From Sci-Fi to Drama: The Top 10 Tom Cruise Movies You Need to Watch Now!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Few actors have charted a career as dynamic and enduring as Tom Cruise. From teen heartthrob to action hero to critically acclaimed dramatic actor, Cruise’s filmography spans over four decades and showcases a rare versatility. Drawing from critic consensus at Rotten Tomatoes and professional rankings from Empire Online, we dive into the best of Tom Cruise’s career — a journey marked by reinvention, commitment, and cinematic excellence.
How We Chose the Best
This selection weighs critical acclaim, audience reception, awards recognition, and Cruise’s evolving craft. Key sources included Rotten Tomatoes‘ Tomatometer scores and Empire Online‘s curated rankings, ensuring a blend of popular and professional insight. Special attention was given to milestones that shaped not just Cruise’s career, but Hollywood itself.
Top 10 Best Tom Cruise Movies
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Top Gun: Maverick | 2022 | A rare sequel that surpassed the original, blending breathtaking stunts with emotional depth. |
| 2 | Mission: Impossible – Fallout | 2018 | A high point in action cinema, showcasing Cruise’s daredevil commitment (including the HALO jump). |
| 3 | Edge of Tomorrow | 2014 | A critically lauded sci-fi gem where Cruise’s journey from coward to hero thrilled audiences and critics alike (91% RT score). |
| 4 | Jerry Maguire | 1996 | Cruise’s turn as a sports agent earned a Golden Globe and immortalized lines like “Show me the money!” |
| 5 | Rain Man | 1988 | Playing opposite Dustin Hoffman, Cruise gave a nuanced performance that helped the film win Best Picture at the Oscars. |
| 6 | A Few Good Men | 1992 | Featuring the iconic courtroom clash with Jack Nicholson (“You can’t handle the truth!”), this film showcased Cruise’s dramatic heft. |
| 7 | Minority Report | 2002 | Under Spielberg’s direction, Cruise led this futuristic thriller with a perfect balance of action and ethical complexity (89% RT score). |
| 8 | Mission: Impossible | 1996 | The beginning of an iconic franchise, blending espionage thrills with Cruise’s own stunt work. |
| 9 | The Color of Money | 1986 | A Scorsese-helmed drama where Cruise held his own opposite Paul Newman, cementing his early credibility. |
| 10 | Born on the Fourth of July | 1989 | A powerful portrayal of a paralyzed Vietnam veteran, earning Cruise his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. |
Honorable Mentions
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Magnolia (1999): Cruise’s daring supporting role as a charismatic self-help guru earned him another Oscar nomination.
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Risky Business (1983): The film that launched his career, remembered forever for the iconic underwear dance scene.
Cruise’s Evolution: From Teen Sensation to Hollywood Maverick
Tom Cruise’s early roles in films like Risky Business and The Color of Money established him as a charismatic young star. However, the late ’80s and ’90s saw him pivot into more complex dramatic territory with Rain Man, Born on the Fourth of July, and Jerry Maguire, proving he wasn’t just another pretty face.
Then came his domination of the action genre, particularly through the Mission: Impossible series, where he famously insisted on doing many of his own stunts — raising the bar for action stars globally. His modern era, highlighted by Edge of Tomorrow and Top Gun: Maverick, shows a star willing to adapt, challenge himself, and still deliver jaw-dropping entertainment well into his 60s.
