Nicolas Cage Horror Movie Watchlist!
For many, Nicolas Cage is a legend. We at Married to Horror truly enjoy his work and have loved the eclectic and experimental choices he’s made in his career. He brings his authentic self to each role and a touch of “Cage-flare” which often comes with an offbeat comedic sensibility that will have you repeating his lines at the top of your lungs! With the recent release of the horror/comedy Renfield we thought why not do a horror movie watch list that stars Nicolas Cage! Some of these films classify as sci-fi and suspense thrillers but all of them have an element of horror.
*Please note* Films listed in alphabetical order. Streaming availability is posted according to publish date. Please check your local listings and the linked Just Watch page for streaming updates!
Between Worlds (2018): In this suspense/fantasy/thriller, Cage stars as Joe. By a twist of fate, he meets a mother whose teenage daughter is dying. When Joe intervenes, he finds himself pulled into their world. Strangely, the spirit of his dead wife seems to be lurking inside this young girl.
Directed by Maria Pulera this film is wild and takes some unexpected turns. Also starring Franka Potente (Run Lola Run, The Bourne Identity) and Penelope Mitchell (Hellboy 2019, Hemlock Grove)
Streaming: The Roku Channel, Redbox, and available for rental.
Color Out of Space (2019): In this H.P. Lovecraft adaptation, a family moves from the city to a secluded farm, and their property is struck by a strange meteorite. They fight to survive this otherworldly presence as it attempts to tear their family apart.
This film is a trip and is beautiful at the same time. So luscious and vivid. Definitely wished we had watched it on the big screen. There’s also a fun cameo from Tommy Chong!
Streaming: AMC+, Shudder, and available for rental.
Looking Glass (2018): A young couple struggling to start a new life leaves the city and purchases a small desert motel. While fixing up their little gem they find themselves involved in a mystery that they can’t escape from.
Directed by Tim Hunter, this film has definite Hitchcockian vibes. We found some issues with a few plot points, but it’s very well-acted. Also starring Robin Tunney (The Craft, Empire Records) and Marc Blucas (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Mandy (2018): In this surreal action/fantasy/horror film, a young couple’s lives are brutally shattered by a nightmarish hippie cult. When this band of misfits takes Mandy away from Red, he stops at nothing to get vengeance. Directed by Panos Cosmatos, Mandy is a surreal and explosive experience that leaves you thinking about it days after you’ve watched the film. Cage is incredible!
Check out this fun interview with Nick Cage, Linus Roache, and director Panos Cosmatos for Indie Wire about the film Mandy. Cage talks about this “Super 8 Feeling” he gets when making something he loves.
Streaming: AMC+, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Tubi, Shudder with Amazon Prime, and for rental.
Mom and Dad (2017): In this horror black comedy Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair star as devoted but dysfunctional parents when mass hysteria causes parents to turn violently on their own children.
We loved this film! UTTERLY TERRIFYING, fun, and also so raw. This brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.” Some scenes are almost hard to watch. Mom and Dad is filled with powerhouse performances. One of our favorites on this list!
Streaming: Hulu and available for rental.
Pay the Ghost (2015): In this horror thriller, Nicolas Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies (Walking Dead, Colony) star as a couple that struggles with their worst nightmare when their child is abducted Halloween night. As this event tears their lives apart Cage is determined to find out what happened to his son and knows he’s still out there as he finds links to other abductions.
Why are we just finding out about this movie now?!! There are some definite creepy moments in this film. The ending was a little corny, but overall we enjoyed Pay the Ghost.
Streaming: Available for rental only.
Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021): Cage plays a complicated and notorious criminal who is forced to rescue an abducted girl, the granddaughter of the local kingpin who has mysteriously disappeared.
Directed by Sion Sono, this film has its moments but overall we felt is kind of a B-movie version of Mad Max: Fury Road. However, worth the watch for the vivid costumes, action, and “Cagisms” like, “One testicle!” Also starring Sofia Boutella (Hotel Artemis, Star Trek Beyond, Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities) and Nick Cassavetes (Face/Off, The Astronaut’s Wife).
Streaming: AMC+ with Amazon Prime or The Roku Channel, Shudder, and available for rental.
Renfield (2023): Newly released on April 14th, this film stars Cage and Nicholas Hoult as the titular character Renfield. The devoted henchman for Dracula. He longs for a life away from Dracula and his bidding.
Also starring, Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation, Sonic the Hedgehog)! We haven’t had the opportunity to check out this movie yet, but we look forward to it. We’ve heard Cage is brilliant!
Now playing at theaters near you. Check your local listings! We recently saw the film and found it to be a lot of fun and, in some cases gory AF!
The Wicker Man (2006): In this remake of the classic 1973 film, Cage stars as Edward Malus, a broken policeman that ends up investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s daughter from a small and isolated island. The more he unravels, the more strange and secretive his discoveries become.
This film will also be a classic. So filled with intrigue, mystery, and strong performances all around. Also starring, Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist, Requiem for a Dream), and Leelee Sobieski (The Glass House, Joy Ride)
Please Note: If you want to watch the infamous “Not the bees!” scene, make sure to watch the extended director’s cut!
Streaming: Hoopla and available for rental.
Willy’s Wonderland (2021): Cage plays a quiet drifter deceived into a janitorial job at Willy’s Wonderland. The mundane tasks at hand suddenly become an all-out fight for survival against wave after wave of evil animatronics!
Directed by Kevin Lewis, Willy’s Wonderland is hands down our favorite on this list. Cage doesn’t speak one word but is captivating and electrifying! We highly recommend this intense wild ride!
Streaming: Hulu and available for rental.
BONUS:
Vampire’s Kiss (1988): In this 80s classic, Cage stars as a publishing executive looking for love. After an intimate encounter with a vampire, he believes he’s turning into one himself!
Although this is more of a comedy/fantasy, we felt this list wouldn’t be complete without Vampire’s Kiss. Also starring Jennifer Beals (Flashdance, The L Word: Generation Q, Swamp Thing 2019).
Streaming: Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV, and available for rental.
More from Married to Horror
Did we miss any of your favorites? Comment below or email us at contact@marriedtohorror.com! You can also follow our Facebook group Married to Horror, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @marriedtohorror.
Looking for more? Check out more of our horror watchlists! You can also find more general Married to Horror selections by checking out our recommendations and take a peek at our Master Watch List where you can find an array of horror films sorted by title, platform, rating, and more!
