15 of the Best Tom Cruise Movies
I have always said that, despite the weird things you hear about Tom Cruise and his religion, he certainly does give it his all on screen.
He didn't jump on my couch and pressure me to say that. I just really think that Tom Cruise is an actor that I can separate the artist from the art with. Tom Cruise gives 110% even when he's cameo-ing in an Austin Powers movie. So let's not focus on the duds (that he still worked hard in) but, rather, the movies that you all have to agree are great!
Film/Rank:
#15- Jerry Maguire (1996)
Why Though:
A lot of people remember this movie for the love story and the little kid. This movie is all about the football scenes and how Jerry and Rod get along. I don't know why, but most movies that involve Football really appeal to me. Also the scene where Jerry quits and mentions flipping out is truly entertaining to me.
Would I Rewatch:
Probably...
Film/Rank:
#14- The Firm (1993)
Why Though:
I guess I like legal thrillers. That wasn't something I realized until doing the research for this list. I truly enjoyed the ride that The Firm took me on. I watched it back when I was in University while hungover and waiting for someone to meet me. I liked the movie so much that I made the person wait for me till the movie was done. The only problem is I don't remember the finer details of this movie. I just remember truly enjoying it. I mean, it's gotta be good because it's over 150 minutes and I was drawn in almost immediately and never got bored.
Would I Rewatch:
I feel like I should, actually.
Film/Rank:
#13- The Last Samurai (2003)
Why Though:
Again, people remember this movie for stuff I didn't really connect with. The whole white washing conversation. While I'm here for that convo, I think this movie suffers from White Savior complex more than white washing. I didn't read the movie as a story about Nathan becoming the last samurai. I thought it was about Nathan's time with the last samurai, Katsumoto. That's right the movie's true hero, for me, is Ken Wanatanbe! His refusal of Nathan's western ways was intriguing to me and how he was able to stay strong and force Nathan to bend to his ways. Anyway, what do I know?
Would I Rewatch:
What if it tears apart my argument if I rewatch it? Nah I'll do it anyway!
Film/Rank:
#12- Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Why Though:
This is the best video game movie I've ever seen and I'm pretty sure it's based on a comic book/manga. The different ways Cage dies goes from fascinating to comical, but, never overdone. If you're a fan of Groundhog Day but don't think the suicide attempt montage is long enough or violent enough, this is the movie for you! Plus the always dope Emily Blunt is great as Rita throughout.
Would I Rewatch:
Definitely!
Film/Rank:
#11- Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Why Though:
This movie gets a lot of credit for making sure that the Mission: Impossible franchise had not lost a step! Part two is universally not loved, but Mr. Start Trek and Star Wars, J.J. Abrams brought the heat with this movie and it had a dope villain in the form of Owen Davian (played scarily well by Philip Seymour Hoffman). I'll be honest, I never remember the names of the Mission: Impoissible villains or even memorable moments they had, but THAT PLANE SCENE THO! Mission: Impossible III is dope because it wasn't just about the amazing set pieces and mask reveals, there was a great villain at the center of the story that everyone remembers.
Would I Rewatch:
It's about time I revisit this movie.
Film/Rank:
#10- Magnolia (1999)
Why Though:
My history with Magnolia is documented in this ranking of Paul Thomas Anderson's filmography. To dig deeper, though, I feel like there is a level of self-awareness to Frank heretofore unseen in Cruise performances. A lot of Cruise roles are about indestructible men who may have issues, but those issues are never addressed. This role, as part of an ensemble of incredible roles and performances, actually digs into the issues while also giving us an "indestructible" man for Tom to play.
Would I Rewatch:
Yeah, I think I should.
Film/Rank:
#9- Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Why Though:
I really like the Tom cruise performance and overall story of this movie, however the true gem of this movie is Kirsten Dunst as Claudia. I really believed she was an older woman trapped in a child's body. I'm pretty sure I watched this movie two times in a row the first time I saw it. There was something about the world building and the performances that really stuck with me. I don't feel like people truly give it its propers.
Would I Rewatch:
With all the caping I do for this movie, I probably should see if it still holds up.
Film/Rank:
#8- A Few Good Men (1992)
Why Though:
Here's another legal drama that I remember truly being shocked by the first time I watched it all the way through. That might have been because I was too young and didn't really pay attention. As an older, much better film watcher, the stuff that gets me is the great Aaron Sorkin writing. If he's problematic, unfortunately, I'm currently a stan. Trust me, even if you've seen riffs on the "you can't handle the truth" scene, it's still electrifying in context.
Would I Rewatch:
You better believe I'll continue to rewatch this movie!
Film/Rank:
#7- Rain Man (1988)
Why Though:
Something about a younger brother looking out for his big brother as portrayed by Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman works for me. I appreciate the humbling process Charlie has to go to as he softens to Raymond. I'm all about surly characters being forced to embrace family. This time it's literally family, but they don't have to be related. Plus remember the opening musical number? How could you not have a good time with this movie?
Would I Rewatch:
Yeah it'd be fun to revisit this film.
Film/Rank:
#6- Mission: Impossible (1996)
Why Though:
I saw this movie in theatres and told everyone it was the perfect movie. I was a dumb 10 year old at the time, though. But even when I watched it on VHS, I thought, wow everything comes together and it's such a smart movie! People always mention that it's a fairly confusing plot, and I'll cop to possibly omitting anything that didn't fit into the narrative I pieced together in my head, but this is a tense thriller with amazing stunts and EMILIO! I do know that now that I've built this film up, I may find that it is too confusing for me, but my memory of this film is that it's fantastic and easy to understand.
Would I Rewatch:
It's time I rewatch this film and see if my attention span is up to the task.
Film/Rank:
#5- Tropic Thunder (2008)
Why Though:
I find this movie so funny. It's problematic, to say the least, but all in service to some hard truths. The black face, while it doesn't sit well with some of my family matters, still feels like a condemnation on Hollywood for taking whitewashing to the state of black face (amongst other Fisher Stevens, Mickey Rooney, and John Wayne attempted roles). The Simple Jack stuff is unfortunately worded but still an interesting take. After all that, commentary, you still get a straight fire Tom Cruise performance as Les Grossman. If you want to hear my running commentary on how funny I think this movie, please feel free to listen to Ian and I discuss Tropic Thunder on Let's Discuss Films.
Would I Rewatch:
Of course!
Film/Rank:
#4- Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Why Though:
Bruh! This movie is intense. Another turning point for the Misson: Impossible franchise. Gone are the days of making everyone look cool. Listen to Ben and I spoil Misson: Impossible - Fallout on Spoiled Rotten for details on why I think that. But if you're not up for spoilers, suffice it to say, this movie gets gritty and it works!
Would I Rewatch:
I will definitely come back to this movie!
Film/Rank:
#3- Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
Why Though:
Even though I will concede that Fallout has a better ending, the ride of Ghost Protocol is amazing! It's not just the Burj Khalifa scene... even though that scene still goes hard! I'm also here for more live action Brad Bird films as the only fan of Tomorrowland. This movie has a better fleshed out team so there are more people to care about. Unfortunately Paula Patton never came back, but this may be my favourite film of the M:I franchise because it has a new team building element and some great set pieces.
Would I Rewatch:
If only to see if I actually like it better than Fallout when they're played back to back.
Film/Rank:
#2- Collateral (2004)
Why Though:
Jamie Foxx as Max is the perfect counterpoint to Vincent in this film. Plus it give Jamie a chance to play someone who doesn't always have a great come back and who isn't confident. The two of these guys on screen was great. Vincent also has some great kills in this movie. I'm not sure about any of you, but part of the fun of the movie was wondering how it all end and if Vincent and Max could possibly be friends at the end. It's rare I like the hero and villain equally, but Collateral is one of those movies for me.
Would I Rewatch:
ABSOLUTELY!
Film/Rank:
#1- Minority Report (2002)
Why Though:
Trust me, as someone who is as luke warm on Steven Spielberg as I am, I'm surprised as you to see one of his films in the #1 spot.Nothing will be better than Pre Cogs to me. The whole debate about whether or not it's ok to convict people of crimes they haven't committed yet is cool. It's a great world to spend time even though the movie doesn't kinda drag near the end. I love the ride throughout. Remember the scene where he gets new eyes??? YACK! What fun!
Would I Rewatch:
Most Definitely!
-YG