Ask a group of people, “What’s your favorite Tom Cruise movie?” Chances are, you’ll hear many different answers! Tom Cruise is among the most well-known actors of our time. He’s been dominating the big screen since the 1980s. Even today, in his 60s, he’s still a box office juggernaut. To date, his films have grossed more than $12 billion worldwide. He’s starred in some of the most memorable films in cinematic history, leaving fans with a huge filmography to appreciate.
It’s impossible to nail down which movies are his best, but here are 11 must-watch movies to see Tom Cruise in his element.
1. “Top Gun” (1986)
“Top Gun” is an action film where Cruise stars as naval aviator Lieutenant Mitchell, nicknamed Maverick. Many regard this flick as a quintessential film of the ’80s. It’s full of truly impressive action set pieces, amazing visual effects and plenty of heart. The film reached icon status long ago, becoming so popular that Cruise reprised his role in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick.” The sequel that came 36 years later was an even bigger hit than the first, grossing over $1.4 billion at the box office!
2. “The Minority Report” (2002)
“Minority Report” is an adaptation of a novella written by prolific science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick. Cruise plays Chief John Anderton, who leads a police division that can stop crimes before they happen. After finding his name on a list of future criminals, Anderton spends the movie clearing his name. It’s a cool premise, and Tom Cruise perfectly fits into the action sci-fi genre.
3. “Rain Man” (1988)
Before “Rain Man” came out, Tom Cruise spent most of his career in the 1980s as a serious action star, which he still is today. We saw a new side to the actor when this movie came out. He plays an awful character who takes advantage of anyone he can. But after discovering an autistic brother he never knew he had, the character grows up and shows that he can care about another person. This role proved that Tom Cruise could be a serious actor, and his performance was outstanding.
4. “A Few Good Men” (1992)
Even if you’ve never seen this movie, you’ve likely heard the line, “You can’t handle the truth!” That line came from an intense scene featuring the incomparable Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. Cruise plays a hot-shot attorney who defends two marines accused of murder. It’s another great dramatic role, and the movie features many great courtroom scenes dripping with drama and tension.
5. “Risky Business” (1983)
Here’s the movie that skyrocketed Tom Cruise into superstardom. It’s his breakthrough role, and the film still holds up today. Cruise plays a goody-two-shoes who goes buck wild when his parents leave him home alone for a trip. There are plenty of over-the-top hijinx. However, the moment that most people remember is when Cruise’s character was sliding across his living room in nothing but a pink shirt, tidy whities, and socks!
6. “Jerry Maguire” (1996)
“Jerry Maguire” is another film with great dialogue that people still quote today. In it, Cruise plays a sports agent who starts his own management firm. The most iconic line is, without a doubt, “Show me the money!” This movie has tons of heart and features a great cast, including Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr. It got Cruise his second Golden Globe award and is one of his most memorable roles in a romantic comedy.
7. “Magnolia” (1999)
In “Magnolia,” Tom Cruise isn’t the leading man, which was odd given his A-list status. This movie features an ensemble cast, and Cruise performs amazingly as a supporting character. His character is a self-help guru holding onto many dramatic secrets. Critics praised the entire cast, but many were impressed with Cruise’s vulnerability in the role. It earned him his third Golden Globe!
8. “Mission: Impossible (1999)
This movie started a long-lasting franchise that continues today. In this first film, Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, is framed for the murder of his team. He’s accused of selling government secrets, so he goes on the run to clear his name. The movie was a hit, and the iconic scene of Tom Cruise lowering into a room to avoid laser wires was heavily parodied over the years. This movie spawned six sequels, with at least one more on the way.
9. “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)
“Edge of Tomorrow” is one of Cruise’s most overlooked films, but fans argue it’s among his best. He stars as Major William Cage, a cocky PR officer trapped in a seemingly never-ending groundhog day of disaster as he tries to fight an alien invasion. The movie also stars Emily Blunt. While many have passed on this movie, it’s well worth watching!
10. “The Color of Money” (1986)
“The Color of Money” is the only time Tom Cruise partnered with cinematic legend Martin Scorsese. In this movie, the actor plays a supporting role to star Paul Newman. Cruise plays a young pool player who, after being under the tutelage of Newman’s character, ends up competing against him in a championship match. The actor once again shows his acting chops, playing a memorable role that doesn’t involve any physical action.
11. “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989)
Here’s the movie that earned Tom Cruise his first Golden Globe and gave the actor possibly the best critic praise of his career! He plays disabled Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic. The movie is based on Kovic’s memoir, and Cruise brings him to the big screen with surprising maturity. Critics raved about his performance, praising Cruise for digging into the character.
Which Is Your Favorite?
Tom Cruise is undoubtedly an A-list actor with the chops to do everything from action-packed blockbusters to stripped-down projects full of drama. The actor shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, and we’ll likely see him on the big screen for many years as he continues to star in great projects. His body of work proves he’s already a cinema legend.
