Nicolas Cage has handpicked the one movie he believes fans must see.

The Hollywood icon has a career spanning more than four decades and a filmography exceeding 120 titles since his silver screen debut in the 1982 classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. With such a vast repertoire, fans often grapple with where to begin – but Cage has now revealed which of his movies is essential viewing.

In a conversation with The New Yorker, Cage revealed the film is a "tragedy" but something everyone can learn from. Fans on Twitter/X were quick to agree, lauding it as one of Cage's best appearances.

Cage declared Pig was the must-watch film for fans. "It's something that I think people can get something out of, because tragedy is going to hit all of us at some point. It's just a matter of when," he explained.

Cage reflected on how this choice contrasts with the public perception of him being eccentric. He expressed satisfaction with Pig, noting it was a unique experience for him: "It's a very quiet, gentle movie, which is the opposite of what we started our conversation with – people thinking I'm crazy.

"That I'm happy with, because I'd never done anything like that before, where I felt like I got close to putting a meditation on camera, or a haiku."

He also mentioned the film marked a transition towards more "personal" projects.

Social media has been abuzz with praise for Cage's recommendation, with comments such as: "I agree. It's not my favourite Cage movie. But it is one of his best and easily in the top 5 films of that year." Another fan concurred: "And he'd be correct. His best film."

One fan praised Nicolas Cage's film selection, commenting: "It's a cinematic masterpiece. The picture is a noir about grief and isolationism found in the corrupt inner cities of the US. It's shot like a tense thriller action movie, but has the plot of an endearing cultural odyssey, like Huckleberry Finn. Great choice by Cage."

Others are clamouring for Cage to be recognised at the Oscars, with remarks such as: "Criminally overlooked. Should've gotten him an Oscar nomination for best actor."