Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario and Renfield) has portrayed villain roles in several films throughout his career, showcasing his versatility across different genres, but none quite like he has in “Longlegs” with Maika Monroe.

The actor embodies a serial killer whose case takes unexpected turns, revealing evidence of occultism. During an interview, he confessed that he drew inspiration from his mother to develop the character, especially for the voice.

His ability to bring complex and morally ambiguous characters to the screen has allowed him to explore a wide range of roles, from heroes to antiheroes and villains. Here, check out 7 movies where he brings the bad boy to life…

Top 7 Nicolas Cage movies as the bad guy

  • Face/Off (1997)

In order to foil a terrorist plot, an FBI agent undergoes facial transplant surgery and assumes the identity of a criminal mastermind. The plan turns sour when the criminal wakes up prematurely and seeks revenge.

Available on Fubo and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.

  • Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

When the devil resurfaces with aims to take over the world in human form, Johnny Blaze reluctantly comes out of hiding to transform into the flame-spewing supernatural hero Ghost Rider — and rescue a 10-year-old boy from an unsavory end.

Available on Peacock, TNT, TBS and truTV.

  • Con Air (1997)

Newly-paroled former US Army ranger Cameron Poe is headed back to his wife, but must fly home aboard a prison transport flight dubbed “Jailbird” taking the “worst of the worst” prisoners, a group described as “pure predators”, to a new super-prison.

Poe faces impossible odds when the transport plane is skyjacked mid-flight by the most vicious criminals in the country led by the mastermind — genius serial killer Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom, and backed by black militant Diamond Dog and psychopath Billy Bedlam.

Available for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Vudu and Apple TV.

  • Rage (2014)

When the daughter of a reformed criminal is kidnapped, he reunites his old gang and seeks his own brand of justice.

Available on Tubi, The CW and Philo, and for purchase via Apple TV+.

  • Drive Angry (2011)

Milton is a hardened felon who has broken out of Hell, intent on finding the vicious cult who brutally murdered his daughter and kidnapped her baby. He joins forces with a sexy, tough-as-nails waitress, who’s also seeking redemption of her own.

Caught in a deadly race against time, Milton has three days to avoid capture, avenge his daughter’s death, and save her baby before she’s mercilessly sacrificed by the cult.

Available on Peacock and USA Network.

  • Arsenal (2017)

After the deadbeat brother of a businessman is assumed to be in on his own kidnapping, his sibling must take action to rescue him.

Available on Peacock.

  • Longlegs (2024)

FBI agent Lee Harker is a gifted new recruit assigned to the unsolved case of an elusive serial killer. As the case takes complex turns, unearthing evidence of connections to occult practices, Harker discovers a personal connection to the merciless killer and must race against time to stop him before he strikes again.

It has not had its debut streaming yet. It is available in theaters.