Nic Cage's Ultimate Drama List: 8 Movies You Must Watch as a Cinephile

Nicolas Cage is one of the most amazing actors of our generation. He moved from big-budget studio projects to indie cinema to star in the kinds of movies he really likes.

The actor often shares his favorite films, so we decided to compile those dramas that hold a special place in his heart in one place.

1. 'Breaking the Waves', 1996

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Bess is a naive girl who falls in love with Jan, a kind man who works on an offshore drilling platform. Despite being condemned by her family and a closed religious community, they marry.

Bess prays that Jan will always be by her side, but her prayer turns into a tragedy when he returns home paralyzed after a serious accident.

Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves won the Grand Prix at Cannes, and it wouldn't have happened without Emily Watson's brilliant performance as Bess. Nicolas Cage was also captivated by her performance.

2. 'Thief', 1981

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Frank is a master at cracking safes. After serving his sentence, he decided to quit a life of crime. In order to do so, he needs to carry out one last, carefully calculated break-in.

He takes a risk and accepts a gangster's offer. He thought it would be a one-time job, but his friend is killed, his lover is captured by criminals, and he himself becomes a pawn in someone else's game.

Thief is Michael Mann's directorial debut. To achieve maximum authenticity, Mann consulted real safecrackers, and real police officers who specialized in solving burglaries played the supporting roles.

3. 'Ugetsu', 1953

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

Sixteenth-century Japan is engulfed in civil war. A humble potter suddenly finds an opportunity to become wealthy when his ceramics become highly sought after. However, his desire for profit quickly develops into an obsession.

Ugetsu is a classic film by Japanese director Kenji Mizoguchi. The movie is considered one of the main kaidan, or traditional Japanese ghost stories.

4. 'The 400 Blows', 1959

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

Antoine is a teenager who often gets into trouble. His mother is preoccupied with her own affairs and romantic relationships, leaving her with no time to address her son's issues.

At school, Antoine is constantly punished, yet no one tries to understand him. In an attempt to escape the indifference and pressure he faces on all sides, the boy runs away from home and breaks the law.

Nicolas Cage watched The 400 Blows as a teenager and was amazed by 14-year-old Jean-Pierre Léaud's acting. According to the actor, the famous final frame is forever imprinted in his mind.

5. 'Metropolis', 1927

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

Metropolis is a gigantic city of the future divided into two worlds. Underground, people live and work day after day, doing hard labor. Above, under the sunny sky, luxury reigns.

All power in Metropolis belongs to the wealthy industrialist, Joh Fredersen. One day, his son, Freder, finds himself in the underground world. Realizing the extent of the injustice, he decides to speak out against the system.

Metropolis is a German silent film that Cage often mentions. Released in 1927, Fritz Lang's dystopia essentially gave birth to all science fiction movies – from Blade Runner to The Fifth Element.

6. 'Pig', 2021

IMDb Score: 6.9/10

Rob lives in the Oregon woods with a truffle pig. Amir, a wealthy man who buys truffles from Rob, visits once a week.

One day, strangers break into Rob's hut and kidnap the pig. Having lost the only creature to whom he was truly attached, Rob decides to get it back at any cost.

Nicolas Cage once said that if you want to watch a movie with him, watch Pig. Despite its John Wick-ish premise, this is actually a piercing indie drama that reminds that Cage is an outstanding actor.

7. 'Citizen Kane', 1941

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

Media mogul Charles Kane, one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the US, dies after uttering the mysterious word – Rosebud. Journalist Thompson is tasked with discovering the meaning behind this word.

In search of an answer, Thompson sets off on a journey through Kane's past, meeting people who were close to Kane, as well as those who hated him. The man uncovers the secret Kane kept his whole life.

Citizen Kane is an immortal classic of cinema. Cage first saw the movie at the age of five, and still considers it the greatest film ever made.

8. 'Juliet of the Spirits', 1965

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Juliet is facing family difficulties. Her husband, Giorgio, is a man of questionable morals who has an affair with a model and plans to run away with her on a romantic trip.

Alone with her thoughts, Juliet finds solace in communicating with ghosts, who begin to visit her in her dreams and in reality.

Juliet of the Spirits is a Federico Fellini movie conceived as a female version of 8½. While it is not the Italian classic's most famous work, Cage often recalls it in interviews.