Essential Tom Cruise Films You Need to Watch Right Now

Tom Cruise, a cinematic icon for over 40 years, showcases incredible range and dedication across espionage thrillers, sci-fi epics, and emotional dramas, making his films essential viewing for all fans.

ByFarheen Ali17 Jun 2025

New Update

1/10

Top Gun (1986)

The movie that catapulted Tom Cruise into global superstardom. As Maverick, a cocky Navy pilot with a need for speed, Cruise redefined the 80s action hero and created one of the most iconic roles of his career.

2/10

Mission: Impossible Series (1996–2023)

Few franchises have aged this well. Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt grows more intense with each instalment, and his real-life stunts—from scaling skyscrapers to hanging off planes—are the stuff of legend.

3/10

Minority Report (2002)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi thriller combines futuristic tech with a gripping moral dilemma. Tom Cruise plays a “PreCrime” officer who becomes a fugitive from the very system he once upheld.

4/10

Collateral (2004)

Tom Cruise steps into villain territory as a cold, calculating hitman who hijacks a cab driver (Jamie Foxx) during a night of deadly assignments. It’s a sleek, moody thriller that flips his hero image on its head.

5/10

A Few Good Men (1992)

Tom Cruise goes head-to-head with Jack Nicholson in this intense courtroom drama. His role as Lt. Daniel Kaffee proves he can command a film without action or special effects—just pure dialogue and screen presence.

6/10

Jerry Maguire (1996)

A sports agent grows a conscience—and loses almost everything. Tom Cruise delivers one of his most human performances, blending charm, vulnerability, and heart. Plus, it's full of iconic lines.

7/10

Vanilla Sky (2001)

A psychological thriller wrapped in romance and sci-fi. Tom Cruise plays a wealthy playboy whose reality begins to unravel after a tragic accident. It's mind-bending and hauntingly beautiful.

8/10

The Last Samurai (2003)

Set in 19th-century Japan, this historical epic follows Tom Cruise’s character as he transitions from American military advisor to a warrior seeking redemption. Visually stunning and emotionally rich.

9/10

Rain Man (1988)

This Oscar-winning drama sees Tom Cruise as a self-centred man who discovers his estranged brother (played by Dustin Hoffman) is a savant. It's a deeply moving exploration of family, disability, and personal growth.

10/10

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Sci-fi meets Groundhog Day. Tom Cruise plays a military officer caught in a time loop during a war against alien invaders. The result is smart, funny, and packed with repeat-viewing value.

Author

Farheen Ali

Tags: movie