Top 10 Billy Zane Movies You Should Totally Watch

Whether he’s playing a charming rogue, a chilling villain, or a misunderstood hero, Billy Zane has carved out a unique and versatile career in Hollywood. Best known for his iconic role as the suave but sinister Cal Hockley in Titanic (1997), Zane’s filmography spans a wide range of genres—from psychological thrillers to action-packed adventures and cult classics. This list takes a look at some of his most memorable performances, including standout roles in Dead Calm, The Phantom, The Believer, and beyond. Let’s dive into the top Billy Zane movies that showcase the charisma and range of this often underrated star.

1. Titanic (1997)

IMdb Ratting: 7.9/10

In Titanic , Billy Zane plays Cal Hockley. He’s rich, powerful, and set to marry Rose, the main character. Cal is one of those folks you can’t stand but still watch closely. He tries to control Rose. He gets jealous easy. And he’ll do almost anything to keep her away from Jack, the artist she falls for.

Zane plays Cal just right. His eyes, his voice, the way he moves — it all makes Cal feel real. You can almost feel the heat when tempers flare.

The movie tells the story of the real Titanic. That ship sank in 1912. Jack and Rose meet on board. They come from different worlds. Their love grows fast. It’s sweet, wild, and sad all at once. The film mixes true history with deep feelings and adventure. It grabs you and doesn’t let go.

This film is a classic. Big costumes, strong acting, and effects that still hold up today. It made over $2 billion. That’s a lot! It won 11 Oscars, too. Best Picture and Best Director among them.

People loved Titanic when it came out. Critics said good things. Audiences felt pulled into the story. Even now, many think it’s one of the best films ever made.

Here’s a fun piece: Zane added a line that wasn’t in the script. In a tense moment, he says, “I hope you’ll enjoy your time together!” It fits so well. It shows how much he understood the role.

You can watch Titanic now on Paramount+ or Amazon Prime Video. Pop some corn. Sit back. Let this old-school gem take you on a ride. See Billy Zane at his most intense.

2. Dead Calm (1989)

IMdb Ratting: 6.8/10

In Dead Calm , Billy Zane plays a man named Hughie Warriner. He’s strange, quiet, and gives you the chills. At first, he looks like a poor soul who barely escaped a sinking ship. But things change fast. Hughie is not what he seems. He’s wild, sneaky, and dangerous in ways you can’t predict.

Zane plays him so well, you feel uneasy as soon as he shows up. You don’t trust him. You don’t want to be alone with him. That’s how good he is in this role. He pulls you into the fear and makes it real.

The story follows a couple, John and Rae. They’re out at sea on their boat. They’re trying to find peace after losing their child. The ocean is calm. The sky is clear. Then they spot a drifting boat. On it is Hughie. They take him in. Big mistake.

What starts as a rescue turns into a fight for survival. Hughie takes over. Things get scary fast. Rae must think fast and act faster if she wants to save her husband and herself.

Dead Calm is one of those thrillers that grabs your breath and holds it. Most of the film happens on a small boat in the middle of the ocean. No escape. No help nearby. Just tension, fear, and a madman.

It also stars Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill. Both are strong in their roles. Their work helps make the movie feel true and close.

Critics liked Dead Calm . Said it was smart, tight, and full of suspense. And Billy Zane? He stood out. His turn as Hughie made folks notice him in Hollywood.

Here’s a cool fact: Though the movie feels like it’s on rough seas, most of it was shot near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The waters were still. But the danger felt real.

You can watch Dead Calm on Max or Apple TV. If you like movies that keep you on edge, this one’s for you. It’s old but still hits hard. Grab some tea, settle in, and let the waves of fear roll over you.

3. The Phantom (1996)

IMdb Ratting: 5.0/10

In The Phantom , Billy Zane plays the hero—Kit Walker, also known as The Phantom. He’s not like other heroes with magic or wild powers. No, he uses his courage, brains, and a sharp purple suit to take on bad guys. Zane gives the role style and heart. You can tell he enjoys being this hero. He’s quick with a smile, strong in a fight, and always stands up for what’s right.

The story is set in the 1930s. Kit is part of a long line of Phantoms, all sworn to protect the jungle land of Bengalla. His family has kept the peace for generations. But now, a rich and wicked man named Xander Drax wants power. He’s after ancient skulls said to hold great magic. If he gets them, trouble will rain down hard. It’s up to The Phantom to stop him.

This movie moves fast. There are chases, secrets hidden in caves, treasure hunts, and jungle fights. It feels like old comic books come to life. A bit like Indiana Jones, but with its own punch. It’s fun, loud, and full of color.

The Phantom didn’t make big waves at first. But over time, folks have grown to love it. Fans say it keeps true to the comic strips they grew up with. It’s got that classic feel you don’t see much anymore.

Some critics weren’t too kind when it came out. Others saw how much fun it was. And most agree: Billy Zane fits the role like a glove. He trained hard for the film. He even skipped fake muscles under the suit. What you see on screen? That’s real work and sweat.

If you’re curious, you can find The Phantom on Amazon Prime Video and Pluto TV. I’d say give it a go. If you like your heroes bold, your villains sneaky, and your stories full of action, this one’s for you. Kick back, turn it on, and enjoy a ride through a world where good still wears purple and stands tall.

4. The Believer (2001)

IMdb Ratting: 7.1/10

In The Believer , Billy Zane plays Curtis Zampf. He’s rich, smart, and calm on the outside. But inside, he’s part of something dark — a world full of hate and twisted beliefs. He takes Danny Balint under his wing. Danny is the main character, but he’s hiding a big secret.

Zane plays Curtis with quiet strength. He doesn’t yell or throw fits. He doesn’t need to. His calm makes him even scarier. You feel his power in every scene he’s in, even when he’s just sitting and watching.

Danny, played by Ryan Gosling, is young and angry. He’s part of a group that hates Jewish people — but here’s the twist: Danny is Jewish himself. He knows who he really is, but he can’t accept it. That fight inside him drives the whole story.

This film digs deep. It asks hard questions about who we are and why we believe what we do. It’s not a happy movie. It’s not meant to be. It’s raw, real, and at times, hard to watch. But it makes you think long after the screen goes dark.

The Believer won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. That’s no small thing. Critics said it was bold, brave, and fearless. Ryan Gosling gives one of his strongest performances. And Zane, though not in every scene, leaves a mark that sticks.

The movie was based on a true story. That’s what makes it hit so hard. It shows how someone can turn against their own truth and still not know peace.

You can watch The Believer on Amazon Prime Video or Tubi. If you’re looking for something serious, something that speaks to the heart and mind, this one’s worth your time. I’ll tell you straight — it’s not light viewing. But sometimes, the movies that weigh heavy are the ones that matter most

5. Sniper (1993)

IMdb Ratting: 6.1/10

In Sniper , Billy Zane plays Richard Miller. He’s young, sharp, and new to war. At first, he’s unsure, a bit shaky — like most would be in his boots. He’s teamed with Thomas Beckett, a hard-edged Marine sniper played by Tom Berenger. Together, they head deep into the jungle for a secret mission.

Zane shows how Miller grows. From green rookie to someone who learns fast what it takes to survive. You see the fear in his eyes turn to focus. It’s good to watch that change. Real and raw.

The job? Take out big threats from far away. Quiet work. Dangerous work. The two men don’t always agree. Miller likes rules. Beckett trusts gut and instinct. That clash makes sparks fly. Adds heat to the mission. Makes you lean in when they talk.

Sniper is not just shots and silence. It’s tension. Waiting. Watching. Thinking. It’s about trust, too. And how war changes a man. The jungle hides more than enemies. It hides choices. Hard ones.

People liked this film for its action, yes. But also for the bond between the two leads. Zane and Berenger play off each other like fire and flint — sometimes hot, sometimes cool, but always making something real.

Critics were split at first. Some said it was solid. Others said it was simple. Still, it stuck with folks. So much so, it got more stories — sequels where Miller grows even more.

Here’s a thing: Zane trained with real shooters. Learned how to hold a rifle, how to aim, how to move quiet. He didn’t want to just look like one. He wanted to feel like one.

You can find Sniper on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. If you like movies that mix thought with action, give this one a go. I watched it late one night. Didn’t expect much. Sat through it all same. Felt like I’d been out there, too. Lying low. Heart thumping. Eyes open.

6. Tombstone (1993)

IMdb Ratting: 7.8/10

In Tombstone , Billy Zane plays Mr. Fabian. He’s a smooth, well-dressed actor who travels with a troupe of stage performers. His job? To bring music and drama to the rough, dusty town of Tombstone. He doesn’t carry a gun. He doesn’t ride a horse. But he still stands out. Zane gives him style — calm in a place full of noise and danger.

Fabian is not the main character. But when he steps on screen, you notice. He speaks with care. Moves with grace. In a town ruled by fists and bullets, he brings something different — art, beauty, maybe even a little peace.

The story centers on Wyatt Earp, played by Kurt Russell. He comes to Tombstone hoping for quiet days. That don’t last. A gang of wild riders — the Cowboys — stir up trouble. So Wyatt, his brothers, and Doc Holliday (played by Val Kilmer) decide to put a stop to it.

There’s action. Sharpshooters. Big fights. Lines you still hear today like, “I’m your huckleberry.” It’s one of those Westerns that feels bigger than the screen. Full of fire, sweat, and steel.

Tombstone did well at the box office. People loved it. Still do. Critics called it fresh for a Western. Said the acting was strong. The story, wild but true. And Val Kilmer? Many say he stole the show as Doc.

Here’s a cool thing: Mr. Fabian, the role Zane plays, is based on real men. Back then, actors really traveled the West. They brought stories and songs to frontier towns. Risky work — sometimes just as dangerous as a shootout.

You can watch Tombstone on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. If you enjoy tales of cowboys, courage, and a touch of class, this one’s for you. I caught it late one night. Didn’t expect much. Sat all the way through. Felt like I’d ridden into town myself. Dust on my boots. Gunfire in my ears.

7. Memphis Belle (1990)

IMdb Ratting: 6.9/10