The smile that has served Cruise so well through over 3 decades in Hollywood
List compiled by Eddie on 31/07/2015
A polarizing figure off camera and a commanding presence on it, Tom Cruise’s stature as one of the industry’s highest earning and most renowned performers has set him on a pillar that makes him an easy target for ridicule that often pays no heed to his varied and often hugely impressive filmography.
Cruise is often thought of as an 80’s and 90’s heartthrob and an actor most at home performing death defying stunts and while these elements of his career are undeniable, a closer inspection into Cruise’s list of film unearths evidence of a talented actor who has been nominated for 3 career Oscar’s and worked with most of Hollywood’s directing A-list, a varying career that for many would be but a pipe-dream.
Picking the 10 top films from Cruise’s career is a tough task, and when reading this list one must take the biases they may harbor towards Cruise thanks to his well-known antic’s and appreciate the long standing career of an actor that is dedicated to his profession and often excels where others try but fail.
Disclaimer – As always these films are chosen on overall quality not Cruise’s performance alone.
Cruise looked a little different when he appeared in Tropic Thunder
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Tropic Thunder (2008)
Cruise plays – Les Grossman
Ben Stiller’s star studded send up of Hollywood and its overblown productions is one of the modern era’s funniest comedies. With a raft of memorable dialogue and set pieces, Tropic Thunder provides the belly laughs with a frequency many comedies can only hope for.
Does Cruise do any stunts? If dancing is included then Yes, a big Yes!
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Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Cruise plays – Cage
By no means perfect, Edge of Tomorrow is without doubt one of the decade’s most enjoyable Sci-Fi romps. With great support from Brit Emily Blunt, enthusiastic direction from Doug Liman and a raft of quality set pieces, Cruise’s fun turn as unlucky soldier Cage helped create a summer blockbuster that deserved a little more love.
Does Cruise do any stunts? Yes.
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Jerry Maguire (1996)
Cruise plays – Jerry Maguire
Whilst most famous for its memorable script and a career making and career peak turn from Cuba Gooding Jr., Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire is an ageless rom-com gem that was elevated to another level thanks to Cruise’s energetic turn.
Does Cruise do any stunts? No.
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Mission: Impossible 3 (2006)
Cruise plays – Ethan Hunt
Perhaps a controversial pick considering the other films in the Mission Impossible cannon, J.J Abram’s entry into the franchise is the film of the series when considering heart mixed with memorable set pieces. A hugely entertaining film for both young and old, this is a mission all can enjoy.
Does Cruise do any stunts? Yes, a casual under the truck roll a highlight.
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Top Gun (1986)
Cruise plays – Maverick
There’s so much wrong with the 80’s most memorable trip to the skies but there is also so much right. From Kenny Loggin’s, Anthony Edwards and dialogue worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, Top Gun is Cruise’s finest action moment and the quintessential entry into now sadly passed Tony Scott’s filmography. Take me to the danger zone indeed.
Does Cruise do any stunts? Yes.
Cruise like the audience, seemed to have a great time with Minority Report
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Minority Report (2002)
Cruise plays – Chief John Anderton
Teaming up with Blockbuster mastermind Steven Spielberg turned out to be a great decision for Cruise. Minority Report is both a smart and thrilling Sci-Fi/Actioner that has left a lasting legacy that has now evolved into an upcoming TV series.
Does Cruise do any stunts? Yes.
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Rain Man (1988)
Cruise plays – Charlie Babbitt
Displaying an oft underutilized compassionate side, Cruise along with Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman delivered a classic road trip movie like no other in this hugely loveable and moving story of two brothers learning to love each other for who they are. One of the 80’s most loved films is a winner to this day.
Does Cruise do any stunts? No.
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Collateral (2004)
Cruise plays – Vincent
One of Michael Mann’s most taught and sharp thrillers, Collateral is highly entertaining stuff that features a great one-two act of Jamie Foxx’s unwitting taxi driver and Cruise’s cold calculated hitman. Unique in many ways, this is the thriller genre on top of its game.
Does Cruise do any stunts? Yes.
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The Last Samurai (2003)
Cruise plays – Nathan Algren
A largely forgotten about and underrated epic from the always intriguing Edward Zwick, The Last Samurai is both a moving and entertaining film set in the later stages of the samurai era of Japan. A film well worth revisiting or catching for the first time, especially for those fans of handsomely made war epics.
Does Cruise do any stunts? Yes.
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Magnolia (1999)
Cruise plays – Frank T.J Mackey
An incredibly unique and in many ways brave film, Magnolia remains famed director Paul Thomas Anderson’s emotionally deepest film. Tom Cruise was one of many in the picture to deliver a stunning turn with his Oscar nominated performance as the conflicted Frank T.J Mackey. For an in depth analysis of this stunning piece of filmmaking read Jordan’s review here.
Does Cruise do any stunts? No.
In Magnolia, Cruise delivered what could well be his best performance
Honourable mentions – Born on the 4th of July, The Colour of Money, Interview with the Vampire, A Few Good Men, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
What are your favourite Tom Cruise films? Are you a 1980’s cruise fan or do you prefer his later life work? Let us know in the comments below!
For our other actor Top 10’s check out –
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys) 
I’m a big Tom Cruise fan, I generally like most of his stuff, he’s just a great actor who’s constantly able to hold viewer’s attention! Solid list Eddie!
Yeh your spot on man, when looking back over his films it’s clear to see he really hasn’t made to many out and out duds! And his performances are universally solid.
E
Tom Cruise has never been better than he was in Magnolia, simply incredible. Nice to see The Last Samurai getting some love.
Oh yeh dude Magnolia is just a powerful piece of filmmaking and all round acting. Same to Last Samurai one of the better epics of the modern era.
E
Great list, Eddie! I put my list together just before looking at yours and they are mostly identical. Vanilla Sky, Eyes Wide Shut, and Legend are the ones I loved that you passed up, although Tim Curry is 90% the reason for Legend being as good as it is. The Color of Money makes my list too. Cruise is a perfect cocky foil for the cool perfection that is Paul Newman.
Yeh I love the Color of Money mate, such a neat little Scorsese film. I use to watch Legend time and time again when I was a youngster, a very fun film!
E
Good picks. I still feel he didn’t get deserved recognition for Born On The 4th of July
Yeh that is a film I would love to see again, I do just remember fro the years ago that I watched it that he was great in it!
E
I love Abrams’ MI3. I think people need to reconsider it. Movie had the misfortune of being the first movie to open after Cruise’s disastrous War of the Worlds press tour and suffered in public perception for it.
I reckon your right Marshall, I remember seeing it at the cinema and loving it and same again once it was on disc. It’s just a great mix of humour, action and heart.
E
He seems like a nut but there’s no denying he has incredible intensity on screen, he’s dedicated and very convincing in a variety of roles. Nice list! No matter what he’s in or how great, okay or disappointing the movie is, he himself is not only reliable but he seems to give his all every time and I appreciate that.
Great way of putting it Susan, he really does seem to want to do the very best he can and give the movies his in every chance of succeeding.
E
I love Tom Cruise movies. Edge of Tomorrow was particularly dear to me as I have a crush on Emily Blunt. Also, I think his turn as Les Grossman brought a lot of fans over to his side, many of the “I don’t like Tom Cruise” people. One of my favorite characters, if I need a good laugh I watch his scenes from Tropic Thunder. I could go on and on about his films, but you covered them well. Thank you so much for the reviews.
Your not the only Emily fan China.
E
No love for Interview with the Vampire thought? Haha just kidding, great list! I haven’t seen Magnolia so I should give it a try!
though 🙂
Magnolia really is a must see and Vampire was very close to sneaking into this list 🙂
E
I’ve done a full circle on Tom Cruise over the years, from really liking him to being turned off when he jumped on that couch, to really liking him again in recent years. He’s a true movie star and always seems to give 110%. Plus, as a random aside, I was really impressed with his Russian accent in the last Mission Impossible movie – dodgy Russian accents are my personal peeve in movies and his was really quite good.
Great list, though I’d chuck out The Last Samurai and put Interview with the Vampire instead. Lestat is one of my personal favourite performances of Cruise’s.
Really looking forward to catching the new Mission 🙂
E
cruise is definitely a case for having to seperate the art from the person. Magnolia is one of my favorite films of all time and is indeed one of Cruise’s finest roles.
Very true. I know both Jordan and I hold Magnolia in very high regard.
E
Cruise is definitely good at what he does. I quite enjoyed valkyrie too which didnt even make a mention. A decent watch if u havent seen it!
Great pick Scott. A very interesting true story that.
E
I absolutely adore Tropic Thunder, very funny film.
I consider Last Samurai Cruise’s best performance as he is not necessarily playing the action hero, but more a human being. I am surprised he has not taken more roles like that since (from what I have seen anyway).
Yeh he is great in Samurai a very underrated turn by him.
E
Just the thought of Tom dancing in Tropic Thunder is enough to make me laugh to the point of tears. But Rain Man will always be my favorite of his. I just really, really enjoy that movie.
It’s such a great movie 🙂
E
I never gave a rat’s ass about Cruise’s off-screen persona (no less crazy than any other Hollywood celeb, IMO), and quite frankly I don’t think anyone else should either. Look, most of us will never know any of these actors outside a movie-screen — you or I will probably never have a beer with Tom Cruise, though I’m immensely curious how a night out like that would be. All that matters to me is that he consistently, without fail, entertains and impresses me every time I watch a movie of his, as your list demonstrates so. Everything else is superfluous.
Love it mate, you never know he could end up in your local watering hole.
E
He is a massive penis but when he’s good it’s hard to deny that he’s very good.
Great list. This must have been a challenge. You made me realize how many great movies Cruise as appeared in. No mTter how bad a movie is, Cruise totally delivers. His commitment to excellence is unparalleled. He’s one of the few action heroes focused on stuntwork.
For me, Magnolia is a great pick at number 1. However, I think 4th of July should be on there. He totally ditched his looks and charisma there. Like Tropic Thunder, he was nearly unrecognizable. The Firm was a good thriller I didn’t see mentioned in comments.
Great selections though. Impressive.
It really is an incredible list of films. I reckon il watch July again soon it’s been sometime since I’ve seen it.
E
Likewise… thanks for the idea 😉
Okay Nice review of the top 10 film by Cruise. I think he should of done more independent film like Magnolia. Yes he is a great actor but what he should of done is a big budget film followed by a independent film. And you forgot Born on the 4th of July terrific performance there.
Yeh be great to see him do more low end fair, that’s a great thought actually.
E
Reblogged this on Craig's Movie Report and commented:
Here’s a great post over at Jordan and Eddie (the movie guys) on one of my favourites, Tom Cruise…well timed with Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation just released…
Good to be reminded of the great films Tom has been a part of. Still think his best performance was that couch jump on Oprah though!
Oh that was a performance and a half haha!
E
Mission: Impossible 3 is a controversial pick indeed. I mean, I really liked Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character Owen Davian and think he might be one of the most intimidating spy movie antagonists yet, but to most, including me, the original still takes the cake.
The original certainly is great fun! I’ve always been a little bit of a sucker for J.J’s films and I just really got into number 3.
E
Magnolia is a great choice, the drawn out shots of his face as he reacts to the interviewer are bloody mesmerising!
It really is a powerful turn by Tom in what is a hugely powerful film as a whole. Would love to see him do another risky film like Magnolia was.
E
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Tom Cruise is definitely one of the best – I’m a massive fan of his early work – Cocktail and The Firm are incredible! Mission Impossible 5 was such good fun but definitely agree with your top 5 – The Last Samurai is beyond awesome and Magnolia is just a great movie!
Glad we agree on this one mate.
E
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