Val Kilmer Names the Two Comedies He Can’t Stop Rewatching
Discover which two comedy classics Val Kilmer turns to for a guaranteed laugh, and why these films hold a special place in his heart. The actor, known for his dramatic roles, opens up about his favorite funny movies.
Val Kilmer ’s filmography is packed with variety, from high-octane blockbusters like Top Gun and Heat to westerns and even biopics. He’s proven himself in nearly every genre, but comedy isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of his career. While his debut was the spoof Top Secret!—a playful jab at spy flicks from the creators of Airplane!—and he later starred in the offbeat Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Kilmer never really became a staple in the world of comedy. He even made a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance in The Love Guru, a film that’s tough to defend.
Despite not being known for comedic roles, Kilmer has a real appreciation for the genre. In a conversation with author Cindy Pearlman for her book You Gotta See This: More Than 100 of Hollywood ’s Best Reveal and Discuss Their Favorite Films, he shared the two movies he always turns to when he needs a laugh.
“I really like The Full Monty and Anchorman ,”
he said.
“I like those movies, and those are my answers… In fact, I did a musical last year onstage. For the first few weeks during the down times I was running around backstage doing dumb Will Ferrell jokes because he plays this great pompous dumb guy in Anchorman. No one backstage knew what I was even talking about. I like this movie so much that I got a copy of the film and ran it so my 55 cast-mates could understand it.”
Anchorman: A Modern Comedy Staple
Released in 2004, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy stars Will Ferrell as a clueless news anchor in San Diego, delivering a hilarious take on a testosterone-fueled newsroom. The film’s absurd humor and memorable lines have made it a touchstone for comedy fans. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “That escalated quickly,” you can thank Anchorman for that.
Ferrell’s over-the-top performance as Ron Burgundy left such an impression on Kilmer that he couldn’t resist quoting the character backstage during a stage production. His love for the film even led him to screen it for his entire cast, just so they could get in on the jokes.
The Full Monty: Heartfelt Humor with Depth
On the other end of the spectrum is The Full Monty, a story about a group of unemployed men who decide to put on a striptease act to make ends meet. Set in Sheffield, England, the film is worlds apart from the sun-soaked setting of Anchorman. While it’s packed with laughs, The Full Monty also explores deeper themes, including one character’s struggle to reconnect with his son and the personal challenges faced by the group.
This blend of comedy and drama helped the film earn a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars —an honor rarely given to comedies. Though Kilmer didn’t talk as much about this film during his interview, it’s clear it holds a special place in his lineup of favorites.
Comedy as Comfort
Whenever Kilmer needs to lift his spirits, he turns to these two films. Their very different styles—one a wild, laugh-out-loud satire, the other a heartfelt story with comedic moments—show just how broad his taste in humor really is. If these movies are good enough for Val Kilmer, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.