Val Kilmer’s Cult Classic Crime Thriller ‘Felon’ Is Streaming for Free

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Val Kilmer starred in many popular films like Heat, Top Gun, Tombstone, Batman Forever, and True Romance. But a lesser-known thriller from 2008 is truly worth watching. Many consider it Kilmer’s most underrated movie, and it’s currently available to stream for free. If you want to see a fantastic performance by Kilmer, don’t delay – it won’t be free to watch for much longer.

In the film Felon, Val Kilmer plays John Smith, a dangerous inmate, and Stephen Dorff stars as Wade Porter, a family man sent to prison after defending his home. Wade must navigate the brutal realities of the American prison system if he hopes to return to his family. He’s assigned a cellmate, John Smith, a seasoned prisoner who initially mentors Wade but harbors hidden secrets. The cast also includes Vincent Miller, Harold Perrineau, Marisol Nichols, and Sam Shepard.

You might not have heard of the movie Felon because it had a small release in theaters back in 2008, earning less than $1 million. It then became available on DVD – something many will remember! While critics gave it mixed reviews (a 60% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), Val Kilmer’s crime thriller has quietly gained a dedicated following over the past 18 years. Audiences actually really liked it, giving it an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie Felon has gained popularity with short clips circulating on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. However, it’s best experienced as a complete film. You can currently watch Felon for free on Tubi, but it won’t be available for long – it’s scheduled to leave the platform by the end of March 2026.

‘Felon’ Is One of Val Kilmer’s Most Powerful Performances


Sony Pictures

Val Kilmer often brought a subtle power to his roles, fully immersing himself in the characters he played. His performance in Felon is a prime example. At first, John Smith appears to be just another dangerous, aggressive inmate—the type who would attack anyone for a perceived slight. However, as he develops a connection with his cellmate, Wade, we begin to see a more complex side to John Smith, eventually leading Wade to question the reasons behind the twelve people he killed.

Val Kilmer skillfully portrays the duality of his character, shifting between the hardened exterior John Smith displays to cope with prison life and the deeply cynical thinker he becomes when alone. It’s a nuanced and compelling performance – a must-see for any Kilmer fan.

‘Felon’ Would Have Been a Hit if it Were Released Now


Sony Pictures

The main reason Felon isn’t more widely appreciated is that it didn’t get a broad release in theaters. While it wasn’t a blockbuster, if it were released on a popular streaming service today, it would likely become a huge hit with viewers.

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2026-03-15 22:17