Few actors in Hollywood whose movies make headline news are as beloved as Tom Cruise. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1980’s, Cruise has appeared in unforgettable movies. Whether its spies achieving an impossible mission, dedicated lawyers or troubled war veterans, Cruise has proven he can play a wide range of roles. Given the number of classic films Cruise has appeared in, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my personal picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves appreciation.
1. Rain Man
Autism is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has struggled to tell realistic stories of people with grim disabilities. As someone that suffers with Autism, I find that movies about the grim condition are rarely ever true to the reality. However, “Rain Man” is an exception. Released in 1988, Barry Levinson’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the grim disability. Made in the 1980’s, “Rain Man” was one of the first major movies portraying Autism on the big-screen. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Tom Cruise embodies a salesman that’s tasked to take care of his disabled brother with Autism who is a heavy burden to bear. It’s a tricky role that required the actor to strike a fine balance of being sympathetic and unlikeable but he pulls it off well. Working alongside Dustin Hoffman who is also amazing, Cruise created a portrait of Autism that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Charlie first meets Raymond being aware of his brother’s ill causing despair is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes it Cruise’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Autism, its themes resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic film about Autistic savants bonding with brothers on road trips that prove frantic, its bold reminder about an actor that thrives when given chance to make great movies that are iconic.
2. Collateral
Tom Cruise has built a great reputation for playing action heroes that rarely lose. Since his career began several years ago, Cruise has always fit into the role of a brave action hero. The actor has built a heroic image by playing strong characters that are driven to save the world with courage. In a career filled with heroic characters that viewers care about, “Collateral” is a film that stands out. Released in 2004, Michael Mann’s thriller found the actor playing a truly villainous character. In the first villainous role of his career, Cruise transforms into a dangerous hitman without a shred of humanity committing crimes that are outrageous. It’s a role that marks a huge departure for an actor that has spent the majority of his career playing heroic characters. For instance, the scene in which Vincent is first seen insulting Max in his cab causing fear is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Collateral” stand out is its message about criminals. Unlike most hostage movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a bold film about criminals in collateral damage, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor that thrives given chance to play villainous foes facing emotional grim damage.
3. A Few Good Men
It isn’t easy to make an effective courtroom drama. Making a courtroom drama about lawyers often poses certain challenges for actors. Actors are often required to deliver challenging monologues without much preparation that can be exhausting. Despite the challenges involved in making a courtroom drama, Tom Cruise pulled it off successfully in “A Few Good Men”. Released in 1992, Rob Reiner’s movie found the actor playing a dedicated lawyer fighting a courtroom case with intensity. In his first ever legal role, Cruise excels at portraying a lawyer with a strong drive to achieve his goal. Whether he’s engaging in a courtroom argument or investigating shocking evidence of internment, Cruise uses his powerful voice to create a strong lawyer in entertainment. The scene where Kaffee learns he can’t handle the truth is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A Few Good Men” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most courtroom dramas, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about justice which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a powerful legal drama about lawyers seeking the truth they can’t handle, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that thrives playing lawyers with a strong presence that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career that have been undeniably tremendously indelible.
4. Jerry Maguire
Few characters that Tom Cruise has played throughout his career are as admired as Jerry Maguire. Released in 1996, Cameron Crowe’s Oscar-winning movie found the actor taking on the role of a charismatic sports agent people admire. In the most iconic role of his career, Cruise is given an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for playing characters that are charismatic. Out of all the movies that Cruise has appeared in that audiences appreciate, “Jerry Maguire” may be his most quotable role to date. Whether he’s yelling at a client over the phone to show him the money or swooning over a woman he loves dearly, Cruise uses his charisma to create one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Jerry Maguire” stand out in the actor’s career is its strong message about career. The film emphasizes that it’s possible to achieve one’s dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of football to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic film about sports agents assisting athletes in financial situations that are dire, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured timeless movies audiences will forever constantly admire.
5. Magnolia
It’s easier said than done to cope with the loss of a loved one. Grief is a process that’s rarely depicted in movies with success. Due to its dark nature, loss is rarely depicted in movies from a realistic point-of-view. Few films that I’ve ever seen have captured the trauma of losing a loved one as powerfully as “Magnolia”. Released in 1999, Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece captured the interconnected lives of individuals impacted by the loss in America. In a star-studded cast filled with several actors, it’s Tom Cruise that stands out the most. In the most emotional role of his entire career, Cruise captures the despair of a man losing a father about whom he has grown to care. The scene where he breaks down crying watching his father dying in a hospital is the most emotional acting that Cruise has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Magnolia” a classic is its broad appeal. Unlike most PTA movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of people affected by loss causing trauma, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor that thrives playing grim characters facing a dilemma whose strong movies are considered classics in Cinema.
6. Top Gun: Maverick
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about aviation, it’s worth discussing “Top Gun”. Released in the 1980’s, “Top Gun” became one of Tom Cruise’s most iconic movies. With its breathtaking aviation, compelling characters and strong entertainment, the film became a captivating classic. In 2022, Tom Cruise did an extraordinary job of bringing the classic film soaring back to the big-screen in the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick”. Returning to the iconic role of Maverick, Cruise gives one of his greatest performances as an aviator that’s heroic. Working alongside Jennifer Connelly who is also amazing, Cruise honours an aviation franchise that’s inspiring Nearly 40 years after the release of an iconic film that took audiences’ breath away, it’s a terrific tribute to a movie-star the top gun of his game thriving when given appreciation today.
7. Tropic Thunder
One criticism levelled against Tom Cruise is he rarely takes risks as an actor. Cruise’s movies follow a safe formula to attract audiences toward the Cinema. While this formula has led to box-office success, it’s left little room for surprises. However, in 2008 the actor took a massive risk when he made the film “Tropic Thunder”. In the most comical role of his career, Cruise captures the hilarious personality of a foul-mouthed Hollywood producer that loves to swear.With his shaved head, powerful vocal control and sharp sense of humour, the actor created an iconic comical character. As thunderous as movies made by filmmakers, it’s a powerful reminder of an adventurous movie-star that thrives when he’s given opportunities to play courageous characters that aren’t afraid of outrageous behaviours whose movies are tremendously precious.
8. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Few film franchises about impossible missions are as beloved as “Mission: Impossible”. Whether he’s dangling from the world’s tallest building, riding motorcycles off cliffs or breathing underwater, Cruise has performed stunts that are awe-inspiring. I’m a huge fan of the franchise and adore all the movies. However, my favourite film without any doubt is “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. In the sixth instalment of the series, Cruise broke his ankle jumping across rooftops of buildings. A career-ending injury, the stunt put the actor’s future in uncertainty. Nevertheless, nothing could stop Cruise from pursuing his passion for filmmaking. As powerful as mission that Ethan Hunt seeks to accomplish, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to astonish whose timeless movies audiences commonly undeniably cherish.
9. Edge of Tomorrow
Tom Cruise has built an image of being an actor with courage. However, in 2014 the actor took a big risk by playing a character that wasn’t an action hero in “Edge of Tomorrow”. Doug Liman’s movie finds the actor playing a cowardly army officer stuck in a time loop reliving the same day repeatedly. It’s the first time in his career where Cruise played a character with a strong sense of fear. Cruise takes a step out of his comfort zone by playing a character that’s afraid of entering the danger zone. Unlike the heroic characters he has played, Cage is a character that’s afraid. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also amazing, Cruise created a science-fiction movie that’s engaging. Like the time loop in which Cage relives the same day over and over again, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to commonly entertain.
10. The Mummy
Tom Cruise hasn’t always made great movies earning rave reviews. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Mummy” falls into the latter category. Released in 2017, Alex Kurtzman’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed an explorer seeking to investigate ancient mummies causing despair. Cruise brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “The Mummy” is a bad movie, it honoured Cruise enduring legacy. As powerful as the mummy, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 