Discover the Top 10 Must-Watch Tom Cruise Movies on Paramount+!

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In January 2024, Tom Cruise stunned Hollywood by leaving Paramount Pictures and joining Warner Bros instead. Known for his long-standing relationship with Paramount since 1992 when his production company, Cruise/Wagner, partnered to create the first Mission: Impossible film, it was Paramount that distributed many of Cruise’s successful movies over the years. The combined box office revenue from these films exceeded $6 billion worldwide for Paramount. Now, it appears that this lucrative source of income for them has come to an end. What a significant loss!

Even though Tom Cruise is no longer associated with the studio, Paramount still retains the rights to the films he made for them, making many of these movies accessible on their streaming service, Paramount+ (previously CBS All Access). This platform gathers content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Showtime, the Smithsonian Channel, and Paramount Pictures. If you’re a Paramount+ subscriber and wondering which Tom Cruise movies are worth your time, here are some suggestions that will keep you entertained.

10
‘Jerry Maguire’ (1996)

I’m captivated by the film “Jerry Maguire,” where I, Tom Cruise, take on the role of Jerry – a sports agent who values quality over quantity in client management. Fired for my unconventional philosophy, which my superiors deemed harmful to profitability, I stand firm in my convictions and focus solely on Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., a renowned football player. Over time, Rod’s triumph validates my unique approach.

‘Show me the Money!”

Although Jerry Maguire originated from the NFL world, its appeal transcends beyond that, which explains why it was nominated for five Academy Awards. Notably, it was also the top-grossing film of 1996. Despite being recognized primarily for his work in teen films at the time, director Cameron Crowe skillfully crafted this deeply moving tale about discovering resolution and self-awareness within a professional setting. In one of the finest performances of his career, Tom Cruise delivers an authentic portrayal of a man grappling with the challenge of finding a way to thrive after spending years ensnared in a monotonous white-collar life.

9
‘Mission Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

In the movie “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, Ethan Hunt, an agent with the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), portrayed by Tom Cruise, and his team join forces with CIA operative August Walker, played by Henry Cavill. Their mission is to prevent a dangerous organization called the Apostles from carrying out destructive attacks in Jerusalem, Mecca, and the Vatican. However, there might be hidden intentions behind Walker’s actions.

Eventually Possible

In my opinion, among all the Mission: Impossible films, I find myself particularly drawn to the one often hailed as the best – the Fallout. What makes it stand out is its impressive array of not one, but two compelling villains, along with a general enhancement in high-octane sequences. A prime example would be the thrilling motorcycle chase through Paris. To this day, it continues to hold the title as the franchise’s most financially successful installment. Interestingly enough, it was also the first Mission: Impossible film to receive Oscar nominations for both Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.

8
‘Collateral’ (2004)

In an uncommon twist, Tom Cruise portrays a chilling villain, particularly when he embodies evil. The movie “Collateral” revolves around Max (Jamie Foxx), a hard-luck cab driver from Los Angeles who’s having one of those nights to forget. When he thought things couldn’t get any worse, he finds himself picking up Vincent (Tom Cruise), a smooth-talking assassin demanding rides to various kill sites. The plot thickens as Max discovers that one of Vincent’s targets is a friendly prosecutor who rode in his cab earlier during the day.

Cruise Vs. Foxx

Michael Mann infused raw intensity into cinema with the film “Heat.” Unlike other productions that may boast a polished style or high-end production values, this one delivers an equally captivating experience. This is largely due to the presence of two of the most exceptional actors in history. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (one of two Oscar nominations he received that year), Jamie Foxx truly shines, and Tom Cruise provides a fitting counterpart. The tension will keep you on the edge of your seat right up until the end credits conclude.

7
‘War of the Worlds’ (2005)

In a struggle to mend his relationship with his children, divorced dockworker Ray Ferrier (played by Tom Cruise), finds his problems paled in comparison when extraterrestrial beings attack Earth. Can he shield the young ones and regain their affection amidst this alien onslaught? Steven Spielberg provides the solutions in the movie titled War of the Worlds.

Saving both Earth and Family

Upon its debut, Steven Spielberg’s dramatic tale about a dock worker yearning for familial affection amidst an alien invasion was universally praised. The visual and auditory aspects of the film earned it accolades at the Academy Awards. It also proved financially successful, grossing $603 million in box offices. Tom Cruise delivers an outstanding performance, with Morgan Freeman and Dakota Fanning providing excellent support. While the narrative may not match the perfection of H. G. Wells’ 1898 novel that serves as its basis, it offers a satisfying viewing experience overall.

6
‘Magnolia’ (1999)

In the movie “Magnolia,” all the significant occurrences take place on a single day in Los Angeles. Earl Partridge, a prominent TV producer nearing death (played by Jason Robards), endeavors to patch things up with his long-lost son, Frank (Tom Cruise), who is a dishonest self-help expert. A former game show winner (William H. Macy) struggles with loneliness, and a police officer finds himself smitten by a woman whose background may not be entirely clean.

One of the Best Movie Ensembles

Eight years prior to the release of his masterpiece “There Will Be Blood,” Paul Thomas Anderson penned and directed this poignant drama, set against a vivid yet harsh landscape of struggle. Once more, Tom Cruise delivered a powerful performance that left an indelible impression, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. I found myself deeply moved by his portrayal of a headstrong son’s heart-wrenching estrangement from his family. The ending of this film will linger in my memory forever, making “Magnolia” a poignant reflection on the intricacies of life.

5
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

In the movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” the character Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, is tasked with returning to the Top Gun aviation academy at NAS North Island. Here, he takes charge of a fresh batch of pilots for a daring mission – to bomb an uranium enrichment facility. One of these trainees is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, son of Maverick’s deceased buddy, Goose. As you might expect, feelings run high due to past regrets and unresolved emotions.

Better than the Original Film

Although you might not come across a film that surpasses Top Gun: Maverick when it comes to pilots, American Made is a close contender. In essence, Top Gun: Maverick can be seen as a typical story of friendship, much like many others out there. However, what sets it apart is the unique dynamic between an aging risk-taker and a young idealist, both of whom happen to pilot high-speed jets. The film’s emotional impact stems from these thrilling, sky-high experiences.

Director Joseph Kosinski skillfully managed both the emotional dynamics of the relationship and the thrilling action sequences, resulting in an enticing, visually stunning blockbuster. This film not only raked in a staggering $1.5 billion (the highest gross of 2022) but also earned a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

4
‘Vanilla Sky’ (2001)

In the movie “Vanilla Sky,” David Aames (played by Tom Cruise) was once living the high life. He owned a publishing company that he inherited from his father and was enjoying the good life. However, his life took a drastic turn when he got paralyzed in a car accident, orchestrated by his vengeful ex-girlfriend (portrayed by Cameron Diaz). But as David delved deeper, he began to question what was real and what was not. He found out that he had signed up for a cryogenic program, making the distinction between dreams and reality increasingly blurry.

What’s Real?

In a thoughtful and introspective manner, the film “Vanilla Sky” explores the enigmatic nature of destiny through its melancholic atmosphere and storyline reminiscent of Kafka. Stunningly captured on screen and accentuated by an emotionally resonant tune by Paul McCartney, earning awards, “Vanilla Sky” stands out even within its genre. Above all, it imparts profound moral insights. Acting-wise, Diaz delivers a strong performance compared to Cruise, although his fans may not be overly concerned about that.

3
‘Tropic Thunder’ (2008)

Filming a war movie is no walk in the park, especially for a greenhorn director such as Damien Cockburn from ‘Tropic Thunder.’ Exasperated, the filmmaker chooses to plunk his actors down in the heart of the jungle, secretly setting up cameras everywhere. He intends to capitalize on improvisation, but unbeknownst to him and the crew, they’ve accidentally found themselves in a real war zone.

Tropic Silliness

In simpler terms, Ben Stiller’s well-known comedy movie is filled with humor, silliness, and fun while also poking fun at Hollywood in a clever way. The visuals are stunning, the dialogue between guys is amusing, and it frequently references other war films for laughs. Additionally, many famous actors make appearances, including Cruise, who gives an unusually exaggerated and incredibly funny performance. This performance earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe.

2
‘Jack Reacher’ (2012)

Previously, prior to the much-praised Amazon Prime Video series, there was the film “Jack Reacher,” featuring Tom Cruise in the lead role. In this movie, a former member of the United States Army Military Police Corps (USAMPC) named Jack Reacher takes on a case involving a sniper accused of murdering innocent civilians. He teams up with defense attorney Helen Rodin (played by Rosamund Pike) to uncover the truth, and as they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of conspiracy.

A Smaller yet Competent Reacher

In the film adaptation of Jack Reacher, Tom Cruise’s portrayal faced criticism from fans for not perfectly embodying the physicality described in Lee Child’s novels. However, if you can look past the lead actor’s height, it’s a solid movie. Although Cruise may not be towering, he convincingly plays a tough guy who can inflict damage single-handedly. Despite being known for his charming smiles, there’s none to be found here – and that’s a positive aspect. In this role, Cruise demonstrates the cold determination required to break enemy bones, rather than flashing his usual grin.

1
‘Minority Report’ (2002)

In the spirit of Philip K. Dick’s renowned 1956 novella, Minority Report transports us to the year 2054, where law enforcement is equipped with technology that predicts criminal actions before they occur. A proactive approach indeed! However, Chief John Anderton (played by Tom Cruise) uncovers a significant loophole in this system, leading to severe repercussions.

Science Has Flaws

Steven Spielberg’s unique and insightful movie skillfully generates tension while offering a thorough critique of law enforcement and the judicial system. The urban Washington backdrop, expertly captured by cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, adds to the unease with its stark, concrete environments. Although some viewers might find the science elements less appealing, aficionados of the genre should definitely give it a try. After all, many of the technology aspects depicted in this film eventually came true in real life.

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2025-02-18 03:03