As a film enthusiast with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that the list you’ve provided is quite impressive, especially when it comes to Tom Cruise‘s action-packed performances.
Tom Cruise, with his relaxed personality and daring attitude towards action sequences, has been entertaining audiences for many years. He is particularly recognized for portraying Ethan Hunt in the “Mission: Impossible” movie series (where he’s faced numerous life-threatening situations). It’s no surprise that he remains a popular choice in major Hollywood productions. The statistics clearly show this, as Cruise consistently ranks among the top 10 most financially successful actors at the U.S. box office.
Tasking the selection of top 20 films from Cruise’s extensive filmography and ranking them, from least preferred to most preferred, appears to be a daunting challenge – one that might even seem unachievable. However, we took on this mission and considered Rotten Tomatoes scores as our starting point. Yet, the ultimate order was decided not only by these scores but also by the films’ overall cultural influence and our personal preferences. Join us as we discover where your favorites stand in comparison to our selections.
20. Interview with the Vampire
As a fan, I can’t help but be captivated by this tantalizingly dark film where Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt shine. Pitt, in the lead role as the enigmatic bloodsucker, Louis, shares his haunting tale with a doubtful journalist. Transformed into a vampire by the ruthless Lestat (Tom Cruise), the sensitive Louis grapples with his newfound immortality and the insatiable thirst it brings. However, matters become even more complex as Louis forms a unique bond with the young vampire Claudia (Kirsten Dunst).
This movie is extremely exaggerated and the acting mirrors that style. Tom Cruise doesn’t simply nibble on the scenery; he gobbles it up. It’s filled with graphic violence, excessive, and highly dramatic, but the lavish gothic set design and Cruise’s flamboyant performance make it a movie you won’t forget easily.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst
- Director: Neil Jordan
- Year: 1994
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%
19. American Made
The film “American Made” seems comfortably familiar, as it represents Tom Cruise’s second joint project with director Doug Liman and features him once more behind the plane’s controls – a role that aligns well with Cruise being a licensed pilot. At times, the movie appears like one that Cruise could effortlessly produce in his dreams, yet it remains undeniably engaging.
Drawing from real-life events, “American Made” showcases Tom Cruise as Barry Seal, a pilot turned smuggler. Initially, he works for the CIA as an aerial spy but eventually amasses great wealth, boasting himself as the reliable “gringo.” He engages in drug trafficking for cartels, arms sales for the CIA, and informing the DEA, showing a chameleon-like adaptability to serve different interests. Cruise’s powerful portrayal adds an endearing dimension to a character who could otherwise be grating.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright
- Director: Doug Liman
- Year: 2017
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
18. War of the Worlds
For over a century, “War of the Worlds” has been an influential part of our cultural landscape. Yet, Steven Spielberg breathes new life into this classic tale, making it a story about fractured families and the tribulations of fatherhood amidst a chilling alien attack. The character Ray Ferrier, played by Tom Cruise, grapples with mending his relationships after marital discord. However, when colossal war machines from another world invade Earth, the urgency shifts to ensuring their survival.
The film features noteworthy scenes like the plane crash and the exhilarating 360-degree chase, yet it also has some surprisingly heartwarming moments, particularly between Ray and his daughter Rachel (played by Dakota Fanning). To convincingly portray both an action hero and a dedicated father, a versatile actor is needed, and Tom Cruise fits the bill perfectly. Despite not being his finest work, this Spielberg production is underappreciated and deserves more recognition.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Year: 2005
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%
17. Eyes Wide Shut
Following their encounter on the set of “Days of Thunder” in 1990, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise quickly gained fame as the talk-of-the-town pair in Hollywood. Their reunion on the screen for Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut” was their first time working together since the 1992 release of “Far and Away.” It is unsurprising that the chemistry between them sparked brilliantly, as shown in the film. The narrative revolves around the married duo, Bill and Alice, who face trials and tribulations after Alice confides in Bill about her near-indiscretions outside their marriage. Consumed by fantasies of the affair his wife almost – but critically, did not – engage in, Bill becomes increasingly preoccupied with these imagined transgressions.
Although often considered one of Stanley Kubrick’s less notable works, “Eyes Wide Shut” would be regarded as a masterpiece by most other directors. This highlights the exceptional quality of Kubrick’s body of work rather than anything else. Additionally, Tom Cruise’s performances throughout his career have been remarkable, and even in this film, which ranks lower among them, he delivers an outstanding performance. In contrast to his typical heroic roles, Cruise portrays a character who is almost perpetually uncomfortable in this movie.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sydney Pollack
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Year: 1999
- Runtime: 2h 39m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%
16. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Before 2011’s “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”, the series was already doing quite well financially. However, this movie signified a significant change in the franchise’s trajectory – it soared from being highly successful to absolutely skyrocketing. In comparison to the $399 million earned by “Mission: Impossible III”, “Ghost Protocol” grossed over $684 million at the box office.
In “Ghost Protocol,” the risks soar significantly as the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) finds themselves falsely accused of a terrorist incident, compelling Hunt to operate covertly. With limited access to his regular resources and support, there’s also the looming concern about who is trustworthy – not just Hunt, but the viewers as well. The outcome is an exhilarating, incredibly engaging movie experience.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg
- Director: Brad Bird
- Year: 2011
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
15. Magnolia
Magnolia” masterfully combines various characters who initially appear unrelated, creating an intricate and surprising storyline. Among these individuals are a struggling addict, a waning game show host nearing death, a former child prodigy, and a complex public speaker – Tom Cruise portrays the latter character.
In a simplified and engaging manner: At the start of a seminar, Frank T.J. Mackey, portrayed by Tom Cruise in Cruise, delivers an attention-grabbing line, “Appreciate the manhood.” Despite his character’s cocky demeanor being convincingly played by Cruise, there is more depth to Frank. The self-assured persona on stage hides a deep well of suffering and distress. Tom Cruise skillfully brings out both sides of this complex character flawlessly.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Blackman, Melinda Dillon
- Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Year: 1999
- Runtime: 3h 8m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
14. Born on the Fourth of July
Tom Cruise received his first Oscar nomination for his role in “Born on the Fourth of July.” In the movie, he portrays Ron Kovic, a devoted young American who shares his birthday with his nation and voluntarily enlists in the marines to defend it. Unfortunately, he encounters misfortune during his service in Vietnam. This leaves him grappling with PTSD and holding a dramatically altered perspective on the war. Eventually, the traumatic events he lived through lead him to become a vocal critic of war.
This movie does an exceptional job of portraying the terrifying consequences of post-war life, and Ron’s PTSD episodes are genuinely chilling. Although the film occasionally veers towards being overly moralistic, Tom Cruise’s performance remains compelling, serving as a stark reminder of the heavy toll that war exacts on both bodies and minds.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgwick
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Year: 1989
- Runtime: 2h 25m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
13. Top Gun
The movie “Top Gun” embodies all the elements that make a film exceptional: It boasts an incredible soundtrack, heart-pounding aerial sequences, ample amounts of romantic tension, and a suggestive beach volleyball scene. This is truly a classic Tom Cruise production, the one that catapulted him to stardom. The story revolves around an ensemble of elite pilots, chosen for training at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. In this film, Tom Cruise portrays Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a self-assured and occasionally reckless pilot who often finds himself butting heads with his peers and superiors.
Impossible” series, this movie and its sequel are where Tom Cruise truly shines – he’s like Maverick, and Maverick is like Tom Cruise. There isn’t anyone else who does it quite as well.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer
- Director: Tony Scott
- Year: 1986
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%
12. Risky Business
In the teen comedy “Risky Business,” a young Tom Cruise challenges authority figures as his character, Joel Goodsen, takes advantage of his parents’ absence on vacation. Inspired by his friend Miles, Joel decides to live life without restraints, leading to activities like emptying the liquor cabinet and playing music excessively loud. However, things take a more serious turn when Joel is compelled to establish a brothel in his house to cover the costs of damaging his father’s expensive car.
Similar to many ’80s teenage romance-comedies, some elements of this movie may feel outdated today. However, Tom Cruise delivers a remarkable performance as the unsympathetic yet identifiable rebellious teenager.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Curtis Armstrong
- Director: Paul Brickman
- Year: 1983
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
11. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the staggering success of “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.” This sequel surpassed its predecessor, “Ghost Protocol,” by earning more than four times the opening weekend box office revenue! It was also a significant milestone for Rebecca Ferguson, who made her debut in the franchise, marking her first major role in Hollywood after a successful career in Swedish cinema.
After the incidents from “Ghost Protocol,” the IMF has been dismantled and Ethan Hunt continues his missions with the aid of a small circle of reliable associates. The newest danger they confront is the Syndicate, an organization behind a string of destructive assaults. Hunt teams up with British agent Ilsa Faust (played by Ferguson), but the issue arises: can Hunt rely on Faust or any other individual? In “Rogue Nation,” Cruise seems completely at ease in his character, making it appear effortless, even when that involves hanging onto the exterior of a plane – yes, Cruise actually performed that stunt himself.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg
- Director: Christopher McQuarrie
- Year: 2015
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
10. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Viewing “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” leaves one with the sense that this series strives to be more grandiose and impressive with each new installment. This ambition is evident in the substantial budget, which amounts to a staggering $290 million, and it’s not merely about money; these movies have grown exponentially in scope.
For Ethan Hunt, the risks have never been greater as a lethal weapon capable of wiping out humanity rests in the hands of a formidable adversary. To keep up with current issues, “Dead Reckoning Part One” delves into the perils of artificial intelligence, emphasizing its dangers without appropriate oversight. It remains to be seen how “Mission: Impossible 8” (the “Dead Reckoning Part Two” subtitle has been dropped) will surpass this, but we anticipate it will deliver an exceptional performance.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
- Director: Christopher McQuarrie
- Year: 2023
- Runtime: 2h 43m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
9. A Few Good Men
Testing an actor’s true skill lies in navigating the verbose dialogues penned by Aaron Sorkin, and this is a task Tom Cruise eagerly accepts in “A Few Good Men.” Here, Cruise portrays Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a naval lawyer assigned to defend two Marines accused of murdering a fellow soldier at Guantanamo Bay.
In the movie, Colonel Nathan Jessep sits across from Kaffee, yet when it comes to intense on-screen rivalries, it’s Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise who face off against each other. Cruise holds his own remarkably well opposite a legendary actor like Nicholson, and this is particularly clear during the tense courtroom finale. It was actually Cruise who delivered the memorable line that became iconic in film history: “You can’t handle the truth!” However, it was Cruise who hit the home run with his performance, making that line famous.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Year: 1992
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
8. The Color of Money
As a devoted movie enthusiast, it was like a fantasy come true for me to find my name on the marquee alongside the legendary Paul Newman when I starred in “The Color of Money.” This film served as a follow-up to the iconic “The Hustler,” and in it, Old Pro Fast Eddie Felson (played by Newman) makes his comeback to the billiard halls. But this time, he’s not alone – he’s got a protege: young gun Vincent Lauria (that’s me!). Vincent displays a knack for both pool and hustling, but his overconfidence ultimately becomes his downfall, turning us into adversaries on the table.
In essence, casting a seasoned actor like Newman with an emerging talent such as Cruise symbolized a handover to the emerging era of Hollywood. Martin Scorsese, known for eliciting stellar performances from his actors, treats both Newman and Cruise as equals – a significant aspect considering the film’s conclusion. “The Color of Money” may be overshadowed by other Cruise movies of that time, but it showcases one of his most underappreciated performances.
- Starring: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Year: 1986
- Runtime: 2h
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
7. Rain Man
At the 61st Academy Awards, “Rain Man” reigned supreme, taking home accolades such as Best Picture and Best Actor for the remarkable Dustin Hoffman. Unfortunately, Tom Cruise’s mesmerizing portrayal of Charlie Babbitt was overlooked in a rather unfortunate snub during the nominations. When I found out that Charlie had learned his father had passed away, I thought he would be inheriting a massive fortune. What I didn’t foresee, though, was that he would also inherit his older brother Raymond (played by Hoffman).
As an autistic gamer named Raymond, I found myself living in a costly institution that was draining my father’s finances. Driven by a desire for change, my brother Charlie decided to take me out and we embarked on an adventure – one that led us physically to Los Angeles, but also one filled with self-discovery as we unraveled the mysteries of each other’s lives.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Valeria Golino
- Director: Barry Levinson
- Year: 1988
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
6. Jerry Maguire
From the “Show me the money” battle cry, to the tender “You had me at hello,” memorable sound bites have given “Jerry Maguire” sticking power, but what shouldn’t be overlooked is just how great Tom Cruise’s performance is in this film. He plays the titular character, a sports agent who decides to break away from the cutthroat company he works for and set up a new agency with a focus on forging more personal relationships with his clients.
As a gaming enthusiast, one thing I can’t help but appreciate about “Jerry Maguire” is its universal charm. It offers a sports angle if you’re into that kind of scene, and it delivers on all the romantic comedy checkpoints if that’s more your style. With this role, Tom Cruise solidified his standing as a genuine leading man in this genre, earning him another Oscar nomination.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Renée Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Director: Cameron Crowe
- Year: 1996
- Runtime: 2h 19m
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
5. Minority Report
Remarkable for being Tom Cruise’s initial project with Steven Spielberg, “Minority Report” offers the actor a deeper role than one might initially assume. At first glance, this film (adapted from Philip K. Dick’s novella) appears to be typical sci-fi entertainment, centered around a future society where technology allows law enforcement to apprehend offenders before a crime occurs. Beneath its surface, however, “Minority Report” serves as a compelling examination of ethical questions and a stark cautionary tale on the potential perils of misusing technology.
A movie exploring the concept of free will versus destiny might get lost in heavy philosophy, but Spielberg skillfully balances this deep content with an engaging plot. Tom Cruise’s characters, while typically portraying a heroic figure on paper, often carry underlying elements of darkness, sorrow, or suffering that make them more nuanced and compelling. This duality is a perfect fit for Cruise’s acting abilities, as demonstrated by his role as John Anderton in “Minority Report.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Max von Sydow, Colin Farrell
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Year: 2002
- Runtime: 2h 25m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
4. Edge of Tomorrow
In terms of enjoyable movies that you can watch with a bag of popcorn, “Edge of Tomorrow” fits the bill perfectly. The film’s unique twist on the “Groundhog Day” theme serves as an excellent platform for Tom Cruise’s acting abilities. Cruise portrays Major William Cage, a timid public relations officer who finds himself in a war against extraterrestrial beings. Being utterly unprepared, Cage meets his end swiftly; however, he miraculously wakes up the day prior, giving him another chance to fight.
In the movie “Edge of Tomorrow,” Tom Cruise’s character experiences a loop similar to playing a video game. Initially, he’s clumsy and unsure, seemingly stumbling through events. Yet, with repeated attempts, he accumulates skills and insights to tackle each new challenge effectively. By the end, he overcomes the final adversary effortlessly. The film masterfully mirrors this concept, making Cruise’s repetitive struggle resonate with viewers as something familiar and relatable.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton
- Director: Doug Liman
- Year: 2014
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
3. Collateral
It’s not often we see Tom Cruise take on the role of a full-blown villain, but in the movie “Collateral,” he portrays Vincent, an alluring assassin who hires an unaware taxi driver named Max (Jamie Foxx) to chauffeur him as he executes his targets. When Max discovers that one of Vincent’s victims is Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith), the woman with whom Max had flirted earlier in the evening, a desperate race ensues to rescue her.
The film “Collateral” stands out due to its straightforward premise. Max embodies the ordinary man, a simple worker who finds himself in an extraordinary predicament. Tom Cruise’s character, Vincent, is a charming and well-dressed individual with silver hair as polished as his attire. He’s coldly calculated and ruthless, yet he has some similarities to Max – both are simply doing their jobs. Watching Cruise portray such an unsavory character adds an unexpected delight.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith
- Director: Michael Mann
- Year: 2004
- Runtime: 2h
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
2. Top Gun: Maverick
Typically, sequels based on old classics cater well to nostalgia but often lack innovation compared to their predecessors. However, Top Gun: Maverick stands out as a rare exception; it surpasses the original in quality. After 36 years and Tom Cruise’s transformation from an unknown actor to a global star, there was immense pressure on this film. Yet, it exceeded expectations by shattering box office records and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
In a later sequel, titled “Top Gun: Maverick”, the character played by Cruise has risen to become the top dog in his profession, training a new group of aviators. The movie not only shows clear admiration for its predecessor but also stands as an outstanding film in its own right. The action sequences are amplified, improved, and more exhilarating than ever, and the excitement of Maverick returning to the cockpit is unmatched.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly
- Director: Joseph Kosinski
- Year: 2022
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Generally speaking, there’s a widespread consensus among critics that “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” stands out as the top installment in the series, and it also happens to be Tom Cruise’s most impressive film. Packed with pulse-racing stunts, exhilarating chases, and an exceptional hand-to-hand combat sequence, “Fallout” demonstrates mastery in crafting a flawless action movie.
It’s strangely appropriate that the locations attacked in “Fallout” are religious sites, as watching this film seems almost like a spiritual journey. The experience is so intense, it feels as if your spirit might float away while witnessing Tom Cruise leap from a plane into a storm (yes, he actually did it), and by the time the climactic battle on the cliffside unfolds, you’ll feel like you’ve reached movie nirvana. In short, the film is breathtakingly beautiful.
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Henry Cavill
- Director: Christopher McQuarrie
- Year: 2018
- Runtime: 2h 28m
- Rating: PG-13
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
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2024-10-27 14:31