1. Taps 1981，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 20418, ID: 0083169 Photo by newsmedia.tasnimnews.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Taps is a military drama that features Tom Cruise as a passionate military academy student who instigates a rebellion to save his beloved school, reflecting adolescent idealism and the struggles against authoritarianism. Although it has been critiqued for its slow pacing and unsettling climax, the film delves deeply into themes of honor and loyalty that resonate with many viewers.
2. The Outsiders 1983，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 99379, ID: 0086066 Photo by somenovelideas.typepad.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Outsiders, a film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel, received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the cast and themes, while others criticized the direction and pacing. Despite the mixed reviews, the film has a certain charm that makes it a classic in its own right.
3. Top Gun 1986，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 509020, ID: 0092099 Photo by monolitonimbus.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0CC BY ND 4.0 Top Gun, a high-octane military action film, was a commercial success but received mixed reviews from critics. Some appreciated the aerial scenes and the performances, while others criticized it for its thin plot and overly engineered acting.
4. Rain Man 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 550726, ID: 0095953 Photo by samuelecorona.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Rain Man, featuring Dustin Hoffman’s remarkable performance as an autistic savant, was highly praised. However, some critics felt the film was limited by its subject and lacked emotional range. Despite this, the film’s exploration of autism and brotherly love left a lasting impact.
5. Born on the Fourth of July 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 117443, ID: 0096969 Photo by thefunstons.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Born on the Fourth of July, a biographical war drama, received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking subject matter and Tom Cruise’s unforgettable performance. However, some critics found the film to be overly sentimental and contrived.
6. A Few Good Men 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 290923, ID: 0104257 Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Despite its strong narrative and impressive performances, ‘A Few Good Men’ faced criticism for a screenplay that many found too obvious, revealing its outcomes well ahead of time. While the initial setup scenes were well-received, critics felt the screenplay failed to challenge the audience, leaving them with little room to engage in the unfolding mystery.
7. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 351121, ID: 0110148 Photo by media.pn.am, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Interview with the Vampire’ garnered acclaim for its beautiful visuals and poignant themes of tragedy, yet it was criticized for its thin plot. This film ambitiously explores the complexities of cruelty, loss, and redemption, but many felt it spent too much time developing its characters and not enough crafting a compelling conclusion that ties everything together elegantly.
8. Jerry Maguire 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 289605, ID: 0116695 Photo by wealthycelebrity.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Jerry Maguire’ was described as both a mystery and a venture into sci-fi territory, yet it received backlash for its crowded subplots and predictable sports scenes. In spite of these shortcomings, the performances, especially those of Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger, were celebrated, proving that strong acting can elevate a film even amidst criticism.
9. Minority Report 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 588622, ID: 0181689 Photo by hackingchristianity.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Minority Report’ was hailed as a cinematic triumph that stirs both the mind and the heart. However, it was not without its faults, as critics pointed out issues with the screenplay and a somewhat flimsy storyline, leading to a tepid 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, yet Tom Cruise’s performance was consistently praised for its depth and intensity.
10. Collateral 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 436566, ID: 0369339 Photo by media.pn.am, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Collateral offers a thrilling mix of action and drama, casting Tom Cruise as a contract killer in a role very different from his usual personas. While critics found the plot somewhat lacking in engagement, as a movie enthusiast, I appreciated the film’s artistic cinematography and gripping soundtrack, which added an intriguing layer to the viewing experience despite its flaws.
11. Mission: Impossible III 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 393427, ID: 0317919 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mission: Impossible III thrilled audiences with its explosive action and a standout villain performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman, but it also faced critiques for its formulaic plot. Nonetheless, the film’s fast-paced narrative and the sizzling chemistry between Cruise and Michelle Monaghan kept me entertained, showcasing the fun side of action blended with comedy.
12. Tropic Thunder 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 452127, ID: 0942385 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Tropic Thunder, a comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its clichés, received mixed reviews from critics. Some found it to be a successful parody with memorable performances, particularly Robert Downey Jr.’s, while others criticized it for its over-the-top humor and lack of subtlety. As someone who enjoys comedy and values creativity, I found the film’s bold humor and satirical take on Hollywood to be quite refreshing, making it a fun watch despite the divided opinions.
13. Jack Reacher 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 367909, ID: 0790724 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Jack Reacher, an action thriller featuring Cruise as a former military policeman, received mixed reviews from critics. Some found the film to be engaging and well-made, while others criticized it for its lack of depth and character development. As a fan of thrillers, I found the film’s suspenseful plot and Cruise’s performance to be quite engaging, making it an interesting watch despite the critics’ views.
14. Edge of Tomorrow 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 745132, ID: 1631867 Photo by coyoteproductions.co.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Despite receiving critical acclaim, ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ was not without its detractors. Critics acknowledged the innovative time-travel concept, but some felt the plot followed familiar patterns. As someone who revels in creative storytelling, I found the time loop element captivating and the action sequences stunning, making it a unique viewing experience that stood out for me.
15. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 414160, ID: 2381249 Photo by wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’ met with mixed reviews; while its action and humor won some over, others felt it slipped into predictable storytelling. As a fan of both action and comedy, I was thoroughly engaged by the movie’s balance of intense sequences and light-hearted moments, and I admired Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt, which kept me riveted throughout.
16. Mission: Impossible – Fallout 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 381765, ID: 4912910 Photo by scifimafia.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Critics had mixed opinions about ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’. While some praised the film’s action sequences and character growth, others felt the franchise was straining to stay fresh. As an art and design student, I appreciated the film’s stunning visuals and intricate action choreography. The film’s intense plot and Tom Cruise’s performance made it an exhilarating watch.
17. Top Gun: Maverick 2022，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 718482, ID: 1745960 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ was lauded by critics for its thrilling action and character development, drawing on a sense of nostalgia that resonated with audiences. As a lover of musicals and fantasy elements, I was captivated by the film’s exhilarating aerial sequences and the emotional arcs of the characters, making Tom Cruise’s return as Maverick a truly memorable experience.
Tom Cruise’s Underrated Films: 17 Movies That Didn’t Get the Love They Deserved
