Tom Cruise has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades, with a wide range of iconic and memorable performances in various film genres. From the action-packed thrillers of the 80s to the heartwarming family dramas of the 2000s, Cruise has consistently demonstrated his versatility as an actor. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Tom Cruise movies, ranking them in order of critical acclaim and audience appreciation.
1. Top Gun (1986) – 91%
Ron Howard’s iconic aviation action film introduced the world to Maverick, the iconic character that cemented Tom Cruise’s status as Hollywood’s biggest star. Cruise’s performances as the young and rebellious fighter pilot earned him a spot among the film’s many standout moments, including the heart-pumping aerial sequences and the enduring soundtrack.
2. Jerry Maguire (1996) – 82%
A romantic drama that showcases Cruise’s tender side, Cameron Crowe’s film tells the story of a successful sports agent (Cruise) who begins to re-evaluate his priorities after a crisis of conscience. The film received widespread acclaim for Cruise’s nuanced portrayal of a vulnerable and human character.
3. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) – 85%
The sixth installment in the long-running spy thriller franchise has been praised for its edge-of-your-seat action sequences, witty one-liners, and high-stakes plot. Tom Cruise continues to push himself physically and emotionally, this time leaping off planes and executing daring stunts.
4. Magnolia (1999) – 85%
Paul Thomas Anderson’s complex and interconnected drama weaves together several storylines to create a poignant exploration of human nature. Cruise received critical acclaim for his turn as a manipulative con artist with a hidden soft spot, showcasing his incredible range.
5. Born on the Fourth of July (1989) – 84%
Oliver Stone’s war drama, based on a true story, stars Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic, a Marine who returns from Vietnam a paraplegic and becomes a vocal anti-war activist. Cruise received an Academy Award nomination for his powerful portrayal of the courageous and flawed Kovic.
6. The Last Samurai (2003) – 82%
In Edward Zwick’s epic adventure, Tom Cruise stars as Nathan Algren, an American military officer who is captured and adopted by the samurai in 19th-century Japan. His performance, which includes memorable swordfighting sequences and a deeper exploration of Eastern philosophy, earned him his first Oscar nomination.
7. Minority Report (2002) – 82%
Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi thriller is set in a futuristic society where crimes can be predicted and prevented. Cruise, as Detective John Anderton, stars alongside Colin Farrell and is tasked with tracking down a rogue "precog" (Sam Rockwell) who predicts that Anderton will commit murder.
8. Cocktail (1988) – 82%
An early-career standout for Cruise, this romantic comedy-drama follows a struggling bartender (Cruise) who becomes embroiled in a complicated love affair with his boss’s sister (Elisabeth Shue). The film showcased Cruise’s charm and chemistry with his co-stars, cementing his status as a Hollywood heartthrob.
9. Tropic Thunder (2008) – 79%
A comedy that pits a washed-up actor (Cruise) against his rival co-stars, starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. The film’s zany humor, memorable one-liners, and irreverent takes on the film industry itself earned critical acclaim and earned Cruise an MTV Movie Award nomination.
10. Edge of Tomorrow (2014) – 77%
A sci-fi thriller that showcases Cruise’s wit and versatility, Edge of Tomorrow sees him play an army publicist who, after waking up reliving the same day over and over, must work together with an alien warrior (Emily Blunt) to prevent the destruction of Earth.
Of course, no list is exhaustive, and opinions may vary. Nonetheless, this ranking highlights Cruise’s versatility, from playing iconic action heroes to delving into complex dramatic roles. Throughout his career, Tom Cruise has consistently shown his commitment to taking risks and challenging himself as an actor.