Tom Cruise has been a dominant force in Hollywood for over four decades, delivering some of the most iconic performances in action, drama, and even comedy. Whether he’s flying jets, pulling off impossible spy missions, or showcasing his dramatic range, Cruise has proven time and again why he’s one of the biggest movie stars in history. From high-octane blockbusters to Oscar-nominated performances, here are ten of his very best films that highlight his versatility and enduring appeal.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Thirty-six years after Top Gun, Cruise returned as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in a sequel that surpassed expectations. Top Gun: Maverick delivered breathtaking aerial sequences, emotional storytelling, and a powerful message about mentorship and legacy. Cruise’s insistence on practical effects meant the actors underwent real flight training, making the action even more immersive. The result was a massive box-office hit that resonated with audiences of all ages, cementing Cruise’s status as a global superstar. With its blend of nostalgia, heart, and jaw-dropping visuals, Maverick soared higher than anyone imagined.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
The Mission: Impossible series has consistently raised the stakes, and Mission: Impossible Fallout is the franchise at its absolute peak. Cruise performs some of his most daring stunts yet, including a 25,000-foot HALO jump, a brutal bathroom fight, and a wild helicopter chase. The film’s breakneck pacing, complex espionage story, and relentless action make it a modern action masterpiece. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Fallout set a new benchmark for action films and solidified Ethan Hunt as one of the greatest movie heroes of all time.
Magnolia (1999)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia gave Cruise one of the most compelling roles of his career as Frank T.J. Mackey, a misogynistic self-help guru hiding deep emotional scars. Cruise delivers an intense and deeply vulnerable performance, culminating in a heartbreaking confrontation with his dying father. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, proving his ability to take on complex, layered characters. Unlike his typical action roles, Magnolia showcased his dramatic depth in a way that few other films have.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
A refreshing twist on sci-fi action, Edge of Tomorrow follows Cruise as Major William Cage, a cowardly military officer caught in a time loop during an alien invasion. With each reset, he trains under war hero Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) to become a better soldier. Combining thrilling action, smart storytelling, and a surprising dose of humor, the film became a cult favorite. Cruise’s transformation from hapless recruit to battle-hardened hero is one of his most entertaining character arcs. Edge of Tomorrow remains one of the best sci-fi films of the 2010s.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
While every Mission: Impossible movie has its standout moments, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol redefined the franchise. Directed by Brad Bird, the film features one of Cruise’s most famous stunts—scaling the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The mix of espionage, humor, and exhilarating action made it one of the most exciting films in the series. With the introduction of a strong supporting cast, including Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg, Ghost Protocol laid the groundwork for the franchise’s resurgence and was a major turning point for Ethan Hunt’s journey.
Collateral (2004)
In a rare villainous role, Cruise plays Vincent, a ruthless hitman who forces a taxi driver (Jamie Foxx) to drive him around Los Angeles on a deadly assignment. Directed by Michael Mann, Collateral is a gripping neo-noir thriller that unfolds over one fateful night. Cruise is mesmerizing as the calm yet chilling assassin, delivering one of his most nuanced performances. The film’s tension, moody cinematography, and unpredictable story make it a standout in both Cruise’s career and the crime thriller genre.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
“You complete me.” “Show me the money!” Few films have given Cruise as many iconic lines as Jerry Maguire. Playing a sports agent who has a crisis of conscience, Cruise delivers a career-defining performance that blends charm, humor, and heartfelt drama. His chemistry with Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr. (who won an Oscar for his role) adds emotional weight to this uplifting story. The film earned Cruise an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and remains one of the most beloved romantic dramas of the 1990s.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
In a scene-stealing comedic turn, Cruise transforms into Les Grossman, a vulgar, hot-tempered Hollywood executive who delivers some of the film’s most outrageous moments. Covered in prosthetics, bald, and rocking thick glasses, Cruise is nearly unrecognizable as he rants, dances, and berates everyone in sight. His unhinged performance in Tropic Thunder became a fan favorite, proving his ability to tackle absurd comedy with the same intensity he brings to action films. Fans loved the character so much that there were even talks of a Les Grossman spin-off.
Top Gun (1986)
The movie that made Tom Cruise a superstar, Top Gun is a quintessential 1980s action film filled with fast planes, cool sunglasses, and high-energy aerial dogfights. As Maverick, Cruise embodies the reckless, confident fighter pilot trying to prove himself at the Navy’s elite school. With an unforgettable soundtrack, thrilling action, and plenty of 80s nostalgia, Top Gun became a pop culture phenomenon. Its impact was so lasting that it paved the way for the highly successful sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, decades later.
Mission: Impossible (1996)
The film that launched one of the longest-running action franchises, Mission: Impossible introduced audiences to Ethan Hunt and delivered one of the most suspenseful moments in action cinema—the iconic vault heist, where Hunt dangles inches above the floor in complete silence. Unlike later entries, this first installment leans more into espionage and psychological tension, with Brian De Palma’s stylish direction giving it a unique feel. While the stunts got bigger in later sequels, Mission: Impossible remains an essential entry in Cruise’s filmography.
How to watch the best Tom Cruise movies streaming online in India
From high-flying fighter pilots to impossible espionage missions and award-worthy dramatic performances, check out JustWatch’s guide to know how and where to watch the best Tom Cruise movies on streaming platforms in India. The list below also provides offers to buy, rent, or watch these movies for free (if available).
