last ten tom cruise films

  • Tickets & Showtimes
  • Trending on RT

last ten tom cruise films

All Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Tomatometer

Top Gun: Maverick is back in theaters for Rotten Tomatoes’ 25th anniversary screening series at AMC — get tickets now !

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.

' sborder=

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) 97%

' sborder=

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) 96%

' sborder=

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

' sborder=

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015) 94%

' sborder=

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) 93%

' sborder=

Risky Business (1983) 92%

' sborder=

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) 91%

' sborder=

Minority Report (2002) 89%

' sborder=

Rain Man (1988) 88%

' sborder=

The Color of Money (1986) 88%

' sborder=

Collateral (2004) 86%

' sborder=

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) 84%

' sborder=

American Made (2017) 85%

' sborder=

A Few Good Men (1992) 84%

' sborder=

Jerry Maguire (1996) 84%

' sborder=

Magnolia (1999) 82%

' sborder=

Tropic Thunder (2008) 82%

' sborder=

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) 76%

' sborder=

The Firm (1993) 76%

' sborder=

War of the Worlds (2005) 76%

' sborder=

Mission: Impossible III (2006) 71%

' sborder=

The Outsiders (1983) 70%

' sborder=

Taps (1981) 68%

' sborder=

Mission: Impossible (1996) 66%

' sborder=

The Last Samurai (2003) 66%

' sborder=

Interview With the Vampire (1994) 63%

' sborder=

Jack Reacher (2012) 64%

' sborder=

All the Right Moves (1983) 61%

' sborder=

Valkyrie (2008) 62%

' sborder=

Top Gun (1986) 57%

' sborder=

Mission: Impossible II (2000) 56%

' sborder=

Oblivion (2013) 54%

' sborder=

Knight and Day (2010) 52%

' sborder=

Far and Away (1992) 50%

' sborder=

Rock of Ages (2012) 42%

' sborder=

Vanilla Sky (2001) 43%

' sborder=

Legend (1985) 42%

' sborder=

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) 38%

' sborder=

Days of Thunder (1990) 38%

' sborder=

Lions for Lambs (2007) 27%

' sborder=

Losin' It (1982) 18%

' sborder=

The Mummy (2017) 15%

' sborder=

Cocktail (1988) 9%

Related news.

The 100 Best Movies Over 3 Hours Long, Ranked

Awards Leaderboard: Top Movies of 2023

All 96 Best Picture Winners, Ranked by Tomatometer

More Countdown

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

30 Most Popular Movies Right Now: What to Watch In Theaters and Streaming

Ghostbusters Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

Movie & TV News

Featured on rt.

The Most Anticipated TV and Streaming Shows of 2024: New and Returning Shows We Can’t Wait to See

March 22, 2024

Renewed and Cancelled TV Shows 2024

March 21, 2024

TV Premiere Dates 2024

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

Top Headlines

  • Marvel TV Ranked by Tomatometer –
  • Best TV Shows of 2024: Best New Series to Watch Now –
  • 30 Most Popular Movies Right Now: What to Watch In Theaters and Streaming –
  • Ghostbusters Movies Ranked by Tomatometer –
  • How to Watch Ghostbusters Movies In Order –
  • 25 Most Popular TV Shows Right Now: What to Watch on Streaming –

The 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked

He can be our wingman any time..

Matt Fowler Avatar

Ever since exploding onto the scene in the 1980s, Tom Cruise has remained one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. His personal life was once constant tabloid fodder, but in theaters Cruise always managed to keep us entertained. Whether he's shooting down Russian MIGs, running from or toward danger, or just being handsome and charming, Cruise rarely disappoints.

We figured the time had come to take a look at Cruise's prolific career and pick out his best films. From early efforts like Rain Man to '90s classics like A Few Good Men to more recent favorites such as Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and Edge of Tomorrow, these are the movies any self-respecting Tom Cruise fan needs to see.

In the interest of keeping this Tom Cruise Top 10 lean and mean we've decided to only pick the best film from franchise s - the one that best represents Cruise's strengths as an actor.

Top 10 Tom Cruise Movies

last ten tom cruise films

10. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

last ten tom cruise films

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. Repeat.: Edge of Tomorrow -- takes the classic Cruise formula of "a***hole who gets humbled and redeemed" and cranked it up to 11, having his cowardly Major William Cage die countless deaths as he Groundhog Day's his way through a last-ditch battle against an alien invasion. With the help of a soldier who previously had his reset-the-day power, played by Emily Blunt, Cage transforms from meek to mighty, becoming a super solider who can not only act like a one man army but also crack the mystery of the alien horde's one weakness. Edge of Tomorrow, from director Doug Limon, is a thrilling, creative, and funny take on the time loop genre, with Cruise at his best.

Read our review of Edge of Tomorrow .

9. Minority Report (2002)

last ten tom cruise films

Where to Watch: Paramount+

Philip K. Dick was nothing if not a prolific science fiction writer. It's no surprise that so many of his short stories and novels have been fodder for movie adaptations over the years. But Minority Report stands out as one of the few that stuck close to the source material. Even the title stayed the same, which is more than we can say for films like Total Recall and Blade Runner.

In this futuristic sci-fi tale, Cruise plays John Anderton, the chief of a new police division called Precrime. Using a trio of psychically-inclined mutants called Precogs, Precrime is able to arrest criminals before they commit crimes. But when Anderton finds his name is next on the list, he's forced to go rogue and attempt to clear his name before he winds up committing murder.

It's a great premise that allowed for plenty of suspenseful action and scenes of Cruise running, which was becoming more and more his shtick by that point. The biggest change Minority Report made to the source material was in giving viewers a more youthful, attractive protagonist, and we didn't hear anyone complaining about that particular edit. Under Steven Spielberg's direction, Minority Report offered a thoughtful, eye-catching look at the future that was probably more precog than we'd like to believe.

8. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

last ten tom cruise films

Where to Watch: Prime Video, Paramount+

It's pretty rare for a franchise to maintain its quality by the time it reaches the fourth installment. Heck, a lot of franchises fall apart once the first sequel hits and it becomes a franchise in the first place. T he Mission: Impossible series is the rare exception. Most fans would agree that the third and fourth films are the best in the series. We're inclined to put the fourth on top, but there's certainly a case to be made for M:I III as well.

Ghost Protocol upped the ante by putting Cruise's Ethan Hunt and his fellow IMF agents on the wrong side of the law. There was a new sense of desperation to their mission as they worked both to save the day and clear their names in the wake of a terrorist attack on the Kremlin. Ghost Protocol boats some of the finest action sequences in the history of the franchise, including Hunt's death-defying climb up a skyscraper in Dubai. Cruise has a habit of throwing himself into his action roles and performing many of his own stunts. That devotion/insanity really elevated Ghost Protocol. The movie also proved that director Brad Bird has a knack for live-action films as well as animated ones. It's little wonder he's on just about everyone's short list to direct a Star Wars movie.

Read our review of Mission: Impossible .

7. Magnolia (1999)

last ten tom cruise films

It's rare to see a Tom Cruise movie where the actor isn't front and center the entire time. But Cruise tried something a little different when he joined the cast of Paul Thomas Anderson's 1999 drama Magnolia . Here, Cruise was one of nine main characters whose stories intertwined in the sort of complex narrative Anderson does so well. Cruise played Frank T.J. Mackey, a handsome but slightly sleazy pitchman for an infomercial about getting laid. It was a much more successful foray into the realm of sex and perversion than Cruise's previous role in Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut.

Between the ensemble cast and much-maligned three-hour run-time, Magnolia struggled to find an audience at theaters. But as with pretty much every P.T. Anderson film, it had no trouble with critics. In terms of Cruise's role specifically, many likened it to the revitalizing change of pace John Travolta found when he starred in Pulp Fiction. Every so often we need a reminder that Cruise can break the mold, and Magnolia certainly proved that much.

6. Collateral (2004)

last ten tom cruise films

Where to Watch: Paramount+, Hoopla

Cruise has pretty much earned his doctorate in playing attractive, charming leading men at this point. We imagine sometimes even the most hardcore Cruise fans want to see the actor break the mold and play the bad guy for a change. Collateral wasn't the first time Cruise switched to the dark side, but it is his most memorable effort.

That's not to say the usual Cruise charm wasn't still dialed up to 11 for this movie. Collateral paired Cruise with Jamie Foxx. The latter played, Max, a humble LA cab driver with dreams of moving up in the world. The former played, Vincent, a dapper but ruthless hitman who enlisted the reluctant Max as his driver for a busy night of executions. Collateral showcased director Michael Mann's same strong visual style and love for the LA cityscape that was so apparent in Heat two decades earlier. And Cruise and Foxx enjoyed an intense dynamic as the night wore on and Max's situation became increasingly desperate. Maybe Cruise didn't veer as far from his usual self as he could have in this role, but it was still fun to see his dangerous, unhinged side slip through.

5. Rain Man (1988)

last ten tom cruise films

Where to Watch: Paramount+, MGM+, Fubo

Throughout the '80s, Cruise had developed a reputation for starring in comedies and action films, always playing similar shades of the same charming, attractive, capable leading man. But in 1989, Rain Man came along and finally established that Cruise had potential as a dramatic actor too.

Cruise's character was actually a pretty big jerk in the early scenes of this movie. Here, Cruise played Charlie Babbitt, a flashy car dealer who mistreats just about everybody in his life. But after discovering the autistic brother he never knew (played by Dustin Hoffman in perhaps his most iconic performance), Charlie begins a journey of personal growth and maturation. Though Charlie initially tries to exploit his brother's superhuman memory and math skills for profit, he grows to care deeply for Raymond. From there, the movie explores the ethical dilemma of Raymond's situation. Is it better for Charlie to care for his brother and provide him with a real family, or return him to the mental institution where he's lived much of his adult life?

Hoffman was perhaps the more visible actor in this project, but it was really Charlie's story in the end. Cruise brought just the right blend of charm, arrogance, and emotional range to the plate, and he nailed the role.

4. A Few Good Men (1992)

last ten tom cruise films

Where to Watch: AMC+

Like a number of Tom Cruise movies, A Few Good Men has that one iconic scene that everybody knows, even if they've never actually watched the entire thing. In this case it's the climactic courtroom showdown between Cruise and Jack Nicholson, where the latter insists, "You can't handle the truth!"

In this movie (which writer Aaron Sorkin adapted from his stage play), Cruise plays a hotshot J.A.G. attorney named Daniel Kaffee. Kaffee is paired with the overzealous investigator JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) to defend two Marines accused of murdering a fellow Corpsman, one who had apparently been prepared to blow the whistle on an international incident at Guantanamo Bay. Pulling the strings of the increasingly dark conspiracy behind the killing is the virulent Colonel Nathan Jessup (Nicholson).

Elements of Cruise's usual leading man persona were still in full force with this role. Kaffee was very much the arrogant young hotshot who cared more for closing cases than seeking real justice. But the complicated courtroom drama and the Odd Couple dynamic between Kaffee and Galloway in this movie allowed his character to grow and Cruise to flex his dramatic muscle.

3. Jerry Maguire (1996)

last ten tom cruise films

"Show me the money!"

"You had me at hello."

There certainly isn't a more quotable Tom Cruise movie than Jerry Maguire . In this slightly odd combination of romantic comedy and sports drama, Cruise plays the title character, a professional sports agent who suddenly develops a conscience about the often amoral practices of his industry. It's a move that's good for his self-esteem and bad for his career. But over the course of the movie, Maguire finds new hope thanks to a single mother he falls in love with (Renee Zellweger) and an NFL star (Cuba Gooding Jr.) who may hold the key to putting his career back on track.

Cruise didn't veer that far from the norm in this role, but Jerry Maguire was a movie that suited his on-screen charisma and handsome looks well. The movie was arguably the peak of Gooding Jr's career, netting him an Oscar win and paving the way for such choice fare as Snow Dogs and Daddy Day Care.

2. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

last ten tom cruise films

Oliver Stone has made a number of questionable directing choices in recent years, but his career was at its height when he filmed his trilogy of films focused on the Vietnam War. Born on the Fourth of July is the second entry in this series, following 1986's Platoon and preceding 1993's Heaven & Earth. In this project, Cruise was tapped to play Ron Kovic, a Vietnam veteran whose autobiography served as the basis for the script. The movie traces Kovic's painful transition from idealistic young American to embattled soldier to wheelchair-bound anti-war activist.

More than any other movie in the '80s, this was the project that truly established Cruise's potential as an actor. Early on, Kovic is exactly the sort of handsome, charming character we expect from Cruise. But as Kovic becomes increasingly scarred by his experiences (physically and psychologically), we see Cruise tap into his darker side and present a much more tortured protagonist. Even 25 years later, this stands as one of his finest performances. The only reason he didn't walk home with an Oscar that year was because he was up against the juggernaut that is Daniel Day-Lewis.

1. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

last ten tom cruise films

In a previous incarnation of this list, 1986's Top Gun was in the number one spot. Well, in keeping with our rule of only including one movie from a franchise on the list -- the best entry from that franchise -- the top spot goes to Maverick now. There might be a touch of "recency bias" here, sure (though the list has films from all eras), Top Gun: Maverick is miraculous decades-later sequel that not only bests the original but thanks to its incredible legs in theaters wound up being Tom Cruise's top-grossing movie of all time, earning 1.5 billion worldwide. Everything has evolved here, from story to stunts to Cruise's acting chops. Maverick is emotional, entertaining, and stands as the perfect encapsulation of Cruise's career.

Read our review of Top Gun: Maverick .

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter , or Kicksplode on MyIGN .

In This Article

A Few Good Men

IGN Recommends

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Ending Explained

Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies, Ranked According to IMDb

The king of action.

Read update

As fans eagerly wait to see if Tom Cruise can wow audiences once again as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (July 12), it's the perfect time to revisit the star's biggest hits.

One of the last of the classic movie stars, or maybe the last, Tom Cruise continues to soar to new heights. His newest movie, Top Gun: Maverick , debuted at the worldwide box office with the biggest opening weekend gross of his entire career.

Cruise's career has spanned over 40 years, and in that time he has starred in several movies that have become beloved cultural phenomena and classics in their own right. Which are Tom Cruise's best movies based on their IMDb ratings?

Updated on July 7, 2023, by Hannah Saab:

10 'collateral' (2004).

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Michael Mann knows how to make a crime thriller. He's proven it time and time again with the likes of movies like Thief and Heat , and Collateral is no different. The film follows Max ( Jamie Foxx ), a cab driver in Los Angeles who dreams of bigger things. One night, he picks up Vincent (Cruise), a hitman who forces Max to drive him around town and help him fulfill his contract.

The key to Tom Cruise's success is that he is undeniably likable. So, Cruise playing a villain as charmingly evil as Vincent is fascinating to watch. Even though he cold-heartedly kills people for a living, Cruise imbues Vincent with such charisma, you can't help but kinda like him in an antihero kind of way.

Watch on Paramount+

9 'Eyes Wide Shut' (1999)

The final film from master filmmaker Stanley Kubrick , Eyes Wide Shut is a wild swing of a movie for someone like Cruise, who is typically known for making movies that appeal to mainstream America. Eyes Wide Shut is an erotic thriller, and while his fans have always found Cruise to be sexy, it hasn't been a major component of his on-screen persona.

Cruise stars as Dr. William Harford, who has a bizarre night out in Manhattan prompted by a frank discussion with his wife, played by the legendary Nicole Kidman , about her unfulfilled sexual desires. The movie follows Harford as he searches for a sexual adventure of his own, but gets more than he bargained for when he attends a strange, high-class masquerade.

8 'Minority Report' (2002)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Based on the short story by acclaimed science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick , Steven Spielberg 's Minority Report paints a future as vibrant as the worlds Dick creates himself. The movie takes place in a world where the police use a special police force called the Precrime Unit to arrest people for crimes before they even commit them.

The film centers on Cruise as Precrime Chief John Anderton, who himself gets accused of killing someone in the near future. Anderton sets out on the run to clear his name and evade the same unit he's used to hunt down those in his position. It's a sci-fi film that tries to predict the future , and gets a lot of things right.

Watch on Prime Video

7 'A Few Good Men' (1992)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

From acclaimed writer Aaron Sorkin , A Few Good Men is one of the best courtroom dramas of all time. It has everything you could want in a movie: flashy, engaging performances from incredible actors; witty, smart writing; and a plot that draws you in with how it speaks to the real world.

The film stars Cruise as Lt. Daniel Kaffee, who is representing a group of Marines in a murder trial, where they claim they were just following the orders of Col. Jessep ( Jack Nicholson ). What follows is an exploration of the power of the military and the limits of masculinity. You've probably seen the iconic monologue given by Jessep at the end of the movie, but you need to make sure you watch the whole thing.

Watch on AMC+

6 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' (2018)

Continuing to grow in popularity and quality over the course of over 20 years, the Mission: Impossible movies have done the impossible. After almost two decades of films, the sixth film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible - Fallout , is among Cruise's best reviewed movies and opened to the biggest weekend of his career at the time.

Fallout picks up with Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and the IMF team after the events of Rogue Nation revealed an underground cabal, called the Syndicate, dedicated to world domination. Now, aware that threats could be around every corner, Ethan has to go undercover to stop the remnants of the Syndicate from gaining access to plutonium cores that they could use to build nuclear weapons. It's not only one of the best action movies of all time, but Fallout is proof that if anyone can do the impossible, it's Tom Cruise.

5 'The Last Samurai' (2003)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The Last Samurai is a historical epic set in the world of 1870s Japan. It's a perspective that, though filtered through the eyes of a white American, isn't represented enough in Hollywood blockbusters – it's ultimately one of the best samurai movies of the 21st century .

Cruise plays Nathan Algren, a Captain in the United States military sent to Japan to train the newly created Imperial Japanese Army, but develops a connection to the Japanese culture after being captured by the rival Samurai army, led by Katsumoto, played by the great Ken Watanabe . The Last Samurai is a complex and thrilling film about finding meaning in a place far away from where you are from.

4 'Edge of Tomorrow' (2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Edge of Tomorrow aka Live Die Repeat is an inventive and brilliant science fiction action movie that takes the time loop story device we've seen before and gives it the high stakes of an epic blockbuster.

The film takes place in the future where Europe has been taken over by an invading alien force. It stars Cruise as Cage, an American soldier who is being sent into the war zone, but soon realizes that he is trapped in a time loop, forced to repeat the same day over and over. He teams up with his fellow soldier Rita, the role that made Emily Blunt an action star, to find a way to break the cycle and defeat the aliens.

Watch on Max

3 'Magnolia' (1999)

Paul Thomas Anderson 's third movie, Magnolia , is a masterpiece mosaic of a movie set in the San Fernando Valley. This three-hour epic follows several interrelated characters as they search for love and meaning in their lives. PTA is perhaps the best filmmaker working today, and Magnolia is arguably his best film.

The cast includes PTA regulars like Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly , but the breakout performance is Tom Cruise as Frank T.J. Mackey, a motivational speaker trying to sell a pickup artist program to lonely men. Cruise's memorable performance earned him his third, and as of now, most recent Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actor. Magnolia may seem like a daunting movie to watch, but, due in no small part to Cruise's captivating performance, it's an incredibly entertaining ride.

2 'Rain Man' (1988)

Tom Cruise is typically associated with his action movies, like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun , but he is also really exceptional at performing in straight character dramas. Barry Levinson 's Rain Man is one of his best, going on to win four Oscars including the coveted Best Picture.

In the film, Cruise plays Charlie Babbitt, a yuppie from Los Angeles who is shocked to find out that his father left an inheritance to a brother with autism named Raymond ( Dustin Hoffman ) he never knew existed. Charlie then takes Raymond in an effort to get the inheritance from him, but instead, the two develop a relationship over their shared family connection.

1 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Top Gun: Maverick is the long-awaited sequel to one of the most iconic and beloved Tom Cruise movies. The original Top Gun follows Cruise as Maverick, a student at the most elite U.S. Navy flight school as he and his class compete to be the best. From the soundtrack, to the cast, to the iconic volleyball scene, every part of Top Gun has earned its place in Hollywood history.

The sequel picks up in the modern world with Maverick now teaching a new class of pilots how to fly in a world more complicated than ever. Maverick had the biggest opening of Cruise's career, and it received a five-minute standing ovation at Cannes. After the pandemic changed the way people watch movies, Top Gun: Maverick has reminded the world that there's really nothing like watching a Tom Cruise movie on the biggest screen possible.

NEXT: Every Tom Cruise Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Arts & Culture
  • Time Out Market
  • Coca-Cola Foodmarks
  • Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Top Gun: Maverick

Tom Cruise’s biggest box-office movies ranked – as ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ breaks new record

Is the evergreen star now the surest bet in blockbusters?

Jon Hornbuckle

Top Gun: Maverick is officially a global box-office phenomenon, breaking multiple records since its release last month.

With a running worldwide haul of $900 million, not only has it flashed past the original Top Gun ’s earnings ($440 million when adjusted for inflation) like an F/A-18 passing a parked car, it’s become Tom Cruise’s biggest-ever box-office hit.  It dethrones Cruise’s previous biggest money-maker, 2017’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout , which took $787 million globally.

Cruise’s career, of course, spans four decades, with his pre-blockbuster work focusing on smaller-budget dramas like Cocktail , and Risky Business .  Those films scored a more modest global box office total of $170million and $63 million respectively, but were made on minuscule budgets of $20 million each (a mere fraction of Top Gun: Maverick ’s rumoured budget of $170 million).

With over $10 billion in worldwide receipts over his 40-year career, the top ten Cruise movies are otherwise dominated by the vastly popular Mission: Impossible series:

1. Top Gun: Maverick – $885 million 2. Mission: Impossible – Fallout – $787 million 3. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol – $694 million 4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – $680 million 5. War of the Worlds – $606 million 6. Mission: Impossible 2 – $549 million 7.  Mission: Impossible – $457 million 8.  The Last Samurai – $456 million 9.  Rain Main – $412 million 10. The Mummy – $409 million

Unsurprisingly, the evergreen franchise dominates the list taken from  box office site The Numbers . With two further sequels scheduled for 2023 and 2024, it’s practically guaranteed they will storm their way to   the top half of this list upon release.

Cruise’s highest-earning non-franchise movie is Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds in 2005. Adapting HG Wells’s classic science-fiction novel from its Victorian England setting to contemporary America, the movie gave him his biggest-ever opening weekend – at least, until Top Gun: Maverick came along and stole its thunder.  

The actor’s recent non-tentpole efforts have tended to fizzle out with audiences, with 2012 musical Rock of Ages and 2017 action-comedy American Made both struggling to land big numbers. But stick the Cruiser in a cockpit, on a tall building or in the path of an implacable alien foe, and it’s whole different story. Rounding out the top ten is 2017’s The Mummy , a big-budget remake of the classic horror series that was due to spawn a shared universe of films. While not exactly a box-office bomb, lacklustre audience reaction and negative reviews led its studio, Universal, to cancel all further plans for its so-called ‘Dark Universe.’

With the exception of 2016’s Mission: Impossible 3 - with a relatively paltry $398 million - every instalment in the spy franchise has earned more money than its predecessor.

With Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One arriving in July 2023, it stands a strong chance of dethroning Top Gun: Maverick as Cruise’s biggest-earner.

Read our review of Top Gun: Maverick here . The best Tom Cruise movies . 

  • Jon Hornbuckle

Share the story

An email you’ll actually love

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising

Time Out Worldwide

  • All Time Out Locations
  • North America
  • South America
  • South Pacific

All 44 Tom Cruise movies, ranked from worst to best

  • Tom Cruise has done every type of movie you can think of over his nearly 40-year career.
  • Here we rank every one from worst to best.
  • See where his latest, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One," ranks in his career filmography.

43. "Rock of Ages" (2012)

last ten tom cruise films

Somehow Cruise got roped into being part of this feature-film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. But leave it to him to lay it all out there.

Though the movie is unwatchable, Cruise provides its only memorable moments when his rock-star character belts out classic songs like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Wanted Dead or Alive."

42. "Endless Love" (1981)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise's first appearance in a movie is this 1980s teen romance drama starring Brooke Shields that's best known for giving us the Diana Ross/Lionel Richie title song.

Cruise gets a brief bit of screen time as one of the male lead's friends. It's quite forgettable, but it's still better than "Rock of Ages."

41. "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" (2016)

last ten tom cruise films

Between "Mission: Impossible" movies, Cruise tried to kick off another action franchise by bringing the main character of the Lee Child novel series to the big screen.

Though the first movie just got over the $200 million mark at the worldwide box office, the performance (or lack thereof) by the sequel indicated no one wanted any more Mr. Reacher. It barely made $162 million worldwide.

40. "The Mummy" (2017)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise was all set to be the Robert Downey Jr. of Universal's Dark Universe with the release of this movie and promises of more creature pictures to come. But playing a soldier of fortune who tries to stop an ancient Egyptian princess from taking over the world didn't grab audiences. It was another franchise not meant to be.

39. "Losin' It" (1983)

last ten tom cruise films

Still getting his legs under him in the movie biz, Cruise signed onto this teen comedy in which he's one of four friends who go on a hard-partying road trip to Tijuana in hopes of losing their virginity. Yes, even Cruise couldn't hide from the teen-sex-comedy genre when he started his career.

38. "Mission: Impossible II" (2000)

last ten tom cruise films

Man, John Woo deserved better than this. The legendary Hong Kong director took over the "Mission: Impossible" reins after Brian De Palma kicked things off with the first movie, but Woo didn't find the same success.

"Mission: Impossible II" did go on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of 2000, with over $546 million earned worldwide, but with its weak plot and character development, it has not aged anywhere near as well as the first movie (or the other movies in the franchise).

37. "Jack Reacher" (2012)

last ten tom cruise films

Though "Jack Reacher" was the first time Cruise worked with his longtime "Mission: Impossible" director, Christopher McQuarrie, and it features the legendary director Werner Herzog as the movie's villain, Cruise as Jack Reacher is a seen-it-before character who isn't exciting.

36. "Oblivion" (2013)

last ten tom cruise films

Here, Cruise attempted to go the sci-fi route in hopes of having a breakthrough "Minority Report"-like experience for the audience. But the story was nowhere as sharp, and its postapocalyptic vibe left us all feeling uninterested.

35. "Lions for Lambs" (2007)

last ten tom cruise films

Marking the first movie released by United Artists after Cruise and his producing partner Paula Wagner took over (the two left UA after a couple of years) was "Lions for Lambs," a tense drama set around the war in Afghanistan and directed by Robert Redford.

Cruise gave his all playing an agenda-pushing senator and has some strong scenes opposite Meryl Streep. But the movie is just dull.

34. "Far and Away" (1992)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise and his wife at the time, Nicole Kidman, paired together in this 1890s-set epic directed by Ron Howard. The two play Irish immigrants seeking a fortune in America. Outside the lush photography, there isn't much to enjoy about this movie. And don't get me started on Cruise's awful Irish accent.

33. "Vanilla Sky" (2001)

last ten tom cruise films

At the tail end of Cruise's heartthrob phase, the director Cameron Crowe teamed with him again after their hugely successful collaboration on "Jerry Maguire" to make a very different love story.

Based on the Spanish movie "Open Your Eyes," Cruise plays a vain New York City media playboy who has a different outlook on life after being in a horrific car crash. Though Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Penélope Cruz (who also starred in "Open Your Eyes") all give top performances, Crowe goes too weird with the story, leaving viewers out in the void by the time the movie gets into the home stretch.

32. "American Made" (2017)

last ten tom cruise films

Mixing action and dark comedy in telling the real-life story of the drug runner Barry Seal seemed like a nice pivot for Cruise, but at the end of the day, the director Doug Liman's movie is just too glossy to be taken seriously. (Accent update: Cruise delivers a tolerable Southern drawl.)

31. "The Last Samurai" (2003)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise stars as an American soldier in 19th-century Japan who embraces the samurai culture. The movie went on to receive four Oscar nominations, but it's the kind of title in which one viewing is enough.

And on a side note: Wow, would this movie get hammered on social media if it came out today.

30. "Valkyrie" (2008)

last ten tom cruise films

Another release from the time Cruise was calling the shots at UA, "Valkyrie" sees him playing one of the rogue Nazi officers who attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

(Accent update: Cruise — and basically most of the other Nazi officers — decided to not even bother with a German accent. Good choice; the audience didn't even notice [ holds back giggles ].)

29. "Cocktail" (1988)

last ten tom cruise films

It's one of the movies in Cruise's career that ride fully on his good looks. Honestly, this movie should have just been titled "Sex." Cruise plays a hot New York City bartender who has dreams of making it big, and it's his hotness that's going to get him to the top. It's classic Hot Guy Cruise — who cares that the story is garbage.

28. "War of the Worlds" (2005)

last ten tom cruise films

Steven Spielberg teamed up with Cruise after "Minority Report" for this blockbuster remake of the classic sci-fi movie. Though it made a lot of money, it was dark in tone — maybe a little too dark. Be honest: Have you wanted to see this movie again?

27. "Knight and Day" (2010)

last ten tom cruise films

This is one of those movies that don't get enough credit. The director James Mangold cleverly takes all the common action-hero traits and has Cruise make fun of them. You might want to give this one another viewing.

26. "Taps" (1981)

last ten tom cruise films

Unlike in "Endless Love," Cruise really capitalized on this small role. As a military cadet who takes his responsibilities way too seriously, Cruise is a standout in the movie and showed audiences (and Hollywood executives) that he had leading-man potential.

25. "Mission: Impossible III" (2006)

last ten tom cruise films

J.J. Abrams takes over the franchise for this one and does an impressive job. It also helps that you have the talents of Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the villain. It's better than "Mission: Impossible II," so we're going in the right direction.

24. "The Outsiders" (1983)

last ten tom cruise films

Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of the classic novel brought all the biggest names from young Hollywood together, and Cruise was right there in the mix. With Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Emilio Estevez, and Rob Lowe, the movie is pretty heavy-handed with the drama, but it's fun to watch all these amazing talents on the screen together.

23. "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation" (2015)

last ten tom cruise films

Rebounding from the so-so performance of "Jack Reacher," McQuarrie jumps on the "Mission: Impossible" franchise and ups the action stakes. Yep, this is the one where Cruise hangs from the side of a giant plane taking off. The movie also got an extra jolt with the inclusion of Rebecca Ferguson in the supporting cast.

22. "Mission: Impossible — Fallout" (2018)

last ten tom cruise films

This "Mission: Impossible" could go down as one of the best action movies ever — its stunts and action sequences are that amazing. This time, McQuarrie gives us a deeper look at what makes Ethan Hunt tick and the values he lives by. But it's really the action that stays with you.

21. "Minority Report" (2002)

last ten tom cruise films

With its breakthroughs in CGI and tech, the first teaming of Spielberg and Cruise lived up to the hype. This movie was so advanced in its execution and what it showcased that it had a "Jurassic Park"-style ripple effect, in the sense that it has influenced countless action and sci-fi movies since.

20. "Tropic Thunder" (2008)

last ten tom cruise films

Though Cruise doesn't have a lot of screen time, his presence in this movie cannot be ignored. Playing a despicable movie executive named Les Grossman, he brings that patented intensity to a role that for most actors would have been a mail-it-in cameo role. In Cruise's hands, it's one of the best comedic performances of the early 2000s.

19. "All the Right Moves" (1983)

last ten tom cruise films

Two months after Cruise hit theaters with his first lead movie, "Risky Business," he was back again with this very different movie about a Pennsylvania high-school football player who clashes with his coach.

"Risky Business" showed that Cruise had no problem being the face of a movie, but "All the Right Moves" proved he could be more than the charming lead with good looks. This one showed he could be a serious actor.

18. "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol" (2011)

last ten tom cruise films

It's the movie that breathed life back into the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. It came five years after "Mission: Impossible III," and in that time Cruise struggled with an image problem and a string of underperforming movies. He had a lot to prove with this one. And with the casting of Jeremy Renner, Cruise probably sensed he could lose his beloved franchise if the movie didn't work.

However, Brad Bird's direction and Cruise's disregard for common sense — in this one he climbs the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai — put him back on top, as the movie became a global hit.

17. "Top Gun" (1986)

last ten tom cruise films

Before "Days of Thunder," Cruise and Tony Scott teamed up for what would become one of the actor's most iconic roles: the fighter pilot Maverick. What Cruise doesn't pull off acting-wise he makes up for with brooding looks and shirtless volleyball skills.

16. "The Firm" (1993)

last ten tom cruise films

In "The Firm," based on the best-selling John Grisham novel, Cruise gives a fantastic performance as a hotshot lawyer who signs on with one of the most prestigious US law firms only to find it has quite a dark side. The era of "Tom Cruise runs" really launched with this movie.

15. "Legend" (1985)

last ten tom cruise films

Ridley Scott's beautiful fantasy movie is still a marvel of moviemaking. The practical effects and production design put into this movie, made back when CGI was scarce, are a treasure. And at the center is a fresh-faced Cruise who tries to get his girl back from the villain who gave me the most nightmares as a kid, Darkness (played perfectly by Tim Curry).

14. "Collateral" (2004)

last ten tom cruise films

We really don't talk enough about this one enough. Michael Mann's slow-burn crime movie stars Cruise as a hitman who forces a cab driver (Jamie Foxx) to drive him around Los Angeles as he goes on his "jobs." The acting by both Cruise and Foxx in this movie is some of their best work.

13. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" (2023)

last ten tom cruise films

There are many things to love about the "Mission: Impossible" franchise: Its James Bond-like gadgets. Cruise's disregard for his life and safety when it comes to pulling off amazing stunts . But the biggest thing to love is that the films just seem to get better and better.

The first "M:I," directed by Brian De Palma, set the bar very high. However, since McQuarrie took the reins in 2015 with "Rogue Nation," the franchise has gotten a jolt in the arm. It seems to always outdo itself, and "Dead Reckoning" makes good on that promise.

The high stakes, the timely villain being AI, and, of course, Tom Cruise in the middle of some amazing thrills makes this film one of the best in the franchise.

13. "Eyes Wide Shut" (1999)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise and Kidman teamed up again, this time under the watch of Stanley Kubrick in what would be his final movie. Both actors are pushed to the limits as the movie explores a marriage at a crossroads. Though "Eyes Wide Shut" is not close to Kubrick's best work, Cruise and Kidman are riveting.

12. "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022)

last ten tom cruise films

Thirty-six years after playing Pete "Maverick" Mitchell he returns to the role in the rare legacy sequel that's better than the original movie.

Though Tony Scott's landmark "Top Gun" made Cruise a superstar and became an instant 1980s classic, the director Joseph Kosinski has elevated the story with more death-defying dogfight jet stunts and a more compelling story.

This time Maverick returns to the Top Gun school to be a teacher of the new hot-shot pilots. But he must deal with his own demons as one of the students is the son of his best friend, Goose, who died in his arms in the first movie.

Cruise delivers one of his best performances in years.

11. "Days of Thunder" (1990)

last ten tom cruise films

It's pretty much everything you would think would be in a Tony Scott movie: lots of fast cars and big egos. Cruise is in his glory in every scene playing the hot-shot Nascar driver Cole Trickle (and Kidman appears as his love interest).

10. "Risky Business" (1983)

last ten tom cruise films

It's the movie that made Cruise a star. The coming-of-age story doesn't shy away from its mature storyline, and Cruise delivers a playful performance but also shows sparks of his dramatic chops that he'll showcase in the decade to come.

9. "Mission: Impossible" (1996)

last ten tom cruise films

Boy have things changed since the first "Mission: Impossible." With De Palma at the helm, the movie had its action, but it was encased in a tense whodunit thriller. Since then the action has only gotten bigger (and the story, well, less of a concern), but Cruise has always been fantastic as Hunt.

The first movie is his best acting work of the franchise. (Accent update: Cruise delivers another Southern accent while disguised at the beginning of the movie — one of those classic face-rip-off disguises. It's brief but effective in the scene.)

8. "Interview with the Vampire" (1994)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise gives one of his best performances as Lestat, a vampire from the 1700s who finds a lot of drama in his undead life once he recruits Louis (Brad Pitt). (Accent update: His little hint of a French accent to stay true to the character's portrayal in the classic Anne Rice book is perfectly subtle.)

7. "Edge of Tomorrow" (2014)

last ten tom cruise films

Whether you want to call it "Edge of Tomorrow" or "Live. Die. Repeat.," it's just a really great action movie. With Liman directing and McQuarrie as a screenwriter, Cruise is surrounded by people he trusts to make a risky project: a soldier who relives the same day. But the MVP of the movie is Emily Blunt, who delivers a performance that makes Cruise kick it up a few notches.

6. "Rain Man" (1988)

last ten tom cruise films

Always at his best when he's playing a character with major conflict, Cruise plays a guy always looking to capitalize on the angles until he's finally in a situation in which he has to be on the level: building a relationship with his autistic savant brother (Dustin Hoffman).

5. "Jerry Maguire" (1996)

last ten tom cruise films

Receiving a best-actor nomination for his performance as a slick sports agent whose life turns upside down after having a moment of clarity, Cruise was, thanks to this movie, at his height of stardom and power in Hollywood.

4. "A Few Good Men" (1992)

last ten tom cruise films

Rob Reiner's courtroom drama has Cruise going up against Jack Nicholson, and it's pure magic. Yes, there's the "can't handle the truth" scene, but for us, it starts earlier in the movie when the two characters meet for the first time.

Thanks to the incredible dialogue by Aaron Sorkin, both actors subtly trade off with each other, but it's the fire being held back that makes the ending when they are face-to-face again so memorable.

3. "Magnolia" (1999)

last ten tom cruise films

No matter what you think of Paul Thomas Anderson's epic look at family, love, and forgiveness, it's hard to dispute that it has the most powerful performance of Cruise's career.

Playing a pickup artist who uses his talents to build a public-speaking career, Cruise appears as we've never seen him before. Anderson and Cruise connected over dealing with the loss of their fathers and use that darkness to create the character of Frank T. J. Mackey.

2. "The Color of Money" (1986)

last ten tom cruise films

Paul Newman won only one Oscar in his iconic career, and it was for this movie. But you have to give a big assist to Cruise.

Playing the protégé to the pool player "Fast Eddie" Felson — the role Newman first played in 1961's "The Hustler" — Cruise is a cocky player, and you can never tell whether he's on the level with Felson. Cruise proved once again that he's more than just a pretty face.

1. "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989)

last ten tom cruise films

Cruise got an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the veteran and activist Ron Kovic, who was paralyzed fighting in Vietnam. Oliver Stone traces Kovic's journey from being a wide-eyed soldier thinking he's doing what's right for America to coming home from the war to find everything has changed. Including the way he views his own country.

Cruise has never been better as he delivers a tour de force performance that still gives us chills.

last ten tom cruise films

  • Main content

Check out nearby events, volunteer opportunities and more with AARP Local.

Popular Searches

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

Suggested Links

Red Membership Card

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Help icon

  • right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

Help icon

  • Membership & Benefits
  • AARP Rewards
  • AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

woman and man working out at a gym

Staying Fit

Your Personalized Guide to Fitness

Hearing Resource Center

AARP Hearing Center

Ways To Improve Your Hearing

An illustration of a constellation in the shape of a brain in the night sky

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

three vertical images next to each other; on left is a man coughing, center is someone on the phone, and right is woman outside holding cat

How to Save Your Own Life

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

zoomed in map of the united states with map locator pins scattered around

View and Report Scams in Your Area

Tax-Aide Group Illustration

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

a man and woman at home looking at a laptop together

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

a grouping of white appliances including refrigerator, oven, washing machine, microwave, vacuum, electric tea kettle, radiator

Budget & Savings

Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Small Business

Age Discrimination

illustration of a woman working at her desk

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

A woman smiling while sitting at a desk

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

illustration of person in a star surrounded by designs and other people holding briefcases

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

a red and white illustration showing a woman in a monitor flanked by a word bubble and a calendar

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

green arrows pointing up overlaid on a Social Security check and card with two hundred dollar bills

Get More out of Your Benefits

A balanced scale with a clock on one side and a ball of money on the other, is framed by the outline of a Social Security card.

When to Start Taking Social Security

Mature couple smiling and looking at a laptop together

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social security and calculator

Social Security Benefits Calculator

arrow shaped signs that say original and advantage pointing in opposite directions

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

illustration of people building a structure from square blocks with the letters a b c and d

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

the words inflation reduction act of 2022 printed on a piece of paper and a calculator and pen nearby

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

A doctor helps his patient understand Medicare and explains all his questions and addresses his concerns.

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

Long-term care insurance information, form and stethoscope.

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

illustration of a map with an icon of a person helping another person with a cane navigate towards caregiving

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

a man holding his fathers arm as they walk together outside

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

Close up of a hospice nurse holding the hands of one of her patients

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

AARP Right Again Trivia and AARP Rewards

Right Again! Trivia

AARP Right Again Trivia Sports and AARP Rewards

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari, Centipede, Pong, Breakout, Missile Command Asteroids

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword and AARP Rewards

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

a graphic of two surf boards in the sand on a beach in Hawaii.

Beach vacation ideas

Vacations for Sun and Fun

last ten tom cruise films

Plan Ahead for Tourist Taxes

Two images of Seattle - Space Needle and a seafood display in the Pike Place Market - each one is framed in Polaroid style

AARP City Guide

Discover Seattle

cruise ship in body of water with trees and mountains in background

How to Pick the Right Cruise for You

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

A collage of stars from reality TV shows such as "The Voice," "The Great British Baking Show," "Survivor" and "American Idol."

TV for Grownups

Best Reality TV Shows for Grownups

actor robert de niro photographed by a a r p in new york city november twenty twenty three

Robert De Niro Reflects on His Life

cover of james patterson's book chase overlaid on a mysterious-looking illustration of a man in silhouette running past shadowy trees

Free Online Novel

Read 'Chase'

a person in bed giving a thumbs up

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

a woman holding onto a family tree when her branch has been cut off

Navigate All Kinds of Connections

illustration of person exercising in room with bookcase, chair with cat on it, end table, plant, treadmill, weight rack and workout bench

How to Create a Home Gym

a woman looks at her phone while taking her medication

Store Medical Records on Your Phone?

Close-up of Woman's hands plugging a mobile phone into a power bank  in a bar

Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery

online dating safety tips

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

a hygge themed living room

Create a Hygge Haven

from left to right cozy winter soups such as white bean and sausage soup then onion soup then lemon coriander soup

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

hand holding a spray bottle that appears to be spraying out flowers; blue background

AARP Smart Guide

Spring Clean All of Your Spaces

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

bottom of car, showing one wheel on road near middle yellow lines

How to Keep Your Car Running

Talk

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP

AARP Smart Driver Course

A woman using a tablet inside by a window

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

A close-up view of a stack of rocks

Tips for Finding Your Calm

A woman unpacking her groceries at home

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

AARP Perfect scam podcast

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

Travel stuff on desktop: map, sun glasses, camera, tickets, passport etc.

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

jean chatzky smiling in front of city skyline

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

a woman at home siting at a desk writing

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

A man and woman looking at a guitar in a store

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

two women exercising in their living room with their arms raised

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Go to Series Main Page

The Best Tom Cruise Movies of All Time, Ranked

Celebrate the greatest performances by the age-proof actor.

Tim Appelo,

tom cruise looks up while working on fixing a car in a scene from the film top gun maverick

Most movie stars fall off the A-list as they age, and most movie franchises get worse, especially after the sixth sequel. But Tom Cruise’s  Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One  (opening July 12) has the highest Rotten Tomatoes critics score of his career. Not bad for a 61-year-old who already made history — and, as Steven Spielberg told Tom, saved the movie industry —  in 2022 with  Top Gun: Maverick . Not every one of his 40-plus movies is worth revisiting ( Rock of Ages , anyone?  Cocktail ?), but the best of the batch are American classics. Welcome to Tom Cruise’s top 10 movies of all time, ranked.

10.  A Few Good Men  (1992)

In one of history’s great acting duels, Cruise, as a callow military defense attorney trying to save two recruits accused of murder, faces formidable officer Jack Nicholson, who bellows, “You can't handle the truth!” Aaron Sorkin wrote this dazzling courtroom drama on cocktail napkins at his bartender job, and it made him famous enough to create  The West Wing  and  The Social Network.

Watch it here:   Prime Video , Apple TV

Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

tom cruise shooting a cue ball at a pool table in the film the color of money

9.  The Color of Money  (1986)

Another duel, between Cruise as a young pool shark and Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson on a comeback. Newman got an Oscar nomination as young Fast Eddie in 1961's must-see  The Hustler  and won the Oscar for this — partly because of Cruise’s star-power support.

8.  Born on the Fourth of July  (1989)

After six years as a megastar, Cruise got his first Oscar nomination in Oliver Stone’s adaptation of Ron Kovic’s memoir about the Vietnam War and his campaign against it. Once again, Cruise’s fiery genius helped win an Oscar — this time for director Stone.

Watch it here: Prime Video , Apple TV , Google Play

7.  Collateral  (2004)

In a beautifully moody Michael Mann thriller set in East L.A. after dark, when coyotes and furtive people wander the streets, Jamie Foxx is a cabdriver who picks up Cruise, the nattiest assassin you ever saw. His fare is hundreds of thousands of dollars, and all he has to do is help kill five trial witnesses — and survive.

Watch it here:   Paramount Movies

6.  Minority Report  (2002)

In a grown-up role for a forever-young star, Cruise plays a high-tech cop who busts perps before they commit the crime. When director Steven Spielberg adapted this paranoid futuristic tale by sci-fi master Philip K. Dick ( Blade Runner ),   he said, “I’m in my mid-50s — I’m no longer afraid of the dark.” Cruise doesn’t crack his famous smile, and as a result you take him dead seriously in a dark, smart thriller.

Watch it here:   Prime Video , Apple TV , YouTube

newsletter-naw-tablet

AARP NEWSLETTERS

newsletter-naw-mobile

%{ newsLetterPromoText  }%

%{ description }%

Privacy Policy

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

5.  Mission: Impossible — Fallout  (2018)

All the Mission Impossible  flicks are fine, but the sixth’s the second-best, partly because Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is a guy in his 50s — after stunts, he hurts like we do (Cruise actually broke his ankle on camera). Ethan hunts plutonium terrorists, races through Paris and London, skydives (warning another diver not to open the chute late or “the last thing that goes through your mind will be your knees") and pilots a chopper spinning out of control inches from snowy Asian mountaintops. What a ride! What a buildup of tension and sublime release!

30% off a 1-year subscription

4.  Rain Man  (1988)

Cruise plays a selfish California cad forced to go on a road trip with a sweet, idiot-savant older brother he never knew (Dustin Hoffman) to try to cash in on their father’s inheritance and use the older brother’s odd gift to win big in Vegas . Again, everybody but Cruise got Oscars (for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay), and they owe it partly to his supportive genius.

Watch it here: Prime Video , Apple TV , YouTube

3.   Risky Business  (1983)

In a brilliant, generation-defining youth comedy that Roger Ebert put on a par with  The Graduate,  Cruise is as good as Dustin Hoffman was in the hit that made him a star. Sliding on socks into his first iconic scene in his underpants while belting out “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Cruise instantly hit the A-list and never left.

Watch it here:  Paramount+

2.   Jerry Maguire  (1996)

Cruise's second-greatest achievement is his rebelliously idealistic sports agent Jerry, who quits his firm, champions an underdog client (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and courts his accountant colleague (Renee Zellweger) — he had her at “Hello.” The deeply authentic romantic comedy (that’s also slick as a pop tune) got Gooding an Oscar, plus nominations for Best Actor (Cruise), Best Picture and Best Screenplay (for writer-director Cameron Crowe , who wrote it as a critique of his movie-biz experience).

Watch it here:  Prime Video , Apple TV

1.  Top Gun: Maverick  (2022)

The last movie star on earth soars in his biggest hit ever, grossing $1.48 billion by putting viewers in the seat of an F-18 at Mach 10. A rare sequel that tops the original, 1986’s  Top Gun  (which is Tom’s 11th-best movie ever), this flyboy epic’s success was propelled by grown-up viewers , who loved seeing their hero unscathed by age: Cruise was 60 when the film came out, the same age Paul Newman was when he played Cruise’s pool-shark mentor in  The Color of Money.

Watch it here:  Paramount+ , Prime Video

Tim Appelo covers entertainment and is the film and TV critic for AARP. Previously, he was the entertainment editor at Amazon, video critic at  Entertainment Weekly , and a critic and writer for  The Hollywood Reporter, People , MTV,  The Village Voice  and  LA Weekly .

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

newsletter-naw-tablet

More From AARP

cillian murphy stars as j robert oppenheimer in a promotional poster for the film oppenheimer tom cruise stars as ethan hunt in mission impossible dead reckoning part one and margot robbie stars in the film barbie

Your Ultimate Guide to This Summer’s Best Movies

harrison ford in scenes from the film raiders of the lost ark star wars episode five the empire strikes back and the fugitive

The Best Harrison Ford Movies of All Time, Ranked

From ‘Star Wars’ to Jack Ryan, watch the icon’s greatest performances

actor jeff bridges

Jeff Bridges, 73, Reflects on His Cancer, COVID Battle

He wasn’t sure he’d be able to walk again, much less regain the mojo that made him a Hollywood icon

AARP Value & Member Benefits

man holding phone with Calm app on screen, kitchen table, fruit in basket, cheesy omelet in background

Calm Sleep, Meditation & Relaxation App

30% off a Calm Premium annual subscription

middle age woman smiling wearing workout clothes sitting with crossed legs on mat, hand weights next to her, other workout gear in background

AARP Fitness Center

Workout videos, tips and tricks to help you on your fitness journey

naked wines bottles glasses on table

Naked Wines

$120 off and complimentary shipping on your first customized wine order

couple on couch looking at tablet

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

Tom Cruise’s 10 Best Movies Ranked

Top Gun: Maverick

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

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.

Minority Report

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.

The Color Of Money

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.

Collateral

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.

Top Gun: Maverick

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

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

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.

Magnolia

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.

Edge Of Tomorrow

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.

Jerry Maguire

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".

  • Best Fountain Pens
  • How to Smoke a Cigar
  • Best nerf guns for adults
  • The best Netflix movies
  • Best Ernest Hemingway books

The 10 best Tom Cruise movies, ranked

Tom cruise is still providing great movies almost four decades into his career.

Shawn Laib

The term “movie star” is thrown around a little loosely these days. Actors appear in one big blockbuster, and suddenly they’re thrust into celebrity status for the foreseeable future. There are very few performers who have stood the test of time and created hits for decades. Sometimes, though, it works out. Tom Cruise fits this definition as well as any actor who’s ever lived.

Cruise puts his all into his performances and movies, doing a majority of the stunts himself without a body double and funding his films through his own production company. While he may not have the Academy Awards of Jack Nicholson or Al Pacino , he’s been arguably the defining actor of the action genre since the mid-1980s.

We’re here to help you sort out which Tom Cruise movies you should watch next to get the full picture of his career. From his early dramatic turns in legal dramas and sports pictures , to his franchise work in Top Gun and Mission: Impossible , there are plenty of options to enjoy the best Tom Cruise movies.

  • The best movies on Paramount Plus to stream in March
  • The best shows and movies to watch on Apple TV Plus in March
  • The best movies on Max you can stream in March

10. Jack Reacher (2012)

Amazon Prime Video released its TV adaptation of the famous Lee Child novels to sufficient acclaim in 2022, but Tom Cruise was the first actor to take on the role of Jack Reacher in this fun and flashy 2012 flick. Some hardcore fans of the franchise were unhappy about the casting choice of the hero, as Cruise doesn’t physically fit the description of the hulking protagonist from the books . Still, it’s hard to argue against Cruise starring in a film in which the main character shoots the bad guys and saves the day.

9. Vanilla Sky (2001)

8. the firm (1993), 7. war of the worlds (2005).

This film is one of the most famous adaptations of the classic alien invasion story by H.G. Wells. Stephen Spielberg directed this special effects spectacle and placed Tom Cruise exquisitely in the lead role. Cruise plays a protective father very well here, adding some human substance to a film that often gets critiqued for its overreliance on computer-generated imagery. This was one of the highest-grossing movies of 2005.

6. Tropic Thunder (2008)

5. born on the fourth of july (1989), 4. mission: impossible - rogue nation (2015), 3. top gun: maverick (2022).

We could have chosen the original Top Gun film here, but the most recent sequel is an even better Tom Cruise blockbuster than the classic 1980s hit. Cruise reprises his role as Pete Mitchell in all of his action-packed, perfectly shot glory. Top Gun: Maverick is, surprisingly, the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s career, which in itself is a testament to his longevity and devotion to summer movie fun.

2. Jerry Maguire (1996)

1. rain man (1988), editors' recommendations.

  • Love Dune 2? The best Denis Villeneuve movies, ranked
  • The best shows on Max to stream in March
  • The best movies on Amazon Prime to watch in March
  • The best shows on Paramount Plus to binge in March
  • The best Netflix movies to stream in March
  • The Best Shows and Movies to Stream on Netflix Right Now

Shawn Laib

Disney is arguably the most iconic entertainment brand in the world. The company's properties, both original and acquired, combine to produce content that transcends age demographics. Disney has built a brand that's beloved by children, and those children eventually age into adults who introduce their kids to the films they loved when they were young. Disney's animation alone has made it iconic, but in recent years, the company has also acquired some of the biggest pieces of intellectual property there are. And, with Disney Plus available on any device, you can watch all these movies whenever you want.

Between its acquisitions of both Marvel and Star Wars, there's a good chance that whatever you love is being shepherded to screens both large and small by Disney. When they launched Disney+, the company was sure to fill it with both those nostalgic animated classics and plenty of new stuff as well. It's meant to be a streaming service for all ages, which is why the selection of movies available there is so diverse. These Disney Plus movies will make you laugh and cry and leave you eager for a rewatch. Here's a look at the best movies on Disney Plus.

Even if you've picked a streaming service, it can be impossible to narrow down what you're really looking for. If you've run out of the best Netflix movies and Netflix original series to watch, you'll need to find somewhere else to turn. Fortunately, Netflix is far from the only game in town. Anyone who uses Amazon Prime to get packages delivered to them quickly also has access to a library of fairly impressive shows and movies.

If you're looking for your next series to binge, and you already have Amazon anyway, then we've got a list of the best shows on Amazon Prime well worth you're time. We've broken down the best Amazon Prime shows to start with below, with entries that range from sprawling sci-fi to touching, grounded comedies.

Earlier this month, Henry Cavill returned to the big screen in Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle, a spy action comedy in which Cavill played the title character – a man who may not exist. Unfortunately, Argylle hasn’t had a very warm reception at the box office, and it appears that Vaughn’s plans for a potential franchise are unlikely to go forward.

This shouldn’t reflect badly on Cavill himself, who last appeared on the big screen in 2022 during a cameo as Superman in Black Adam. Shortly thereafter, D.C. Studios decided to move on from Cavill’s take on the iconic superhero, and another actor was cast for the next Superman film. Regardless, we still believe that Cavill is a talented actor whose action career is far from over. Having said that, a lot of Cavill’s movies prior to 2011 represent some of the worst aspects of direct-to-video films. That's why you won’t find any of those flicks on this list.

last ten tom cruise films

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

The 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Fans

Ranker Community

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.

Top Gun

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.

  • Dig Deeper... Ranker Rundown: Flying High With 'Top Gun: Maverick'
  • # 112 of 263 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
  • # 18 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

A Few Good Men

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.

  • # 25 of 50 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
  • # 5 of 14 on The Best Movies and TV Shows Written By Aaron Sorkin
  • # 39 of 189 on The Best Movies For Men

Top Gun: Maverick

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.

  • Dig Deeper... 19 Reactions To 'Top Gun: Maverick' From People That Felt The Need, The Need For Tweets
  • # 19 of 163 on The Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
  • # 37 of 81 on The Most Rewatchable Action Movies

Rain Man

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.

  • Dig Deeper... Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
  • # 18 of 96 on The Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
  • # 56 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

Mission: Impossible

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.

  • Dig Deeper... 23 Things You Didn't Know About The 'Mission: Impossible' Films
  • # 29 of 50 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
  • # 100 of 379 on The Best Movies Of The 1990s

Jerry Maguire

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.

  • # 40 of 50 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
  • # 314 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 49 of 131 on The 100+ Best Movies For Date Night

Edge of Tomorrow

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.

  • # 138 of 263 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
  • # 56 of 184 on The Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
  • # 23 of 160 on The 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies

Minority Report

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.

  • # 30 of 160 on The 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
  • # 21 of 23 on Oscar-Nominated Movies With Plot Holes You Can't Unsee
  • # 21 of 89 on The 95+ Greatest Dystopian Action Movies

The Last Samurai

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.

  • Dig Deeper... What A Historically Accurate Version Of 'The Last Samurai' Would Be Like
  • # 98 of 263 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
  • # 539 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Risky Business

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.

  • # 29 of 111 on The 100+ Best Movies About High School
  • # 102 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 625 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

The Firm

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.

  • # 39 of 50 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
  • # 44 of 80 on The 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
  • # 113 of 364 on The Best Movies Based On Books

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

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.

  • # 22 of 81 on The Most Rewatchable Action Movies
  • # 33 of 98 on The Best Movies Based On TV Shows
  • # 22 of 72 on The Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives

Interview with the Vampire (1994)

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.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

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.

  • # 15 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2015
  • # 49 of 98 on The Best Movies Based On TV Shows
  • # 38 of 72 on The Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

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.

  • # 43 of 72 on The Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives
  • # 7 of 13 on 13 Times Tom Cruise Came Close To Disaster Doing His Own Movie Stunts
  • # 10 of 13 on 13 Movie Heroes And Villains Who Are Two Sides Of The Same Coin

Collateral

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.

  • # 30 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
  • # 5 of 15 on Movies Where The Villain Is Secretly The Main Character
  • # 45 of 50 on The Best Movies to Watch on a Home Theater

The Outsiders

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.

  • # 49 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 356 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 39 of 364 on The Best Movies Based On Books

Days of Thunder

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.

  • # 58 of 205 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
  • # 29 of 90 on The Best Movies of 1990
  • # 45 of 68 on The Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time

The Color of Money

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.

  • # 216 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 74 of 205 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
  • # 15 of 38 on The Best Martin Scorsese Movies

Jack Reacher

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.

  • Dig Deeper... All the Jack Reacher Books, Ranked Best to Worst
  • # 672 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 12 of 16 on Movies Meant To Be Trilogies That We'll Never Get To See Completed

Cocktail

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.

  • # 174 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 150 of 233 on The Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
  • # 47 of 122 on The Best Movies Of 1988

Born on the Fourth of July

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.

  • # 213 of 263 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
  • # 272 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 83 of 133 on The Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made

Mission: Impossible III

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.

  • # 24 of 101 on The Best Movies Of 2006
  • # 42 of 98 on The Best Movies Based On TV Shows
  • # 26 of 104 on The 100+ Best Third Movies In A Film Series

Tropic Thunder

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.

  • # 235 of 263 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
  • # 97 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 94 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

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.

  • # 57 of 72 on The Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives
  • # 5 of 116 on Which 2023 Movies Absolutely Had To Be Seen In The Theater?
  • # 18 of 89 on The Most Anticipated Sequels And Reboots We Can't Wait To See

Oblivion

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.

  • # 118 of 184 on The Greatest Comic Book Movies Of All Time
  • # 63 of 160 on The 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
  • # 62 of 178 on The 150+ Best Movies With Aliens

Valkyrie

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.

  • # 68 of 263 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
  • # 89 of 238 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
  • # 32 of 158 on The Best Movies of 2008

War of the Worlds

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.

  • # 34 of 178 on The 150+ Best Movies With Aliens
  • # 220 of 364 on The Best Movies Based On Books
  • # 52 of 112 on The Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time

Far and Away

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.

  • # 33 of 80 on The Best Period Romance Movies
  • # 218 of 228 on The 200+ Best Film Scores Of All Time
  • # 44 of 98 on The Best Movies of 1992

American Made

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.

  • Entertainment
  • Watchworthy

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

Over-the-Top Performances

Screen Rant

Tom cruise's 10 best movies, according to ranker.

Tom Cruise has part a part of so many memorable movies over the years, but which one has the internet labeled their favorite?

Tom Cruise has been a  huge  part of blockbuster cinema for several decades now, and his latest film  Top Gun: Maverick   promises to continue this trend. The actor has been involved in plenty of huge franchise hits, alongside a couple more arthouse picks throughout the years.

Ranker  has put together an exhaustive list of Tom Cruise's best movies to date, as voted for by the site's users. The final result is a versatile mix of action, drama, and even sci-fi that even the industry's best actors would struggle to match.

Minority Report (2002)

Steven Spielberg's prophetic examination of the future in  Minority Report   has been endlessly discussed since the film's release, and yet still manages to feel relevant and topical. The film explores a dystopian future where police use psychic technology to arrest criminals for crimes that they will commit in the future.

RELATED: Tom Cruise's 10 Most Iconic Movie Quotes

When Cruise's character finds himself convicted of a crime he hasn't yet committed, he soon begins to realize just how dangerous and problematic this new technology is. It's a thrilling watch - and one that has plenty of rich and philosophical ideas at its heart.

Risky Business (1983)

Risky Business   was one of Tom Cruise's first major film roles, in which he plays a high school senior who turns his family home into a brothel whilst his parents are away. As the name would suggest, it's an extremely risky comedy that often walks the line between funny and uncomfortable, but does it in a consistently entertaining way.

It's this bold and edgy humor that leads many to call  Risky Business  one of the best teen comedies of the 1980s , with Tom Cruise's charm and charisma holding the whole thing together. It's a movie that probably wouldn't stand a chance of getting made today, which adds to the nostalgia and affection that many have for it.

The Last Samurai (2003)

The Last Samurai   isn't your typical Tom Cruise blockbuster, but it still contains a lot of the action and combat that audiences have come to associate with the actor. The story follows US soldier Nathan Algren, who is tasked with training the Japanese army to fight a Samurai rebellion.

Like many action movies of this era,  The Last Samurai  is held together by some truly bold and visionary direction that allows its thrilling set-pieces to stand out from the crowd. It has a very distinct voice and style that makes the story feel totally new and innovative.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

Mission: Impossible   and its sequels are the films with which Tom Cruise has become most synonymous, with Ethan Hunt quickly becoming one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the genre. The films follow Agent Hunt, whose work for the Impossible Missions Force takes him on an assortment of life-threatening adventures.

Within the  Mission: Impossible  movies are an assortment of Tom Cruise's most daring stunts to date,  most of which are actually performed by the actor himself. It's these authentic action sequences that allow the franchise to thrive, even when some of the instalments suffer from a weaker story.

The Firm (1993)

The Firm   is one of Cruise's most famous thrillers to date, telling the story of an ambitious young lawyer who finds himself caught up in a dangerous murder case after accepting a job from a seemingly corrupt law firm. It's one of the actor's most gripping and engaging films, with a story that is sure to have any viewer on the edge of their seat.

RELATED: 10 Best Directors Tom Cruise Worked With

The Firm  was one of the first films to propel Cruise into the '90s action flick' phase of his career, for which he's probably become most famous. He makes an extremely compelling protagonist, always keeping the audience on their toes and navigating the story in a unique way.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Cameron Crowe's  Jerry Maguire   tells the story of the titular sports agent who is forced to reevaluate his life after losing his job. The film follows Jerry as he attempts to get back on his feet, chronicling the trials and tribulations that he faces along the way.

Jerry Maguire is often cited as one of Tom Cruise's best roles to date , not just because of his excellent performance but also thanks to Crowe's compelling script and unique writing style. The film is so much more than a regular sports movie, blending genres effortlessly with a story that appeals to all audiences.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Doug Liman's  Edge of Tomorrow   served as a kind of return to the sci-fi genre for Cruise, whose work had been taken up by  Mission: Impossible  for several years at this point. The film imagines a futuristic world where a US soldier is caught in a time loop during Earth's war against an alien species.

Tom Cruise stars alongside Emily Blunt in the film, and the pair have fantastic chemistry together in every scene they share. They bring a much-needed human element to the story, grounding the narrative in reality rather than fiction. It's for this reason that so many people see  Edge of Tomorrow as one of the best original-concept sci-fis of recent years.

A Few Good Men (1992)

Aaron Sorkin's screenplay for the courtroom drama  A Few Good Men   is widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the genre, and it's easy to see why. Brought to life by excellent performances from Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson, it weaves an intricate and detailed narrative that's impossible not to lose yourself in.

RELATED: 10 Underrated Tom Cruise Movies You've Probably Never Seen

Alongside being a thrilling legal drama,  A Few Good Men  is also an insightful examination of America's wartime behavior and the morality of how the state treats prisoners of war. There's much more to the story than just what appears on the surface, which makes the story infinity more compelling.

Rain Man (1988)

When self-motivated car dealer Charlie realizes that his late father's fortune is being given to the mental institution housing his long-lost brother Raymond, he decides to check Raymond out of the facility and return him to Los Angeles, where he hopes to regain his father's money.

Despite the immoral and ambiguous story at the heart of the film,  Rain Man   still manages to be one of Cruise's most gripping and emotional films to date, mostly due to the strength of Marrow & Bass's screenplay and their effective character work over the course of the story.

Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun  is viewed by many people to be one of Tom Cruise's best films of all time , likely because of how strongly ingrained the film is with '80s charm and nostalgia. The story follows top pilot Maverick as he navigates the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, coming into conflict with the other pilots and fighting for the affection of his flight instructor Charlie.

Although some audiences see the film as a little dated, there's no denying that  Top Gun  has always been a huge hit with critics and audiences alike. It represents a certain brand of blockbuster filmmaking that we don't really see anymore - and one that many fans hope to see return this year with  Top Gun: Maverick .

NEXT: 10 Movies To Watch To Get Excited For Top Gun: Maverick

Kate Middleton Reveals That She Was Diagnosed With Cancer After Undergoing Surgery Earlier This Year - Watch Her Statement

Kate Middleton Reveals That She Was Diagnosed With Cancer After Undergoing Surgery Earlier This Year - Watch Her Statement

Cameron Diaz & Husband Benji Madden Welcome Second Child Together, Reveal Name & Sex of Baby

Cameron Diaz & Husband Benji Madden Welcome Second Child Together, Reveal Name & Sex of Baby

'Joker 2' New Details Revealed, Including How Many Musical Numbers Are in the Movie

'Joker 2' New Details Revealed, Including How Many Musical Numbers Are in the Movie

Jake Gyllenhaal Reveals 2 Big Roles That He Nearly Booked, Including an Acclaimed Musical

Jake Gyllenhaal Reveals 2 Big Roles That He Nearly Booked, Including an Acclaimed Musical

Tom Cruise's Top 10 Best Movies, Ranked

« Previous

(TIE) 2. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) Score: 96%

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.

1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) Score: 97%

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong.

Find out what Brad Pitt ‘s 10 best movies are.

Who Are The Highest-Paid F1 Drivers? Find Out How Much Each Driver Makes in 2024!

JJ: Latest Posts

  • Kathy Griffin's Estranged Husband...
  • Gwyneth Paltrow Weighs in on Superhero...
  • Sydney Sweeney Steps Out for...
  • Bruce Willis' Wife Emma Heming Posts...
  • Denis Villeneuve Explains How He'll...
  • Kristin Cavallari Talks Romance With...
  • Cameron Diaz & Husband Benji...
  • Hero Fiennes Tiffin & Simone...
  • Who Are The Highest-Paid F1 Drivers?...
  • Anthony Mackie Reveals What...
  • Formula 1's Carlos Sainz Holds Hands...
  • Blake Lively Apologizes for Kate...
  • Karen Pittman Leaving 'And Just Like...
  • 7 Actresses In the Running For Anne...

Just Jared Jr.

  • Get to Know 10 Fun Facts About 'Davey...
  • 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel...
  • Jenna Ortega Stars In First...
  • Former Nickelodeon Stars Jayden...
  • 'Davey & Jonesie's Locker' Star...
  • Tanner Buchanan Rocks Speedo In 'How...
  • 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Casting...
  • © 2005-2024 Just Jared, Inc. ||
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Manage Cookies
  • Return to Mobile

Tom Cruise's Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time

From Mission: Impossible to Top Gun: Maverick, here are Tom Cruise's highest-grossing movies at the box office.

Often referred to as "the last movie star," Tom Cruise has had a long and impressive career spanning more than four decades. Although Hollywood has produced many celebrities over the years, no one has been able to emulate his career. Cruise has established a reputation as a hard-working and charismatic actor, receiving three Golden Globe Awards and an Honorary Palme d'Or in 2022. He has also been recognized for embracing incredible stunts most actors would prefer not to do.

Cruise made his first film appearance in 1981's Endless Love and skyrocketed to fame with Risky Business and Top Gun . He went on to star in many other films, including Collateral , Jack Reacher , and Edge of Tomorrow. Even in the 2020s, Cruise has enjoyed continued success. Here are the nine highest-grossing movies of Cruise's career.

Updated February 11th, 2023: If you're a fan of the action star legend, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content and box office hits.

9 The Mummy (2017) — $410M

Despite how impressive a $410 million profit looks on paper, The Mummy proved to be a disastrous reboot of the Universal Pictures franchise in which Cruise battles to save the world against a vengeful ancient Egyptian princess accidentally brought back to life. Even the seasoned star's trademark charisma couldn't save the ill-conceived flick, losing the studio nearly $95 million because of its bloated marketing and production costs.

Many have attributed its poor reception due to "blockbuster fatigue" and negative audience reaction. Though it's hard to imagine such a profit equating to a box office bomb, the terrible performance of The Mummy led to the outright cancellation of the Dark Universe.

8 The Last Samurai (2003) — $456.8M

Cruise kicked off his decorated 2000s cinema resume with the thrilling action drama The Last Samurai , portraying an American captain-turned-fierce samurai in 1876 Japan in the sensational hit. The film was both a knockout with critics and audiences, raking in over $450 million while earning praise for its breathtaking cinematography, savvy screenplay, and compelling performances; Cruise nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for his riveting portrayal.

While The Last Samurai has since been criticized for romanticizing Japanese culture and for pushing a white savior narrative, others have defended the positive effects it's had for Asian representation in Hollywood.

7 Mission: Impossible (1996) — $457.7M

Towards the end of the 90s, Mission: Impossible successfully launched what would become a $3 billion+ franchise. The first film grossed almost half a billion dollars at the box office, a theatrical run most other spy films could only wish they had. Mission: Impossible introduced the world to Cruise's Ethan Hunt and the franchise's stylish spy-themed action scenes. The only Mission: Impossible sequel to have a lower box office gross than the first film was 2006's Mission: Impossible III .

6 Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) — $546.4M

Mission: Impossible 2 continued the story of Ethan Hunt, once again impressing audiences with larger-than-life action sequences. In the sequel, Ethan led his team on a mission to prevent a biological weapon from being unleashed. Unfortunately, Mission: Impossible 2 was not as well-received as its predecessor, often prioritizing style over substance. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable action film that paved the way for better sequels.

5 War of the Worlds (2005) — $603.9M

Steven Spielberg's 2005 sci-fi action flick War of the Worlds was based on the novel of the same name by H.G. Wells. Cruise played Ray Ferrier, a father protecting his kids amidst a dangerous alien invasion. The film was positively received by critics, but met a mixed response from the general audience. Nonetheless, War of the Worlds was a major commercial success and was only outperformed by that year's Harry Potter , Star Wars , and The Chronicles of Narnia movies.

4 Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) — $682.7M

Before working on Fallout and Dead Reckoning Parts One and Two, Christopher McQuarrie directed and wrote Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation . The fifth installment in the series disbanded the IMF (Impossible Missions Force), forcing Ethan to go on the run while simultaneously fighting the Syndicate.

Rogue Nation gave audiences one of the most memorable stunts in the franchise's history, with Cruise hanging onto a plane during takeoff. McQuarrie breathed new life into the Mission: Impossible franchise, with Rogue Nation grossing more than $680 million worldwide.

3 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) — $694.7M

Directed by Brad Bird, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol was another major success. The film grossed nearly $700 million worldwide and made almost $300 million more than the previous film, Mission: Impossible III . As expected, Ghost Protocol brought great action scenes, and it was also brilliantly paced. It also had a charming supporting cast in Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner.

One of the standout scenes of the film was Ethan climbing the Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper in Dubai. Although Cruise was securely attached by multiple cables, unlike Ethan, he actually climbed the skyscraper in real-life.

2 Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) — $791.1M

The sixth Mission: Impossible film received critical acclaim and became the highest-grossing film in the franchise upon its release. Pitting Cruise's Ethan against Henry Cavill's double-agent August Walker, Mission: Impossible - Fallout definitely did not disappoint. Everything in the film was at the franchise's best, from the screenplay to the acting, cinematography, and action scenes.

Related: Top Gun: Should Tom Cruise Focus On More Franchise Sequels?

The positive reception to Fallout led to major interest in its sequel Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (a trailer which was released earlier this year). Fallout was also the highest-grossing movie of Cruise's career before Top Gun: Maverick .

1 Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — $1.4B+

Top Gun: Maverick was delayed countless times to perfect the action sequences and later due to COVID-19. Some critics questioned the interest in a sequel releasing almost 40 years after the original.

However, Top Gun: Maverick proved to be one of the greatest legacy sequels ever made, attracting fans both new and old. Blockbuster films have relied heavily on green screens, but Top Gun: Maverick placed their actors in the cockpit of real fighter jets. Grossing over $1.4 billion, Top Gun: Maverick outperformed heavy-hitters such as The Batman and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness at the box office.

TOM CRUISE ROLES

Tom cruise, now 60 plus, is still the biggest movie star in the world. ahead, 10 of his most popular roles in chronological order, maverick – 'top gun', tom took our breath away as navy pilot lt pete ‘maverick' mitchell, first in the original 1986 film and then in the 2022 sequel, brian – 'cocktail', tom mixed cocktails and dreams as a business student/bartender in a film that was reviled by critics but loved by fans, lt daniel kaffee – 'a few good men', as a navy lawyer in a court martial case, tom famously demanded the truth of jack nicholson and was told he couldn't handle it, mitch mcdeere – 'the firm', tom plays a brash young harvard law graduate who discovers tax fraud and money laundering, lestat – 'interview with the vampire', lestat de lioncourt is the vampire to die for, literally, ethan hunt – 'mission: impossible', as it turns out, no mission is actually impossible for agent hunt and he's not done yet, 'jerry maguire', tom had us at hello as the titular sports agent who is left with a football star as his sole remaining client, nathan algren – 'the last samurai', in 1876, a former us soldier begins training the japanese imperial army but joins the samurai, les grossman – 'tropic thunder', if you didn't know that it was tom under the fat suit of the repulsive studio boss, then here's where you thank us, roy – 'knight and day', tom cruise made being a cia agent look both cool and fun while on the run with cameron diaz, for more entertainment news and pictures log onto movies.ndtv.com.

last ten tom cruise films

7 best Tom Cruise 1990s movies, ranked

7 best Tom Cruise 1990s movies, ranked

The Highest-Paid Actors Of 2023

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

“Margot Robbie will be receiving ‘Barbie’ checks for the rest of her life” but Adam Sandler was Hollywood’s top-earning star last year. Here’s how much the Sandman and other top stars banked.

By matt craig , forbes staff.

H ollywood history will remember 2023 as the year of Barbenheimer . Since their releases on the same day in July, Barbie and Oppenheimer have dominated the box office, the awards circuit, and countless essays and op-eds. At the Oscars on Sunday, Oppenheimer is expected to sweep most of the major categories, including Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey, Jr.), and Best Director (Christopher Nolan), and Best Picture.

But even with those two blockbusters— Barbie grossed $1.4 billion worldwide and Oppenheimer was just shy of $1 billion—there were still plenty of hours left in the year for other entertainment. And if Netflix’s annual engagement report reveals anything, it’s that many people spent an astronomical amount of time watching Adam Sandler movies.

Since signing his first $250 million four-picture deal with the streamer in 2014, the 57-year-old Sandler has starred in eight movies for Netflix and produced several more through his Happy Madison production company. The majority of his back catalog of comedies are now licensed to the platform as well. In the first six months of 2023 alone, Netflix subscribers spent more than 500 million hours watching Sandler’s movies.

Or, as Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos explained when he re-upped the collaboration in 2020, “There’s no such thing as too much Sandler.”

Accordingly, Netflix has rewarded the prolific funnyman with not only one of the most lucrative contracts in the entertainment industry, but one with enormous creative freedom. Sandler’s three movies in 2023 included Murder Mystery 2 with Jennifer Aniston (who is ranked No. 6 this year), filmed in Paris and Hawaii as is his “ paid vacations ” custom. He also released You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah starring his wife and daughters, and the animated movie Leo . Combined with his 44 stand-up comedy shows across the country, Sandler earned an estimated $73 million last year (after paying fees to his agent, manager and lawyer). It’s enough to make him the highest-paid actor of 2023 by a comfortable margin.

DON’T MESS WITH THE SANDMAN

For the first half of 2023, netflix viewers streamed more than 500 million hours of adam sandler movies. here’s what they like to watch.

In total, the 10 highest-paid stars combined to earn $449 million in 2023. They come almost exclusively from movies, rather than television, thanks in part to the writers’ and actors’ strikes that shut down Hollywood for half the year and delayed (or shortened) a number of TV seasons, and partially due to the now decades-long precedent that top movie stars can command up to $20 million up front for a single movie plus a percentage of its profits.

In the long run, starring in a hit movie at the box office remains Hollywood’s golden ticket. Unlike Netflix, which pays actors a premium fee up front and buys out their back-end profit participation over the next two years, a hit theatrical movie can continue to generate money in perpetuity—meaning actors with profit participation have no cap on the amount they can ultimately earn.

For example, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the stars of Barbie , are ranked No. 2 and No. 4 respectively on this year’s top 10 based solely on their estimated earnings from box office, video on-demand and the movie’s first streaming window. Their total compensation for starring in a cultural phenomenon will be considerably higher.

“I promise, Margot Robbie will be receiving Barbie checks for the rest of her life,” says one agent.

Robbie’s success is an outlier in another way. At 33, she is the youngest person on the highest-paid actors list by a decade, with the average age of the other nine north of 52. Older actors benefit from decades of residuals from past hits—such as Aniston with Friends —and also because Hollywood salaries are established by precedent, meaning the going rate for top stars is expected to match or rise from whatever they made for their last picture.

This grandfathering of salaries often makes it difficult for younger actors to break into the upper echelon. The same is true for actors of color, of whom only one is represented in the top 10 for 2023 (Denzel Washington at No. 10). Admittedly, it was a year in which many of the perennial highest-paid Black actors did not release a major movie. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson focused on his entrepreneurial endeavors such as Teramana tequila and the XFL, while his frequent on-screen collaborator Kevin Hart devoted more time to his stand-up comedy. And Will Smith, once the king of summer blockbusters, was still rehabbing his image in the wake of the 2022 Oscars slap . Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson did most of their work on streaming services, where upfront fees are high but potential upside is capped. Still, blockbuster movies fronted by Black, Asian and Hispanic actors remain few and far between.

“The bottom line is, Hollywood is still a white-dominated industry,” says Darnell Hunt, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at UCLA and the author of the Hollywood Diversity Report. “There are a few actors of color who can command those salaries, and they’ve established a track record to command that. But the problem is, how many actors have been given the opportunity to develop that track record?"

Looking at the current release calendar, it’s quite likely that 2024’s ranking of the highest-paid actors will look very different. Most movies take years to develop, so while Robbie, Tom Cruise (No. 3 this year), and Leonardo DiCaprio (No. 7) set off to their next projects, 2024’s theatrical slate will feature Smith in Bad Boys 4 , Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool 3 . Several members of the impressive young cast of Dune 2 are also fronting multiple movies in the coming year, including Zendaya, Austin Butler and Anya Taylor-Joy. Plus, blockbuster TV shows like Yellowstone , Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Bear will have stars in the earnings mix.

Beyond the hefty salaries, what’s truly been earned by this year’s highest-paid stars is greater power within the industry, particularly the ability to negotiate for even more favorable deal terms on their next project. In an industry where pay can rise or fall based on each performance. this list represents a snapshot of who has the most leverage in Hollywood in 2024.

Art Streiber/Variety/Penske Media/Getty Images

1. Adam Sandler • $73 million ($97 million gross)

In the first three months after Murder Mystery 2 was released on Netflix, the streamer reported that it was watched for a total of 173 million hours across the world and ranked in the Top 10 in 90 different countries. The sequel was part of a very busy year for the Sandman, who did more than 40 stand-up comedy tour dates in 2023 to go with three Netflix film projects.

Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

2. Margot Robbie • $59 million ($78 million gross)

The cultural phenomenon that was Barbie took off last July and never really slowed down, grossing $1.45 billion at the worldwide box office and untold millions more in licensing and partnerships. As both the producer of the movie and its star, Robbie cashed in on roughly 12.5% of all back-end profits, which Forbes estimates will more than $60 million. Her now red-hot production company LuckyChap was also behind last year's much-buzzed-about satire Saltburn , and in February Robbie signed a new exclusive first-look deal with Warner Bros., the studio behind Barbie .

3. Tom Cruise • $45 million ($53 million gross)

The 61-year-old action star not only defies conventional wisdom when it comes to his outrageous stunt work, but also the evolving norms around how an actor gets paid. Cruise is one of the last, if not the very last, movie star who can still command the vaunted "first-dollar gross" deal, meaning he gets paid a percentage of box office and other revenues beginning the day it’s released, before the studio even recoups its money. In 2023, he cashed in on the latest Mission: Impossible movie and continued receiving streaming and on-demand profits for 2022's Top Gun: Maverick . And studios still clearly want to be in the Tom Cruise business—in January, he signed a new development deal with Warner Bros.

Michael Tran/AFP/Getty Images

4. Ryan Gosling • $43 million ($50 million gross)

He may be just Ken, but the supporting role in the year's biggest movie was good enough for an Oscar nomination and one of the biggest paydays of the 43-year-old Gosling’s career. As an added bonus, his power ballad from the movie, “I’m Just Ken,” has been streamed over 100 million times on Spotify.

Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

4. Matt Damon • $43 million ($50 million gross)

Many around Hollywood are rooting for Affleck and Damon's upstart Artists Equity studio to succeed, given its promise to help crew members and other below-the-line talent share in movies’ profits. Their first project Air —which starred Damon and was directed by Affleck—sold to Amazon before it ever went into production for an estimated $130 million. That figure was well above the movie's budget, ensuring there would be plenty of money to go around. In addition, the 53-year-old actor took a mere $4 million salary for his supporting role in Oppenheimer , far below his normal rate, in exchange for a small slice of the movie’s substantial profits.

James Devaney/GC Images/Getty Images

6. Jennifer Aniston • $42 million ($56 million gross)

Friends residuals ensure that the artist forever known as Rachel Green doesn’t have to “go get one of those job things” ever again—yet the 54-year-old actress continues to star in both TV and movies. Aniston reportedly makes as much as $2 million for acting and executive producing each episode of The Morning Show on AppleTV+, and appeared alongside Adam Sandler in Murder Mystery 2 for Netflix, all while promoting brands like Uber Eats, Pvolve Fitness, Vital Proteins, and her own haircare line, LolaVie.

Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP

7. Leonardo DiCaprio • $41 million ($48 million gross)

The 49-year-old Oscar winner may have been snubbed by the Academy for his performance in Killers of the Flower Moon , but he’s doing just fine on the balance sheet. His starring role in the Martin Scorsese epic included a hefty salary as well as a buy-out of his theatrical profit participation once the movie hits AppleTV+.

Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

7. Jason Statham • $41 million ($48 million gross)

Statham has been throwing punches, kicks and quips at every man, megalodon or Rock in his path for the last 20 years, and the 56-year-old actor’s earning power has never been higher. In 2023, he fronted three major big-budget franchises— Fast X , Meg 2: The Trench and Expend4bles —plus the Guy Ritchie spy caper Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre . And he’s currently the star of the highest-grossing movie of 2024, The Beekeeper .

Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

9. Ben Affleck • $38 million ($45 million)

When he’s not busy hawking donuts and plugging his new boy band in commercials for Dunkin’, Affleck serves as CEO of the studio startup Artists Equity (to Matt Damon’s chief creative officer). The 51-year-old multihyphenate directed and co-starred in Air , which grossed $90 million at the box office before moving to Amazon Prime Video.

George Pimentel/WireImage/Getty Images

10. Denzel Washington • $24 million ($28 million gross)

Tom Cruise isn’t the only sixtysomething movie star who can open a movie. The third installment of the Equalizer franchise was released in 2023, with all three entries crossing $190 million at the box office for one reason: Denzel Washington. In addition, the two-time Oscar winner’s robust back catalog going back nearly 40 years also produces a steady stream of cash each year for the 69-year-old actor.

METHODOLOGY

Estimations were calculated through interviews with agents, lawyers, managers, executives and industry experts, as well as data sources such as IMDBPro and Polestar. The figures represent pretax earnings for the calendar year 2023, minus fees for representation – 10% to agents, 10% to managers and 5% to lawyers, per industry standard, although some actors do not have all three.

Actors were credited for compensation on projects in the year they were released, despite the fact that often up front fees are paid when a movie is filmed, which could be years in the past, and back end participation is often paid several years into the future.

Additionally, the ranking only includes earnings related to entertainment—acting, producing, directing, or other forms of performance (such as stand-up comedy). Entrepreneurial endeavors not related to entertainment, such as beauty or spirits brands, were not counted.

MORE FROM FORBES

Matt Craig

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions
  • Copy from this list
  • Report this list

Tom Cruise's Top 25 Movies...

Ranked in order of best Cruise movie, not necessarily best Cruise performance (which is why Tropic Thunder and The Outsiders are rated highly despite Cruise not being the star). And, yes, I'm not a big Jerry Maguire, A Few Good Men and Top Gun fan, though they have their moments. I have seen every Tom Cruise movie that has received 38,000 votes or more on IMDB as of this writing. I would highly recommend any movie in the Top 15, and heck, the others aren't bad either! (Wow...400,000+ views...very cool!)

  • Movies or TV
  • IMDb Rating
  • In Theaters
  • Release Year

1. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

R | 159 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller

A Manhattan doctor embarks on a bizarre, night-long odyssey after his wife's admission of unfulfilled longing.

Director: Stanley Kubrick | Stars: Tom Cruise , Nicole Kidman , Todd Field , Sydney Pollack

Votes: 373,182 | Gross: $55.69M

The final masterpiece from the master Stanley Kubrick.

2. Magnolia (1999)

R | 188 min | Drama

An epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jason Robards , Julianne Moore , Philip Seymour Hoffman

Votes: 327,448 | Gross: $22.46M

One of my personal favorite movies. Cruise's performance is top-notch.

3. Minority Report (2002)

PG-13 | 145 min | Action, Crime, Mystery

John works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Tom Cruise , Colin Farrell , Samantha Morton , Max von Sydow

Votes: 582,358 | Gross: $132.07M

Roger Ebert said it best: "Minority Report reminds us why we go to the movies in the first place."

4. The Color of Money (1986)

R | 119 min | Drama, Sport

Fast Eddie Felson teaches a cocky but immensely talented protégé the ropes of pool hustling, which in turn inspires him to make an unlikely comeback.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Paul Newman , Tom Cruise , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , Helen Shaver

Votes: 92,910 | Gross: $52.29M

Ah, the 80's. Great role for Cruise, great movie.

5. War of the Worlds (2005)

PG-13 | 116 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

An alien invasion threatens the future of humanity. The catastrophic nightmare is depicted through the eyes of one American family fighting for survival.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Tom Cruise , Dakota Fanning , Tim Robbins , Miranda Otto

Votes: 473,581 | Gross: $234.28M

You wouldn't think so because it's a remake, but this movie is very re-watchable.

6. Tropic Thunder (2008)

R | 107 min | Action, Comedy, War

Through a series of freak occurrences, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying.

Director: Ben Stiller | Stars: Ben Stiller , Jack Black , Robert Downey Jr. , Jeff Kahn

Votes: 446,174 | Gross: $110.52M

If Cruise had a bit more screen time and a starring role, this would be even a couple spots higher. Great, hilarious role for Cruise!

7. The Firm (1993)

R | 154 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller

A young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover that it has a sinister dark side.

Director: Sydney Pollack | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jeanne Tripplehorn , Gene Hackman , Hal Holbrook

Votes: 147,125 | Gross: $158.35M

Cruise makes a lot of very good - but not especially great - movies. The Firm is the best of that group.

8. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

PG-13 | 113 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.

Director: Doug Liman | Stars: Tom Cruise , Emily Blunt , Bill Paxton , Brendan Gleeson

Votes: 732,740 | Gross: $100.21M

The ending drags down Edge of Tomorrow a bit. The first 2/3 was fantastic though.

9. Mission: Impossible (1996)

PG-13 | 110 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller

An American agent, under false suspicion of disloyalty, must discover and expose the real spy without the help of his organization.

Director: Brian De Palma | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jon Voight , Emmanuelle Béart , Henry Czerny

Votes: 468,590 | Gross: $180.98M

The first in the series is always the best.

10. Valkyrie (2008)

PG-13 | 121 min | Drama, History, Thriller

A dramatization of the July 20, 1944 assassination and political coup plot by desperate renegade German Army officers against Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Tom Cruise , Bill Nighy , Carice van Houten , Kenneth Branagh

Votes: 258,484 | Gross: $83.08M

Valkyrie is, oddly enough, very re-watchable. One wouldn't think a non-battlefield WWII movie would be this exciting. Well-crafted film.

11. Top Gun (1986)

PG | 109 min | Action, Drama

As students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.

Director: Tony Scott | Stars: Tom Cruise , Tim Robbins , Kelly McGillis , Val Kilmer

Votes: 499,520 | Gross: $179.80M

Most people would have this ranked higher I'm sure...Some people might even have it at #1. Never been an absolute favorite of mine but it's still a solid watch.

12. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

R | 145 min | Biography, Drama, War

The biography of Ron Kovic . Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country for which he fought.

Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Tom Cruise , Bryan Larkin , Raymond J. Barry , Caroline Kava

Votes: 115,409 | Gross: $70.00M

Probably Cruise's best performance. Due to its serious nature throughout, I have a hard time re-watching this movie and re-watch-ability is very important to me. The movies above this one are more fun to watch in my humble opinion.

13. Rain Man (1988)

R | 133 min | Drama

After a selfish L.A. yuppie learns his estranged father left a fortune to an autistic-savant brother in Ohio that he didn't know existed, he absconds with his brother and sets out across the country, hoping to gain a larger inheritance.

Director: Barry Levinson | Stars: Dustin Hoffman , Tom Cruise , Valeria Golino , Gerald R. Molen

Votes: 544,616 | Gross: $178.80M

Same as Born on the Fourth of July...one of Tom's best roles but not something you're going to continually grab off your Blu-Ray shelf.

14. Vanilla Sky (2001)

R | 136 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Romance

A self-indulgent and vain publishing magnate finds his privileged life upended after a vehicular accident with a resentful lover.

Director: Cameron Crowe | Stars: Tom Cruise , Penélope Cruz , Cameron Diaz , Kurt Russell

Votes: 284,800 | Gross: $100.61M

I don't agree with this Family Guy scene, but it sure is funny!... Lois Griffin: Hey, you know what might be fun? How about we just order room service and watch a couple of bad movies? Brian Griffin: Yeah, that does sound like fun. I'll go rent Vanilla Sky. Lois Griffin: I said a bad movie, not an abortion.

15. The Last Samurai (2003)

R | 154 min | Action, Drama

Nathan Algren, a US army veteran, is hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in the modern warfare techniques. Nathan finds himself trapped in a struggle between two eras and two worlds.

Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Tom Cruise , Ken Watanabe , Billy Connolly , William Atherton

Votes: 468,950 | Gross: $111.11M

Great movie but it is truly hard to imagine Cruise as the "The Last Samurai". He played the role very well and its a great movie, just kind of unbelievable.

16. Cocktail (1988)

R | 104 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A talented New York City bartender takes a job at a bar in Jamaica and falls in love.

Director: Roger Donaldson | Stars: Tom Cruise , Bryan Brown , Elisabeth Shue , Lisa Banes

Votes: 91,473 | Gross: $78.22M

I like what Brian Griffin had to say about it:... "Actually not a bad film. As classically structured cinema, Cocktail was one of the best films of its era." Haaa!

17. Days of Thunder (1990)

PG-13 | 107 min | Action, Drama, Sport

A young hot-shot stock car driver gets his chance to compete at the top level.

Director: Tony Scott | Stars: Tom Cruise , Nicole Kidman , Robert Duvall , Randy Quaid

Votes: 96,038 | Gross: $82.67M

18. The Outsiders (1983)

PG | 91 min | Crime, Drama

In a small Oklahoma town in 1964, the rivalry between two gangs, the poor Greasers and the rich Socs, heats up when one gang member accidentally kills a member of the other.

Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Stars: C. Thomas Howell , Matt Dillon , Ralph Macchio , Patrick Swayze

Votes: 96,868 | Gross: $25.60M

I would rank this movie 8-12 spots higher but Cruise is not in it very much.

19. Jerry Maguire (1996)

R | 139 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent agent with the only athlete who stays with him and his former colleague.

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

Votes: 285,881 | Gross: $153.95M

Along with the movie below (A Few Good Men), I find Jerry Maguire to be a bit overrated. Its probably just not my cup of tea. Kind of plays like an overly dramatic romantic comedy. But I have it ranked this high because, well, this is a Tom Cruise best-movie-list after all.

20. A Few Good Men (1992)

R | 138 min | Drama, Thriller

Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder. They contend they were acting under orders.

Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jack Nicholson , Demi Moore , Kevin Bacon

Votes: 286,065 | Gross: $141.34M

Most people I talk to love this movie. I don't really understand that line of thinking. This has to be one of the most over-acted movies of all-time. If you like your drama like a soap opera hopped up on mountain dew, this is your movie!

21. Risky Business (1983)

R | 99 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama

A Chicago teenager is looking for fun at home while his parents are away, but the situation quickly gets out of hand.

Director: Paul Brickman | Stars: Tom Cruise , Rebecca De Mornay , Joe Pantoliano , Richard Masur

Votes: 99,369 | Gross: $63.50M

22. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

PG-13 | 130 min | Action, Drama

After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

Director: Joseph Kosinski | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jennifer Connelly , Miles Teller , Val Kilmer

Votes: 685,252 | Gross: $718.73M

You probably liked it more than I! :)

23. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

R | 123 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror

A vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.

Director: Neil Jordan | Stars: Brad Pitt , Tom Cruise , Antonio Banderas , Kirsten Dunst

Votes: 345,906 | Gross: $105.26M

This movie begins to get better each time you watch it, then after a while, somehow it gets worse each time you watch it!

24. Collateral (2004)

R | 120 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles.

Director: Michael Mann | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jamie Foxx , Jada Pinkett Smith , Mark Ruffalo

Votes: 431,542 | Gross: $101.01M

25. Oblivion (I) (2013)

PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself.

Director: Joseph Kosinski | Stars: Tom Cruise , Morgan Freeman , Andrea Riseborough , Olga Kurylenko

Votes: 551,646 | Gross: $89.02M

List Activity

Tell your friends, other lists by jcdugger.

list image

Recently Viewed

IMAGES

  1. Tom Cruise Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

    last ten tom cruise films

  2. Tom Cruise

    last ten tom cruise films

  3. Top 10 Tom Cruise Movies

    last ten tom cruise films

  4. The 21 Best Tom Cruise Movies Ranked

    last ten tom cruise films

  5. The Best Tom Cruise Movies on Movies Anywhere

    last ten tom cruise films

  6. [Dossier] Les 20 meilleurs films de Tom Cruise

    last ten tom cruise films

VIDEO

  1. Tom Cruise: The Last Movie Star Trailer

  2. #TBT Tom Cruise Top Action Movies

  3. Tom Cruise Filmography

  4. Top 10 Tom Cruise Movies

  5. The Best Movies Starring Tom Cruise (Trailers)

  6. Tom Cruise Movies

COMMENTS

  1. Sort by Year

    6.7. Rate this. Actor Tom Cruise and actress Monica Barbaro (movie, "Top Gun Maverick"); Teddy Swims performs; Stars: James Corden, Reggie Watts, Tom Cruise, Monica Barbaro. Votes: 14. 9. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two (2025) Action, Adventure, Thriller | Post-production. The 8th entry in the long running Mission Impossible ...

  2. Tom Cruise Movies List

    Risky Business (1983) R | 99 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama. 6.8. Rate. 75 Metascore. A Chicago teenager is looking for fun at home while his parents are away, but the situation quickly gets out of hand. Director: Paul Brickman | Stars: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Masur.

  3. Tom Cruise filmography

    Tom Cruise filmography. Tom Cruise is an American actor and producer who made his film debut with a minor role in the 1981 romantic drama Endless Love. [1] [2] Two years later he made his breakthrough by starring in the romantic comedy Risky Business (1983), [3] [4] which garnered his first nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor ...

  4. Tom Cruise Movies Ranked

    All Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Tomatometer. Top Gun: Maverick is back in theaters for Rotten Tomatoes' 25th anniversary screening series at AMC — get tickets now!. 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 ...

  5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

    Top Gun: Maverick: Directed by Joseph Kosinski. With Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly. After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

  6. The 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked

    7. Magnolia (1999) It's rare to see a Tom Cruise movie where the actor isn't front and center the entire time. But Cruise tried something a little different when he joined the cast of Paul Thomas ...

  7. 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked According to IMDb

    IMDb Rating: 8.3/10. Top Gun: Maverick is the long-awaited sequel to one of the most iconic and beloved Tom Cruise movies. The original Top Gun follows Cruise as Maverick, a student at the most ...

  8. Tom Cruise's biggest box-office movies ranked

    Rounding out the top ten is 2017's The Mummy, a big-budget remake of the classic horror series that was due to spawn a shared universe of films. While not exactly a box-office bomb, lacklustre ...

  9. Every Single Tom Cruise Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

    Paramount. Tom Cruise has done every type of movie you can think of over his nearly 40-year career. Here we rank every one from worst to best. See where his latest, "Mission: Impossible - Dead ...

  10. Top 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies: A Ranked List

    Welcome to Tom Cruise's top 10 movies of all time, ranked. 10. A Few Good Men (1992) In one of history's great acting duels, Cruise, as a callow military defense attorney trying to save two recruits accused of murder, faces formidable officer Jack Nicholson, who bellows, "You can't handle the truth!".

  11. The 10 Best Reviewed Tom Cruise Movies According to Rotten Tomatoes

    Tom Cruise's Plane Stunt Defined Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One Thrived in 2023. Top Gun: Maverick Revived a Legendary Tale. Mission ...

  12. 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 ...

  13. Tom Cruise's 10 Highest-Grossing Films, Ranked According To Box Office Mojo

    The Mummy (2017) - $409.2 Million. Although it's never included in Tom Cruise's best movies, the final gross for The Mummy is pretty impressive by box office standards. According to Box Office Mojo, it ended up grossing around $409 million, which would have made it a hit anywhere else but its hefty budget - ranging from $120-190 million ...

  14. The 10 best Tom Cruise movies, ranked

    From his early dramatic turns in legal dramas and sports pictures, to his franchise work in Top Gun and Mission: Impossible, there are plenty of options to enjoy the best Tom Cruise movies. 10 ...

  15. 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.

  16. 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked

    Cruise's talent as both a dramatic and physically skilled actor is evident in movies like Rain Man, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible franchise, where he delivers powerful performances and defies the laws of physics in thrilling action sequences. Known for his prolific filmography, Tom Cruise is one of the most recognizable actors ...

  17. Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked

    Paramount Pictures. 20. The Firm (1993) At a time when Cruise's star status had grown so immense a legal thriller qualified as a summer blockbuster, Sydney Pollack 's film from John Grisham 's ...

  18. The 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies of All Time, Ranked

    All about the life and career of the ageless actor Tom Cruise. The Best English Dubbed Anime of All Time What To Watch If You Love 'Victorious'. Over 4K filmgoers have voted on the 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Fans. Current Top 3: Top Gun, A Few Good Men, Top Gun: Maverick.

  19. The 10 best Tom Cruise movies of all time, ranked

    10. Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Top Gun: Maverick truly showed us the need for speed never goes away, even after 36 years. The long-awaited sequel to the 1986 hit action film managed to not only ...

  20. Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies, According To Ranker

    The Last Samurai isn't your typical Tom Cruise blockbuster, but it still contains a lot of the action and combat that audiences have come to associate with the actor.The story follows US soldier Nathan Algren, who is tasked with training the Japanese army to fight a Samurai rebellion. Like many action movies of this era, The Last Samurai is held together by some truly bold and visionary ...

  21. Tom Cruise's Top 10 Best Movies, Ranked

    Tom Cruise's Top 10 Best Movies, Ranked Tom Cruise is consistently box office gold. The 61-year-old actor just helmed 2022's biggest movie, Top Gun: Maverick, and he's got tons of successful ...

  22. Tom Cruise

    Tom Cruise. Actor: Top Gun. In 1976, if you had told fourteen-year-old Franciscan seminary student Thomas Cruise Mapother IV that one day in the not too distant future he would be Tom Cruise, one of the top 100 movie stars of all time, he would have probably grinned and told you that his ambition was to join the priesthood. Nonetheless, this sensitive, deeply religious youngster who was born ...

  23. Tom Cruise's Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time

    7 Mission: Impossible (1996) — $457.7M. Paramount Pictures. Towards the end of the 90s, Mission: Impossible successfully launched what would become a $3 billion+ franchise. The first film ...

  24. Top 10 Tom Cruise Roles

    Tom Cruise, now 60 plus, is still the biggest movie star in the world. Ahead, 10 of his most popular roles in chronological order. ... Film Still. Nathan Algren - 'The Last Samurai'

  25. 7 best Tom Cruise 1990s movies, ranked

    Cruise turns his movie star charm up to 10 in Jerry Maguire. And yes, Tom, you had us at hello, too. Rent Jerry Maguire on Prime Video, YouTube, Apple, or Google.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to ...

  26. The Highest-Paid Actors Of 2023

    Most movies take years to develop, so while Robbie, Tom Cruise (No. 3 this year), and Leonardo DiCaprio (No. 7) set off to their next projects, 2024's theatrical slate will feature Smith in Bad ...

  27. Tom Cruise's Top 25 Movies...

    15. The Last Samurai (2003) Nathan Algren, a US army veteran, is hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in the modern warfare techniques. Nathan finds himself trapped in a struggle between two eras and two worlds. Great movie but it is truly hard to imagine Cruise as the "The Last Samurai".