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Tom Cruise’s illustrious career in the entertainment industry spans decades, marked by iconic performances that have left an indelible mark on cinema and television. From his early days as a charismatic pool hall prodigy to his recent ventures as an aging action hero, Cruise has consistently captivated audiences with his charm, intensity, and dedication to his craft. This article delves into a selection of the best movies and TV shows of Tom Cruise, each showcasing his versatility as an actor and his ability to immerse himself in a wide range of roles.
List of Best Movies and TV Shows of Tom Cruise – From Old to New
From legal thrillers to sci-fi epics, Cruise’s filmography is a reflection of his evolution as an artist and his commitment to delivering compelling performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. Join us as we explore the cinematic journey of Tom Cruise, highlighting the standout moments that have solidified his status as a Hollywood legend.
1- The Color of Money (1986)
| Genre | Sports Drama |
| Director | Martin Scorsese |
| Cast | Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Helen Shaver |
| IMDB Rating | 7.0/10 |
In The Color of Money, Tom Cruise teamed up with the legendary Martin Scorsese to deliver a compelling performance as Vince, a pool hall prodigy with an inflated ego. The film not only showcased Cruise’s magnetic charisma but also his dedication to mastering new skills for his roles. The electrifying pool sequences and character dynamics between Cruise and Paul Newman added depth to the story, making it a lesser-known gem in his filmography.
6- The Firm (1993)
| Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| Director | Sydney Pollack |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman |
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
In this adaptation of John Grisham’s novel, Cruise portrayed a young attorney caught in a web of intrigue and danger. The film showcased Cruise’s ability to navigate twists and turns while delivering a compelling performance at the heart of a legal thriller. Supported by Gene Hackman and Holly Hunter, Cruise’s role as a brilliant attorney added to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
2- A Few Good Men (1992)
| Genre | Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Crime Fiction |
| Director | Rob Reiner |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
As Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a naval lawyer tasked with uncovering corruption in the armed forces, Cruise demonstrated his ability to command the screen with his intensity and charisma. The courtroom drama allowed him to navigate Aaron Sorkin’s dense dialogue effortlessly, while his interactions with an ensemble cast, including Demi Moore and Kevin Pollak, contributed to the film’s gripping narrative. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
10- Jerry Maguire (1996)
| Genre | Drama, Comedy, Romance |
| Director | Cameron Crowe |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Renée Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr. |
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
Jerry Maguire showcased Cruise’s versatility as he embraced the role of a sports agent navigating the highs and lows of his career. The film’s blend of sports, business, drama, and romance allowed Cruise to shine alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. The film’s memorable catchphrases and Academy Award nominations solidified its place as a standout in Cruise’s filmography.
5- Vanilla Sky (2001)
| Genre | Mystery, Science Fiction, Drama, Romance |
| Director | Cameron Crowe |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz |
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
Vanilla Sky allowed Cruise to explore a blend of science fiction and thriller elements in a complex narrative. David Aames, navigated a story that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. Cruise’s performance captured the uncertainty and unease of his character’s journey, making the film a thought-provoking addition to his filmography.
7- War of the Worlds (2005)
| Genre | Adventure, Thriller, Science Fiction |
| Director | Steven Spielberg |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin |
| IMDB Rating | 6.5/10 |
Cruise’s role as a protective father in the sci-fi spectacle War of the Worlds demonstrated his ability to anchor a film with emotional depth amidst visual extravagance. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film showcased Cruise’s range as he balanced intense action sequences with moments of vulnerability.
3- Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
| Genre | Action, Science Fiction, Adventure |
| Director | Doud Liman |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Paxton |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Edge of Tomorrow, one of Tom Cruise Best Movies marked a departure for Cruise as he embraced the role of Lieutenant William Cage, a PR guy turned reluctant hero in a sci-fi action thriller. The film’s unique time-loop premise and Cruise’s chemistry with Emily Blunt added depth to his character’s transformation from cowardice to heroism. Cruise’s dedication to performing his stunts further solidified his reputation as a committed action star. You can watch this movie on Apple TV.
4- Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Director | Christopher McQuarrie |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg |
| IMDB Rating | 7.4/10 |
While there were multiple Mission: Impossible movies to consider, the 2015 edition emerged as the ideal pick due to its skillful blend of exhilarating action and engaging narrative, ensuring audiences were captivated throughout. Mission Impossible movies successfully held viewers’ interest and generated anticipation for subsequent franchise entries, effectively preventing any potential boredom that could have arisen from repetitiveness.
9- Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Director | Joseph Kosinski |
| Cast | Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Returning to the iconic role of Pete Maverick Mitchell, Cruise proved that he still had what it takes to deliver pulse-pounding action in the sequel to the 1986 classic. Top Gun: Maverick success underscored Cruise’s enduring appeal and his ability to captivate audiences across generations. It is one of the Tom Cruise Best Movies with great performances and thrilling actions.
Final Verdict
In a career spanning decades, Tom Cruise has proven himself a cinematic force to be reckoned with. From his breakout roles to his recent successes, Tom Cruise best movies and TV shows show his journey through the entertainment world. Whether soaring through the skies in Top Gun, unraveling mysteries in A Few Good Men, or navigating time loops in Edge of Tomorrow, Cruise’s performances have consistently left an indelible mark. As he continues to take on new challenges and captivate audiences, one thing remains clear: Tom Cruise’s legacy is firmly cemented as a beacon of talent, resilience, and enduring entertainment in the world of movies and TV shows.
