Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Kilmer had a memorable cameo in this Quentin Tarantino-penned film, playing an Elvis-like apparition guiding Christian Slater’s character. Though his role was brief, his performance stands out.

Where to watch: Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Rent or buy


Batman Forever (1995)

Val Kilmer, left, as Batman, and Nicole Kidman, right, embracing him.

Kilmer and Nicole Kidman in Batman Forever. (Warner Bros. Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

As the Caped Crusader in Joel Schumacher's campy take on the Batman franchise, Kilmer donned the bat suit to battle Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Carey). Despite mixed reviews, his portrayal became a vital part of the Batman legacy.

Where to watch: Streaming on Max. Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Stream on Max


Heat (1995)

Robert De Niro, left, and Val Kilmer, both armed and in pursuit of a perp.

Robert De Niro and Kilmer in Heat. (Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Kilmer acted alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Michael Mann's intense crime drama about master thieves and the cop chasing them. Kilmer’s role as a member of the heist crew left a lasting impact.

Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix and Hulu. Available to rent or buy on Amazon and other VOD platforms.

Stream on Hulu

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