Best Tom Cruise Movies
1. Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
- Plot: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team face an unprecedented threat in the form of a rogue artificial intelligence system known as “The Entity.” As they race against time to stop this AI from causing global chaos, they must navigate a complex web of espionage, betrayals, and moral dilemmas. Ethan is also haunted by his past and must confront old adversaries and allies along the way.
- Notable Aspects: This installment is packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences, including a motorcycle stunt where Cruise rides off a cliff. It features high-speed chases and intense hand-to-hand combat, blending cutting-edge technology with the traditional espionage elements the franchise is known for. The film delves deeper into Ethan Hunt’s character and backstory.
2. Top Gun Maverick (2022)
- Plot: More than three decades after the original, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is now a seasoned test pilot, avoiding promotions that would ground him permanently. Maverick is called back to the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School to train a new generation of elite pilots for a dangerous mission ahead. Among the trainees is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late best friend, Goose, which forces Maverick to confront his past and face his deepest fears and regrets.
- Notable Aspects: The film is a blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge aviation sequences. Cruise’s commitment to realism is evident as he performs many of the flight maneuvers himself, bringing a visceral authenticity to the aerial combat scenes. The emotional stakes are high, with themes of redemption, legacy, and the passage of time woven into the story beautifully.
3. Mission Impossible – Fallout (2018)
- Plot: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team must prevent a nuclear catastrophe after a mission goes wrong. The Apostles, a rogue faction of the Syndicate, plan to detonate three plutonium cores. Hunt teams up with CIA agent August Walker (Henry Cavill) as they race across the globe, from Paris to London to Kashmir, to stop the impending disaster. Along the way, Hunt faces moral and ethical challenges that test his loyalty to his team and his mission.
- Notable Aspects: Known for its high-octane action, Fallout features some of the most impressive stunts in the series, including a HALO jump from a military aircraft, a brutal bathroom fight, a rooftop chase in London, and a climactic helicopter pursuit in the mountains. Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts adds an unmatched level of intensity and realism to the film.
4. The Mummy (2017)
- Plot: In this modern-day retelling of the classic monster story, Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) is a soldier of fortune who accidentally awakens an ancient Egyptian princess, Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), from her crypt beneath the desert. Ahmanet’s rebirth brings with it a centuries-old vendetta and supernatural powers, threatening to unleash chaos on the world. As Nick grapples with his own curse, he joins forces with archaeologist Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) and Dr. Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe) to stop Ahmanet’s dark plans.
- Notable Aspects: The film blends horror, action, and adventure, creating a dark and thrilling atmosphere. Cruise’s performance as a flawed and reluctant hero adds depth to the story, while the impressive visual effects and intense action sequences, including a zero-gravity plane crash scene, elevate the movie’s excitement.
5. Jack Reacher Never Go Back (2016)
- Plot: In this sequel to Jack Reacher (2012), Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) returns to his old military headquarters to meet Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), only to find she has been arrested on charges of espionage. As Reacher delves into the case, he uncovers a conspiracy that goes to the highest levels of government and military. Reacher and Turner must evade capture, clear their names, and protect a young girl who may be the key to unraveling the plot.
- Notable Aspects: The film combines suspenseful detective work with explosive action. Cruise’s portrayal of the stoic, relentless Reacher showcases his ability to perform intense combat scenes and deliver a strong, commanding presence. The story explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the consequences of power.
6. Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
- Plot: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team face their most formidable foe yet: the Syndicate, a rogue organization committed to global chaos. With the IMF disbanded, Hunt goes rogue to track down the Syndicate, with the help of disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). The plot takes them across the globe, from Vienna to Morocco, as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens world stability.
- Notable Aspects: The film is renowned for its elaborate and meticulously crafted action sequences, including a breathtaking motorcycle chase through the streets of Morocco, a high-tension opera house assassination attempt, and a daring underwater heist. Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts, including hanging off the side of an airplane during takeoff, adds to the film’s exhilarating intensity.
7. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
- Plot: Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is an officer with no combat experience who is thrust into a suicide mission against alien invaders known as Mimics. After being killed in battle, Cage finds himself in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over. With the help of seasoned warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), Cage must learn from each repetition and develop the skills necessary to defeat the aliens and break the loop.
- Notable Aspects: The film combines sci-fi action with dark humor and a unique narrative structure. Cruise’s character undergoes significant development, evolving from a cowardly public relations officer to a hardened and resourceful soldier. The film’s inventive approach to storytelling and its intense, fast-paced action sequences have made it a standout in the sci-fi genre.
8. Oblivion (2013)
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic future, Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the last remaining drone repairmen on Earth, which has been ravaged by war with alien invaders. Jack’s routine mission to extract resources is disrupted when he rescues a mysterious woman, Julia (Olga Kurylenko), from a crashed spacecraft. As he delves deeper into the mystery of her identity and his own past, Jack discovers shocking truths that challenge everything he knows about the war and his role in it.
- Notable Aspects: The film features stunning visual effects and an evocative score, creating an immersive futuristic world. Cruise’s portrayal of Jack Harper captures the character’s journey from complacency to revelation, as he grapples with themes of memory, identity, and the human spirit. The film’s blend of sci-fi elements and emotional depth makes it a compelling watch.
9. Jack Reacher (2012)
- Plot: When a sniper kills five random people in Pittsburgh, all evidence points to the suspect in custody, who claims he is innocent and asks for Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise). Reacher, a former military police officer, arrives to uncover the truth behind the seemingly open-and-shut case. Teaming up with defense attorney Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pike), Reacher uncovers a conspiracy that goes far deeper than the initial crime, involving corruption, cover-ups, and a dangerous criminal network.
- Notable Aspects: The film emphasizes Reacher’s meticulous investigative skills, his ability to outthink and outfight his opponents, and his unwavering sense of justice. Cruise’s performance brings intensity and gravitas to the character, highlighting Reacher’s relentless pursuit of the truth and his moral code. The film’s tight pacing and well-crafted action scenes make it a gripping thriller.
10. Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
- Plot: After the IMF is implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team are disavowed and left without any resources or backup. On the run, they must clear their name and prevent another attack that could lead to global conflict. The mission takes them across the globe, from the towering heights of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to the bustling streets of Mumbai, as they race against time to stop a nuclear disaster.
- Notable Aspects: The film is renowned for its high-stakes action sequences, including the iconic scene where Cruise scales the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The film rejuvenated the franchise with a fresh, energetic approach and a strong ensemble cast. Cruise’s performance, coupled with the film’s breathtaking visuals and inventive set pieces, makes it a standout in the series.
These movies highlight Tom Cruise’s dedication to his craft, his willingness to perform daring stunts, and his ability to bring depth and intensity to a wide range of roles. Each film showcases different aspects of his talent, from action-packed thrillers to emotionally resonant dramas, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars.
