The 2022 release of Top Gun: Maverick has put actor Tom Cruise back in the spotlight in a big way, but it’s hardly the only highlight in his long career. The actor first appeared on the big screen in 1981 and has steadily churned out winning performances ever since. The actor made a name for himself as an action star in the last decade, but his film catalog spans multiple genres. In addition to action films, the Tom Cruise movies list includes comedies, dramas, and sci-fi thrillers. Many of his films are well-loved by movie fans, but some stand out as the best examples of what Tom Cruise offers to audiences.
10. The Color Of Money Is An Enjoyable Sports Drama
The 1986 movie The Color Of Money stars a young Tom Cruise playing opposite Paul Newman. Mart Scorsese directed the film, which is a sequel to a movie from the 1960s. The original film and the Scorsese derived their source material from a novel of the same name. Critics couldn’t agree about the film’s merit, but fans universally enjoyed it. Actor Tom Cruise portrays a young pool player named Vincent Lauria, who meets hustler Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) in a local bar. Cruise does a masterful job of playing the talented, self-assured pool player, and his character is one of the best aspects of this early Tom Cruise movie.
9. Actor Tom Cruise Battles An Alien Race In Edge Of Tomorrow
In 2014, Tom Cruise starred in Edge Of Tomorrow, a sci-fi film about a future in which an alien race controls most of Europe. Again, Cruise plays a character that might be familiar to die-hard Tom Cruise movie fans: a veritable everyman who answers a call to save the day. It’s a role that fits the actor very well, and the character of Major William Cage in Edge Of Tomorrow is no exception. Critics praised the aliens’ design in the movie, and most spoke favorably about Cruise’s performance. It was a relatively high-budget movie with tough box office competition in 2014, but fans today enjoy re-watching the often-funny action movie.
8. Minority Report Was A Futuristic Sci-Fi Thriller
Steven Spielberg directed Minority Report, which premiered in theaters in 2002. Actor Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton, a policeman in a world where police can arrest criminals for even thinking about committing crimes. However, when authorities accuse Anderton of the future murder of a stranger, he finds himself on the opposite side of justice. This high-tech detective film is set in 2054 and has plenty of twists and turns to be a satisfying re-watch choice. Tom Cruise’s performance in the movie is well-loved by fans and won him a Saturn Award for Best Actor.
7. Rain Man Is A Heartwarming Tom Cruise Movie From The 80s
Actor Tom Cruise showed off the softer side of his acting talents in the 1988 comedy-drama Rain Man. Although his character, Charlie Babbitt, is initially selfish and money-hungry, he eventually forms a bond with his previously unknown half-brother, Raymond. Dustin Hoffman stars as Raymond, who is on the ASD spectrum. However, audiences debate the validity of the film’s depiction of individuals on the ASD spectrum today. Still, the film was one of the first significant representations of this group on the big screen. It was the highest-grossing movie of 1988 and remains a classic to this day.
6. Mission Impossible: Fallout Was A Satisfying Sequel
The Mission Impossible franchise has been around for a long time, and actor Tom Cruise plays a pivotal part in every film. Each movie features a similar slick aesthetic and impressive stunts. The 2018 installment of the series Mission Impossible: Fallout features fast-paced action and an easy-to-follow plot. Once again, it’s up to Ethan Hunt and the IMF team to save the world. Like many Tom Cruise movies in this genre, the film moves fast and is just plain fun to watch. It made a great summer theater release when it premiered and is equally enjoyable to re-watch now.
5. Risky Business Features A Standout Early Performance
In 1983, actor Tom Cruise starred in what was arguably his breakout role: Risky Business protagonist Joel Goodsen. Goodsen receives every high school senior’s dream opportunity when his parents go on vacation without him. As the title suggests, he gets into some “risky” antics alone at home. While most modern Tom Cruise movies are action-based, this 80s classic saw the actor blend comedy and teen angst. Furthermore, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring a few darker themes, giving it a sense of balance. Fans of this film were happy to see a fun reference in Stranger Things: Steve Harrington dressed as Cruise’s character for Halloween.
4. Tropic Thunder Is Unique Among Tom Cruise Movies
Though audiences are accustomed to seeing actor Tom Cruise as a serious leading man, Tropic Thunder reminded everyone that he has a sense of humor. Tropic Thunder was a zany, satirical comedy about war movie actors filming on-location in a jungle. Through increasingly hilarious misadventures, they must set aside their roles and become actual warriors to defend themselves. The movie premiered in 2008 and featured Cruise as audiences have never seen him before: wearing a bald cap. Although he isn’t the film’s main star (Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Ben Stiller had top billing), his portrayal of Lee Grossman is undeniably memorable.
3. Jerry Maguire Is A Tom Cruise Movie With Something For Everyone
Comedy, drama, romance, and sports: the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire truly has something for everyone to enjoy. The movie stars actor Tom Cruise as the eponymous character, a sports agent who has an epiphany about the problems within the sports management world. In addition, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger, and Regina King round out the top billing. The movie received multiple award nominations and was among the top ten highest-grossing films of 1996. Most critics praised the movie for its satisfying blend of genres, and Tom Cruise fans often reference this movie as one of his best.
2. Jack Reacher Is An Action-Packed Novel Adaptation
1. Top Gun: Maverick Is A Major Blockbuster
Although Top Gun: Maverick premiered just a short time ago. However, it has earned a place among the list of fan-favorite Tom Cruise movies. The 2022 film is a sequel to 1986’s Top Gun. It features a balance of excellent original performance and enjoyable reprisals. Tom Crise returns as Maverick, but older and wiser. The film features incredible stunts and realistic aerial photography. It is currently the second highest-grossing film of 2022 and is expected to break records. Once again, Tom Cruise proves just how talented and dedicated he is, and the film is all the better for it.
