Michael Caine has opened up about a film that completely 'floored' him, with the esteemed actor confirming it ranks among the best he's ever seen.

His pick resonated with fans, some of whom have hailed the movie – and performance by its lead actor – the "greatest of all time". The film earned one star an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and remains one of the most acclaimed blockbuster hits to date.

Caine revealed his initial "terror" upon learning who would take on the part, noting an 'intensity' that lingered around the movie even after its completion.

While fans continue to praise the film, Caine – who played Alfred in the Batman trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan – can't help but feel "sad to think" about the events that unfolded shortly thereafter.

In a heartfelt tribute to Heath Ledger for his iconic portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, Caine lauded Ledger's acting as "a performance for the ages". In his book, Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life, Caine expressed his admiration for Ledger, who tragically died at the age of 28.

He penned: "The smeared makeup, the weird hair, the strange voice. It was chilling. Absolutely floored me the first time I saw him in action – I was terrified... Heath was only 28 when he passed away.

"I hadn't even made 'Zulu' when I was that age. You think of what he might have gone on to achieve, it's just heartbreaking.

"The shock was immense, and it cast a shadow over 'The Dark Knight's' promotional tour that summer, as journalists were fixated on discussing his untimely death.

"It still makes me sad to think of it... [it's] a performance for the ages. Even though his career was cut short so soon, he'll be remembered as a great actor, I believe."

The Dark Knight enthusiasts still laud Heath Ledger's portrayal as one of the finest ever seen on screen.

A fan exclaimed: "Honestly might be the greatest character performance of all time. Guy nailed the role so well that film easily sits on my Mount Rushmore."

Another fan remarked: "Ledger's Joker performance is legit an all timer for me." While a third commented: "Such beautiful words from Michael Caine. I often think what heaths career would of been, had he not passed.

"28 is so young. Heath made his impact on cinema but his performance as Joker will go as one of the best performances ever not just in a comic book movie, but in general."

Social media users were in agreement about the weight of Ledger's role, echoing Michael Caine's sentiments that his captivating turn in The Dark Knight will be eternally memorable. One person said: "Heath was GOATED, his performance will stand the test of time."

Yet another chimed in: "Heath Ledger as The Joker is undeniably one of the best performances/acting in the history of cinema. Unforgettable stuff!".