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Writer's pictureBrian Cucci

Movie Legends: Tom Cruise

Updated: Aug 6

When you think of Hollywood's most exciting and versatile actors, one name invariably stands out: Tom Cruise. With a career spanning over four decades, Cruise has not only showcased his remarkable talent but has also redefined what it means to be a movie star. His ability to inhabit a wide range of characters and genres makes him a cinematic force to be reckoned with. Our list is in chronological order starting from his early breakout performances to his latest blockbuster hits. Use the IMDB and the Rotten Tomatoes ratings to decide if the movie is good, but honestly, if Tom Cruise is in it, it's worth a watch. Get ready to relive the magic, the adrenaline, and the drama that only Tom Cruise can deliver. Buckle up, because this cinematic adventure is going to be one hell of a ride with all of these Tom Cruise movies to watch!


Our favorites: Top Gun (both), Jack Reacher (All), A Few Good Men, Edge of Tomorrow, Mission Impossible (All), Collateral, and Knight and Day. Tom Cruise Best Movies.


Movie Legends: Tom Cruise best movies

Movie Legends: Tom Cruise Movies

  1. Endless Love (1981)

  2. Taps (1981)

  3. The Outsiders (1983)

  4. Losin' It (1983)

  5. Risky Business (1983)

  6. All the Right Moves (1983)

  7. Legend (1985)

  8. Top Gun (1986)

  9. The Color of Money (1986)

  10. Cocktail (1988)

  11. Rain Man (1988)

  12. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

  13. Days of Thunder (1990)

  14. Far and Away (1992)

  15. A Few Good Men (1992)

  16. The Firm (1993)

  17. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

  18. Mission: Impossible (1996)

  19. Jerry Maguire (1996)

  20. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

  21. Magnolia (1999)

  22. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

  23. Vanilla Sky (2001)

  24. Minority Report (2002)

  25. The Last Samurai (2003)

  26. Collateral (2004)

  27. War of the Worlds (2005)

  28. Mission: Impossible III (2006)

  29. Lions for Lambs (2007)

  30. Tropic Thunder (2008)

  31. Valkyrie (2008)

  32. Knight and Day (2010)

  33. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

  34. Rock of Ages (2012)

  35. Jack Reacher (2012)

  36. Oblivion (2013)

  37. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

  38. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

  39. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)

  40. The Mummy (2017)

  41. American Made (2017)

  42. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

  43. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

  44. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)


1. Endless Love (1981)

  • Release Date: 1981

  • Director: Franco Zeffirelli

  • Genre: Drama/Romance

  • Top Three Actors: Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt, Tom Cruise

  • Description: A young couple's love is tested by their parents' disapproval and their own youthful impulsiveness.

  • Plot: A young man's obsession with his girlfriend leads to tragic consequences.

  • Why Watch: It's Cruise's film debut, offering a glimpse of his future stardom.

  • IMDb Score: 4.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 25%

  • Trailer: Endless Love Trailer




2. Taps (1981)

  • Release Date: 1981

  • Director: Harold Becker

  • Genre: Drama

  • Top Three Actors: George C. Scott, Timothy Hutton, Tom Cruise

  • Description: Cadets at a military academy take extreme measures to protect their institution from closure.

  • Plot: A group of military cadets stages an armed rebellion to save their academy from being shut down.

  • Why Watch: Features a young Cruise in a pivotal supporting role that hints at his future intensity.

  • IMDb Score: 6.7

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

  • Trailer: Taps Trailer




3. The Outsiders (1983)

  • Release Date: 1983

  • Director: Francis Ford Coppola

  • Genre: Drama

  • Top Three Actors: C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise

  • Description: A story of class conflict between the wealthy 'Socs' and the poor 'Greasers' in a small town.

  • Plot: Two groups of teenagers, divided by social status, clash in this coming-of-age story.

  • Why Watch: Cruise is part of an impressive young cast in this adaptation of S.E. Hinton's novel.

  • IMDb Score: 7.1

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%

  • Trailer: The Outsiders Trailer




4. Losin' It (1983)

  • Release Date: 1983

  • Director: Curtis Hanson

  • Genre: Comedy

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Shelley Long, Jackie Earle Haley

  • Description: Four teenage boys head to Tijuana to lose their virginity, encountering various mishaps along the way.

  • Plot: A road trip to Mexico turns into a comedic adventure for a group of teenagers.

  • Why Watch: Shows Cruise's versatility in a light-hearted role.

  • IMDb Score: 4.8

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 22%

  • Trailer: Losin' It Trailer




5. Risky Business (1983)

  • Release Date: 1983

  • Director: Paul Brickman

  • Genre: Comedy/Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano

  • Description: A suburban teenager turns his house into a brothel while his parents are away.

  • Plot: Joel's house turns into a brothel for a night, leading to a series of unexpected events.

  • Why Watch: It's a classic teen comedy that features the iconic 'Old Time Rock and Roll' dance scene.

  • IMDb Score: 6.8

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

  • Trailer: Risky Business Trailer




6. All the Right Moves (1983)

  • Release Date: 1983

  • Director: Michael Chapman

  • Genre: Drama/Romance

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Lea Thompson, Craig T. Nelson

  • Description: A high school football player struggles to earn a scholarship to escape his small town.

  • Plot: A talented athlete faces challenges on and off the field in his pursuit of a better life.

  • Why Watch: A gritty portrayal of ambition and the desire to escape small-town life.

  • IMDb Score: 5.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%

  • Trailer: All the Right Moves Trailer




7. Legend (1985)

  • Release Date: 1985

  • Director: Ridley Scott

  • Genre: Fantasy

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry

  • Description: A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.

  • Plot: A fantasy adventure where a young hero fights to save the world from eternal darkness.

  • Why Watch: A visually stunning fantasy film with an early leading role for Cruise.

  • IMDb Score: 6.4

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%

  • Trailer: Legend Trailer




8. Top Gun (1986)

  • Release Date: 1986

  • Director: Tony Scott

  • Genre: Action/Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer

  • Description: Tom Cruise stars as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a talented fighter pilot with a need for speed.

  • Plot: Maverick learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and love while competing to be the top pilot.

  • Why Watch: It's a quintessential 80s action film with thrilling aerial sequences and memorable characters.

  • IMDb Score: 6.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57%

  • Trailer: Top Gun Trailer




9. The Color of Money (1986)

  • Release Date: 1986

  • Director: Martin Scorsese

  • Genre: Drama/Sport

  • Top Three Actors: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

  • Description: A veteran pool player teaches a cocky young hustler the ropes, leading to a high-stakes showdown.

  • Plot: An aging pool player takes a young protege under his wing.

  • Why Watch: A compelling drama with excellent performances from Newman and Cruise.

  • IMDb Score: 7.0

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

  • Trailer: The Color of Money Trailer




10. Cocktail (1988)

  • Release Date: 1988

  • Director: Roger Donaldson

  • Genre: Drama/Romance

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, Elisabeth Shue

  • Description: A talented bartender finds love and success, but faces challenges as he navigates the ups and downs of his career.

  • Plot: A bartender's life is changed by his ambition and romantic entanglements.

  • Why Watch: Features Cruise in a charismatic role with memorable bar flair scenes.

  • IMDb Score: 5.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 9%

  • Trailer: Cocktail Trailer




11. Rain Man (1988)

  • Release Date: 1988

  • Director: Barry Levinson

  • Genre: Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Valeria Golino

  • Description: Tom Cruise plays Charlie Babbitt, a self-centered young man who discovers his estranged brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) is an autistic savant with a remarkable ability to calculate numbers.

  • Plot: Charlie takes Raymond on a cross-country journey to gain control of his inheritance, but ends up forming a deep bond with him.

  • Why Watch: It's a touching and emotionally powerful film that showcases Cruise's range as an actor.

  • IMDb Score: 8.0

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

  • Trailer: Rain Man Trailer




12. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

  • Release Date: 1989

  • Director: Oliver Stone

  • Genre: Biography/Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgwick

  • Description: Tom Cruise portrays Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran who becomes an anti-war activist after being paralyzed in battle. The film traces Kovic's journey from eager soldier to disillusioned and outspoken critic of the war.

  • Plot: Kovic's transformation from a patriotic young man to a disillusioned veteran who fights for peace.

  • Why Watch: A deeply moving film that highlights Cruise's dramatic range and commitment to his roles.

  • IMDb Score: 7.2

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

  • Trailer: Born on the Fourth of July Trailer




13. Days of Thunder (1990)

  • Director: Tony Scott

  • Genre: Action/Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall

  • Description: Cruise stars as Cole Trickle, a hotshot NASCAR driver with raw talent. The film explores his rise in the racing world, his recovery from a massive accident, and his romantic entanglements.

  • Plot: Trickle's journey through the high stakes world of NASCAR racing, battling rivals and personal demons.

  • Why Watch: Offers thrilling race sequences and a glimpse into the world of professional auto racing.

  • IMDb Score: 6.1

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%

  • Trailer: Days of Thunder Trailer




14. Far and Away (1992)

  • Director: Ron Howard

  • Genre: Adventure/Drama/Romance

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Thomas Gibson

  • Description: Set in the late 19th century, the film follows the journey of two Irish immigrants, Joseph Donnelly (Tom Cruise) and Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman), who travel to America in search of land and opportunity.

  • Plot: The couple faces numerous challenges as they strive to claim their piece of the American Dream.

  • Why Watch: A grand romantic adventure that highlights the struggles and triumphs of immigrants.

  • IMDb Score: 6.6

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 50%

  • Trailer: Far and Away Trailer




15. A Few Good Men (1992)

  • Director: Rob Reiner

  • Genre: Drama/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore

  • Description: Cruise plays Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a Navy lawyer defending two Marines accused of murder. He unravels a conspiracy while clashing with the formidable Colonel Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson.

  • Plot: Kaffee's investigation reveals deeper issues of honor and justice within the military.

  • Why Watch: Features one of Cruise's most iconic roles and a legendary performance by Nicholson.

  • IMDb Score: 7.7

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

  • Trailer: A Few Good Men Trailer




16. The Firm (1993)

  • Director: Sydney Pollack

  • Genre: Drama/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman

  • Description: Cruise plays Mitch McDeere, a brilliant lawyer who joins a prestigious law firm only to discover its dark secrets. The film is based on John Grisham's bestselling novel.

  • Plot: McDeere must navigate a web of corruption and danger to uncover the truth and save his career.

  • Why Watch: A suspenseful legal thriller with a standout performance by Cruise.

  • IMDb Score: 6.8

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

  • Trailer: The Firm Trailer




17. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

  • Director: Neil Jordan

  • Genre: Fantasy/Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas

  • Description: Tom Cruise stars as Lestat, a charismatic vampire who turns a grieving plantation owner (Brad Pitt) into one of his kind. The film is an adaptation of Anne Rice's gothic novel.

  • Plot: The story follows the lives of two vampires as they navigate centuries of existence.

  • Why Watch: A haunting and visually striking film with compelling performances.

  • IMDb Score: 7.5

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%

  • Trailer: Interview with the Vampire Trailer




18. Mission: Impossible (1996)

  • Director: Brian De Palma

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart

  • Description: Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise, is a secret agent framed for the deaths of his team and must uncover the real traitor. The film is known for its suspenseful plot and groundbreaking stunts, especially the iconic wire-hanging scene.

  • Plot: Hunt races against time to clear his name and uncover a global conspiracy.

  • Why Watch: The film blends intelligent espionage craft with breathtaking action, setting a new standard for the genre.

  • IMDb Score: 7.1

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible Trailer




19. Jerry Maguire (1996)

  • Director: Cameron Crowe

  • Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger

  • Description: Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire, a sports agent who decides to become an independent agent to better serve his clients. He faces numerous challenges as he strives to maintain his integrity and achieve success.

  • Plot: Jerry's professional and personal lives intertwine as he tries to secure his future and win back his girlfriend.

  • Why Watch: It's a compelling drama with standout performances and an engaging plot.

  • IMDb Score: 7.3

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

  • Trailer: Jerry Maguire Trailer




20. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

  • Director: Stanley Kubrick

  • Genre: Drama/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sydney Pollack

  • Description: Tom Cruise stars as Dr. Bill Harford, a New York City doctor who embarks on a surreal, night-long odyssey after his wife confesses her sexual fantasies. The film explores themes of sexuality, fidelity, and the human psyche.

  • Plot: Dr. Harford's journey through a series of increasingly bizarre and unsettling encounters.

  • Why Watch: A haunting and provocative exploration of desire and human nature.

  • IMDb Score: 7.5

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

  • Trailer: Eyes Wide Shut Trailer




21. Magnolia (1999)

  • Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

  • Genre: Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman

  • Description: Magnolia is a sprawling epic that weaves together multiple storylines involving interconnected characters in Los Angeles. Tom Cruise plays Frank T.J. Mackey, a motivational speaker with a troubled past.

  • Plot: A mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness, and meaning.

  • Why Watch: A unique and ambitious film showcasing Cruise's versatility in a supporting role.

  • IMDb Score: 8.0

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

  • Trailer: Magnolia Trailer




22. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

  • Director: John Woo

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandiwe Newton

  • Description: In the sequel directed by John Woo, Ethan Hunt is tasked with stopping a rogue agent from unleashing a deadly virus. The film features Woo's signature style with high-flying action, slow-motion sequences, and intense duels.

  • Plot: Hunt and his team travel the globe to retrieve a deadly virus and prevent a global catastrophe.

  • Why Watch: The film ups the ante with more elaborate action scenes and a compelling villain.

  • IMDb Score: 6.1

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible 2 Trailer




23. Vanilla Sky (2001)

  • Director: Cameron Crowe

  • Genre: Mystery/Romance/Sci-Fi

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz

  • Description: Cruise plays David Aames, a wealthy playboy who undergoes a series of surreal and life-altering experiences after a disfiguring car accident. The film blends reality and fantasy in a complex narrative.

  • Plot: David's journey through a dreamlike reality as he confronts his past and his identity.

  • Why Watch: A thought-provoking film that challenges perceptions of reality and identity.

  • IMDb Score: 6.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 42%

  • Trailer: Vanilla Sky Trailer




24. Minority Report (2002)

  • Release Date: 2002

  • Director: Steven Spielberg

  • Genre: Action/Sci-Fi

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton

  • Description: Set in a future where a specialized police department can predict and prevent crimes before they happen, Tom Cruise stars as Chief John Anderton, who is accused of a future murder and must prove his innocence.

  • Plot: Anderton becomes a fugitive, seeking to uncover the truth behind the system's fallibility and clear his name.

  • Why Watch: For its thought-provoking themes, thrilling action sequences, and Spielberg's masterful direction.

  • IMDb Score: 7.6

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

  • Trailer: Minority Report Trailer




25. The Last Samurai (2003)

  • Release Date: 2003

  • Director: Edward Zwick

  • Genre: Action/Drama/War

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly

  • Description: Tom Cruise stars as Nathan Algren, a disillusioned American military officer who finds himself embracing the ways of the samurai in Japan during the late 19th century.

  • Plot: Algren's journey of self-discovery and redemption as he joins the samurai in their fight against the imperial army.

  • Why Watch: For its epic storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and powerful performances.

  • IMDb Score: 7.8

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%

  • Trailer: The Last Samurai Trailer




26. Collateral (2004)

  • Release Date: 2004

  • Director: Michael Mann

  • Genre: Crime/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith

  • Description: Cruise plays Vincent, a contract killer who forces a cab driver, Max (Jamie Foxx), to drive him around Los Angeles for a night of hits.

  • Plot: Max must find a way to survive and stop Vincent's killing spree.

  • Why Watch: For its intense, gripping narrative and strong performances by Cruise and Foxx.

  • IMDb Score: 7.5

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

  • Trailer: Collateral Trailer




27. War of the Worlds (2005)

  • Release Date: 2005

  • Director: Steven Spielberg

  • Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins

  • Description: A modern retelling of H.G. Wells' classic novel, Cruise plays a father trying to protect his children during an alien invasion.

  • Plot: Ray Ferrier's efforts to survive and protect his family during a terrifying alien invasion.

  • Why Watch: For its spectacular special effects, intense action, and Spielberg's direction.

  • IMDb Score: 6.5

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

  • Trailer: War of the Worlds Trailer




28. Mission: Impossible III (2006)

  • Release Date: 2006

  • Director: J.J. Abrams

  • Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Michelle Monaghan, Ving Rhames

  • Description: Ethan Hunt comes out of retirement to face a ruthless arms dealer who threatens his personal life.

  • Plot: Hunt's mission to rescue a kidnapped agent and stop a dangerous weapon from being unleashed.

  • Why Watch: For its high-octane action and intense plot twists.

  • IMDb Score: 6.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible III Trailer




29. Lions for Lambs (2007)

  • Release Date: 2007

  • Director: Robert Redford

  • Genre: Drama/Thriller/War

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford

  • Description: This political drama intertwines three stories about the war on terror, including a determined senator played by Cruise.

  • Plot: The film examines the interconnectedness of political decisions, media influence, and the personal sacrifices of soldiers.

  • Why Watch: For its thought-provoking narrative and stellar cast.

  • IMDb Score: 6.2

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 27%

  • Trailer: Lions for Lambs Trailer




30. Tropic Thunder (2008)

  • Release Date: 2008

  • Director: Ben Stiller

  • Genre: Action/Comedy

  • Top Three Actors: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise (in a notable supporting role)

  • Description: A group of actors shooting a war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying.

  • Plot: The actors must survive the jungle and real enemy forces after their director is killed.

  • Why Watch: For Cruise's surprising and hilarious turn as Les Grossman, a foul-mouthed studio executive.

  • IMDb Score: 7.0

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

  • Trailer: Tropic Th under Trailer




31. Valkyrie (2008)

  • Release Date: 2008

  • Director: Bryan Singer

  • Genre: Drama/History/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy

  • Description: Cruise stars as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who leads a plot to assassinate Hitler during World War II.

  • Plot: The true story of the July 20 plot to kill Adolf Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime.

  • Why Watch: For its historical accuracy and tense, dramatic storytelling.

  • IMDb Score: 7.1

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%

  • Trailer: Valkyrie Trailer




32. Knight and Day (2010)

  • Release Date: 2010

  • Director: James Mangold

  • Genre: Action/Comedy/Romance

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard

  • Description: A woman becomes embroiled in an international adventure with a mysterious spy.

  • Plot: The story follows their attempts to stay alive while uncovering the truth about a powerful energy source.

  • Why Watch: For its blend of action and comedy, showcasing Cruise's charm and chemistry with Diaz.

  • IMDb Score: 6.3

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 52%

  • Trailer: Knight and Day Trailer




33. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

  • Release Date: 2011

  • Director: Brad Bird

  • Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg

  • Description: Ethan Hunt and his team must clear the IMF's name after they are framed for a bombing.

  • Plot: The team goes rogue to prevent a nuclear disaster.

  • Why Watch: For its breathtaking stunts, including Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa.

  • IMDb Score: 7.4

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Trailer




34. Rock of Ages (2012)

  • Release Date: 2012

  • Director: Adam Shankman

  • Genre: Comedy/Drama/Musical

  • Top Three Actors: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise

  • Description: Set in 1987 Los Angeles, the film follows the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.

  • Plot: Their rock and roll romance is intertwined with the fate of the legendary rock club, The Bourbon Room.

  • Why Watch: For Cruise's standout performance as rock star Stacee Jaxx.

  • IMDb Score: 5.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 42%

  • Trailer: Rock of Ages Trailer




35. Jack Reacher (2012)

  • Release Date: 2012

  • Director: Christopher McQuarrie

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins

  • Description: Tom Cruise plays Jack Reacher, a former military investigator who is drawn into a case involving a sniper accused of killing five people. As he delves deeper, Reacher uncovers a conspiracy that goes deeper than expected.

  • Plot: Reacher's investigation reveals unexpected twists and a web of corruption.

  • Why Watch: It's a solid action thriller with a compelling performance by Cruise.

  • IMDb Score: 7.0

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%

  • Trailer: Jack Reacher Trailer




36. Oblivion (2013)

  • Release Date: 2013

  • Director: Joseph Kosinski

  • Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough

  • Description: In a post-apocalyptic Earth, Cruise plays Jack Harper, a drone repairman tasked with extracting the planet's remaining resources. He discovers a hidden truth that challenges everything he knows.

  • Plot: Jack's encounter with a mysterious woman leads to a revelation about his past and the true nature of his mission.

  • Why Watch: A visually impressive sci-fi film with a thought-provoking plot.

  • IMDb Score: 7.0

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 53%

  • Trailer: Oblivion Trailer




37. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

  • Release Date: 2014

  • Director: Doug Liman

  • Genre: Action/Sci-Fi

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton

  • Description: A soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies. Tom Cruise plays Major William Cage, who is forced to team up with Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski to find a way to defeat the alien invaders.

  • Plot: Cage relives the same day repeatedly, gaining new skills and knowledge to fight the aliens.

  • Why Watch: It's a smart and engaging sci-fi action film with a unique time-loop premise.

  • IMDb Score: 7.9

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

  • Trailer: Edge of Tomorrow Trailer




38. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

  • Release Date: 2015

  • Director: Christopher McQuarrie

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg

  • Description: Ethan Hunt and his team take on their most impossible mission yet: eradicating the Syndicate, an international rogue organization as highly skilled as they are.

  • Plot: Ethan and his team must stop the Syndicate from destabilizing world governments.

  • Why Watch: A captivating spy thriller with well-choreographed action sequences.

  • IMDb Score: 7.4

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Trailer




39. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)

  • Release Date: 2016

  • Director: Edward Zwick

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge

  • Description: Jack Reacher returns to uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name while on the run as a fugitive from the law.

  • Plot: Reacher must navigate a complex web of deception to uncover the truth.

  • Why Watch: An engaging thriller with a mix of action and intrigue.

  • IMDb Score: 6.1

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 37%

  • Trailer: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Trailer




40. The Mummy (2017)

  • Release Date: 2017

  • Director: Alex Kurtzman

  • Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis

  • Description: An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her a malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.

  • Plot: A soldier of fortune accidentally awakens an ancient queen who has been entombed for centuries.

  • Why Watch: Combines horror, action, and adventure in a modern reboot of the classic monster tale.

  • IMDb Score: 5.4

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 16%

  • Trailer: The Mummy Trailer




41. American Made (2017)

  • Release Date: 2017

  • Director: Doug Liman

  • Genre: Action/Biography/Comedy

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright

  • Description: A pilot lands work for the CIA and as a drug runner in the south during the 1980s. The film is based on the true story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who became a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel.

  • Plot: Barry Seal's adventurous life takes dangerous turns as he juggles multiple illegal enterprises.

  • Why Watch: Cruise delivers a charismatic performance in a wild true story filled with intrigue and humor.

  • IMDb Score: 7.2

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

  • Trailer: American Made Trailer




42. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

  • Release Date: 2018

  • Director: Christopher McQuarrie

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames

  • Description: Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong. The movie features breathtaking stunts, intense action sequences, and a plot full of twists and turns.

  • Plot: Ethan Hunt must prevent a global catastrophe while dealing with a personal betrayal.

  • Why Watch: Showcases Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts.

  • IMDb Score: 7.7

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible – Fallout Trailer




43. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

  • Release Date: 2022

  • Director: Joseph Kosinski

  • Genre: Action/Drama

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller

  • Description: After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot.

  • Plot: Maverick confronts the ghosts of his past while leading a new generation of fighter pilots.

  • Why Watch: A long-awaited sequel that brings back the high-flying action and emotional stakes.

  • IMDb Score: 8.3

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

  • Trailer: Top Gun: Maverick Trailer




44. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

  • Release Date: 2023

  • Director: Christopher McQuarrie

  • Genre: Action/Thriller

  • Top Three Actors: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames

  • Description: Ethan Hunt and his team embark on their most dangerous mission yet, tracking a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands.

  • Plot: The stakes have never been higher as Hunt confronts both new and old enemies to save the world.

  • Why Watch: Continues the thrilling saga with high stakes, breathtaking stunts, and complex characters.

  • IMDb Score: 7.8

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

  • Trailer: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Trailer



Thanks for checking out Movie Legends: Tom Cruise Best Movies. We hope you enjoyed this ride through the cinematic career of Tom Cruise.




1 Comment


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Aug 06

😀Finally a list in one place with clickable trailers.

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