1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 381609, ID: 4912910 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mission: Impossible – Fallout is an exhilarating film that sets a new standard for action movies, with Ethan Hunt and his team racing against time to prevent a global catastrophe. The breathtaking action sequences and Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts add a rare layer of authenticity. The film also delves into themes of sacrifice for the greater good, balancing high-stakes action with deeper thematic elements, which I appreciate as both a movie lover and a mother.
2. Top Gun: Maverick 2022，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 717709, ID: 1745960 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Top Gun: Maverick is a long-awaited sequel that surpasses its predecessor with its wildly entertaining style. The film sees Tom Cruise reprising his role as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, now a test pilot pushing the envelope of aviation. The film’s aerial stunts are breathtaking, and the storyline, which involves Maverick training a new generation of Top Gun graduates, adds depth and nostalgia. As a viewer, I was captivated by the film’s blend of thrilling action and emotional stakes.
3. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 256674, ID: 9603212 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One continues the franchise’s tradition of delivering high-stakes action and suspense, with Ethan Hunt and his team on a dangerous mission to prevent a terrifying new weapon from falling into the wrong hands. The extraordinary action sequences and engaging, complex plot kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for Ethan and his team to succeed.
4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 414029, ID: 2381249 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is a fast-paced, intelligent film that continues the franchise’s thrilling resurgence. The film sees Ethan Hunt and his team trying to neutralize a global threat while struggling to convince their superiors of the threat’s existence. The film’s action sequences are well-crafted, and the plot is clever and engaging. As a viewer, I appreciated the film’s balance of action, suspense, and drama.
5. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 531460, ID: 1229238 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is a stylish, fast-paced film filled with gripping set pieces, as Ethan Hunt and his team try to clear their names after being implicated in a terrorist attack. The well-executed action sequences and engaging, suspenseful plot captivated me with its blend of action, intrigue, and character development.
6. Rain Man 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 550579, ID: 0095953 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Rain Man, a film that beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships, is a testament to Cruise’s acting prowess. His portrayal of Charlie Babbitt, a man grappling with the discovery of an autistic brother and the complexities of inheritance, is both compelling and emotionally charged. The film’s exploration of autism and familial bonds offers a unique perspective, making it a standout in Cruise’s filmography.
7. Magnolia 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 330500, ID: 0175880 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Magnolia, a film that intertwines multiple storylines with a central theme of coincidence and melodrama, showcases Cruise’s versatility as an actor. His performance, coupled with the film’s ambitious narrative structure, makes Magnolia a thought-provoking watch. Despite some criticisms of being overlong and melodramatic, the film’s ambition and Cruise’s performance make it a memorable entry.
8. Born on the Fourth of July 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 117380, ID: 0096969 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Born on the Fourth of July is a poignant portrayal of the Vietnam War’s aftermath, with Cruise delivering a powerful performance as Ron Kovic, a war veteran paralyzed in battle. The film’s exploration of war’s physical and psychological toll, coupled with Cruise’s transformative performance, makes it a significant entry in his filmography.
9. Edge of Tomorrow 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 744850, ID: 1631867 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Edge of Tomorrow stands out for its innovative use of the ‘Groundhog Day’ concept in a sci-fi action setting, with Cruise’s performance as Major William Cage, a PR officer turned reluctant hero, being particularly engaging. The film’s blend of action, suspense, and time-loop intrigue, along with Cruise’s performance, makes it a standout in his career.
10. Minority Report 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 588477, ID: 0181689 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Minority Report, a film that masterfully blends action and thought-provoking themes, showcases Cruise’s ability to carry a complex narrative. His portrayal of John Anderton, a man accused of a future crime in a world where crimes can be predicted, is both compelling and emotionally resonant. The film’s exploration of free will and determinism, coupled with Cruise’s performance, makes it a notable entry in his filmography.
11. Jerry Maguire 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 289501, ID: 0116695 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Jerry Maguire is a heartwarming film that beautifully captures the struggle of maintaining ethics in the cutthroat world of sports agencies, with Tom Cruise delivering a compelling performance as Jerry, a high-powered sports agent who experiences a moral awakening. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of Jerry’s journey from cynicism to sincerity, making it a standout in Cruise’s filmography.
12. Collateral 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 436412, ID: 0369339 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Collateral stands out as a gripping thriller that showcases a different side of Cruise. His portrayal of Vincent, a cold and efficient assassin, is chilling and memorable. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of the dark underbelly of Los Angeles and the tense cat-and-mouse game between Cruise’s character and Jamie Foxx’s cab driver.
13. A Few Good Men 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 290778, ID: 0104257 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A Few Good Men is a riveting legal drama featuring one of Cruise’s most powerful performances, as a military lawyer defending two Marines accused of murder. Cruise’s character is forced to challenge the very system he’s part of, with the film’s strength lying in its exploration of military ethics and the tension between duty and morality.
14. The Last Samurai 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 475303, ID: 0325710 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Last Samurai is an epic tale of cultural clash and self-discovery. Cruise’s portrayal of Nathan Algren, a Civil War veteran who finds himself drawn to the samurai’s way of life, is deeply moving. The film’s strength lies in its thoughtful exploration of honor, duty, and cultural understanding.
15. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 351025, ID: 0110148 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Interview with the Vampire offers a melancholic and introspective take on the vampire genre. Cruise’s portrayal of the vampire Lestat is both charismatic and haunting. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of immortality’s curse, presenting vampirism as a state of endless sadness rather than a power.
16. Eyes Wide Shut 1999，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 379378, ID: 0120663 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A film that explores the dark and mysterious world of sexual fantasies, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ is a captivating journey into obsession and desire. The performances by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman are compelling, and the film’s dreamlike intensity is mesmerizing. However, some critics found it lacking the electricity of director Stanley Kubrick’s best work.
17. Top Gun 1986，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 508789, ID: 0092099 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Top Gun’ is a high-flying action film that showcases Tom Cruise’s star power. The film’s aerial sequences are brilliantly executed, making it a thrilling watch. However, the love story subplot was considered less engaging by some critics.
18. The Color of Money 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 94089, ID: 0090863 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A sequel to ‘The Hustler’, ‘The Color of Money’ sees Paul Newman reprising his role as ‘Fast Eddie’. The film explores the world of high-stakes pool, with Tom Cruise delivering a strong performance as the talented but green Vincent Lauria. However, some critics felt the film didn’t live up to the original.
19. War of the Worlds 2005，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 478812, ID: 0407304 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, Tom Cruise delivers a solid performance as a father trying to protect his children during an alien invasion. The film’s special effects were praised, and it was considered a thrilling experience for modern audiences.
20. Risky Business 1983，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 100897, ID: 0086200 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Risky Business’ is a smart, funny satire about male adolescent guilt, with Tom Cruise shining in the role that made him a household name. The film is filled with memorable lines and scenes, making it a classic of 80s cinema.
20 Must-Watch Tom Cruise Films: A Thrilling Cinematic Journey
