He’s an Oscar winner whose filmography contains nearly every genre—drama, comedy, action, romance, Spider-Man, “I stole the Declaration of Independence”—but Nicolas Cage, never one to hold back, really goes full-throttle in his horror roles. Audiences will soon get the ultimate dose of Cage frights when Longlegs arrives July 12, but it’s just one notch on a list of memorable horror performances.
Here are our 10 favorite Nic Cage horror roles so far—so far, because we expect he’s got a lot more in him yet to come.
Longlegs, Longlegs (2024)
The movie’s not even out yet (read io9’s review here), and Nicolas Cage’s creepy serial killer is already inching toward horror-icon status. His appearance in Longlegs alone is deeply unsettling, but the malevolence of his character and his crimes lurk around every frame of the movie. Catch it in theaters July 12.
Paul Matthews, Dream Scenario (2023)
While Dream Scenario itself might be more of a fantasy thriller than a horror movie (read io9’s review here), what happens to Cage’s character—a desperately average man who suddenly starts appearing in the dreams of loved ones, acquaintances, and total strangers—is all kinds of terrifying. Stream on Max.
Count Dracula, Renfield (2023)
The vampire’s long-suffering assistant is the main character in this gory horror comedy (read io9’s review here), but casting Cage as a colorful, ruthlessly campy spin on Dracula is the movie’s not-so-secret weapon. Stream on Prime Video.
The Janitor, Willy’s Wonderland (2021)
The movie itself–about animatronic characters at a family-fun restaurant that come to murderous life–might have been overshadowed in the pop-culture rankings by the similar (yet way more high-profile) Five Nights at Freddy’s. But Freddy’s doesn’t have Cage as a drifter who proves to be quite the resourceful ass-kicker when he’s locked in overnight with the kill-crazy critters. Stream on Freevee.
Nathan Gardner, Color Out of Space (2019)
Cage goes Lovecraft in this adapted tale about a father who moves his family to a farm—only to see rural life take a monstrous turn after a meteor hailing from an extremely psychedelic planet lands in their yard. That’s what you get for moving anywhere near anyplace called “Arkham.” Stream on AMC+.
Red, Mandy (2018)
This hallucinatory trip into madness and revenge is elevated by Cage’s performance as a man unafraid to turn to extreme violence when his girlfriend is kidnapped and killed by a cult leader who has a demonic, acid-gobbling biker gang at his beck and call. Stream on Shudder.
Brent, Mom and Dad (2017)
In this pitch-black horror comedy, a sudden phenomenon transmitted as static through screens mind-controls parents everywhere to slaughter their children. Cage’s character starts off the movie with two kids, so you know he’s going to turn deliciously murderous—and then his own parents show up with similarly diabolical desires. Stream on Starz.
Behmen, Season of the Witch (2011)
Cage buddies up with Ron Perlman in this tale of 13th century knights whose many worries include gruesome crusade body counts, the bubonic plague, and–oh yeah–a woman accused of witchcraft who might actually be possessed by a demon instead. In case you’re worried Season of the Witch plays any of this too seriously, need we remind you who its main co-stars are. Stream on Peacock.
John Milton, Drive Angry (2011)
Cage plays a guy so determined to prevent a Satanist from sacrificing his granddaughter to the cause, he escapes from Hell, commandeers a vintage Dodge Charger, and, well: see movie title. If you really want to commit to “Cage, furiously burning down the highway,” toss on his not-really-horror Ghost Rider movies (2007 and 2012) while you’re at it; they’re not quite up to Marvel Cinematic Universe levels of quality, but they do feature Cage playing a guy whose skull periodically erupts into flames. Rent or buy on Prime Video.
Peter, Vampire’s Kiss (1989)
Not many actors get to play two completely different riffs on vampires, but even those who do would have trouble besting either of Cage’s equally over-the-top yet distinct interpretations. He famously eats a cockroach in this one. Stream on Freevee.
Honorable Mention – Edward Malus, The Wicker Man (2006)
A misguided remake, but one that begat Cage’s most-memed horror performance to date. Of course, the social-media masses haven’t seen Longlegs yet… so that’s subject to change. Rent or buy on Prime Video.
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