TodayTom Cruise is synonymous with gravity-defying stunts that adorn the biggest set pieces in the Mission: Impossible movieswherein his passionate love for doing his own stuntwork has cemented his reputation as a larger-than-life movie star. Few actors possess the magnetism that Tom Cruise exudeswhether on set or on the big screenin which he dazzles with his 1000-megawatt smile and carefully-craftedwild intensity.
HoweverCruise is not just a decorated action star who merely entertains in the form of thrills — he shines best in complex dramas that demand characters to descend into the depths of what truly defines them. Be it a dollar bill brandishing Bill Harford or a chaotically tenacious Jerry MaguireCruise knows how to navigate nuanced character vignettes and imbue any film he’s in with a telltale intensity that cannot be replicated.
Having worked on 40+ filmsalongside some episodes in television and documentariesTom Cruise has emerged as a bonafide — dare I say — icon in the past couple of years. Keeping this in mindranking every film he’s been in can be a tricky endeavor: after allart is violently subjective and cannot truly be ranked to discern its innate value. Before we proceedI would like to clarify the following: this ranking will be a combination of the quality of a film and the quality of Cruise’s performance in itwith a heavy emphasis on the latter. Soif you don’t see asayTop Gun: Maverick at numero unoplease don’t come rushing with your pitchforks!
Finallythis is as much a ranking as an appreciation for Tom Cruise’s staggering range and intensity as an actorso please feel free to have a good time while you’re at it. With that out of the waylet’s dive in.
45. Endless Love (1981)
Tom Cruise’s debut performance as Billy in Franco Zeffirelli’s Endless Love is too blink-and-you-miss-it for it to warrant a substantial place in his filmography. Although Cruise’s character partially impacts the central romance between Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt with a tale of unintentional arsonthere’s not enough to go on here. MoreoverEndless Love can be categorized as an adaptation that does not understand its source material or the turgidobsessive love affair that lies at the heart of the story.
44. The Mummy (2017)
Remember the Dark Universe? Neither do I. As a part of a terribly under-planned and misguided attempt to create a cinematic universe with classic Universal monstersThe Mummy was the first and final nail in the coffin for this ambitious franchise. Helmed by Alex Kurtzmanthe film had several writers on boardalong with David Koepp and Christopher McQuarrie. Howeverthe end result was a bafflingly lackluster script led by a character whose blandness overrides his consistently unbearable smugness.
Tom Cruise’s usual charmwhich generally oscillates between endearing and effectively cocky throughout his filmographycomes off as obnoxious in The Mummymostly due to how it is handled. Apart from being a failed Tom Cruise vehicleThe Mummy thoroughly lacks originality to the point that it comes off as a sad pastiche of the classics it desperately tries to imitate.
43. Cocktail (1988)
HereTom Cruise plays yet another cocky flirtthis time a bartender named Brian Flanagan. Cocktail is the quintessential hollow ‘80s moviewith its glamour and appeal resting heavily on Cruise’s good looks. Wellthe story in itself revolves around Brian’s ability to seduce women (whilst bartendingfor the most part) until he decides to romance Elisabeth Shue’s Jordan.
UnfortunatelyCocktail fails to imbibe any of the standard thrills that are cognizant of good romantic dramasas the script lacks the depth to keep the audience invested or hooked. Howeverif you are ever in the mood to watch an unbearably suave Cruise flaring at a bar while the rest of the plot (plot? what plot?) gradually fades into the peripheryCocktail is the perfect Tom Cruise film for this sole purpose.
42. Losin’ It (1983)
A sex comedy about adolescents trying their damnest to get laidLosin’ It follows a young Tom Cruise on a road trip to Tijuana with his gangwhowait for itwant to get some. Although there is nothing inherently bad about Curtis Hanson’s filmit unfurls as a run-of-the-mill genre offering rife with coming-of-age tropes and semi-hilarious shenanigans that end in some sort of pseudo-profound life lesson. Worth skipping entirely unless you’re a Cruise completionist.
41. Lions for Lambs (2007)
A war drama helmed by Robert Redford with a talent-packed cast including CruiseMeryl Streepand Redford himself sounds like the perfect Oscar bait. HoweverRedford’s Lions for Lambs was far from what everyone envisioned the film to be. Insteadit turned out to be a preachyhollow morality drama with long-winded monologues that seemed like pedantic lectures.
A film about America’s war on terrorLions for Lambs executes its subject material in a rather pompous mannerrobbing the film of the nuance and substance it should have essentially embodied. Although Tom Cruise is fine as Senator Jasper Irvinghis performance fails to eclipse the dull execution of what could have been an especially riveting narrative about the futility of war.
40. Rock of Ages (2012)
Broadway musicals can be electrifyingand when appropriately adapted to the big screenthe results can be brilliant (a recent example being Steven Spielberg’s abundantly layered West Side Story). Adam Shankman’s Rock of Agesbased on Chris D’Arienzo’s jukebox Broadway musical of the same nameis almost too eccentric(ally bad) for its own goodcrumbling into a brand of silliness I personally cannot get behind.
Having said thatTom Cruise is the only redeeming aspect of Shankman’s lifeless adaptationwho imbues metal rocker Stacee Jaxx with a bonkerschameleon-like qualitymanaging to keep the movie afloat during the direst of times. If you can get past some of the intense crooningsthat is.
39. Far and Away (1992)
In Far and AwayTom Cruise and his then-wife Nicole Kidman play Irish immigrants coming to the US hoping to partake in the elusive American Dream. This premise can quickly become hackneyed if not treated with some modicum of ingenuity. And it does. In a case of pure miscastingboth Cruise and Kidman fail to reinvigorate this American epic with any sort of weightdespite their best efforts.
Although visually stunningFar and Away is the kind of film that suffers from shallowness that it seems to be unaware ofdevoid of any meaningful stakes that can hurtle this drama towards a reasonable conclusion. Cruise’s Irish accent is…interestingto put it mildlywhich does not help the film’s case in any shape or form.
38. Taps (1981)
To be fairTaps is a relatively good military dramawith a string of convincing performances backing itespecially by Timothy Huttonwho was nominated for a Golden Globe for the same. As we’re ranking films as per the quality of Tom Cruise’s performancesTaps ranks lower due to the limited screen time the actor has to work with here.
Playing Cadet Captain David ShawnCruise plays a character who takes his responsibilities a tad too seriouslybanking on the age-old notions of honorwhich are often associated with a certain brand of masculinity and heroics. Despite the film’s self-endorsed seriousnessTapswith or without Cruiseis a little lackluster on the stakes front and is pretty forgettable as a whole.
37. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
Banality is the name of the game in Jack Reacher: Never Go Backthe sequel to the moderately enjoyable 2012 filmwhich still possesses numerous merits worth consideration. Tom Cruise reprises the franchise’s titular rolewhich often smacked as odd to me since Lee Child’s hulking protagonist is a far cry from Cruise’s rendition of the officer-turned-vigilante. Howeverthe core issue with Edward Zwick’s sequel is not Cruise but a meanderingheavily by-the-numbers plot that seeps out any semblance of joy one can expect to derive from a standard action thriller.
The film’s reported budget of $96 million feels thoroughly unearnedas it is barely reflected in the shoddily-executed final product. Although Cruise is markedly different from the character’s novel counterparthe brings a haunting intensity to the role that would have definitely fared better with a strongermore cohesive script.
36. All The Right Moves (1983)
An early Tom Cruise entryAll The Right Movesis pretty nondescript in terms of its filmmaking merits but emerges as pivotal in cementing Cruise’s credibility as a leading man. This Michael Chapman sports drama revolves around a Pennsylvania high-school footballer who is at loggerheads with his coachdesperate to escape his humble roots and make it big in the world of professional sports.
In terms of storylineAll The Right Moves is pretty middlingmimicking dozens of Hollywood entries that feature a gifted high schooler with ambitious aspirations persevering against all odds. HoweverCruise manages to keep the storyline groundedhence elevating an otherwise trite coming-of-age drama into a refreshingly honest character study worth checking out
35. Legend (1985)
Fresh off the success of Blade RunnerRidley Scott ventured into the epic dark fantasy realm with Legendwhich can only be described as a neverending fever dream. Nowdon’t get me wrong: I think Legend is pure camp funand my love for the film knows no bounds. Be it a heavily costumed Tim Currywho plays a 10-foot Lord of Darkness with menacing bravadoor an electrifying Mia Sarawhose Black Swan-like transformation may or may not have been my bisexual awakeningLegend is deliriously bonkers in the best of ways.
Howeverthe film’s weakest link is Tom Cruise’s everyman-turned-hero Jackwho fights the devil with the power of light while donning armor made with a thousand shiny bottle caps. Cruise’s performance is not nearly as campy as the film demands. Hencehe painfully sticks outlike a being never truly belonging in the trippy wonderland it seems to inhabit.
34. Days of Thunder (1990)
A lot of hopes and dreams were pinned on Days of Thunder right around the time of its releaseas it was the second collaboration between Tom Cruise and Tony Scott after the iconic Top Gun. Although it failed to meet these extremely high expectationsDays of Thunder whirls its way to the finish line in a way typical of a NASCAR flick: there are uber-fast carscocky driversand love interests cheering these hot-shot men on.
This is also the film in which Cruise met Kidmanwho plays the love interest to his Cole Trickle. The film in itself? Underwhelming and pretty formulaic when it comes to its derivative plotting. Cruisehoweverbrings his telltale dynamism to the roleoffering a glimpse of the wild intensity that would define some of his career’s best roles. Think of it as a mellowed Fast & Furious for Cruise loversand heythat’s not a terrible bargain.
33. Knight and Day (2010)
James Mangold takes quintessential action-hero tropes and turns them on its head in Knight and Daywhich is as fun and hilarious as it gets. Tom Cruise’s secret agent is on the run from the CIA (becauseof coursehe is) and needs to team up with June Havens (an extremely charming Cameron Diaz). The Diaz-Cruise duo works exceptionally wellboth in serious dramas and comedic routines. The latter was proven true in Knight and Daywhich remains rewatchable despite being predictable to some point.
While Cruise’s Roy Miller/Matthew Knight follows the same mold as a dozen characters he plays in a bunch of action filmsKnight and Day rank higher sheerly due to its purely enjoyable hijinkswhich follow neither logic nor plausibility. Which is fine; let’s live a little.
32. Mission: Impossible II (2001)
After the genre-defying Mission: Impossible by Brian De Palmawhich cemented Tom Cruise as the indomitable Ethan HuntJohn Woo’s Mission: Impossible II fell flat. Although not a terrible film by traditional genre standardsthe sequelunfortunatelydoes not inch any closer to the measured brilliance of the first MI film by investing in a borderline-nonsensical plot that does not do justice to the franchise’s core. Howeverthe inherent shortcomings of this film are neither Woo’s nor Cruise’s faultwho undoubtedly bring their individual brands of commitment to this particular installment.
Due to the ridiculous nature of the scriptHunt emerges more as a bland villain than a morally complex anti-heroalthough the subsequent films steadily paint him as the undisputed hero of the franchisedespite his moral complexities. The film also lacks the standard Woo-esque action flair. In factone is better off watching The Killer or Face/Off to genuinely appreciate what John Woo is really capable of.
31. Jack Reacher (2012)
Noplease don’t yell at me for ranking Jack Reacher higher than MI 2 — let me explain. While Tom Cruise’s best efforts are adversely impacted by Mission: Impossible II’s headache-inducing script and characterizationJack Reacher allows the action star to shine while adding an ounce of thrill to its titular character. This first installment is better received than its sequel because it understands what kind of film it is and works overtime to deliver the freshest thrills possible within that limited ambit.
Christopher McQuarrie employs Cruise’s natural charisma in favor of the storyline while weaving in an interesting antagonist in the form of a feral Werner Herzog. AlsoI find Cruise’s broodingcold-blooded persona an interesting turn among the long list of suave good guys he has playedespecially within the framework of an action thriller that is meant to be a fun ride.
30. Valkyrie (2008)
Before I delve into how Valkyrie fares as a political dramaI want to focus exclusively on Tom Cruise’s performance as Wehrmacht Colonel Claus von Stauffenbergone of the foremost members of the failed plot to assassinate Hitler. Cruise’s casting was the subject of controversyas he was deemed too American for the role (compounded with the fact that none of the Nazi officers sported an accent throughout the film).
Despite these oddsCruise churns out a reasonably good performance within the limitations of a plot that favors glitz and glamor over complex characterization. HoweverCruise is not a standout hereas the rest of the cast belts out equally convincing performances. Meanwhilethe film fails to soar above the fringes of well-made mediocrity. Although Valkyrie is not laughably badit is not exceptionally good eitherespecially if you re-contextualize it through the German lensgiven that the film fails the test of historical accuracy on many fronts.
29. Oblivion (2013)
OhI know: most lists would bill Oblivion wayway loweras it is generally perceived as one of Tom Cruise’s inferior entries in the sci-fi genre. Howeveras an Oblivion apologistI believe the film boasts something essentially significant: its plot stands out as wholly original despite suffering from some pacing and narrative issues.
Cruise is the heart of Oblivion — he sells the chaotic reveal halfway through the filmwhich seems to take clear inspiration from Solaris (the Andrei Tarkovsky originalnot the American remake). Cruise perfectly plays a fractured character who is meant to be a ghost of his core selfchasing objectives until the mirage dissipates. Joseph Kosinskiwho is a master at capturing aesthetic beautygift wraps Oblivion as a beautifully bleak dystopian experience that is worth experiencing at least once.
28. The Last Samurai (2003)
Edward Zwick’s epic period dramaThe Last Samuraipositions Tom Cruise as an American captain who crosses paths with samurai warriors in the Meiji Restoration period in 19th century Japan. Right off the batI applaud the film’s stunning action sequenceswhich still hold up due to their fluidity and seamlessnesslike poetry in motion. In terms of how Cruise fares in this dramahe brings equal amounts of badassery and heart to his conflicted character and adds an edge to the intelligently-penned plot with great conviction.
Howevermy issue with The Last Samurai lies in the inherent treatment of its subject matter: the white savior trope defines copious chunks of the third act. Moreoverthe film falls prey to an idealizedsanitized portrayal of the ways of the Samurai. Although a marked improvement from the problematic Americanized retellings of Japan’s complex socio-cultural landscapeThe Last Samurai is still an extremely flawed epic that props up embellished versions of actual historical figures—still a great watch.
27. Vanilla Sky (2001)
Yet another potentially controversial rankingmost ranking lists delegate Vanilla Sky to the fag end of best Tom Cruise films. Howeverfor methe film fulfills the dual role of evoking a deeply surreal tale and allowing Cruise the space to showcase his terrific rangeand it emerges as one of the cornerstones in Cruise’s career. NowVanilla Sky pales miserably compared to its Spanish-language originalAbre los Ojos. But it still remains an ambitious adaptation that dares to tackle deep existential themes (while lacking the depth to grasp its implications fully).
Even though Cruise portrays what one can essentially describe as a self-centered prickhe still manages to evoke some amount of sympathyeven for such a morally-degraded character. Overallthe film functions best within the domain of dream logicwhere the conscious and the subconscious meet to expose our deepest desireswhich are often inherently cruel and unimaginably selfish.
26. Tropic Thunder (2008)
Ben Stiller’s Tropic Thunder has too many gems to boast ofbeing a film that still remains darkly comedic and hilarious in the best of ways. Howeverone of the standouts among the film’s manymany highlights (Jack Black experiencing drug withdrawal in a wildly unhinged manner takes the cake for me) is Tom Cruise’s small but defining role as sleazeball businessman Less Grossman.
Cruise’s maniacal monologue where he “negotiates” with the kidnappers and screams“I’m talking scorched earthmotherfucker!” as a dumbstruck Matthew McConaughey gawks at him is enough to qualify it as a memorable Cruise performance. And ohCruise also busts out some sick moves as Grossman toward the end of the filmwhich perfectly caps off this delightfully bonkers cameo role.
25. American Made (2017)
This Doug Liman joint melds heart-thumping action with a devil-may-care protagonist embodied by Tom Cruise effortlessly while being inspired by the life of TWA pilot Barry Sealwho flew a mission for the CIA. This is an admittedly winning combinationas American Made is an extremely enjoyable and breezy watchwith Cruise using his cult of personality in the film’s favor with no holds barred.
This is the kind of Cruise performance that revels in the actor’s strengths: a script that demands stuntwork (that he would happily oblige to do)a character that creates space for exhibiting boisterous charmand a decently good screenplay that ties everything together. Although American Made is too glib to be taken seriouslythe film delivers exactly what it means to and works in sync with everything that defines Cruise’s wheelhouse.
24. The Outsiders (1983)
Francis Ford Coppola’s coming-of-age gemThe Outsidersis an eccentric yet effective adaptation of the source materialwith a host of young talent grounding the film. Tom Cruise is one among the many namesalongside Matt DillonPatrick SwayzeRob Loweand Emilio Estevez. What’s interesting about Cruise’s performance in The Outsiders is that it is a peek inside the Hollywood star’s strengths before he adopted a more suavepolishedleading-man persona.
HereCruise’s Steve Randle is an awkward adolescent who plays a marginally smaller role in the plot than the rest of the cast but still manages to intrigue. There’s a naturalistic and rough-around-the-edges aura to Cruise’s rendition of the characterwhich is never seen again once the actor officially enters the territory of a confidentcharming leading man. MoreoverThe Outsiders is a pretty solid film that tackles teenage trauma with great nuancechampioning an authenticity often missing in mainstream genre entries.
23. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
What’s not to love about Mission: Impossible III? J.J. Abrams took the reins of a franchise that had previously faltered with one underwhelming installment and reinvigorated it by highlighting the brimming potential of a saga about a tenacious IMF officer. The stakes in MI3 seem higher than everwith the odds abundantly stacked against Tom Cruise’s Hunt — especially when he’s up against the deadly Owen Davidplayed to perfection by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
While the Rabbit’s Foot functioned more as a McGuffin to drive the plot forwardMI3 expertly weaves bombastic action with heartfelt stakes by introducing Julia (Michele Monaghan) into the mix. Needless to sayCruise elevates Hunt by investing a special brand of guarded vulnerability in himwhich undoubtedly pays off in future installments.
22. The Firm (1993)
YesI knowthis is an adaptation of a John Grisham thriller in the ‘90s and films with similar plots and mysterious shenanigans were a dime a dozen at that point in time. HoweverThe Firm set a precedent for such adaptations and proved that a great legal thriller is a careful combination of star powerevenly-paced thrillsand hard-edged cynicism.
HereTom Cruise plays Mitch McDeerea Harvard-educated tax lawyer with brimming ambitionwho gets accepted into a legal firm under conditions that seem too good to be true. And they areas Mitch finds himself at the heart of a web of lies and deceptiontrapped against his will in the corrupt ecosystem with no way out.
Cruise exhibits incredible range in this wonderfully eventful dramagoing from a promisingwide-eyed lawyer to a man desperate not to lose everything he holds dear. AlsoI have got to especially mention Gene Hackman hereas his presence creates intriguingdangerous friction in the scenes shared by Mitch and Hackman’s mentor character.
21. War of the Worlds (2005)
Alien invasion plots are a Steven Spielberg specialtyand his War of the Worldsa gripping adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classicis frankly phenomenal. HereTom Cruise does not play a decorated hero but an everyman forced to step up to the mantle — specificallya sort-of deadbeatemotionally vacant father whose kids cannot stand the sight of him. This is fresh territory for Cruisewho manages to add something viscerally relatable to his character’s plightwho does not seem to know how to bridge the gap between him and his children amid an alien invasion.
Spielberg’s commentary about the futility of war and the perseverance of the human spirit in the form of close-knit families elevates this post-apocalyptic thrillerwhich manages to intrigue with its frenetic action and emotional depth. Cruise is the glue in War of the Worldsmaking disparate elements work rather effortlessly while embodying a deeply flawed character with great skill. I also have a deep love for the scene in which he furiously makes peanut butter sandwiches for his miffed kids (it is both sad and hilarious).
Related Content: 10 Best Films By Steven Spielberg
20. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Anne Rice aficionados who’ve read The Vampire Chronicles will immediately understand the importance of Interview with the Vampirewhich raises vital questions about creationconsumptionhumanityand lack thereof. Not a traditional vampire taleInterview situates a newly-bitten Louis with the cruelunapologetically hedonistic Lestat de Lioncourtwho assumes various roles for our protagonistincluding makernemesisand lover.
While the Hollywood adaptation completely neutered the homoerotic underpinnings between Lestat and Louisone would be a fool to deny the brand of passionatefrenzied sexuality that Tom Cruise brings as the pompouseffortlessly stylish Lestat. A brat through and throughCruise’s Lestat eggs oncoaxesand torments Louis throughout while celebrating the cruelties inherent in being a creature of the night without abandon. Shame is an alien emotion to Lestatand Cruise perfectly embodies this by treating Louis’ empathy with dripping disdain. While Interview with the Vampire is not the best Rice adaptation (the AMC series is clearly superior in every way)Cruise is pivotal to bringing the novel’s morbidly dreary world to life.
19. Top Gun (1986)
The reasons Top Gun landed here on my list can be attributed to many factors. First offthe filmdespite boasting groundbreaking aerial sequences that still hold up after all these yearsis not devoid of faults. Only stimulating in parts and cheesy as hellTop Gun is one of those films that enjoy the benefit of nostalgiawhich does not necessarily void out the film’s many strengths. Top Gun definitely acted as a launchpad for Tom Cruise’s journey into superstardompositioning him in the shoes of a highly cocky yet endearing Maverickwho undergoes great personal loss and has to tackle overwhelming guilt in the end.
There’s a ribbon of sexualized masculinity that runs throughout the filmbut refreshinglyit never descends into misogyny or toxicity of any kind. The way Top Gun props up male friendships is frankly beautifula case in point being the glorious volleyball sequence that still manages to make us feel giddy.
18. The Color of Money (1986)
Martin Scorsese’s sports dramaThe Color of Moneyis clearly Paul Newman’s filmbut part of the film’s charm is undoubtedly contributed by Tom Cruisewho belts out a major supportive performance. Playing protégé to pool player Fast EddieCruiseonce againuses his cocky boyish charm to add an easygoing quality to the narrativewhich makes for a really enjoyable performance.
MoreoverScorsese’s masterful direction allows the huge ensemble cast to feel meaningfully fleshed outwhere the central trio stands out distinctively amidst a host of colorful characters. This entry is so high up on my list because Cruisewho was still cementing his talent at the timeconvincingly managed to hold his own opposite the likes of Newman and John Turturroespecially with Newman eventually winning an Oscar for his performance in the film. AlsoThe Color of Money is a certified bangerso there we go.
17. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Ghost Protocol is a pureadrenaline spectacleboth from an action and narrative standpoint. Everything is tuned up to a 100 as Hunt and his crew take on increasingly dangerous missions that arehehimpossible. The fact that Tom Cruise scaled the Burj Khalifa to deliver one of the most electrifying setpieces in the franchise is a reason alone for Ghost Protocol to deserve all the love. Stillthe film also props an extremely good Jeremy Renner among the chaos.
The literal definition of deliciously good popcorn entertainmentGhost Protocol is funchaotictechnically impressiveand features some choice emotionally-resonant moments. My only (minor) gripe with the film is the unspeakably embarrassing Anil Kapoor cameowhich literally adds nothing to the plot and could’ve been handled better. But I digress: Cruise brings renewed energy to Huntwho gradually morphs into a legend who cannot be bestedno matter the odds.
16. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023)
Ethan Hunt is a man haunted by his pastan amalgamation of everything he’s lost so farcoupled with the rising anxiety of what he might lose next. Dead Reckoning heightens these personal stakes for Cruise’s Hunt like never beforeimbuing him with the same vulnerability that he wore on his sleeve in De Palma’s Mission: Impossible. Surehe’s still willing to jump off unbelievable heights and put his life on the line for the sake of his missionsbut hereHunt’s dilemma is more pronouncedas he faces realirrevocable loss after the death of someone close to him.
Prior to thisHunt has faced off against innumerable enemiesranging from complex antagonists eager to blow up the world to those plotting within the firm to smoke him out as a potential mole. Dead Reckoning takes an eerietimely approach to its big bad by positioning an A.I. keen on world domination — dubbed The Entitywhich employs human agents to ensure that Hunt is stopped before it’s too late.
While the film ends on a cliffhangerpaving the way for Part Twothere’s plenty to love here. Cruise embraces the lighter aspects of his personality while also brandishing his fierceprotective side—the latter manifesting in tense alleyway scuffles and desperate grappling on the top of a moving train. Dead Reckoning raises the stakes for Cruise as an action star like every succeeding M: I installment. It also allows him to imbue Hunt with a culmination of regrets that only fuel his need to be the one to save the world.
15. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
This is it. The sum of all of our choicesalong with that of Ethan Hunt’swhich Final Reckoning closes out with an operatic bang (and a bittersweet nostalgia for the friends made along the way). Although flawedFinal Reckoning does what its predecessors have done before and more: it thrusts the fate of the world in Ethan’s handswho must wrestle it away from a rogue AI intent on devouring humanity for good. And he doeswith haunting sincerityirrespective of whether he needs to float through the debris of an ancient submarine or dangle off the wings of a biplane piloted by Esai Morales’ cartoonishly maniacal Gabriel (complimentary).
A thread of incoherence runs through Final Reckoningbut Cruise and co. make it work. Hunt’s limits as a man are laid out to underline his vulnerabilitiesbut we are soon reminded of something that “Rogue Nation” so brilliantly laid the foundation for. Ethan Hunt is the living manifestation of destinysomeone who can overturn what is “written” through sheer grit and willpowerwhile aided by a dedicated team of friends who are as brave as he is. MoreoverCruise’s final performance as Hunt is everything you would expect it to be: nuancedaudaciousand achingly sincere.
14. Minority Report (2002)
I love Philip K. Dickand I love Spielberg’s Minority Reportwhich encapsulates the high-concept sci-fi action aura of Dick’s novel. Here Tom Cruise’s Jon Anderton has the ability of precognition — a staple trope in Dick’s works — which posits an interesting conundrum between free will and determinismalong with the dire cost of prescience. Howeverin my bookCruise’s performancewhile skillfuldoes not necessarily make the movie what it isas the plot works due to a combination of factorsincluding incredible secondary performances.
Even though Cruise is the leading man burdened with the gift of prophecy and the fates of many depend on himit is the dual performances of Samantha Morton and Colin Farrell that shine throughadding a biting edge to an already competent storyline. While Cruise does what he does best (he also runswhich is aces)the film’s many strengths far outnumber his contributionswhich explains my reasoning for not ranking it in the top ten.
13. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015)
Christopher McQuarrie simply serves in this Mission: Impossible installmentwhich contains all the telltale ingredients that make every MI entry a blast. Unbelievably funRogue Nation knows which aspects of the franchise work best and employs fresh thrills alongside time-tested hits that have elevated Ethan Hunt into the once-reluctant (now willing) hero he is. The mystery elements of the plot are extremely tense and genuinely thrilling. At the same timethe presence of Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa (who is now a staple) breathes new life into the secondary dynamics of the film.
Although Rogue Nation isn’t wholly originalit simply doesn’t matter: Tom Cruise deepens Hunt’s character by introducing complexcontrarian impulsesand these aspects emerge best when he’s interacting with Ilsawho isfranklya stunning addition to the gang. I meanyou folks remember the opera sequenceright? There’s something endlessly cool about Hunt being one-upped by a competentmysterious agentwho goes on to forge an emotional bond with him as time passes. Formulaicbut done with skillso it works!
12. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
While Edge of Tomorrow seems like a typical action thoroughfareit is truly a remarkable film that establishes conventions only to violently — and effectively — subvert them. Tom Cruise’s hero status in the film is not a given as it is thoroughly earned: he needs to work his ass off and die (countless times) to escape a Groundhog Day-esque scenario and potentially save the world. The one calling the shotshoweveris Emily Blunt’s Rita Vrataskithe Angel of Verdunwho pays Cruise’s baffledutterly confused character no heed for a good chunk of the first half.
In a classic inversion of expectationsCruise’s William Cage needs guidance and saving throughout. On the other handVrataski deals with all threats in a measuredno-nonsense manner that is absolutely refreshing to watch. Moreoverthe Cruise-Blunt combination works beautifullycreating space for humorpathosand general badassery in the best of ways.
11. Mission: Impossible (1996)
Brain de Palma laid out the blueprint for the Mission: Impossible franchise with his noir-addleddramatic-as-heck first entrywhich is a perfect film in many respects. The film positions a young Ethan Huntwho’s wholly dependent on his team until a mission in Prague goes horribly wrong and forces him to go rogue. This is history in the makingas de Palma lays the foundation for the over-the-top set-pieces that will define the franchisekey examples being the CIA infiltration scene and the entire train sequence towards the end.
The reason why I’ve ranked this entry so high up is that the film simply would not work without Tom Cruisewho adds so many subtle layers to his houndedjiltedcorned IMF rogue character that it is thrilling to watch him grow as the franchise blooms. Even the penultimate twist is pure de Palma brillianceexecuted in a smartpracticaland haunting way. The actionalthough not as polished as the big-budget blockbusters to followis extremely ambitious and pulled off with great panache. After allwe wouldn’t be here eagerly expecting Dead Reckoning without this filmso I’m simply paying the respect that is due.
10. Risky Business (1983)
Risky Business is celebrated for a good reasonas this acclaimed sex comedy ticks all the right genre boxes and features the Tom Cruise performance that put him on the mainstream radar. HereCruise turns on his charms to the max in a stylish satire that explores teen angst and the arbitrariness of moralityeliciting genuine laughs along the way. Howeverthe film is not without glaring faults. It is extremely dated (and problematic!) in its treatment of trans women and sex workerswhich obviously urges us to direct appropriate criticism toward these aspects.
The reason why Risky Business makes it to the top ten is Cruise and Cruise alonewho plays an entrepreneur-turned-pimp to perfection. A significant factor is an iconic scene in which Joel slides across the floormiming Bob Seger’s rendition of Old Time Rock and Rollwearing a pink shirt and white briefs. This is an image of a true movie star in the makingharkening to the beginning of great things to come.
Also Read: 10 Great Dark Comedies from the 20th Century
09. Rain Man (1988)
Barry Levinson’s Rain Man situates Tom Cruise as the brashself-centered Charliewho learns about the existence of his brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman)an autistic savant. Although Levinson’s script is decently good and is executed without major blemisheswhat makes Rain Man seminal is its central performanceswhere both Hoffman and Cruise give it their all to bring the story to life.
As we’re honed in on Cruise hereI must say he plays Charlie rather beautifullyportraying the depths of a man who does not quite understand emotional vulnerability as he drowns under mountains of resentment. While Hoffman consistently evokes strong emotions with his rendition of RaymondCruise emerges as the unexpected X factor in the filminjecting the premise with a realistic sense of shallowcruel desperation that adds significantly to his character.
08. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
In terms of the culmination of the best traits in the Mission: Impossible franchiseFallout is sheer perfection. The swag in Fallout is wildas the amount and dynamism of the set pieces eclipse all expectationseven after being appropriately met in Rogue Nation. Tom Cruise proveswithout a shadow of a doubtthat he is the definitive Ethan Huntand transferring the mantle to anyone else would be an absurdrather foolish decision. SomehowCruise manages to make Hunt more iconic than previously imaginable while helming a story with plentiful thrills and mindblowing.
A special ode to Henry Cavill for reloading his muscles in the bathroom fight sequence and adding thrilling stakes to the story as a morally complex anti-hero that I would love to see a return to the franchise (I knowI knowbut one can hope?) MoreoverFallout is a consistent adrenaline high with almost no dull moments — it is a blockbuster through and throughcrafted with love and dedicationwith an evergreen Cruise at the beating heart of it all. I’ve run out of praisesbut you get the gist.
07. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Before you unsheathe your pitchforks againlet me paint you a picture. The prospect of working with Stanley Kubrick is a double-edged sword — on the one handthere’s the genius artistic vision. Stillon the otherthere’s the callous cruelty he exhibits on-set that pushes the strongest actors over the edge.
While Kubrick’s heinous treatment of Shelley Duval on the set of The Shining is fairly common knowledgefolks often overlook his treatment of Tom Cruise and Kidman while filming Eyes Wide Shutwhich still remains an electrifyingcaptivating entry in the auteur’s oeuvre. The man exerted such intense pressure on Cruise that the megastar developed ulcers due to the harrowing stresswhich is evident in the portrayal of Bill Harford.
Eyes Wide Shut is Cruise pushed to the edge of sanitywhere he brings a visceral sense of insecurity and paranoia to the role in an intriguing character study. PersonallyI adore Eyes Wide Shut and will defend it to death. While you might disagree with this sentimentit’s evident that the film dangerously capitalizes on Cruise’s sound capabilities as a serious actor.
Related List: All Stanley Kubrick Movies Ranked From Great to Greatest
06. Top Gun: Maverick (2021)
I watched Top Gun: Maverick in theaters with my fatherwho is completely removed from the realm of mainstream Hollywood cinema. While he was heavily impressed by the sequel’s astounding aerial action sequenceshe made it a point to repeatedly praise Tom Cruise’s screen presence and the absolute command he holds over every scene. This perfectly encapsulates the core reason why Top Gun: Maverick swept the box office the way it did: the film builds meaningfully upon the Top Gun nostalgia while fleshing out an emotionally high-stakesaction-heavy tale with Maverick at the center.
Joseph Kosinski innately understands the mechanics of a Tom Cruise vehicle that works in favor of an almost-flawless film and weaves it into a story about camaraderie and letting go of the past. Yet another stylishly sexy beach sequence acts as the icing on the cakewhich works well because the fresh characters are all genuinely likable and integral to Maverick’s journey. AlsoCruise’s comeback as Maverick is remarkably nuancedas he can imbue the character with emotional depths that are otherwise missing in the original. Simply lovelywith no notes.
05. Collateral (2004)
Tom Cruise as a hardened killera full-blown villainis a deliciously rare sightand Collateral offers this rare glimpse into the actor’s capabilities to turn completely rogue. Everything about this Michael Mann extravaganza is chef’s kiss: it is an L.A. noir about a can driver (Jamie Foxxwho’s also brilliant) who Cruise’s dangerously unhinged Vincent cornersand forced to cooperate till the end of the night in increasingly unnerving ways.
Every supporting performance adds a kernel of authentic thrill to Mann’s expertly-crafted piecebut it is Foxx and Cruise who engage in a mad dance to keep audiences hooked. I have a particular affinity for the nightclub scene in Collateralwhere Cruisewho is coolly confident up to this pointstarts wreaking havoc by pushing patrons while Ready Steady Go! blares in the background. The way Cruise moves in this sequence is rawanimalisticand dangerousexposing the true extent of his villainy and the innate danger Foxx’s character is in. Collateral is no Heatbut it is up there in the ranks of tensegripping noir-thrillers with stellar performances to ground them.
04. A Few Good Men (1992)
Jack Nicholson is a force of nature in every film he’s intempering his intensity according to the nature of the plotwith great success. To be able to hold one’s own opposite such a dynamic actor is no small featand Tom Cruise manages to do just that in A Few Good Men. Rob Reiner’s film might be a tad overdramatic in the way it handles its subject matter. Stillthe drama unfolds in the most effective waysbookended by impetuous performances that leave no space for dull moments in an old-fashioned courtroom drama.
The oft-quoted courtroom faceoff between Cruise and Nicholson’s characters is theatricality at its bestwith two-star powers with different sets of strengths meeting together to deliver an unforgettable scene. The “You can’t handle the truth!” monologue is still endlessly quotable. Cruise’s performance extends beyond this little snippetas he embodies Daniel Kaffee with just the right amount of righteous snark and idealistic indignation. Truly great stuff.
Related Read: Virtues of Moral Duty and Battlefield Heroics in War Movies
03. Jerry Maguire (1996)
“Show me the moneeeeeyyyyy!!!!” I’m sorryI had to. In hindsightit feels like Cameron Crowe tailor-made Jerry Maguire solely for Tom Cruiseas the actor was meant to embody the towering narcissism of slick sports agent Jerry Maguire. He used to be handed things on a platter based on his success and charisma aloneJerry is hilariously at his wit’s end when on the verge of losing everything and starting his own agency. Although some aspects of the film have not aged wellJerry Maguire still manages to entertainespecially with the help of Renée Zellweger’s breakout characterwho adds tempered emotionality to the scenes that require it the most.
Jerry is undoubtedly one of Cruise’s best rolesas it allowed the actor to portray great emotional range while being insufferably slickall the while managing to remain lovable. Beyond performancesthe film paints a reasonably accurate picture of the behind-the-scenes corporate shenanigans that can make or break careers in an instant and the shallowness inherent within such cultures. Jerry straddles both sides of the road and emerges as someone deeply capable of genuine compassion — and that is all that matters.
02. Magnolia (1999)
Magnolia is a full-blown experience courtesy of Paul Thomas Andersonwho weaves a frenetic string of ambitious brushstrokes over the span of 188 minutes. As densely intricate as interconnected stories goMagnolia is a masterpiece in storytelling helmed by various performances that verge on the operatic. Tom Cruise plays pickup artist Frank T.J. Mackeywhose introductory speech immediately puts the actor’s acting chops on display to tremendous effect. Mackey sells vilemisogynistic ideas to his male followers to rile them up and rally them in his favor while conning them to buy into the idea of his ridiculous sex seminars.
The way Cruise conveys this larger-than-life televangelist personality is astoundingoffering layered insight into the fragility of male egos when failed by the same patriarchal structures they try so desperately to uphold. When perceived as a composite wholeMagnolia is brilliant and convolutedand Cruise still stands out in some capacity when measured against the slew of remarkable performances that pepper the film.
Related List: All Paul Thomas Anderson Movies Ranked
01. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Although not a blockbuster or a widely-loved entry by any meansBorn on the Fourth of July is Tom Cruise at the pinnacle of his abilitieswithout question. Cruise’s lead performance as Ron Kovic is downright unforgettable in this Oliver Stone biographical dramawhich expertly balances political commentary with a story that brims with heart.
In many casessuch biographical Hollywood entries seem to be made with awards season in mind. HoweverBorn on the Fourth of July tackles its serious subject matter with the genuine need to etch a thought-provoking story about an anti-war activist who strays away from idealistic ruminations to being vitriolically furious about the inhumanity of war.
War is never a glorious affair — there is no glory in the basestmost destructive urge of human natureand Stone conveys this in gut-wrenching ways. The reason I chose this film to cap off this list is because of how unconventional this role this when it comes to Cruise’s usual strengths — and how unbelievably brilliant he is in playing such an unflinchingfiery character with roots in real life. Cruise as Kovic perfectly captures the breadth of emotionality the actor can convey and the raw passion that guides every step of the way.
