where to watch tom cruise movies

7 best Tom Cruise movies to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Where to stream these iconic movies starring Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. For good reason, too. With jaw-dropping stunts, a gleaming smile and an intense gaze unmatched by many, Tom Cruise is a household name in Hollywood. He's had the lead actor role in at least 39 films and counting and has a box office total that has grossed over 10 billion. He has also produced some of his own films, including the hit Mission: Impossible franchise.

While Cruise may be known as an invincible action star, he has also played numerous characters with incredible depth and range. He has been the charming yet competitive romantic lead, the cold, calculating killer, and the greedy but misguided younger brother. Cruise has worked alongside some of the most famous actors and directors of our time. While it's hard to narrow down his greatest roles in such a short list, we've put together a few of the best Tom Cruise movies.

Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in Rain Man

In the Oscar award-winning film, Rain Main, Cruise plays Charlie Babbitt, the selfish brother of Raymond as played by Dustin Hoffman. Charlie finds out that his brother Raymond has inherited a great deal of money. Determined to get hold of what he believes is rightfully his, Charlie absconds Ray away from his residential home, sending the two on a memorable road trip neither will forget.

Hoffman took home an Academy Award for his role. So did the director, the screenwriter, and the picture as a whole. While Tom Cruise may not have received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film, he is the perfect actor to play alongside Hoffman. You have the reward of watching him shed his character's shallow, flashy demeanor and embrace a subtle maturity as he learns why his brother was sent away. A must-watch film that is one of Tom Cruise's best.

Watch on Prime Video

No one but Cruise could have played the part of Mitch McDeere in The Firm, an adaptation of the book by John Grisham. It could be why the 2012 television series of the book was canceled after only a single season. In the film, Cruise's McDeere is hired by a "small" firm from Memphis right out of law school. Although everything seems on the up-and-up, it isn't long before he realizes that he is surrounded by crooks.

It's the transformation of McDeere's smugness over landing such a top-notch job into an intensity over uncovering the truth and protecting his career — and life — that makes this such a powerful Tom Cruise film. However, what may surprise many is that Holly Hunter took home the Oscar for her role as Tammy Hemphill, the secretary of the private detective that McDeere hires. Despite Cruise's lack of Oscar recognition, this is one of his best movies.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Watch on Netflix , Prime Video or Paramount Plus

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men is a movie best known by many for its famous line spoken by Jack Nicholson who retorts, "You can't handle the truth!" However, it wouldn't be the same without Cruise playing the cocky Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee.

When defense lawyer Kaffee gets to defend two Marines accused of killing one of their colleagues, many expect him to simply settle the case out of court. Cruise's natural overconfidence as portrayed in his character, Kaffee, becomes a quality that people plan to manipulate to keep the truth a secret. When he realizes this raw reality, Cruise's stone-cold determination to take the case to court shocks many. Nicholson, who plays Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, was nominated for the Oscar. However, Cruise wows the audience when he plays opposite Nicholson in the famous court scene that prompted the line we all know so well.

Watch on AMC Plus

Going against his typical role, Tom Cruise plays a ruthless killer in the movie, Collateral. Vincent, as played by Cruise, is visiting Los Angeles to finish off a few people who are supposed to testify in court against a drug lord as well as a couple of other lawyers involved in the case. When he gets into the cab of Max, played by Jamie Foxx, not everything goes according to plan.

Cruise takes out all the charm in his personality to depict a heartless killer — although what remains is a certain reasonableness to his personality as he almost convinces Foxx's Max to stick with him for the long haul. However, Foxx's Max becomes braver by the moment. In yet another film where another actor was Oscar-nominated over Cruise — this time it was Jamie Foxx — it still remains one of Cruise's most complex characters, making it one of his best movies.

Watch on Paramount Plus

Jerry Maguire

This time an Oscar nominee, Cruise plays the part of Jerry Maguire, a sports agent at the top of his game. However, Cruise's Maguire gets a crisis of conscience when one of his clients gets seriously hurt. Confronted by the client's son, Cruise realizes he has no heart for those he is supposed to represent.

When Cruise's Maguire writes a mission statement, encouraging his agency to change their ways, he loses it all. However, despite the falling out, he connects with potential love interest, Dorothy Boyd, played by Renee Zellweger. He also manages to keep a single client, Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. It's a perfect blend of excellent acting, a strong script, and superb directing that makes this one of the most memorable romantic comedies. It also happens to include the famous Tom Cruise line that gives us all the feels, "You complete me."

Rent/buy on Amazon or Apple

Top Gun: Maverick

Timing is everything, as the old adage says. That is possibly why the movie Top Gun: Maverick was such a success. Cruise starred in and produced the film, a sequel to his career-making film, Top Gun. While it was ready to go in 2020, he delayed its release for when people could actually see it in theaters. And for good reason. With incredible stunts and minimal usage of CGI, the movie is an experience as much as it is entertainment.

Playing a character many became familiar with in the '80s, Cruise adds a level of maturity to his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Cruise's Maverick returns to the school that molded him to train younger pilots, one of whom is the son of his now-deceased best friend. The emotional depth Cruise brings to the film makes it almost better than the original, a feat that's near impossible for sequels.

Watch on Prime Video or Paramount Plus

Risky Business

How can any of us forget that famous scene when Cruise dances in his underwear to the Bob Seger song, "Old Time Rock & Roll"? One of the movies that made him who he is today, Cruise plays Joel Goodsen, a college-bound high school senior who itches to cut loose from his parents' ties. Finally having the opportunity to live a little when his parents go on vacation, things for Goodsen go from bad to worse as each rule is broken.

Acting alongside Rebecca De Mornay who plays the elusive and appealing call girl, Cruise's Goodsen learns about life, love, and consequences in this iconic film. Coupled with a strong script and excellent music from the 80s, this is one of Tom Cruise's best and most memorable movies.

Rent/buy on Amazon or Apple

More from Tom's Guide

Top new movies streaming this week
7 best Robert De Niro movies
What's new on Netflix this month

Nicole Pyles is a writer in Portland, Oregon. She loves movies, especially Lifetime movies, obscure TV movies, and disaster flicks. Her writing has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Mental Floss, WOW! Women on Writing, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and more. When she isn't watching movies, she's spending time with family, reading, and writing short stories. Say hi on Twitter @BeingTheWriter.

Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now

7 best shows about school to stream now

NYT Connections today hints and answers — Sunday, September 8 (#455)

All Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Tomatometer

Collateral celebrates its 20th anniversary!

From his teen idol days in the early ’80s to his status as a marquee-lighting leading man today, Tom Cruise has consistently done it all for decades — he’s completed impossible missions, learned about Wapner time in Rain Man , driven the highway to the danger zone in Top Gun , and done wonders for Bob Seger’s royalty statements in Risky Business , to offer just a few examples. Mr. Cruise is one of the few honest-to-goodness film stars left in the Hollywood firmament, so whether you’re a hardcore fan or just interested in a refresher course on his filmography, we’re here to take a fond look back at a truly impressive career and rank all Tom Cruise movies.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) 97%

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) 96%

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) 96%

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015) 94%

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) 93%

Risky Business (1983) 93%

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) 91%

Minority Report (2002) 89%

Rain Man (1988) 88%

The Color of Money (1986) 88%

Collateral (2004) 86%

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) 84%

American Made (2017) 85%

A Few Good Men (1992) 84%

Jerry Maguire (1996) 84%

Magnolia (1999) 82%

Tropic Thunder (2008) 82%

The Firm (1993) 76%

War of the Worlds (2005) 76%

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) 76%

Mission: Impossible III (2006) 71%

The Outsiders (1983) 70%

Taps (1981) 68%

Mission: Impossible (1996) 65%

The Last Samurai (2003) 66%

Jack Reacher (2012) 64%

Interview With the Vampire (1994) 63%

All the Right Moves (1983) 61%

Valkyrie (2008) 62%

Top Gun (1986) 58%

Mission: Impossible II (2000) 56%

Oblivion (2013) 54%

Knight and Day (2010) 52%

Far and Away (1992) 50%

Vanilla Sky (2001) 43%

Rock of Ages (2012) 42%

Legend (1985) 41%

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) 38%

Days of Thunder (1990) 38%

Lions for Lambs (2007) 27%

Losin' It (1982) 18%

The Mummy (2017) 15%

Cocktail (1988) 9%

More Countdown

Venice Film Festival 2024: Movie Scorecard

Best TV Shows of 2024: Best New Series to Watch Now

All Tim Burton Movies Ranked

Movie & TV News

Featured on rt.

September 7, 2024

September 6, 2024

100 Best Movies on HBO and MAX (September 2024)

September 5, 2024

The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Cast on Reuniting with Tim Burton

Top Headlines

Venice Film Festival 2024: Movie Scorecard –
Best TV Shows of 2024: Best New Series to Watch Now –
All Tim Burton Movies Ranked –
100 Best Movies on HBO and MAX (September 2024) –
59 Best Football Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer –
Best Hulu Series To Watch Right Now (September 2024) –

Fifteen of the best Tom Cruise movies — from Risky Business to Top Gun 2

We pick the best Tom Cruise movies from the star who's as underrated as he is prolific.

Say what you want about Tom Cruise — it's probably true. The best Tom Cruise movies also happen to be some of the best movies, period . He's one of the greatest living actors. He's overrated. He's underrated. He's way too old to be doing his own stunts. Scientology. Motorcycles. He's an anachronism. He's immortal.

You can argue for and against any and all of those things — and that's just for starters. But it's hard to argue that Tom Malpother Cruise IV hasn't been one of the most fascinating actors of a generation. Maybe not as prolific as, say, Kevin Bacon (the two are just four years apart in age) — but right up there in terms of range.

From the sweaty adrenaline cliché that is Top Gun (and the equally sweaty sequel, Top Gun: Maverick ) to the likes of the nearly indescribable Vanilla Sky or Eyes Wide Shut , the dude has range — even if it seems like in many ways he's merely playing different versions of himself. But that's what makes a good actor. We know that it's Tom Cruise in a fighter jet, or as a Vietnam War veteran. Or as an oversexed doctor. Or as a Pre-Crime cop. Or as a hotshot lawyer, backed by one hell of a lawyer.

Maybe you can argue that Tom Cruise is even better at choosing roles than he is as an actor. Maybe that's what distinguishes our list of the best Tom Cruise movies.

In any case, it's one hell of a list. Let's go through it. We've chosen date order — because we've got no hope of actually choosing between these babies.

Taps (1981)

The cadets of Bunker Hill Academy love their school, and when condo developers plan to bulldoze it, the cadets become the ultimate NIMBYs. They occupy the school, ending in a real-live war game these young men might not have bargained for.

This is not a "Tom Cruise" movie in the sense that his name is not above the fold. It's a George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton (with a little Sean Penn thrown in for added spice) movie on that score. But the hotheaded, gung-ho David Shawn that Cruise delivers is one of his rare bad guys, a hint that there is more behind those eyes than endless variations on Joel from Risky Business. With the exception of Magnolia, no one since has really had Cruise dig into the wound-too-tight, jagged edges he shows here.

Get the What to Watch Newsletter

The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more!

The Outsiders (1983)

Francis Ford Coppola's coming-of-age teen drama, The Outsiders is a hidden gem with a call sheet featuring the prime of 1980s acting talent including Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe and Diane Lane. The film, adapted from S.E. Hinton's novel, focuses on the class rivalry between groups from a small town in Oklahoma — the working-class Greasers and the wealthy Socs (short for socials). Tom Cruise only has a small role but, as scrappy greaser Steve Randle, he showcases his ability to switch off his megawatt movie star smile and sink into a character part.

The Outsiders made stars of its young " Brat Pack " talent, including one Tom Cruise — who despite his fleeting appearance in the film would go on to become arguably the biggest movie star in the world.

Risky Business (1983)

What's your first memory of Tom Cruise? Is it of the young man in an Oxford shirt and briefs, falling for (and falling under the spell of) the one and only Rebecca De Mornay? If so, you're absolutely not alone.

But it's also easy to forget that Risky Business isn't Tom Cruise's first movie. Even if it's a standout in a sea of memorable roles.

All the Right Moves (1983)

Released the same year as Risky Business , All the Right Moves , is often overshadowed by its slicker, sexier cousin. It shouldn't be.

For teens who grew up in coal and steel towns like this — or in any one-company, one-industry town — this movie was the celluloid version of the struggle to find a different path in a place that only offers so many choices. This Tom Cruise hero has flaws and he doesn't just skate by on that big smile. Plus he has a great foil in the criminally underrated Craig T. Nelson.

Top Gun (1986)

I feel the need ... the need ... to quote this movie within an inch of its life. There's just something about the swagger that actors like Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Tom Skerritt have playing fighter pilots, that's ridiculously badass.

And let us not forget the late, great Goose — Anthony Edwards with hair! And James Tolkan and his threat to have Maverick flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong. And Michael Ironside reminding us that you never — ever — leave your wingman.

Cocktail (1988)

Cocktail is what you get if you combine Risky Business with Top Gun . Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) is just a guy looking to make his way in the world, but intent on doing it his own way. That's right, bartender man. He is... dangerous.

Don't let anyone tell you Cocktail isn't a good movie. It's got great Aussie actor, Bryan Brown, as Brian's grizzled mentor, Elisabeth Shue as Brian's long-suffering girlfriend, a tropical island for a backdrop and a cracking soundtrack that includes The Beach Boys "Kokomo". Enjoy.

Rain Man (1988)

The last thing Charlie Babbitt wants is a brother — let alone one with autism. But that's what he discovers he has. In Rain Man, Tom Cruise is slick, charming and awful and yet strangely empathetic. It was a revelation. Not least because he manages to give that masterful performance alongside Dustin Hoffman. The Dustin Hoffman.

Rain Man is a rare example of a box office smash hit that also hits the right note with critics, winning four Academy Awards including Best Picture. Sadly the Best Actor role went to Tom Cruise's acting partner, Hoffman. Good try though.

Days of Thunder (1990)

It's Top Gun on four wheels. Cole Trickle may just be the most NASCAR name ever. And this may well be the most Tom Cruise movie of them all. Speed. Danger. Silly names. Nicole Kidman. (As in the future ex-Mrs. Tom Cruise.)

Plus Robert Duvall. Randy Quaid. Carey Elwes, just a couple of years out from The Princess Bride and sandwiched between Glory and Hot Shots!. And the ageless Michael Rooker. It's also probably the best use of the Spencer Davis Group in a film — right when Steve Winwood was getting big as a solo act.

A Few Good Men (1992)

One of the most memorable movie scenes ever comes from this flick — and it wasn't even Tom Cruise's line that capped it. That's OK — if you've got to play second fiddle to someone, let it be Jack Nicholson.

The military courtroom drama is a little tough for anyone who knows anything about courtrooms to watch — there's absolutely no way a lawyer anywhere would be allowed to behave that way. But art doesn't always imitate life and so a little deus ex machina and dialog by one of the best in the business — Aaron Sorkin — gave Tom Cruise yet another notch on his dramatic acting belt.

Plus an insolent (is there any other kind?) Kiefer Sutherland, the always awesome J.T. Walsh, Kevins Bacon and Pollak, Demi Moore and a baby Noah Wyle.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

This is the epitome of mid-1990s movies. Tom Cruise stars as Tom Cruise in love. Renee Zellweger does her schtick. Cameron Crowe does his thing with the script and behind the camera.

And it has that Sorkin-esque speech that feels like it was made for Tom Cruise. Plus Cuba Gooding Jr. in a role that makes you wonder where the rest of his career went.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

There's something about the first movie in this franchise reboot that maybe doesn't hold up so well 25 years later. But that's OK. Tom Cruise holds his own as Ethan Hunt alongside (and against) the likes of Jon Voight, Jean Reno and Ving Rhames. And it paved the way for something like 17 sequels, with casts that have morphed over two decades.

But it still manages to keep the soul of the original movie — and of the original M:I series.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

What the hell is this movie about? Is it about Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman? (Very much so.) Is it about some weird secret sex party society in New York? (Most definitely.) Is it about the fallout between those two things? (Yep.)

It's also about this being Stanley Kubrick's final film before he died. And it's about Chris Isaak's baby doing a bad, bad thing.

Vanilla Sky (2001)

This is one of those trailers that absolutely does not do the movie — or Tom Cruise — justice. (Same goes for Cameron Crowe, who wrote it.) Sure it captures the Tom Cruise who can do no wrong, get any woman he wants, drive the coolest car — you know, standard Tom Cruise stuff. And, sure, it captures the broken and confused Tom Cruise. And it captures the nexus between those things.

But damned if I can make sense of it two decades later. Still, it's an excellent Tom Cruise movie.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

There's just something about this movie that makes it watchable every time it's on. Maybe it's Tom Cruise as a PR flak in the military as it's combating a crazy alien invasion. Maybe it's Emily Blunt and her badass triceps. Maybe it's the late Bill Paxton's drawl. "Edge of the knaaaaaaf."

You know how this movie is going to turn out. You know Tom Cruise will be OK and save the day and everything will work itself out. And you know that look he gives at the very end of the movie means something — you just don't know what.

Or maybe it's just the mere idea of Tom Cruise ending up in a situation in which he's not in total control and doesn't know what's going to happen.

Top Gun Maverick (2022)

A whopping 36 years after the first Top Gun film , Tom Cruise is back with more death-defying aerial action and he hasn't let the fact that he's approaching his 60th birthday slow him down. We've got all the stunts, quips, bonding and spectacle of the first film with added anticipation and nostalgia. In fact, our (spoiler-free) review of Top Gun: Maverick described it as "a stratospheric sequel" where the only negative point was how long we've had to wait for it.

In a crazy world, where not much seems to make sense, watching Tom Cruise back in the saddle as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is comfortingly familiar yet excitingly entertaining. See it on the biggest screen you can.

More Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise's best stunts — our picks of his best death-defying feats.
Top Gun: Maverick guide
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning guide
Edge of Tomorrow review

I love this Tom Cruise movie now on Netflix, but I have no interest in a sequel

New on Hulu September 7-13: our expert picks 5 new TV shows and movies coming to Hulu

New on Max September 7-13: our expert picks 5 new TV shows and movies coming to Max

How-To Geek

The 10 best tom cruise movies to stream in 2022.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

I Only Listen to Music on Spotify, and That Might Be a Bad Thing

I canceled all my streaming services and rolled my own, here's how, how to prevent damage to your dvds and blu-rays, read update.

We've reviewed our guide and replaced links that had stopped working.

Quick Links

The color of money, edge of tomorrow, interview with the vampire, jerry maguire, mission: impossible - ghost protocol, risky business.

Tom Cruise has had one of Hollywood's most varied and exciting careers, from his days as a teen idol to his award-winning dramatic turns to his larger-than-life action-hero roles. Here are 10 of the best Tom Cruise movies to stream.

UPDATE: 10/21/22

Related: How to Stream Liam Neeson's Action Thriller Movies in 2022

Tom Cruise is genuinely scary as a suave hitman in Michael Mann's slick crime thriller. Jamie Foxx plays a cab driver who unknowingly picks up Cruise's contract killer and agrees to drive him to various locations for a hefty sum. Foxx's Max Durocher soon discovers that the man he knows as Vincent is actually on a killing spree, murdering different targets at each stop.

Mann builds a tense back-and-forth between the two men, making them into worthy adversaries even though Vincent seems to have every advantage. Mann gives Los Angeles at night a gorgeous, otherworldly feel, the perfect backdrop for this battle between the sadistic and the noble.

Collateral is streaming on Netflix ($9.99+ per month) and Paramount+ ($4.99+ per month after a seven-day free trial) and is available for digital purchase ($9.99+) and rental ($2.99+) at Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Watch on Netflix Watch on Paramount+ Watch on Google Play Watch on Vudu

Before "legacy sequels" were all the rage, Martin Scorsese directed this 25-years-later follow-up to 1961's The Hustler, with Paul Newman returning as pool shark Fast Eddie Felson. Eddie is older but not necessarily wiser, and his love for the game is rekindled when he spots hotshot young player Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise).

Cruise and Newman have excellent chemistry as two control freaks who develop a wary respect but maintain their rivalry. Scorsese shoots the pool scenes with flair, bringing a dynamic excitement to the many games of nine-ball. The movie is a winning combination of Scorsese's cinematic creativity and the Hollywood charisma of its two stars.

The Color of Money is is available for digital purchase ($9.99+) and rental ($3.99) at Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Watch on Amazon Watch on iTunes Watch on Google Play Watch on Vudu

Related: The 10 Best Nicolas Cage Movies to Stream in 2023

Although it underwhelmed at the box office, Doug Liman's sci-fi action movie has proven worthy of its critical acclaim by building a dedicated following. Tom Cruise plays against his action-hero type as a whiny, self-serving military public affairs officer. He's thrown into the middle of a battle against aliens and finds himself in a time loop, returning to the same point every time he gets killed.

Emily Blunt plays the hardened battlefield sergeant who trains him to harness this unexpected ability. It's a clever, fast-paced, and playful take on a familiar sci-fi concept, with Cruise and Blunt making a perfect team of reluctant allies.

Edge of Tomorrow is available for digital purchase ($9.99+) and rental ($3.99) at Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Author Anne Rice was initially outraged by the casting of Tom Cruise as her popular vampire character Lestat de Lioncourt, but she changed her mind completely after seeing Neil Jordan's film. Cruise may be an unlikely choice to play the decadent, narcissistic Lestat, but he captures the dark hedonism of Rice's vampires perfectly.

Brad Pitt matches him as Lestat's protégé Louis, and Kirsten Dunst gives one of the best-ever child performances as forever-young vampire Claudia. Jordan brings the eroticism and menace of Rice's vampires to life, telling a centuries-spanning story as narrated by Louis to a rapt reporter played by Christian Slater.

Interview With the Vampire is streaming for free with ads on Tubi and is available for digital purchase ($7.99+) and rental ($3.99) from Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Watch on Tubi Watch on Amazon Watch on iTunes Watch on Google Play

Related: The 10 Best Free Action Movies to Stream in 2023

Jerry Maguire's catch phrases have been so extensively quoted and recycled that it's easy to forget this movie is more than just a collection of quips. It's a passionate, open-hearted romantic comedy from a master of the form, writer-director Cameron Crowe, and it features one of Tom Cruise's most purely likable performances.

He plays the title character, an idealistic sports agent who leaves his secure job to start his own firm with just one client, NFL wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Jerry approaches negotiating with the same enthusiasm and honesty that he brings to his romance with single mother Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger).

Jerry Maguire is streaming on HBO Max ($9.99+ per month) and is available for digital purchase ($12.99+) and rental ($2.99+) from Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Watch on HBO Max Watch on Amazon Watch on iTunes Watch on Vudu

Tom Cruise is only one part of writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson's sprawling, multi-character epic, but he may be the most memorable part. Cruise was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of chauvinistic motivational speaker Frank T.J. Mackey, who's long estranged from his father Earl (Jason Robards).

Frank's arc of reconciling his feelings about his father ties into the movie's overall theme of redemption and forgiveness, which plays out in multiple overlapping storylines. The stellar cast also includes Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and William H. Macy, but even among such amazing talent, Cruise stands out.

Magnolia is streaming for free via local libraries on Kanopy .

Watch on Kanopy

Related: The 10 Best Stephen King Movies to Stream in 2023

The Mission: Impossible movies have become an all-consuming project for Tom Cruise in recent years, and they remain one of the most satisfying blockbuster franchises in Hollywood. The series reached an apex with this fourth movie, directed by animation veteran Brad Bird.

Bird brings an animator's anything-goes approach to the movie's massive set pieces, including Cruise's Ethan Hunt climbing the side of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, still one of the greatest stunts ever captured onscreen. He also puts together a top-notch team to support Cruise, adding Paula Patton and Jeremy Renner as Ethan's fellow covert agents, and promoting Simon Pegg in what would become a key franchise role.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol is streaming on Paramount+ ($4.99+ per month after a seven-day free trial).

A sci-fi movie focused as much on creative design and heady ideas as it is on action, Oblivion stars Tom Cruise as one of the last people left on Earth, ostensibly guarding the last remnants of human civilization following a deadly alien invasion. Cruise's Jack Harper and his partner Victoria Olson (Andrea Riseborough) start to realize that something isn't right about their supposed mission to repair essential technology before joining the human race's migration into space.

Oblivion is full of plot twists that don't always make sense, but Cruise convincingly plays every emotional reaction. He pulls the audience along on this sleek, mind-bending future journey.

Oblivion is available for digital purchase ($11.99+) and rental ($3.99) at Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Related: The 10 Best Movies on Netflix in 2023

Anyone who only knows Risky Business from the often-parodied moment of Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear may be surprised to discover an emotionally engaging and sometimes dark coming-of-age dramedy. It's a bit like a cross between Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Graduate, with Cruise as a recent high school graduate who finds a connection with a prostitute played by Rebecca De Mornay.

It features the requisite crazy parties and occasionally crass jokes of an '80s teen comedy, but that's balanced by a strong undercurrent of melancholy. Cruise captures the emptiness of a privileged teen staring into a predetermined future that he starts to realize may be meaningless.

Risky Business is streaming on Netflix ($9.99+ per month) and HBO Max ($9.99+ per month).

Watch on Netflix Watch on HBO Max

Tom Cruise is probably not the first name that would come to mind to play a German officer during World War II, but the filmmakers behind Valkyrie pull it off. They cast Cruise and actors of various nationalities as the members of a secret German organization that conspired to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and nearly succeeded.

Set in the waning days of the war, Valkyrie generates plenty of suspense, even though anyone watching almost certainly already knows the outcome. It's a fascinating history lesson, a taut thriller, and a true ensemble piece. Cruise plays the man in charge of the plan, but he makes room for the likes of Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, and Kenneth Branagh, all working toward the same goal.

Valkyrie is available for digital purchase ($12.99+) and rental ($3.99) at Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , Vudu , and other digital outlets.

Cord Cutting

The Best Tom Cruise Movies on Movies Anywhere

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The 11 Best Movies to Watch if You Love James Bond

The 10 most forgettable movies of the last 10 years, ranked, the 10 most rewatchable jake gyllenhaal movies, ranked.

Tom Cruise may be Hollywood’s last great movie star — or at least the last one who really leans into it. While George Clooney and Brad Pitt occupy themselves with more serious fare or withdraw from that level of public life altogether, Cruise has continued to pursue one big project after another, tentpole after tentpole, pushing his own limits to deliver audiences bigger and bigger thrills. But looking back at his expansive filmography, what’s apparent is how eager he always was for that level of success, whether or not he was ready — and how often the stories within his films astutely, if unintentionally, captured that tension.

Movies Anywhere features a surprising number of films from throughout his resume, all of which are eligible for Screen Pass *. We took a look at their selection to highlight 13 of the best, movies that marked important achievements in his career, evidenced moments of transition or growth, and some that set commercial or critical benchmarks. Check out our suggestions for the ones we think you should check out and Watch Together with your friends.

The Outsiders (1983)

Tom Cruise plays only a small part in this adaptation of S.E. Hinton ’s iconic 1967 novel The Outsiders , the story of a destructive gang rivalry that erupts in mid-‘60s Tulsa, Oklahoma. But under Francis Ford Coppola’s skillful direction, he stands out even in a cast comprised of actors who would become some of the 1980s’ biggest stars, including Rob Lowe , Emilio Estevez , Patrick Swayze , Ralph Macchio , and Diane Lane . Worth watching to admire the parade of actors at the beginning of their careers, as well as Coppola’s captivating staging of this acclaimed literary work.

Risky Business (1983)

Paul Brickman wrote and directed Risky Business , a film about Joel (Cruise), an ambitious high school student whose weekend — and possible future — veers out of control after his pal Miles ( Curtis Armstrong ) encourages him to have some fun while his parents are out of town. A visit from a prostitute and a swamped Porsche later, Joel is scrambling to return his life back to normal before his parents return; Cruise captures both the character’s buttoned-up determination and his emerging talent for free-wheeling improvisation in a performance that set the stage for many of his future star turns.

The Color Of Money (1986)

Cruise graduated from Coppola to Martin Scorsese within three years, playing cocky, not-so-smart pool hustler Vincent Lauria opposite Paul Newman in a sequel to one of the legendary actor’s own breakthrough films, The Hustler . Cruise had already appeared in Top Gun by this point — the film that made him a true star — but The Color of Money proved he wasn’t a flash in the pan, even if he was playing a character who couldn’t quite see what the future had in store for him beyond the end of a pool cue.

Cocktail (1988)

Juggling vehicles for his charisma with projects that stretched his acting chops, Cruise coasted a bit, albeit engagingly so, in Cocktail , a film about a charming, ambitious bartender ensnared by a mentor ( Bryan Brown ) whose plans for the two of them repeatedly come at the expense of his own happiness. Cruise and Adventures in Babysitting star Elizabeth Shue share easy chemistry when the pair fall for one another during an interlude in Jamaica, and Cruise’s limerick-spouting lothario remains appropriately intoxicating to watch.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Oliver Stone tapped Cruise to star in this real-life story of Ron Kovic , a soldier injured in Vietnam who becomes a crusader not only for veterans’ rights, but to end that war — and all others — that unnecessarily send young men off to die on foreign soil. In Born on the Fourth of July , Stone trades beautifully on Cruise’s all-American wholesomeness and charm to paint a portrait of a man disillusioned and betrayed by a system he fervently believed in, only to recognize that the best way to uphold it is by questioning the foundations on which it stands.

A Few Good Men (1992)

After more than ten years in the movies, Cruise learned how to wield his charm like a scalpel, never better evidenced than here in Rob Reiner ’s staging of an Aaron Sorkin legal drama about the court-martial of two U.S. Marines and their lawyers’ efforts to protect them while seeking justice. Cruise’s smug, superficial turn as an inexperienced attorney forced to reckon with the real consequences of his success or failure in the case, not to mention an escalating showdown with none other than Jack Nicholson , playing the Marines’ base commander, makes A Few Good Men a riveting watch both as a legal drama and an actor’s showcase.

Interview With the Vampire (1994)

Cruise made an abrupt left turn with Interview with the Vampire , an adaptation of Anne Rice ’s 1976 novel of the same name, about the origins and life of a vampire. Brad Pitt actually plays the bloodsucker in the title, but Cruise is absolutely mesmerizing as Lestat, the creature that made Pitt’s character what he is, who creates an intimate and twisted little family for himself but eventually proves that his indifference to the suffering of others will lead them down a path that they do not want to follow.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

In what would become one of his defining roles, Cruise plays the title character in Cameron Crowe ’s funny, thoughtful saga about a sports agent who grows a conscience and promptly suffers the devastating consequences. Watching Cruise flail as he wrestles with his one unruly client Rod Tidwell, played by Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. , is just one of Jerry Maguire 's many joys, but as the film narrows its focus on the few relationships that Jerry does cultivate, it achieves something profound as the character’s journey highlights how commitment ultimately means nothing if it’s not backed by that most important sentiment — love.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Notoriously detail-oriented auteur Stanley Kubrick shot Eyes Wide Shut for over a year and died right before its release, but Cruise is riveting as a doctor who embarks on a disturbing, intimate odyssey after his wife divulges a fantasy that leaves him unmoored in their marriage. The movie’s dismantling of male confidence in the face of female sexuality transforms what could have been a smutty adventure for a privileged physician into a harrowing and introspective journey, but it’s Cruise at the center of it, clinging desperately to each deeply held belief as it disintegrates in his fingers, that gives the movie its enduring power.

Magnolia (1999)

Magnolia filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson wrote the character of Frank “T.J.” Mackey for Cruise, and it’s no surprise he received a Best Supporting Actor nod for his performance as a motivational speaker whose platform of “seduce and destroy” is built on emotionally thin ice that shatters after a tough interview with a female reporter. Anderson’s muscular but effortless skill weaving a tapestry from the stories of several different characters whose lives intersect gives the film an almost unrelenting charge, but Cruise’s turn in the final moments, not just bringing his character full circle after a lifetime of walled-off emotions come crumbling down, but as the film’s disparate threads finally come beautifully together, makes it an absolute must-watch.

Knight and Day (2010)

Tom Cruise stars opposite Cameron Diaz in this lighthearted adventure about a female mechanic who gets mixed up in international intrigue with a superspy who takes a shine to her while saving her life. Much like in the Mission: Impossible films, Cruise does most or all of his own stunts in Knight and Day , including some spectacular motorcycle-driving through the alleyways of Sevilla, Spain. But it’s Cruise and Diaz’s mutual chemistry, both as romantic partners and two bona fide movie stars, that carry this frothy thriller to its exhilarating conclusion.

Oblivion (2013)

Joseph Kosinski ( TRON: Legacy ) directs Oblivion , a science fiction adventure about a pair of humanity’s last survivors who begin to question the orders they’re given, and the reality they have accepted, after Cruise’s scout and drone repairman encounters a woman that he has recurring dreams about. Cruise, Andrea Riseborough , and Olga Kurylenko all give terrific performances as the humans wrestling with a future that may or may not be built on lies, while Kosinski constructs a gorgeous, hermetically-sealed universe for them to explore that looks unlike virtually any audiences have ever seen.

Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Putting Tom Cruise on the back foot has always paid off creatively for storytellers, and in the science fiction war film Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow , he plays a hapless media relations liaison who finds himself catapulted into the middle of a battle with an alien race that he cannot survive – but has to keep replaying his death over and over again. He eventually seeks out star soldier Rita Vrataski ( Emily Blunt , commanding the screen) to assist him in escaping this time loop that always inevitably leads to his death in the hopes that they can work together to find a way to break the pattern, and possibly, defeat their extraterrestrial adversaries. Blunt is an absolute badass as the soldier who he enlists to lead him to victory, but it’s Cruise’s many failures that give the story it's scruffy charms.

*Registration with Movies Anywhere required. Open to U.S. residents 13+. Screen Pass -eligible movies are subject to change without notice.

This article is presented by Movies Anywhere .

Disney Movies Anywhere

Paramount+: Every Tom Cruise Movie That's Currently Streaming

By Daniel S. Levine - June 5, 2022 09:30 pm EDT

Tom Cruise helped reinvigorate the box office again this weekend thanks to the eye-popping success of Top Gun: Maverick . Cruise is now 40 years into his career as a superstar, and many of the movies that helped him reach that status are available to stream on Paramount+ . That includes the original Top Gun , which was made for Paramount in 1986.

Maverick grossed an astonishing $160.5 million in its first four days of release, reports Variety . That is now the biggest Memorial Day debut in history, edging just past Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End , which opened with $153 million. It helps that Maverick earned the widest release in film history, playing at 4,732 North American cinemas.

The new movie also proved how big a star Cruise is overseas. Maverick made $139 million in foreign markets, bringing its international total to over $300 million. Maverick is also the first movie in Cruise's career to make over $100 million in its opening weekend. War of the Worlds earned Cruise's previous biggest opening with a $64 million weekend in 2005. Now that you've satisfied the need... the need for speed, here's a look at the other Cruise movies readily available on Paramount+.

Taps (1981)

Taps is technically Cruise's second movie after he had a cameo role in Endless Love , released a few months earlier. However, Taps features Cruise's first major role as Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer. The movie's true star is Timothy Hutton, who was coming off his success in Ordinary People . Taps was based on a novel by Devery Freeman about military school cadets who take over the school to stop its closure. George C. Scott, Ronny Cox, and Sean Penn also star.

Top Gun (1986)

Although Top Gun has been available on other streamers in the past, Paramount made sure to have it available to stream on its own platform ahead of Maverick 's release. While the success of Risky Business (streaming on HBO Max) proved Cruise was a star, Top Gun proved he could also lead a blockbuster. The movie became a phenomenon, so ingrained in pop culture that a sequel could dominate the box office 36 years later.

The Color of Money (1986)

While Top Gun was Cruise's big movie of 1986, he also starred in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed sequel to The Hustler , The Color of Money . It is best known today for helping Paul Newman secure his much-delayed Oscar victory. However, Cruise gives an electric performance as the young pool hustler Newman takes under his wing.

Mission: Impossible

Five of the six Mission: Impossible movies are available on Paramount+ as of this writing. The only one you won't find there is J.J. Abrams' Mission: Impossible III , which is now on Showtime. The next movie, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One , will be released in 2023.

War of the Worlds (2005)

In 2005, Cruise reunited with Minority Report director Steven Spielberg to star in a new take on H.G. Welles' War of the Worlds . Cruise earned acclaim for his performance in the film, but he has not worked with Spielberg since.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Anyone who saw Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder when it came out can remember the revelation at the end of the movie that Cruise played the obnoxious studio executive. His performance as Les Grossman is one of the many parts of Tropic Thunder that feel very different over a decade after its release. The character was loosely inspired by Scott Rudin , whose poor treatment of people and temper in real life were played for jokes here. Last year, several employees spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his abusive behavior, which eventually led to him stepping back from his stage and screen productions.

Jack Reacher (2012)

In the 2010s, Cruise appeared to be searching desperately for another franchise with Jack Reacher and later The Mummy . Although author Lee Child wrote dozens of novels about Jack Reacher, Cruise only wound up making two movies, Jack Reacher (2012) and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016). Cruise's casting as Reacher was controversial among the character's fans because he didn't match the character's description. However, Cruise had Child's endorsement in 2012. Eventually, though, Child came around to agree with fans in 2018 that Cruise wasn't right for the part. Alan Ritchson stars as Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video series that debuted in February.

Trending Now:

There was a problem submitting your information. Please try again.

Thanks for joining, your inbox just got relevant.

Screen Rant

16 best tom cruise movies, according to rotten tomatoes.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Mike Flanagan Gives Cautiously Optimistic Sequel Update To 2014 Horror Movie With 75% RT Score

New a24 horror movie becomes studio's lowest-rated 2024 film on rotten tomatoes, horizon: an american saga chapter 2 review – 6 hours in & costner’s western still seems like tv [venice].

The release of Top Gun: Maverick looks to be yet another stunning achievement in the career of Tom Cruise. He is one of the biggest movie stars in the world, and this is mostly down to his versatility as an actor. He started off starring in action-packed blockbusters, but he’s also proven that he has comedic chops and held his own in more contemplative dramas.

Few actors have the rare combination of talent and charisma that Cruise has – and on top of that, he’s fiercely dedicated, doing most of his own stunts and not letting something silly like a broken bone stop him. With Top Gun: Maverick earning rave reviews, fans may be interested in seeing which of Cruise's movies critics loved the most.

Tropic Thunder (2008) - 82%

Available on Paramount+

It is not often Cruise gets the chance to show off his comedic skills, but he stole the show in the hilarious satire Tropic Thunder . The movie follows a group of self-involved Hollywood actors filming a war movie who find themselves in a real life-and-death situation. Cruise plays the turbulent and in-your-face studio executive.

RELATED: 10 Best Movie References In Tropic Thunder

Director Ben Stiller was praised for handling the action elements of the movie as well as the great comedic aspects. It made for a wild and hugely entertaining comedy in the minds of critics, with Robert Downey Jr's unforgettable performance also being singled out.

Magnolia (1999) - 83%

Available on Kanopy

Given his star power, it is not often that Cruise appears as part of an ensemble. However, his supporting role in Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia earned Cruise an Oscar nomination. The movie follows various characters through their day that builds into one story. Cruise plays a bombastic and vulgar motivational speaker of "men's rights."

With the likes of Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and John C. Reilly, critics were most impressed with the collective performances the movie delivers. They also found that Anderson's ambitious story was a fascinating one overall.

A Few Good Men (1992) - 83%

Available on DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand

Though he was certainly a big star at the time of A Few Good Men , this movie proved Cruise was as powerful a presence on film that he could hold his own opposite Jack Nicholson. The courtroom drama written by Aaron Sorkin stars Cruise as a lawyer defending two soldiers accused of killing a fellow soldier in a hazing incident.

The movie's star-studded cast also includes Demi Moore and Kevin Bacon. It was seen by most critics as a gripping throwback legal thriller that was further elevated by its actors, especially Nicholson with an iconic performance.

Jerry Maguire (1996) - 84%

Available on DIRECTV, TNT, TBS and Spectrum on Demand

The romantic-comedy genre is one that Cruise is not often seen in which is surprising considering how big of a success he had with Jerry Maguire . He plays the titular character, a sports agent who finds himself fired with only one loudmouth client and an endlessly loyal assistant to keep him afloat.

RELATED: 14 Best Jerry Maguire Quotes

Critics praised not only the lead performance from Cruise but also his co-stars Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr. Cameron Crowe's funny, touching and sharp script found a rare combination of a romance story and an exciting sports movie.

American Made (2017) - 85%

Available on Fubo TV

Along with Top Gun and its anticipated sequel, American Made proves that Cruise has a lot of luck when he's flying a plane. The crime movie is based on a true story that stars Cruise as Barry Seal, an American pilot who becomes a drug-runner for the CIA in the 1980s.

It is fun to see Cruise play a character who is less heroic than his usual roles. Many critics point to Cruise's high-energy and charismatic performance that really sets the tone for this very entertaining and bizarre story.

Collateral (2004) - 86%

Available on HBO, HBO Max, Max Go, DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand

Collateral is a fascinating two-hander focusing on the relationship between two strangers. Tom Cruise plays a hitman with jobs all over L.A. and Jamie Foxx plays the mild-mannered cab driver he’s commandeered for the night. The two share spectacular on-screen chemistry that keeps the whole thing riveting from start to finish.

Michael Mann directs this slick thriller with gusto – a midpoint neon-lit nightclub shootout stands out as a highlight – but it’s really Cruise and Foxx’s acting that keeps you hooked. Stuart Beattie masterfully introduces his characters in the first act, escalates the tension slowly throughout the second act, and delivers a gut-punch finale in the third.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) - 86%

Available to rent on Apple TV

A biopic of Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, Born on the Fourth of July was the second installment in the Vietnam War trilogy directed by Oliver Stone, who is also a veteran of the conflict. Like Kovic, Stone returned from battle with a staunchly anti-war stance and began conveying that in his films.

So, when the director took on a film adaptation of Kovic’s memoir, it was like a match made in Heaven. Stone and Kovic collaborated on the script together, so this is more accurate – and more political – than your average, run-of-the-mill biopic. Tom Cruise’s angry, bitter portrayal of Kovic told audiences that he wasn’t afraid to play an imperfect character.

Rain Man (1988) - 89%

Available on HBO, HBO Max, DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand

Although its use of an able-bodied actor to play a disabled role would be considered controversial in today’s climate, Rain Man is a fantastic movie, mixing comedy and drama in pitch-perfect ways and capturing the relationship of two brothers beautifully.

RELATED: Tom Cruise's 10 Most Iconic Movie Quotes

Tom Cruise stars as Charlie Babbitt, who finds out he has an autistic brother named Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman) from his wealthy father’s will and finds that he’s good at counting cards and takes him to Vegas to win big. Cruise plays Charlie as unlikable, conflicted, and irritable, which leads to some truly interesting character development and well-acted scenes.

The Color of Money (1986) - 89%

Available on Prime Video, Paramount+, Epix, DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand

Martin Scorsese’s belated sequel to The Hustler brought Paul Newman back to the role of “Fast Eddie” Felson to mentor a new student, played by Tom Cruise. The Color of Money is basically detached from The Hustler – the two work just as well on their own – but it’s still a terrific movie.

Until this movie came along, moviegoers thought that Tom Cruise was just some pretty-boy actor. However, holding his own opposite a screen legend like Paul Newman under the direction of a master like Scorsese , he won over those audiences and proved that he had some serious acting chops.

Minority Report (2002) - 90%

Available to rent on Apple TV

Philip K. Dick has always been a rich source of cinematic material. This Steven Spielberg sci-fi actioner has a juicy premise – focusing on a futuristic police force that can predict crimes before they even take place – and has an even juicier plot to back it up.

Minority Report stars Tom Cruise as John Anderton, who is determined to be murdering a man he’s never met in three days and has 72 hours to figure out who this person is and why he’s going to kill him. In an almost impossible feat, the movie’s execution lives up to its lucrative setup from beginning to end.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) - 91%

When most moviegoers heard about the premise (and title) of Edge of Tomorrow – a soldier in a distant future relives the same day of a battle with aliens over and over again, a la Groundhog Day – they predicted that it would suck. However, when the movie came out in 2014, those fans were surprised to discover that it’s actually a mind-blowing sci-fi action thriller.

RELATED: The 10 Best Alien Invasion Movies Ever, According To Reddit

Director Doug Liman’s sense of pacing does a fine job of making sure the movie doesn’t feel repetitive, skipping over the repeated events quicker and quicker each time, and Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt make a compelling pair of leads.

Risky Business (1983) - 92%

Available on HBO Max

Imagine if Superbad starred a young Tom Cruise and had an even racier plot involving scorned prostitutes and trashed sports cars and you might have a vague idea of what Risky Business looks like.

It’s crazy to think that a guy who jumped out of a plane and piloted a helicopter for his last major movie got his big break starring in an ‘80s high school comedy , but Cruise fits the role of Joel Goodson like a glove. In fact, Cruise’s charismatic and likable performance is possibly what makes the whole movie work. In the wrong hands, his character could’ve come off as pretty despicable. With Cruise in the role, he’s just a lovable rascal.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) - 93%

Available on Paramount+

There were some great movies in the Mission: Impossible franchise before Brad Bird came along but Ghost Protocol really upped the game. It has an engaging plot that takes you along for the ride and achieves this by using spectacular action set pieces to drive it forward.

From sending Tom Cruise into a sandstorm for a novel take on a foot chase to blowing up the Kremlin in shocking fashion to having Cruise dangle from the side of the Burj Khalifa using nothing but sticky gloves (and harnesses that were removed in post, but still), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is a gorgeous showcase of mind-boggling big-screen thrills.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) - 94%

Available on Paramount+, FX Now, DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand

The fifth Mission: Impossible movie was the one where Christopher McQuarrie jumped aboard the franchise. He has since directed the sixth one, making him the first-ever director to helm two installments of the franchise, and then signed on to shoot the seventh and eighth movies back-to-back.

He clearly has a great working relationship with Tom Cruise, and it shows from the off. In the opening sequence, Cruise hangs from the side of a plane as it takes off. McQuarrie knows that this sight is interesting enough not to need any camera trickery, so he leaves a stationary camera locked on Cruise for the entire breathtaking sequence.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) - 97%

As soon as Christopher McQuarrie’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout was released last summer, critics were calling it one of the greatest action movies ever made. With the sixth M:I movie, McQuarrie and his star Tom Cruise were faced with a difficult task.

How did they top hanging off the side of a plane during take-off? Their solution was to make a movie where every scene is this intense. Chasing helicopters, dangling from a cliff, zipping around the Arc de Triomphe the wrong way on a motorcycle – McQuarrie and Cruise have left themselves with an even bigger challenge for Mission: Impossible 7 .

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - 97%

Now playing in theaters

It was a long wait for fans to see the follow-up of Top Gun with a number of delays over the past couple of years. But the wait seems to have been worth it as the sequel is already one of Cruise's top-rated movies of his career.

Top Gun: Maverick sees the legendary pilot returning to the cockpit to train a new generation of pilots. Critics have praised the sequel as one of the few that surpasses its original. With stunning aerial footage and a huge entertainment factor, it is certainly one of the must-watch movies of the summer season.

NEXT: Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies, According To Ranker

Key Release Dates

Top Gun: Maverick

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning

Mission: impossible - dead reckoning part two.

All His Movies, Ranked
Crazy Stunts He's Actually Done
What He's Like to Work With
Over-the-Top Performances
Favorite Characters
Wild Facts All Fans Should Know
Stunts That Could Have Ended Him
Moments That Are So Tom
Scientology Rumors

The 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Fans

Vote up the films starring Tom Cruise that complete you.

When it comes to Hollywood royalty, few can hold a candle to Tom Cruise. Over the years, this megastar has delivered one jaw-dropping performance after another, solidifying his place as a cinematic legend. It's a formidable task to narrow down the best Tom Cruise movies of all time, but hey, someone's got to do it. From high-octane action flicks to soul-stirring dramas, Cruise's filmography is as versatile as it is impressive.

Take, for instance, Top Gun , the adrenaline-pumping story of competitive fighter pilots that catapulted Cruise to international stardom. Or A Few Good Men , where he delivered one of his most powerful performances, proving that he could handle weighty dialogues with the same ease as he does action-packed sequences. These films are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to top Tom Cruise films that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

But how did we curate such a coveted list? Well, it started with movie experts who have an eye for performances that define careers, creating a shortlist of films that truly showcase Tom Cruise at his best. Then, we turned it over to the fans, whose votes have shaped this definitive ranking. Whether you're a die-hard Cruise fan or just a movie buff looking to revisit some cinematic gold, this list has got you covered.

As an adrenaline-pumping display of aerial combat and rivalry, this movie takes viewers into the world of elite fighter pilots, with the lead actor embodying the brash, fearless pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The audience follows Maverick's journey through the prestigious Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School as he battles his own ego, engages in astonishing dogfights, and learns the true meaning of teamwork. The sizzling on-screen chemistry with Kelly McGillis, the thrilling action sequences, and the beloved rendition of " Take My Breath Away " make it an unforgettable 80s classic.

Released : 1986
Directed by : Tony Scott

Top Gun: Maverick

Returning to the iconic role of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell after decades, the anticipation for this sequel has been immense, and it promises to deliver the same captivating thrills and aerial combat sequences of the original. As a mentor to the next generation of fighter pilots, including the son of his late best friend Goose, the protagonist guides these young talents while still facing his own personal demons and unresolved past. The combination of a compelling storyline, breathtaking stunts, and a nostalgic return to the character that made him a household name ensures this will be another hit.

Released : 2022
Directed by : Joseph Kosinski

A Few Good Men

In this tense courtroom drama, audiences are captivated by the exceptional performance as a young military lawyer assigned to defend two Marines accused of killing a fellow comrade. Alongside powerful performances from Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore, the film flawlessly showcases the protagonist's gradual transformation from a cocky, fresh-faced attorney into a fierce, skilled advocate determined to uncover the truth. The iconic line "You can't handle the truth!" immortalizes the film's memorable climax and solidifies the protagonist's status as one of Hollywood's most dynamic actors.

Released : 1992
Directed by : Rob Reiner

The lead character delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Charlie Babbitt, a hustler who discovers he has an autistic savant brother named Raymond after their father's death. Through their cross-country road trip, Charlie learns to appreciate the gentle genius of his older brother while he evolves from a selfish, money-driven man to a compassionate and loving brother. This emotional journey resulted in a Best Actor nomination, and the film itself won numerous awards, including Best Picture, highlighting the powerful and touching bond between the two main characters.

Released : 1988
Directed by : Barry Levinson

Mission: Impossible

In the role of super-spy Ethan Hunt, the leading man had audiences on the edge of their seats with the thrilling action and elaborate plots of this espionage thriller series. As Hunt, he displays an unrivaled level of physicality and commitment to his craft, performing most of his own stunts, resulting in a rollercoaster ride of adventure and suspense for moviegoers. The franchise has become synonymous with jaw-dropping stunts, twisty plots, and an evolving ensemble cast that perfectly complements the main character's charisma and determination.

Released : 1996
Directed by : Brian De Palma

Edge of Tomorrow

Featuring a mix of action-packed sequences, science fiction elements, and dark humor, this film showcases the protagonist as a reluctant hero, forced to live the same day repeatedly while fighting alien invaders. The compelling story of survival and personal growth, alongside the intriguing concept of time loops, make this an unforgettable cinematic experience. Supported by a strong performance from Emily Blunt, this thrilling, fast-paced adventure cements its status as a modern sci-fi classic.

Released : 2014
Directed by : Doug Liman

Jerry Maguire

In this romantic dramedy, the audience witnesses a sports agent's fall from grace and subsequent redemption through his relationship with his sole client and love interest. Audiences are charmed by the stunning performances, emotional vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry between the characters, as well as the classic line, "You complete me." The film earned the lead actor an Academy Award nomination and remains an enduring favorite for its heartwarming relationships, brilliant dialogue, and bittersweet exploration of ambition and love.

Directed by : Cameron Crowe

Risky Business

As the high school senior who turns his family's home into a brothel after getting involved with a call girl, the lead actor delivers a charming and iconic performance that launched his career as a Hollywood heartthrob. The famous scene of the character dancing in his underwear to " Old Time Rock and Roll " has become a pop-culture staple, and the film itself remains a beloved 80s classic. With its unique blend of teen angst, dark comedy, and romance, this coming-of-age story showcases the beginnings of a truly remarkable talent.

Released : 1983
Directed by : Paul Brickman

Minority Report

Set in a dystopian future where crime is predicted and prevented by a specialized police force, this Steven Spielberg-directed sci-fi thriller sees the lead actor as a detective accused of a crime he has yet to commit. With its unique premise, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals, the film became an instant classic and served as a showcase for the protagonist's range and versatility as an actor. The combination of gripping storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and a strong ensemble cast cement its status as one of the best sci-fi films of the 21st century.

Released : 2002
Directed by : Steven Spielberg

The Last Samurai

Set in 19th-century Japan, this epic historical drama follows the journey of Capt. Nathan Algren, an American military officer who becomes deeply immersed in the samurai culture. The protagonist brilliantly portrays a tortured soul seeking redemption and finding it through his connection with the titular warriors, resulting in a soulful and emotional performance. Aesthetically stunning and emotionally engaging, this film is impressively crafted and features outstanding performances from Ken Watanabe and the rest of the cast.

Released : 2003
Directed by : Edward Zwick

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

The fourth installment in the adrenaline-fueled franchise sees the protagonist perform even more heart-stopping stunts, including scaling the world's tallest building, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, further solidifying his reputation as a fearless action star. With a fresh team of dynamic actors, including Simon Pegg and Paula Patton, this film raises the stakes and balances its thrilling action with lighter moments of humor. Picking up where its predecessors left off, the film delivers an exhilarating, globetrotting adventure that leaves audiences eager for more.

Released : 2011
Directed by : Brad Bird

In this gripping adaptation of John Grisham's best-selling novel, the protagonist plays an ambitious young lawyer who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and corruption at his prestigious law firm. The intense plot and stellar performances from the ensemble cast, including Gene Hackman, Holly Hunter, and David Strathairn, keep the audience absorbed and guessing until the very end. The smart script, thrilling twists, and central performance make it a must-watch for legal thriller enthusiasts and fans of the leading man alike.

Released : 1993
Directed by : Sydney Pollack

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

In his sixth turn as super-spy Ethan Hunt, the main character's commitment to performing his own stunts reaches new heights with a harrowing high-altitude-low-opening (HALO) jump. Additionally, the film's electric helicopter chase and intense fight sequences showcase the actor's relentless dedication to delivering pulse-pounding action. With a gripping storyline that delves deeper into the personal life of Hunt and an exhilarating finale, this entry is widely regarded as one of the best in the long-running series.

Released : 2018
Directed by : Christopher McQuarrie

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

The fifth installment of the popular action franchise sees the protagonist reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, this time facing a powerful, clandestine organization known as the Syndicate. With incredible stunts, including a breathtaking underwater sequence and a thrilling motorcycle chase, the lead actor continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in action cinema. Alongside new additions to the cast such as Rebecca Ferguson and Sean Harris, this thrilling adventure offers non-stop excitement and intrigue that maintains the high standards of the series.

Released : July 31, 2015

Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Portraying the tormented vampire Lestat in this adaptation of Anne Rice's novel, the protagonist delivers a mesmerizing and seductive performance that captivated audiences worldwide. Sharing the screen with Brad Pitt and a young Kirsten Dunst, the actor's portrayal of an immortal craving companionship and grappling with the morality of his actions is both chilling and heartbreaking. Though controversial at the time for its dark themes and explicit content, the film has since become a cult classic, showcasing a different side of the leading man's abilities.

Released : 1994
Directed by : Neil Jordan

In a rare turn as the villain, the lead actor plays a cold and calculating contract killer in this crime thriller directed by Michael Mann. Sharing the screen with Jamie Foxx's unsuspecting taxi driver, the actor's menacing performance offers a fascinating look into the psyche of his character and contrasts sharply with the vulnerable, heroic roles that have defined his career. With its gritty atmosphere, taut pacing, and unforgettable performances, the film stands as a testament to the versatility and range of the protagonist.

Released : 2004
Directed by : Michael Mann

Jack Reacher

Adapted from Lee Child's bestselling novels, the movie features the leading man as the tough-as-nails former Army investigator and drifter who finds himself entangled in a complex conspiracy. Showcasing his impressive range as an actor, the protagonist delivers a gritty and physical performance that captivates audiences and brings the beloved literary character to life. The film's thrilling action sequences, unexpected twists, and solid supporting cast make it a standout in the action-thriller genre.

Released : 2012

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

The upcoming seventh installment in the blockbuster franchise promises to deliver even more breathtaking stunts, explosive action, and intriguing espionage as the lead character reprises his iconic role of Ethan Hunt. As the first part of a two-part cinematic event, the film will undoubtedly raise the stakes and further solidify the protagonist's status as an unstoppable action hero. With returning and new cast members, fans are eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving series.

Released : 2023

The Outsiders

Based on the classic novel by S.E. Hinton, this coming-of-age drama set in the 1960s features the lead actor as part of an ensemble cast that includes Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe, among others. As the youngest member of the "Greasers" gang and the brother of Ralph Macchio's Johnny, the actor delivers a tender performance that showcases his talent at an early age. The film has since become a cult classic, with its heartfelt portrayal of friendship, loyalty, and the trials of growing up.

Directed by : Francis Ford Coppola

The Color of Money

In this sequel to the 1961 classic The Hustler, the lead character plays pool protegé Vincent Lauria, who is mentored by Paul Newman's "Fast" Eddie Felson. A dynamic on-screen duo, they brilliantly convey the tension and rivalry between their characters, making for a compelling examination of ambition, redemption, and the cost of success. The film stands as a worthy follow-up to its predecessor, with a superb performance that further cemented the protagonist's status as a versatile leading man.

Directed by : Martin Scorsese

Days of Thunder

Reuniting with the Top Gun director, the protagonist stars as hotshot NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in this high-octane racing drama. With thrilling race sequences and an exploration of the competitive world of stock car racing, the movie allows the lead character to demonstrate his undeniable screen presence and physical prowess. The electrifying on-screen chemistry between the actor and his future wife, Nicole Kidman, adds to the allure of this compelling sports drama.

Released : 1990

In this 80s drama, the leading man portrays an ambitious bartender who dreams of success and navigates the trials and tribulations of love and friendship. The role allows the protagonist to showcase his charm, charisma, and signature smile, resulting in a captivating performance that further establishes him as a Hollywood heartthrob. With memorable scenes and quotable dialogue, the film has earned a special place in pop culture nostalgia.

Directed by : Roger Donaldson

Born on the Fourth of July

In a powerful and transformative performance, the lead actor takes on the real-life story of Ron Kovic, a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran who becomes an anti-war activist. Earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, the protagonist impeccably portrays the emotional turmoil, physical pain, and ultimate redemption of his character. The film's unflinching depiction of the war's aftermath and its impact on soldiers makes it a poignant and unforgettable viewing experience.

Released : 1989
Directed by : Oliver Stone

Mission: Impossible III

With J.J. Abrams at the helm, the third installment of the blockbuster franchise brings a personal and emotional depth to the series, as protagonist Ethan Hunt faces a ruthless villain with ties to his personal life. The leading man's captivating performance, along with an incredible supporting cast and intense action sequences, make this entry a standout in the spy thriller genre. Fans of the series appreciate the balance of character development, emotional stakes, and adrenaline-pumping action that this installment delivers.

Released : 2006
Directed by : J.J. Abrams

Tropic Thunder

In a surprising and hilarious turn, the protagonist takes on the role of an over-the-top Hollywood producer in this satirical war comedy. Sporting a bald cap and thick prosthetic makeup, he is nearly unrecognizable as he lampoons the movie industry with biting humor and infectious dance moves. His comedic prowess and willingness to poke fun at himself contribute to the film's status as a modern classic in the comedy genre.

Released : 2008
Directed by : Ben Stiller

In this visually stunning sci-fi thriller, the protagonist plays a drone repairman tasked with maintaining Earth's defense system after an alien invasion. Unraveling a twisted web of secrets and lies surrounding his mission, the lead actor delivers a gripping and emotional performance that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. With its breathtaking cinematography, thought-provoking themes, and memorable score, the film solidifies its place as a captivating entry in the science fiction genre.

Released : 2013

In this gripping historical thriller, the lead actor portrays German army officer Claus von Stauffenberg, who leads a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II. With a strong supporting cast and a suspenseful narrative, the protagonist delivers a compelling performance that highlights his versatility as an actor. The film is a riveting exploration of moral courage and determination in the face of insurmountable odds.

Directed by : Bryan Singer

War of the Worlds

In this modern adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic novel, the protagonist portrays a divorced father who must protect his children during a sudden alien invasion. Under the direction of Steven Spielberg, the lead actor excels in conveying the terror, desperation, and determination of his character while navigating a world on the brink of destruction. The film's riveting storyline, impressive special effects, and powerful performances create a thrilling and suspenseful ride for viewers.

Released : 2005

Far and Away

Starring alongside Nicole Kidman, the protagonist takes on the role of an Irish immigrant seeking his fortune in America in this sweeping romantic epic. The film's lush landscapes and stirring score provide an exquisite backdrop for the passionate love story between the main characters. Despite some mixed critical reception, the undeniable chemistry between the lead actors and the film's grand scope make it a memorable viewing experience.

Directed by : Ron Howard

American Made

Based on a true story, the protagonist plays a commercial airline pilot turned drug smuggler and CIA informant in this fast-paced crime drama. The lead actor's charismatic performance, combined with a fascinating real-life plot and a vibrant 80s aesthetic, makes for an entertaining and thrilling ride. The film showcases the protagonist's ability to tackle complex characters and deliver engaging performances in diverse roles.

Released : 2017

Mission: Impossible II

The second installment in the blockbuster franchise features the protagonist returning as super-spy Ethan Hunt, this time facing off against a rogue former agent with a deadly virus at his disposal. Directed by action maestro John Woo, the film amps up the thrills and jaw-dropping stunts, including a gravity-defying rock climbing sequence performed by the lead actor himself. Although met with mixed reviews, the film remains a notable entry in the series for its memorable action sequences and its continued exploration of the character's personal life.

Released : 2000
Directed by : John Woo

All the Right Moves

In this high school football drama, the lead actor stars as a promising young athlete from a struggling Pennsylvania steel town, determined to earn a college scholarship and escape his bleak surroundings. The film allows the protagonist to showcase his talent for embodying relatable and ambitious characters, earning him praise for his performance as a driven, passionate teenager. Capturing the spirit of blue-collar America, this coming-of-age story resonates with its themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the pursuit of a better life.

Directed by : Michael Chapman

Knight and Day

In this action-comedy, the protagonist partners with Cameron Diaz as a mysterious secret agent and an unwitting civilian who become entangled in a perilous mission. The lead actor's charm and charisma shine through in this lighthearted adventure, making it a fun and enjoyable romp for audiences. The film's blend of humor, romance, and thrilling action showcases the main character's ability to balance different genres with ease.

Released : 2010
Directed by : James Mangold

In one of his earliest roles, the protagonist plays a military cadet who takes part in a student-led revolt against the closing of their school in this gripping drama. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn, and allows the young actor to display his burgeoning talent and screen presence. The movie's exploration of loyalty, authority, and camaraderie remains a powerful and thought-provoking examination of human nature.

Released : 1981
Directed by : Harold Becker

In this ambitious and sprawling ensemble drama from director Paul Thomas Anderson, the protagonist delivers a memorable performance as a morally conflicted self-help guru. With a complex narrative structure and an immense ensemble cast, the film delves into the interconnected lives of characters who are all experiencing their own personal crises. The movie's bold storytelling and the lead actor's nuanced performance contribute to its status as a modern classic in American cinema.

Released : 1999
Directed by : Paul Thomas Anderson

Eyes Wide Shut

In this final film from legendary director Stanley Kubrick, the protagonist stars alongside then-wife Nicole Kidman as a couple experiencing a crisis of sexual desire and jealousy. With its atmospheric cinematography, haunting score, and daring erotic scenes, the movie pushes the boundaries of traditional Hollywood storytelling. The lead actor's immersive performance and the film's controversial exploration of human sexuality make it a provocative and unforgettable entry in his filmography.

Directed by : Stanley Kubrick

Vanilla Sky

Reuniting with Jerry Maguire director Cameron Crowe, the protagonist stars in this mind-bending psychological thriller that explores themes of love, loss, and the blurred boundaries of reality. The film's enigmatic plot, paired with the lead actor's intense and emotional performance, makes for an immersive and captivating viewing experience. Despite its polarizing reception, the movie remains an intriguing example of the protagonist's willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles.

Released : 2001

In this visually stunning fantasy-adventure, the main character takes on the role of Jack, a pure-hearted hero who must save a magical land from eternal darkness. Directed by Ridley Scott , the film features lush landscapes, elaborate costumes, and a memorable performance from Tim Curry as the sinister Lord of Darkness. Though considered a commercial failure at the time of its release, the movie has since developed a cult following thanks to its fantastical world-building and the protagonist's earnest performance.

Released : 1985
Directed by : Ridley Scott

Rock of Ages

In this star-studded musical adaptation, the lead actor portrays an aging rock star amidst the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles. Embracing the era's iconic style, music, and larger-than-life personalities, the protagonist delivers an entertaining and energetic performance that showcases his singing abilities. The film may not have been a commercial success, but it offered audiences a chance to see the actor in a new light, embracing a fun and campy departure from his action hero roles.

Directed by : Adam Shankman

Austin Powers: Goldmember

In a brief but memorable cameo, the protagonist hilariously lampoons his own action-star persona by portraying the titular character in a film within the film. The self-referential and irreverent nature of the cameo makes it a delightful surprise for fans and demonstrates the actor's willingness to engage in self-deprecating humor. The scene remains a standout moment in the popular comedy franchise.

Directed by : Jay Roach

In this reboot of the classic horror-adventure series, the protagonist takes on the role of a soldier-turned-treasure hunter who accidentally unleashes an ancient evil upon the world. Though the film received mixed reviews, the lead actor's charisma and commitment to performing his own stunts add an undeniable appeal for fans of action-packed adventure films. The movie offers an entertaining and thrilling ride that showcases the main character's enduring appeal as an action hero.

Directed by : Alex Kurtzman

Lions for Lambs

This thought-provoking political drama features an ensemble cast, including the lead actor as a Republican senator advocating for a new military strategy in Afghanistan. The film delves into complex themes of ethics, politics, and the human cost of war, showcasing the protagonist's versatility as an actor. While it may not have drawn major box-office success, the movie's timely subject matter and strong performances make it a compelling watch.

Released : 2007
Directed by : Robert Redford

Losin' It

In this early 80s teen comedy, the protagonist plays one of a group of high school friends heading to Mexico for a weekend of debauchery. The film, while not critically acclaimed, offers a glimpse into the early days of the lead actor's career and his natural talent for comedy. With its raucous humor and nostalgic setting, the movie remains an interesting snapshot of the protagonist's beginnings in Hollywood.

Directed by : Curtis Hanson

Endless Love

In this romantic drama loosely based on Scott Spencer's novel, the protagonist makes his feature film debut in a supporting role as the brother of the female lead. Though the film received mixed reviews, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the early days of the lead actor's career. With its passionate love story and memorable soundtrack, the movie has become a cult classic over time.

Directed by : Franco Zeffirelli
Entertainment
Watchworthy

All about the life and career of the ageless actor Tom Cruise.

Currently available on 6 streaming services.

The Mummy (2017)

111min - English, Spanish, French

111min - English, Spanish

Subscription

$7.99 / month

7 Days Free

Then $32.99 / month

Watch similar movies on Apple TV+ for free

Then $9.99 / month

$13.99 / month

111min - English

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Let us notify you once it becomes available on more services.

We checked for updates on 246 streaming services on September 8, 2024 at 6:32:48 PM. Something wrong? Let us know!

The Mummy streaming: where to watch online?

Currently you are able to watch "The Mummy" streaming on fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus. It is also possible to buy "The Mummy" on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store as download or rent it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online.

Though safely entombed in a crypt deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient queen whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

Videos: Trailers, Teasers, Featurettes

Where does The Mummy rank today? The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

The Mummy is 5247 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The movie has moved up the charts by 2049 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than They All Laughed but less popular than Freud's Last Session.

Streaming charts last updated: 9:23:31 PM, 09/08/2024

Popular movies coming soon

Upcoming Action & Adventure movies

Similar Movies you can watch for free

Other popular Movies starring Tom Cruise

Lists featuring The Mummy

The Best Tom Cruise Movies Ranked: Where to Stream the Actor's 30 Greatest Films

Tom Cruise’s 10 Best Movies Ranked

The ‘ Tom Cruise movie’ might as well be its own genre. When you sit down to watch a Tom Cruise film, there are things you know you’ll see: Running, really fast? Check. A performance of magnetic intensity? Check. Feats of physical endurance and stunt-based spectacle? Mostly, check. Through the years, Cruise has proved that there are few vehicles or buildings he won’t cling to or jump from; no skill he can’t master to showcase on screen; no story he can’t hone into its most crowd-pleasing shape. There’s a reason he’s still one of Hollywood’s biggest stars and made Empire 's list of the 50 Greatest Actors of all time: the man makes amazing movies.

He’s also had a fascinating career – one that began with a series of roles that dialled into his charisma and confidence as an upstart, before moving into more nuanced character dramas, and then into blockbuster spectacle. And through all those career modes, there’s a sense of sincerity in the stories being told and the characters being brought to life – one that, today, finds him pushing the limits of on-screen action further than most thought possible. Empire ’s ranking of the 10 best Tom Cruise movies spans his entire career – early works, curiosities, all-time American classics, and pulse-pounding adventures – going (spoiler alert!) right up to the thrilling, nostalgic, and emotional Top Gun: Maverick . The highway to the danger zone begins here…

Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies Ranked

10) Mission: Impossible

When Brian De Palma first brought '60s spy series Mission: Impossible to the big screen in the mid-'90s (with Cruise producing as well as starring), it wasn't yet an action juggernaut – the height of spectacle here is an exploding fish tank, or the helicopter-in-a-train-tunnel chase (which perhaps began Cruise's fondness for clinging to speeding vehicles). But the DNA of the ultimate Tom Cruise franchise all comes from this first entry. There's the twisty, double-triple-crossing plot which turned memories of the original show upside down. There are rubber mask rug-pulls. There's that iconic lit-fuse title sequence and theme tune. And at the centre of it all is Cruise's Ethan Hunt, perpetually on the backfoot, barely surviving near-impossible predicaments by the skin of his teeth. Even back in '96, the Mission movies were all about breathless setpieces – though at that point, they were more about beads of sweat pooling on Hunt's forehead while he dangles in a temperature-controlled computer vault, than strapping himself to an aeroplane while it takes off.

9) Minority Report

If you know someone's about to commit a crime, can you punish them before they do it? That's the knotty question at the heart of Minority Report , which saw Cruise team up with the one and only Steven Spielberg for a gritty, noirish thriller with a lot on its mind. Cruise is John Anderton, an officer in the Pre-Crime unit of 2054, which uses the visions of three psychic siblings (the 'precogs') to proudly reduce the murder rate in Washington DC to zero. But when his own face comes up as the unit's next criminal to catch, it throws the entire system – and Anderton's beliefs around it – into question. This meeting of legendary cinematic minds produced something darker and more dystopian than you might expect, but Cruise is on impeccable screen-swiping form as an action hero, a care-taker for precog Agatha ( Samantha Morton ), and a man whose entire world-view is shattering around him, desperate to clear his name. Plus, we get to see him have eyeball surgery. Feast your illegally transplanted retinas on that.

8) The Color Of Money

Released in the same year as the original Top Gun , this lesser-known Martin Scorsese banger is absolutely the former's equal in displaying the young Cruise's prodigious talent, captivating charisma, and cocksure confidence. His pool-hall wizard Vince (so self-adoring that he literally walks around in a t-shirt with his own name on it) simply cannot help showing off, broadcasting his considerable skills with a cue for all to see – even if it means imploding the hustling scheme he's cooked up with Paul Newman 's veteran Fast Eddie. (This is a legacy sequel before they were a thing, with Newman reprising his role from 1961's The Hustler .) The pool sequences are electrifying and all-out Scorsese cinematic – and an early example of Cruise dedicating himself to learning new skills for his art, clearly potting all the balls himself in extended takes – but the character drama is just as captivating, with Vince stepping into his power, Eddie facing his own decline, and the hustler becoming the hustled.

7) Collateral

Silver-haired, super-focused, and stalking through the shadows of an LA night, Cruise's Vincent (we never learn his last name) is one of the actor's great assholes – a tunnel-visioned assassin who drags Jamie Foxx 's reluctant and goodnatured cabbie, Max, into a night of murderous mayhem, Michael Mann -style. Sleek and cool but also sociopathic and callous, Cruise has rarely been more controlled as he rides around in the back of Max's taxi, dispensing hot takes and hotter lead to victims; but it's in the way he slowly, painstakingly depicts the way Vincent loses control as the night begins to run away from him that's so impressive. He really should play more grade-A shits.

6) Top Gun: Maverick

A sequel 36 years in the making, besieged by pandemic-induced release date delays, with a brand new writer and director on board, and the follow-up to one of the most beloved action movies of a generation? Top Gun: Maverick had a lot to prove. Incredibly, it soars higher, faster and even more full-throttle than anyone could have predicted. Returning to the cockpit with decades of experience in pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking, Cruise, Mission collaborator Christopher McQuarrie (on writing duties here) and director Joseph Kosinski deliver aerial acrobatics (yes, the actors are actually in those planes) that will leave you awe-struck, heart in your mouth, fist punching the air with glee. As with Tony Scott 's original, the character work is just as rich as the stunts – Cruise slips back into Maverick's roguish charm with the ease of putting on a familiar patch-covered aviator jacket, but also perfectly evokes the effect that years of tension with his superiors and grief over Goose have had on him – his ever-present over-confidence cracking, just a little. All these years later, it's clear Cruise really did feel the need to return to Top Gun – and on this evidence, it's easy to see why.

5) Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Frankly, multiple spots in a list of Tom Cruise's greatest movies could be filled by Mission: Impossible films. To do so (as we've chosen not to) would perhaps overwhelm the sheer variety of the rest of his career – but in a way, Mission is Cruise's career. With each passing entry, the saga became a stunt-filled action masterclass in which its leading man goes to greater and greater lengths to bring visceral thrills to the masses – and no Mission film exemplifies that better than Fallout . It's stacked with jaw-dropping setpieces that go out of their way to foreground the fact that its leading man really is doing a HALO jump in a single take, or flying a helicopter through a gorge, or leaping across the rooftops of London (and, yes, breaking his foot in the process). It makes for breathlessly exciting cinema, a kind of spectacle that subsequently feels lacking in almost every other show in town. The Cruise-Christopher McQuarrie partnership continues to be a perfect marriage – the writer-director helping marry action and story beats to the stunts with style and propulsive pace. This is peak Mission , and the peak of Cruise's own cinematic mission – one that you sense will never truly be over.

4) A Few Good Men

Among all the Tom Cruise legal thrillers of the '90s, A Few Good Men stands tallest. His Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a Naval lawyer more interested in baseball than his own cases, begins the film as a smarmy pencil-pusher – but that all changes when he's handed the case of a Marine killed in Guantanamo Bay, and discovers corruption in the armed forces that will all-too-easily be covered up. It's up to him and fellow lawyers JoAnne Galloway ( Demi Moore ) and Sam Weinberg ( Kevin Pollak ) to prove what really happened in a court of law, facing up to Jack Nicholson 's fearsome Colonel Jessop in the process. It's one hell of an ensemble cast, but Cruise drives it all, capturing Kaffee's increasing desperation and dedication to win the case – and prove that, yes, he can handle the truth – becoming a better person in the pursuit of justice. His intensity is a perfect match for Aaron Sorkin 's dense dialogue, all classily captured by Rob Reiner 's crisp direction.

3) Magnolia

As legend has it, Paul Thomas Anderson wrote the part of Frank TJ Mackie for Cruise after visiting him on Stanley Kubrick 's demanding Eyes Wide Shut set, and deciding that the actor needed to let loose. What fun Cruise would have as Mackie! This cocksure, cock-respecting self-help sex guru struts and shouts and thrusts – yes, there's all of that. But Magnolia is a heavy film, and Cruise, as Mackie comes undone and reunites with his estranged father Earl (Jason Robards), really falls apart, the slick showbiz veneer crumbling as years of emotion burst out. Sitting by his dying dad's bedside, Mackie – away from Cruise's signature grin, away from the big stunts – is unbridled humanity, shaking, weeping, quivering, his anger making way for love. It's a devastating physical catharsis for him, and for us.

2) Edge Of Tomorrow

One of the biggest blockbuster surprises of 2014, Edge Of Tomorrow (or, Live Die Repeat , as it was later marketed), gave us a different shade of Cruise as action star – his Lieutenant William Cage is a smarmy, cowardly PR guy when we meet him, only growing into an elite soldier through the repetitive, Groundhog Day -inspired, video game-esque nature of Doug Liman 's explosive sci-fi thriller. Teaming up with steely warrior Rita (an excellent Emily Blunt ), Cage must live through his final two days over and over, picking up skills and learning from his multiple deaths in order to stop the invasion of some big bad aliens. Cruise's chemistry with Blunt is endlessly compelling, the strength of her character and his star-power making them feel like equals on-screen. But it's the progression of his character that's most intensely satisfying, going from a man who's desperate to weasel his way out of doing anything selfless to the kind of all-out hero that Cruise was born to play. It makes for the kind of movie you'd happily be stuck watching in a time-loop over and over and over and ov- You get the picture.

1) Jerry Maguire

Like many Cruise films, Jerry Maguire has got so many memorable moments and one-liners that they've almost become more famous than the film itself. But the brouhaha over, "You complete me", or, "Show me the money!" masks one of Cruise's best – and most emotional – films. Meshing perfectly with writer-director Cameron Crowe (at his most Billy Wilderian), Jerry Maguire is an often heartwarming, often inspirational, often deeply romantic tale of a cynical sports agent (Cruise at his most winning) who has an epiphany, and begins to hunt around for something akin to a soul. It's cute and charming as hell, especially when Jerry is falling in love with his former secretary Dorothy (a star-making turn from Renée Zellweger ), but there's a bite here that's often overlooked, with a seemingly happy ending that may be nothing more than a sticking plaster over a fairly gaping wound. Still, Cruise and Cameron will have you at, "You had me at hello".

Tom Cruise Movies List

Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt in Endless Love (1981)

1. Endless Love

3. The Outsiders

4. Losin' It

5. All the Right Moves

Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay in Risky Business (1983)

6. Risky Business

9. The Color of Money

10. Cocktail

Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man (1988)

11. Rain Man

Tom Cruise in Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

12. Born on the Fourth of July

13. Days of Thunder

Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men (1992)

14. A Few Good Men

15. The Firm

Tom Cruise and Kirsten Dunst in Interview with the Vampire (1994)

16. Interview with the Vampire

17. Mission: Impossible

18. Jerry Maguire

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

19. Eyes Wide Shut

Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Philip Baker Hall, Jason Robards, and Jeremy Blackman in Magnolia (1999)

20. Magnolia

Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible II (2000)

21. Mission: Impossible II

Stanley Kubrick in Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (2001)

22. Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures

23. Vanilla Sky

24. Space Station 3D

25. Minority Report

More to explore, recently viewed.

pop culture

The 27 best tom cruise movies of all-time, ranked, we're looking at some of his best.

Tom Cruise’s official film debut was in 1981. It is now 2023. Over forty years later, and the man is still on top; He closed out 2022 with the second highest grossing movie of the year, and the new Mission Impossible flick is poised to be a hit. There’s been an on-going debate about the topic of star power when it comes to today’s current movie scene. Sure you have franchises (Marvel for example) that are sure to get people to come out to the theater, but it appears as though the days of movie stars being the sole reason for tickets being sold and butts being put in seats are long gone compared to the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s for example. Only a handful of stars still have that power, and Tom Cruise is one of them. And with one of the best Tom Cruise movies of all time released recently, it's clear the power he still holds.

You shouldn’t need any proof of what we’re saying, but for extra measure, the box office revenue for Top Gun: Maverick was $1.454 billion (yes billion), making it the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s career on June 17th, 2022 (his previous high was $800 million). This, ladies and gentlemen, is with the movie actually being the follow-up to the original film that came out in 1986. That means Tom Cruise was able to take the sequel to a movie that was made 36 years ago, and not only outperform that film, but every single film he has ever made up to this point… bruh.

RELATED: The 13 Best Morgan Freeman Movies, Ranked

When it comes to the topic of which Tom Cruise movie is the best, well, what do you do? Do you include every single movie he has ever made? What about the Mission Impossible franchise? Should every Mission Impossible be included? That, our friends, has left us with an incredibly tough task, but we’re going to try. Below is a list of the best Tom Cruise movies according to ONE37pm.

Here. We. Go.

The Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked

27. mission: impossible – dead reckoning part one, year released: 2023.

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Writer: Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen
Stars: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Rebecca Ferguson

While Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is still on the new side (literally) we feel confident putting it as in all-time Tom Cruise film, and we'll probably be bumping it up in the weeks and months to come. Just saying.

26. The Mummy

Year released: 2017.

Director: Alex Kurtzman
Writer: Alex Kurtzman, Jenny Lumet, Jon Spaihts
Stars: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis

Okay, we know The Mummy didn't perform well at the box office and received poor reviews from critics. However, we ask that you reconsider because the approach to streaming has changed significantly since 2017. Had this movie gone straight to streaming, we think the reaction would have been different. This is a weekend movie that you put on while you're chilling at the house, so we think you should give it another shot.

25. The Outsiders

Year released: 1983.

Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writer: Francis Ford Coppola and S.E. Hinton
Stars: Matt Dillion, Tom Cruise, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe

It’s always interesting going back in time and seeing an actor’s journey before hitting it big. While not officially a household name yet, Cruise’s role as a nonchalant cool youngster named Steve Randle was the blueprint attitude wise for the types of characters that we would see him portray in the earlier part of his career. Paving the way for Risky Business so to speak.

24. Risky Business

Director: Paul Brickman
Writer: Paul Brickman
Stars: Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay

Speaking of Risky Business , this is the movie that would officially launch Tom Cruise into Hollywood superstardom. The movie centers around high school senior Joel Goodsen (Cruise) who makes the decision to hire the services of a call girl. Upon receiving the bill the next morning, the teenager goes into a state of panic, which only gets worse after he crashes his father’s Porsche. You’ll have to watch the movie to see what happens next.

23. Top Gun

Year released: 1986.

Director: Tony Scott
Writer: Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr.
Stars: Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis

The movie that got it all started. The original 1986 version featured a young Tom Cruise as a cocky fire pilot named Maverick, who is sent to the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School where he is determined to be the top fighter, all while rubbing everybody the wrong way with his nasty attitude while in the process. Oh, and he’s trying to get a hot girl too. Lots to unpack here.

22. Mission Impossible

Year released: 1996.

Director: Brian De Palma
Writer: David Koepp and Robert Towne
Stars: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Henry Czerny, Ving Rhames, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vanessa Redgrave, Jean Reno

Alright, here we go with the Mission Impossible franchise. First released in 1996, the story is about U.S. government agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) who along with his mentor Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), embarks on an assignment that in turn results in Jim being killed. Now a murder suspect, Ethan recruits both a hacker (Ving Rhames) and a maverick pilot (Jean Reno) to help him sneak into the CIA to retrieve a file that will prove his innocence.

21. Mission Impossible 2

Year released: 2000.

Director: John Woo
Writer: Robert Towne
Stars: Tom Cruise, Thandie Newton, Dougray Scott, Ving Rhames

Many thought that Mission Impossible was a one-off movie because it ended with him proving his innocence. Many were wrong. Four years later, a sequel was released, this time with Ethan Hunt leading his IMF team on a basically mission to capture a deadly German virus before being released by terrorists. This was also the beginning of the “Tom Cruise haircut” phase that was heavily talked about in the early 2000s.

20. Jack Reacher

Year released: 2012.

Writer: Christopher McQuarrie
Stars: Tom Cruise, Lee Child, Rosamund Pike

When in doubt, go get Jack Reacher to handle your business for you. Released in 2012, Jack Reacher tells the tale of Jack Reacher having to take on a tough assignment when a town is hit by a vicious shooting attack that leaves five people dead. As Reacher digs deeper into the investigation, he realizes that there is much more to the story then he initially thought.

19. Interview With The Vampire

Year released: 1994.

Director: Neil Jordan
Writer: Anne Rice
Stars: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Slater

Going back to 1994, Interview With The Vampire chronicles an 18th century lord, Louis, who is now a bicentennial vampire with an urge to tell his story to a biographer (hence Interview With The Vampire). Louis’ recent years have been filled with tragedy after the loss of his entire family, and with Louis struggling to find the motivation to go on, he just so happens to meet another Vampire named Lestat who becomes his friend and helps him out.

18. The Last Samurai

Year released: 2003.

Director: Edward Zwick
Stars: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanbe, Hiroyuki Sanada

When you have a film catalog as deep as Tom Cruise, it sparks a debate as to which should be included in your “best movies” list. For some, The Last Samurai doesn’t make the cut. For us, it does. The film focuses on the story of an American Military officer (Cruise) who’s caught in the middle of two completely different worlds when he is hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country’s first army in modern warfare.

This is actually one of our favorite Tom Cruise movies of all-time. It’s also very reflective of 2003 movie culture in terms of the films that came out during that era.

17. The Firm

Year released: 1993.

Director: Sydney Pollack
Writer: David Rabe, Robert Towne, David Rayfield
Stars: Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ed Harris, Holly Hunter, Hal Holbrook, David Straitharn, Gary Busey

Going back ten years earlier to 1993, The Firm really highlighted Cruise’s acting chops as he portrayed a young lawyer joining an established law firm, only to discover that there is quite a bit of illegal activity going on behind closed doors. Soon enough the FBI is involved, and with his life threatened, he basically has to make a decision on whether or not he is going to snitch. Does he end up snitching? Watch and find out.

16. Mission Impossible III

Year released: 2006.

Director: J.J. Abrams
Writer: J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci
Stars: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michelle Monaghan

It’s looking like we are indeed going to end up including every single Mission Impossible film on this list. Next up in the series is the third installment, in which Ethan Hunt is now a retiree focusing on training the next Mission Impossible recruits. As you probably guessed, the retirement doesn’t last for long as Hunt has to get back out there ASAP when he and the love of his life become the target of a new villain in the mix.

15. A Few Good Men

Year released: 1992.

Director: Rob Reiner
Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Stars: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore

Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore all being together in one movie is the epitome of early 1990s Hollywood, and boy is it good. Really good. You’ll definitely want to check this classic out for sure. That’s all we’re going to say.

14. Tropic Thunder

Director: Ben Stiller
Writer: Ben Stiller, Justin Theroux, Etan Cohen
Stars: Tom Cruise, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr.

2008 was a pretty good year for movies when you look at everything that came out that year, and Tropic Thunder is one of them. Starring Tom Cruise, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downing Jr. (talk about an A-List cast), Tropic Thunder is about a war movie that is in the process of being filmed. With the actors lacking motivation, the director decides to liven things up a bit by moving them to a real jungle. The situation goes awry when the actors realize after some bad luck that they are actually caught in the middle of a real-time war happening.

13. Magnolia

Year released: 1999.

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Stars: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour

Backing it to 1999, Cruise starred in the drama film Magnolia alongside Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour, which was a multiple-plot story about a dying father, young wife, a police officer falling head over heels in love, a genius, an ex-boy genius, a gameshow host, and an estranged daughter who all end up together on a random day in San Fernando Valley. This is definitely a movie where you have to be paying attention at all times because you will be confused if you don’t. Trust us.

12. Jerry Maguire

Director: Cameron Crowe
Writer: Cameron Crowe
Stars: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston

When sports agent Jerry Maguire (Cruise) has a bad moment of judgment that leads to him getting fired, he is left with no other option but to start his own management firm. In the process of trying to launch his business, Jerry also ends up falling in love. Sports and love stories are always a good watch.

11. War of the Worlds

Year released: 2005.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer: Josh Friedman, David Koepp
Stars: Tom Cruise, Miranda Otto, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin

Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise joined forces on 2005’s War of the Worlds which was about a dockworker (Cruise) struggling to maintain a relationship with his two children. When the kids are dropped off by his ex-wife (Miranda Otto), the weekend takes an unexpected turn when an alien invasion happens. Classic Spielberg. War of the Worlds wound up grossing over $600 million at the box office. Not bad for a movie that originally had a $132 million budget.

10. Collateral

Year released: 2004.

Director: Michael Mann
Writer: Stuart Beattie
Stars: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardham

The year prior, Cruise also experienced box office success with the film Collateral , which also starred Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mark Ruffalo, and Javier Bardham. The film is about an LA taxi driver named Max (Foxx) ready to call it a day, when he receives $600 from a sniper in disguise as a businessman (Cruise) to make six extra stops. As it turns out, those six extra stops are actually designated hit checkpoints that Max is now caught in the middle of. It’s not often that we get to see Tom Cruise as the bad guy, so this is a fun one.

9. Rain Man

Year released: 1988.

Director: Barry Levinson
Writer: Barry Morrow
Stars: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman

Rain Man is another Tom Cruise movie that sparks debates over how high it should be ranked, but you can’t deny its emotional heart-tugging effect. Cruise and Dustin Hoffman also made for a pretty good team if you ask us. Grab your tissues because this is definitely one of those films that make you tear up a bit.

8. Born on the Fourth of July

Year released: 1989.

Director: Oliver Stone
Writer: Ron Kovic
Stars: Tom Cruise, Oliver Stone, Willem Dafoe

Another 1980s Tom Cruise classic, Born on the Fourth of July is about a suburban NY teenager who decides to enlist in the marines to honor his patriotism. In his second year of active duty, the teen encounters some difficult challenges when he accidentally kills a fellow soldier and later ends up paralyzed during a battle.

7. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Year released: 2011.

Director: Brad Bird
Writer: Jon Applebaum, André Nemec, Christopher McQuarrie
Stars: Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner

Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt for the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible series, this time around having to deal with the blame for the terrorist attack on Kremlin. This marks the second time in his career where Hunt has received the blame for something completely out of his control, and once again he is forced to clear his name.

6. Minority Report

Year released: 2002.

Writer: Scott Frank, Jon Cohen
Stars: Tom Cruise, Samantha Morton, Colin Ferrell, Kathryn Morris

A thriller set in the year 2054, Minority Report is based on the story “Minority Report” by science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick, which is about a police station in Washington D.C. that utilizes psychic technology to help arrest and convict murders before they commit their crimes. Looking back, Minority Report was actually ahead of the game as many films since have mirrored its approach.

5. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Year released: 2015.

Stars: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner

Rogue Nation is actually considered the most exciting Mission Impossible film to date (although that can be subjective). Now we’re at the point where the IMF is disbanded, and not only is it dead and gone completely with Hunt being kind of assed out, there’s also a new threat called the Syndicate that is now an immediate problem. It never ends for Ethan Hunt. It just never does.

4. Mission Impossible: Fallout

Year released: 2018.

Stars: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Henry Cavill

And since it never ends for Ethan Hunt, the sixth film in the series, Fallout , is about the newly rebranded IMF coming together with a CIA assassin to prevent yet another catastrophic event in the making that involves nuclear attacks on the Vatican, Jerusalem, and Saudi Arabia. How we got here from where we started in 1996, we don’t know. What we do know, however, is that Mission Impossible 7 , Dead Reckoning Part One is due out July 14th, 2023.

And apparently it doesn’t end there because Part Two is due out June 2024. Like we said earlier, it never ends for Ethan Hunt. Now would be the time to catch up if you haven’t already.

3. The Color of Money

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Richard Price
Stars: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise

We’re going to take one final trip back to the 80s. The same year Top Gun was released, Cruise also starred in the film The Color of Money alongside Paul Newman, which was about a former pool hustler named Fast Eddie (Newman) who decides to make a return to the game with new young protege Vincent Lauria (Cruise).

2. Edge of Tomorrow

Year released: 2014.

Director: Doug Limon
Writer: Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth
Stars: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton

Whether you have Edge of Tomorrow in your personal Tom Cruise top three or not, we can all agree that it is a heck of a film. Just about any movie that has the word “edge” in it is, and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint.

1. Top Gun: Maverick

Year released: 2022.

Director: Joseph Kosinski
Writer: Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, Christopher McQuarrie
Stars: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, Glen Powell

We had to save the best for last. The highest grossing movie of Tom Cruise’s career which is sitting pretty at $1.4 billion, Cruise proved that he once again is that dude. Not bad for somebody who just turned 60.

The 13 Best Morgan Freeman Movies, Ranked

The 20 Best Spy Movies on Netflix (And a Few TV Shows as Well)

The 26 Best Not Scary Halloween Movies for a Much-needed Horror Break

My Quiz Activity
Newsletters
Sports Betting
MY FAVORITES
Add Sports/Teams
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints
New York Jets
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
Washington Commanders
Arizona Diamondbacks
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Guardians
Colorado Rockies
Detroit Tigers
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers
Miami Marlins
Milwaukee Brewers
Minnesota Twins
New York Yankees
New York Mets
Oakland Athletics
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans
New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors
Washington Wizards
Anaheim Ducks
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Calgary Flames
Carolina Hurricanes
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Detroit Red Wings
Edmonton Oilers
Florida Panthers
Los Angeles Kings
Minnesota Wild
Montreal Canadiens
Nashville Predators
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Ottawa Senators
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
San Jose Sharks
Seattle Kraken
St. Louis Blues
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs
Utah Hockey Club
Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights
Washington Capitals
Winnipeg Jets
Entertainment Home
Lifestyle Home
More Sports
YB on Facebook
YB on Twitter
YB on Flipboard
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
College Basketball
College Football
Entertainment
Formula One
Horse Racing
Motor Sports
Premier League
Sports Business
Track and Field
More Sports ▸

Entertainment News

Every Tom Cruise movie, ranked

There will never be another Tom Cruise . For decades, his star power has endured, even as movies have shifted away from stars in favor of studios. He has still found a way to sell tickets, and he's put together an unmatched career of blockbusters, comedies, dramas, and cameos. To celebrate, we've taken on the impossible mission of ranking every one of his films from worst to best. From Endless Love to Jerry Maguire , here are the actor's money roles.

42. 'Endless Love' (1981)

How do you secure the bottom ranking? Having more than five writers work on the script and making no money at the box office is a good start. Not helping matters is the romance between two teenagers, which ends with Tom Cruise burning down one of their homes.

41. 'The Mummy' (2017)

Remember the Dark Universe? Me neither. Apparently, the folks at Universal had plans to make their own franchise but bailed once they saw a rough-cut of The Mummy . The movie has all the pratfalls of a D.C. comic: dim lighting, bad acting, and a star who can't outrun a bloated plot.

40. 'Rock of Ages' (2012)

We can all agree on one thing: this movie sucks. It's horrible, and the movie flopped mainly because director Adam Shankman mistook loudness for passion. But as Stacee Jaxx, the Axl Rose-like superstar who's drugged-out, sexed-out, and bottomed-out, Cruise almost saves it. His performance of "Dead or Alive" makes you want to give it another shot.

39. 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back' (2016)

Cruise should have taken the title as a sign and never gone back to Jack Reacher . The first one wasn't a hit, but the second one takes all the pep out of the first and replaces it with blandness.

38. 'Cocktail' (1988)

It's Top Gun set in the world of bartending, which means the only action happening here is in the bedroom. Cruise's only mission is to make girls swoon. He looks like a million bucks and shows off the charm that would make him a sex symbol in the '90s. But he isn't very good in the part and received a Razzie nomination for his performance.

37. 'Losin' It' (1983)

Anyone who has seen Cocktail will have difficulty going along with Losin' It . I mean, this is a movie where Tom Cruise has a hard time romantically. The sexiest man in the world is joined by two friends on a trip to Tijuana, where they try to find him a woman to sleep with. In reality, that would take about two seconds. But since this is a teenage comedy, we have to wait two hours for the climax.

36. 'Lions for Lambs' (2007)

Robert Redford couldn't have asked for a better cast than Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Michael Pena, but he could have asked for a better script. The director's war drama boils down to a lot of dense, long-winded monologues about how screwed up our country is. It's basically an Aaron Sorkin movie without an Aaron Sorkin script.

35. 'Vanilla Sky' (2001)

It seemed Cameron Crowe and Tom Cruise were made for each other after Jerry Maguire , but then Vanilla Sky happened. Cruise plays a handsome, rich publisher who goes into a tailspin after his wife dies in a car accident. The entrance of Penelope Cruz changes things for a while, but then things start to get weird when Cameron Diaz shows up. None of it makes any sense, and I found myself scratching my head long after the credits rolled.

34. 'Valkyrie' (2008)

The problems with Valkyrie have nothing to do with Cruise. He's great in the part of Colonel Stauffenberg. The problems are with the script, the direction, and the decision to have the Nazis speak English.

33. 'Far and Away' (1992)

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were a power couple who starred in three movies together. One is great, but the other two are missed opportunities. The idea of two immigrants falling in love against a backdrop of rolling hills sounded good on paper, but Ron Howard isn't able to elevate it above shallow Oscar bait.

32. 'Days of Thunder' (1990)

Another Cruise and Kidman joint. Days of Thunder sees the stars reuniting with Top Gun director Tony Scott, who wanted to recapture the magic of their first collab on the streets of Daytona. The movie hit all the beats of their first outing — cocky heroes, loud music, cool montages — but couldn't make them soar.

31. 'Legend' (1985)

Long before people asked for the "Snyder Cut," people were asking for the director's cut of Legend . Hacked to pieces by the studio, the theatrical version of Ridley Scott's fantasy was about as silly as they come. Cruise plays a young man who quests to save a princess from the clutches of Darkness (Tim Curry). The director's cut eventually came out, and it's just as silly as the first one.

30. 'Mission Impossible II' (2000)

Tom Cruise may be known for his great running posture, but if there's one thing he can't outrun, it's a bad script. It's a shame the worst movie in the MI franchise is directed by John Woo, who gave us some of the best action movies of all time. It's not his fault, though. The problem is a script that pins Cruise against a dull villain, a silly plot, and some of the most ridiculous action sequences of the 21st century.

29. 'Oblivion' (2013)

Oblivion is bland, and Cruise is bland in it. What works is a twist that keeps us intrigued even when the rest of the movie doesn't.

28. 'The Firm' (1993)

Here's where the movies go up a notch. The Firm may not be a great courtroom drama, but it has all the elements of one. The tension is there, the dialogue is dense, and the performances draw us into the action.

27. 'The Last Samurai' (2003)

Can you imagine if this came out today? Cruise plays a soldier who adapts samurai culture and saves the day in 19th-century Japan. It might as well be called White Savior: The Movie , but Cruise is excellent as the hero, and Ken Watanabe is superb as the hero's righthand man. Plus, who can forget those battle scenes?

26. 'American Made' (2017)

Cruise doesn't do a lot of movies these days outside of Mission Impossible . So it's a treat when he dives into something like American Made , a fact-based drama about a pilot who smuggles drugs for the government. The movie rides on Cruise's shoulders, and he sells every scene the same way his character sells information to the DEA: in style.

25. 'The Outsiders' (1983)

Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of the classic novel has more pretty faces than a perfume commercial. Cruise takes a backseat to stars like Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze , Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez, but he does get to show off his good looks. More than that, he shows off his range as an actor in one of the film's most memorable scenes.

24. 'Jack Reacher' (2012)

Why would Cruise do another action franchise? Is Mission Impossible not enough? That's what most people thought when they got news of Jack Reacher, the latest action hero to take the shape of Cruise's slim, handsome persona. But once the movie kicked into gear, all doubts were off as audiences got sucked into a murder mystery.

23. 'Knight and Day' (2010)

Not everyone got what Cruise was putting down. Some people watched Knight and Day and saw another generic action movie, while others saw a movie about the actor's persona. This is a spoof first and an action movie second. Director James Mangold does a good job sending up Mission Impossible , and Cruise has a blast making fun of himself and everyone around him.

22. 'Taps' (1981)

In Cruise's first major role, he plays a hot-headed military cadet who takes his job a little too seriously. When he fires into a crowd of civilians with wide, crazy eyes, you can tell he was born to play more than just pretty faces. He can play anything you throw at him.

21. 'Interview with the Vampire' (1994)

Cruise delivers one of his best performances as Lestat, a vampire who finds a lot of drama when he recruits a man named Louis (Brad Pitt). Not everyone was on board with the casting of Cruise, but he won them over with this portrait of a lifeless sucker with a beating heart. There are a number of sexy moments between the actors. Plus, one of the bleakest endings in recent memory.

20. 'Mission Impossible III' (2006)

The MI series rallied under the guidance of J.J. Abrams, who brought back the formula that made the original work. The movie starts with jokes, moves to action, introduces the villain, and ditches the plot so Cruise can run, jump, shoot, and swim. It's what fans pay to see and what Abrams delivers with aplomb.

19. 'All the Right Moves' (1983)

The best sports movies are less about sports than they are about people. In this one, Cruise plays a high-school football player who clashes with his coach, fights with his girlfriend, and wants to escape his town. It's a sensitive turn from Cruise — one he would go back to in The Color of Money .

18. 'War of the Worlds' (2005)

Cruise does some of his best work as an everyday guy. In Steven Spielberg's adaptation of H.G. Welles' novel, he plays a divorcee who has to flee the invaders from space. The film starts with some nitty, gritty family drama, then shifts into a series of visceral set pieces that rank among Spielberg's best.

17. 'Minority Report' (2002)

Cruise and Spielberg did another movie together three years earlier. With even more tension, a mix of dark themes, mysterious plots, and perverse characters, Minority Report saw Cruise doing his best noir impression. He plays a cop who solves murders before they happen and gets tied up in a case involving Colin Farrell .

16. 'The Color of Money' (1986)

Like a great pool hustler, Martin Scorsese makes you think you're dealing with an average player and then hits you with the nine ball. The Color of Money doesn't seem like anything special. At first, it's another sequel that brings back a famous character (Paul Newman) and has them team up with an up-and-comer (Tom Cruise). Then the movie sneaks up on you in the third act and the tone shifts from sports drama to character study.

15. 'Mission Impossible' (1996)

Some things never change. The stakes may have gotten higher, and the action sequences may have gotten bigger, but the thrill of watching Ethan Hunt save the day has always remained the same. Even today, Brian De Palma's original has the power to make you drop your jaw. The scene where he breaks into CIA headquarters and dangles from the ceiling is peak Mission Impossible , and the opener on a train is what every MI installment has been trying to top.

14. 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' (2011)

How do you top the train sequence? Oh, I don't know. Maybe scale the largest building in the world. Cruise took the franchise to new heights in this 2011 thriller, which was reportedly the last one he would do if the movie bombed at the box office. He was coming off the Scientology incident and did everything in his power to keep the franchise alive.

13. 'Born on the Fourth of July' (1989)

Tom Cruise should have won an Oscar for his role as the once-optimistic, now-shattered military veteran Ron Kovic. But then again, roles like these are built in a lab for the sole purpose of winning Oscars. Based on a true story? Check. A wig that makes him look worse? Check. A long monologue that can play over his acceptance speech? Check. Cruise may be great, but this is Oscar Bait 101.

12. 'Colateral' (2004)

A more nuanced performance can be found in this dark, twisted thriller from Michael Mann. Cruise plays a hitman with white hair who kidnaps a taxi driver ( Jamie Foxx ) and has him drive to multiple locations around Los Angeles. The bodies start to pile up like garbage bags, and it soon becomes clear that there's more going on than meets the eye. Much more.

11. 'Eyes Wide Shut' (1999)

Cruise and Kidman teamed up again, this time under the watch of Stanley Kubrick in what would be his final film. Both actors are superb, and there's no shortage of tense moments in this erotic thriller. That being said, the movie was never finished, and you can see the threads hanging from the black corset. For much of the runtime, we are drawn into this underworld of sex among bureaucrats, but the patches start to show in a busy third act.

10. 'Top Gun' (1986)

While Risky Business put Cruise on the map, Top Gun cemented his status at the top of Hollywood. Whether or not you take issue with the movie's politics, it's impossible to deny the charm of Cruise in this part. It's dripping off his body in every scene, and whenever he says something like, "I have the need...the need for speed," you can't help but pump your fists in excitement.

9. 'Edge of Tomorrow' (2014)

Whether you want to call it Edge of Tomorrow or Live . Die. Repeat. , it's a darn good movie. With Cruise in the role of a military officer who knows nothing about combat, the actor plays with his persona in a fun way. When he's thrust into battle, we expect him to kill a bunch of aliens with a smile on his face. Nope. Cruise is killed by the aliens, and then he's killed again and again in a Groundhog Day scenario that doesn't change until he meets Emily Blunt .

8. 'Risky Business' (1983)

The sight of Cruise dancing in sunglasses and tighty-whities might be the most iconic image of his career. It's the moment that made him a star and one of many memorable moments in this teenage comedy.

7. 'Mission Impossible: Fallout' (2018)

Who would have guessed that the guy from Risky Business would go on to become the next Buster Keaton? The actor has come a long way from the teenage comedies that made his career. He's gone from the guy who flirts with girls to the guy who flirts with disaster. The stunts in Mission Impossible: Fallout are Keaton-esque, and the sight of him hanging off a ledge or jumping off a bridge is some of the most epic in movie history.

6. 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)

Bathed in golden-hour light and highly-stylized action, Top Gun: Maverick is more than just fan service. It's a sequel that surpasses the original in every way. The stunts are better, the stakes are higher, the fights are cooler, the emotions are clearer, and the volleyballs are...footballs. Cruise returns to teach the next generation a thing or two about flying and might join them on a mission along the way.

5. 'A Few Good Men' (1992)

Tom Cruise goes head-to-head with Jack Nicholson , and the results speak for themselves. This is Cruise's best performance, showcasing all the different elements that make him a star. He's cocky, smart, charismatic, and good-looking but also wounded down deep. His character stands up for two marines who need help, and they get all the help they can get in a courtroom battle.

4. 'Rain Man' (1988)

The movie was a major hit, took home Best Picture, and gave Dustin Hoffman his first Oscar. But somehow, Cruise got overlooked as the man who takes his brother on a road trip. As a salesman who only sees dollar signs, he eventually learns to see more in his brother than autism and money. He learns to see emotion. Not many actors can pull off that kind of transformation, but Cruise does it beautifully.

3. 'Tropic Thunder' (2008)

The best comedic performance of the past 13 years goes to...Tom Cruise? Hiding under layers of makeup, Cruise stole the show as a profanity-spewing, Flo Rida-dancing studio exec in Ben Stiller's masterpiece.

2. 'Magnolia' (1999)

Cruise steals the show from another ensemble. In a movie loaded with actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, and Julianne Moore , Cruise makes an impression. He roams around the frame like a hungry, sharp-toothed lion, ready to pounce on the weak men who come to him for advice. His chauvinistic motivational speaker is unlike any character we've ever seen, and Cruise makes sure you care about him despite his deplorable behavior.

1. 'Jerry Maguire' (1996)

The ultimate Tom Cruise movie. Jerry Maguire is a blast to watch, with more quotable lines, charismatic performances, and timeless moments than we can count. Cameron Crowe's rom-com might have had us at hello, but it really had us at goodbye. Once the credits start to roll, you want to watch it again.

Asher Luberto is a film critic and entertainment writer for L.A. Weekly and The Village Voice. His writing has appeared in NBC, FOX, MSN, Yahoo, Purewow, The Playlist, The Wrap and Los Angeles Review of Books.

More must-reads:

20 TV shows that had huge breaks between seasons
CBS' Jim Nantz defends Tony Romo over controversial Super Bowl call
20 of the most iconic hair moments in cinema

Trending in Entertainment

Customize your newsletter.

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

COMMENTS

7 best Tom Cruise movies to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and more
Timing is everything, as the old adage says. That is possibly why the movie Top Gun: Maverick was such a success. Cruise starred in and produced the film, a sequel to his career-making film, Top ...
All Tom Cruise movies ranked & how to watch online
If you want to stream the best Tom Cruise movies online, you can check out this complete streaming guide. Tom Cruise's best movies: From Top Gun to Mission Impossible. Cruise's most iconic role is arguably Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in Top Gun, which was the highest grossing film of 1986 and took Cruise's fame to new heights.
15 Best Tom Cruise Action Movies (& Where To Stream Them)
Available to stream on Paramount+. Acclaimed as one of the greatest action movies ever made by critics, Mission: Impossible - Fallout is by far the most thrilling, action-packed entry in the franchise so far. Cruise stepped it up by doing death-defying stunts in practically every scene of Fallout. He dangled from a helicopter, jumped out of a ...
Tom Cruise Movies Ranked
All Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Tomatometer
Tom Cruise's Top 25 Movies...
Tom Cruise's Top 25 Movies...
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick: Directed by Joseph Kosinski. With Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly. The story involves Maverick confronting his past while training a group of younger Top Gun graduates, including the son of his deceased best friend, for a dangerous mission.
15 of the best Tom Cruise movies
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) There's just something about this movie that makes it watchable every time it's on. Maybe it's Tom Cruise as a PR flak in the military as it's combating a crazy alien invasion. Maybe it's Emily Blunt and her badass triceps. Maybe it's the late Bill Paxton's drawl. "Edge of the knaaaaaaf."
The 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked
10. Edge of Tomorrow (2014) Where to Watch: Hulu, Max One of Tom Cruise's best action movies-- with a name that got overtaken by the tagline, so that the home/digital release has this as Live. Die ...
The 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies to Stream in 2022
Magnolia. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. Oblivion. Risky Business. Valkyrie. Tom Cruise has had one of Hollywood's most varied and exciting careers, from his days as a teen idol to his award-winning dramatic turns to his larger-than-life action-hero roles. Here are 10 of the best Tom Cruise movies to stream. UPDATE: 10/21/22.
Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked
Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked - Parade
Where to Watch Every Mission: Impossible Movie In Order
To date, there have been seven Mission: Impossible movies, with the highest-grossing being 2018's Mission: Impossible - Fallout which earned a whopping $791 million globally. Tom Cruise has led every movie and the franchise has also accumulated some other recurring characters, including ones played by Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames.
The 20 Best Tom Cruise Movies
Here, we look at the best Tom Cruise movies ever made. Here are the 20 best Tom Cruise movies: 20. Interview with The Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles Year: 1994. Director: Neil Jordan. Stars: Tom ...
10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked
10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked
The Best Tom Cruise Movies on Movies Anywhere
Tom Cruise plays only a small part in this adaptation of S.E. Hinton's iconic 1967 novel The Outsiders, the story of a destructive gang rivalry that erupts in mid-'60s Tulsa, Oklahoma.But ...
Paramount+: Every Tom Cruise Movie That's Currently Streaming
Tom Cruise helped reinvigorate the box office again this weekend thanks to the eye-popping success of Top Gun: Maverick.Cruise is now 40 years into his career as a superstar, and many of the movies that helped him reach that status are available to stream on Paramount+.That includes the original Top Gun, which was made for Paramount in 1986. ...
16 Best Tom Cruise Movies, According To Rotten Tomatoes
16 Best Tom Cruise Movies, According To Rotten Tomatoes
The 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies of All Time, Ranked
The 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Fans
The Mummy streaming: where to watch movie online?
Watch similar movies on Apple TV+ for free . 7 Days Free. Then $9.99 / month. Stream for free. CC. 4K . PG-13 . 111min - English, Spanish, French. Rent. $3.99. Watch Now. CC. 4K . PG-13 . ... Other popular Movies starring Tom Cruise . Lists featuring The Mummy . The Best Tom Cruise Movies Ranked: Where to Stream the Actor's 30 Greatest Films ...
Mission: Impossible
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One: Directed by Christopher McQuarrie. With Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg. Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.
Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies Ranked
6) Top Gun: Maverick. A sequel 36 years in the making, besieged by pandemic-induced release date delays, with a brand new writer and director on board, and the follow-up to one of the most beloved ...
Tom Cruise Movies List
Tom Cruise Movies List
The 27 Best Tom Cruise Movies of All-Time, Ranked
Tom Cruise's official film debut was in 1981. It is now 2023. Over forty years later, and the man is still on top; He closed out 2022 with the second highest grossing movie of the year, and the new Mission Impossible flick is poised to be a hit. There's been an on-going debate about the topic of star power when it comes to today's current movie scene.
Every Tom Cruise movie, ranked
Every Tom Cruise movie, ranked
Icons Unearthed: Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise steps into the spotlight, taking the lead in Risky Business, but when Paul Brickman is forced to change his ending will that put an end to Tom's d...

7 best Tom Cruise movies to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.

A Few Good Men

Jerry Maguire

Top Gun: Maverick

Risky Business

More from Tom's Guide

Most Popular

All Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Tomatometer

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) 97%

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) 96%

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) 96%

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015) 94%

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) 93%

Risky Business (1983) 93%

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) 91%

Minority Report (2002) 89%

Rain Man (1988) 88%

The Color of Money (1986) 88%

Collateral (2004) 86%

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) 84%

American Made (2017) 85%

A Few Good Men (1992) 84%

Jerry Maguire (1996) 84%

Magnolia (1999) 82%

Tropic Thunder (2008) 82%

The Firm (1993) 76%

War of the Worlds (2005) 76%

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) 76%

Mission: Impossible III (2006) 71%

The Outsiders (1983) 70%

Taps (1981) 68%

Mission: Impossible (1996) 65%

The Last Samurai (2003) 66%

Jack Reacher (2012) 64%

Interview With the Vampire (1994) 63%

All the Right Moves (1983) 61%

Valkyrie (2008) 62%

Top Gun (1986) 58%

Mission: Impossible II (2000) 56%

Oblivion (2013) 54%

Knight and Day (2010) 52%

Far and Away (1992) 50%

Vanilla Sky (2001) 43%

Rock of Ages (2012) 42%

Legend (1985) 41%

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) 38%

Days of Thunder (1990) 38%

Lions for Lambs (2007) 27%

Losin' It (1982) 18%

The Mummy (2017) 15%

Cocktail (1988) 9%

More Countdown

Movie & TV News

Top Headlines

Fifteen of the best Tom Cruise movies — from Risky Business to Top Gun 2

Taps (1981)

Get the What to Watch Newsletter

The Outsiders (1983)

Risky Business (1983)

All the Right Moves (1983)

Top Gun (1986)

Cocktail (1988)

Rain Man (1988)

Days of Thunder (1990)

A Few Good Men (1992)

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Mission: Impossible (1996)

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Vanilla Sky (2001)

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Top Gun Maverick (2022)

More Tom Cruise

Most Popular

How-To Geek

I Only Listen to Music on Spotify, and That Might Be a Bad Thing

Quick Links

UPDATE: 10/21/22

The Best Tom Cruise Movies on Movies Anywhere

The 11 Best Movies to Watch if You Love James Bond