Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and recognizable stars, has built an illustrious career spanning more than four decades. Known for his dedication to performing his own stunts, his ability to play a variety of roles, and his presence on the big screen, Cruise has earned his place among the top actors of his generation. From the high-octane action of Mission: Impossible to the emotional depth of Jerry Maguire, his filmography is as diverse as it is extensive.
In this article, we’ll explore Tom Cruise’s movies in chronological order, highlighting his evolution as an actor and his contributions to the world of cinema.
The Early Years: 1980s – Breaking into Hollywood
1. Endless Love (1981)
Tom Cruise’s first major screen role came in Endless Love, a romantic drama where he had a minor supporting role. While the movie itself wasn’t a breakout hit, it marked the beginning of Cruise’s journey into Hollywood.
2. Taps (1981)
The same year, Cruise starred in Taps, a drama set in a military academy, where he played a cadet. Though the film wasn’t a massive commercial success, it helped him gain recognition and was a pivotal moment in his early career.
3. The Outsiders (1983)
Cruise’s first significant breakout role came in The Outsiders, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. This film, based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, featured a young Cruise as Steve Randle, one of the “Greasers” in the movie’s ensemble cast that included the likes of Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez.
4. Risky Business (1983)
In 1983, Cruise starred in Risky Business, a film that would become a defining moment in his career. Playing Joel Goodsen, a teenager who gets into trouble after his parents leave town, Cruise delivered an iconic performance in a movie that became both a cultural milestone and a box-office hit. The film’s famous “sliding across the floor in his underwear” scene has since become one of the most iconic moments in film history.
5. All the Right Moves (1983)
That same year, Cruise starred in All the Right Moves, a sports drama about a high school football player from a working-class town trying to escape his circumstances. Though the film was not a major hit, Cruise’s performance was praised, marking him as a young actor to watch.
6. Legend (1985)
In Legend, Cruise took on a fantasy role, playing a hero trying to rescue a princess and save the world from the evil Lord of Darkness, played by Tim Curry. The film was not initially a success at the box office, but it has since gained a cult following, with Cruise’s portrayal of the character being remembered for its whimsical nature.
7. Top Gun (1986)
Perhaps Cruise’s most iconic early film, Top Gun turned him into a global superstar. As Maverick, a hotshot Navy pilot, Cruise delivered a performance that combined charm, action, and emotion, making the film one of the most popular movies of the 1980s. Top Gun cemented Cruise’s place as an A-list actor and made him a household name.
8. The Color of Money (1986)
In The Color of Money, directed by Martin Scorsese, Cruise starred alongside Paul Newman, who reprised his role as “Fast Eddie” Felson from The Hustler. Cruise played a talented young pool shark trying to learn from the seasoned professional. The film was well-received and earned Cruise a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
9. Cocktail (1988)
Cruise starred in Cocktail, playing a young bartender named Brian Flanagan who dreams of wealth and success. The movie was a commercial hit, though it received mixed reviews from critics. Nevertheless, Cruise’s charisma and charm made the film one of his notable early commercial successes.
10. Rain Man (1988)
One of Tom Cruise’s most critically acclaimed roles came in Rain Man, where he played Charlie Babbitt, a man who discovers that his estranged brother, Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, is an autistic savant. The film was a huge success, winning several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Barry Levinson, and Best Actor for Hoffman. Cruise received praise for his performance, which showed his versatility as an actor.
11. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
In Born on the Fourth of July, Cruise portrayed Ron Kovic, a real-life Vietnam War veteran who returns home paralyzed and disillusioned by the war. The film, directed by Oliver Stone, was a departure from Cruise’s typical roles and earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This performance is often regarded as one of his best.
The 1990s: Becoming a Superstar
12. Days of Thunder (1990)
In Days of Thunder, Cruise reunited with Top Gun director Tony Scott, playing Cole Trickle, a talented but reckless race car driver. The film was a box-office hit, though it didn’t receive widespread critical acclaim. Despite this, the film became a commercial success and further solidified Cruise’s status as a leading man in Hollywood.
13. A Few Good Men (1992)
One of Cruise’s most memorable performances came in A Few Good Men, a legal drama directed by Rob Reiner. Cruise played Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a military lawyer who defends two Marines accused of murder. The film featured an iconic performance by Jack Nicholson and made famous the line “You can’t handle the truth!” Cruise’s strong performance helped the movie become a critical and commercial success.
14. The Firm (1993)
In The Firm, Cruise played Mitch McDeere, a young lawyer who is recruited by a prestigious firm, only to uncover dark secrets about the company’s operations. The film was a huge commercial hit, further solidifying Cruise’s status as a leading actor in the thriller genre.
15. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
In a surprising twist, Cruise starred in Interview with the Vampire as the vampire Lestat, based on Anne Rice’s novel. While Cruise’s casting was initially controversial, his performance was well-received, and the film itself became a cult classic. This marked another turning point in Cruise’s career, demonstrating his ability to tackle darker, more complex roles.
16. Mission: Impossible (1996)
The first Mission: Impossible film introduced audiences to Ethan Hunt, the suave and fearless secret agent played by Cruise. The film, based on the popular television series, became a massive success and launched one of the most successful franchises in film history. Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts in the series further cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most daring actors.
The 2000s: Reinvention and Continued Success
17. Minority Report (2002)
In Minority Report, directed by Steven Spielberg, Cruise played Chief John Anderton, a law enforcement officer in a future society where crimes are predicted before they happen. The film was both a critical and commercial success, showcasing Cruise’s ability to tackle high-concept science fiction while maintaining his star power.
18. The Last Samurai (2003)
In The Last Samurai, Cruise took on the role of Nathan Algren, a disillusioned American military officer who is captured by Samurai in Japan and comes to admire their way of life. The film was a commercial success, and Cruise received widespread praise for his performance, adding yet another layer to his acting repertoire.
19. War of the Worlds (2005)
Cruise reunited with Spielberg in War of the Worlds, a sci-fi thriller about an alien invasion. The film was a box-office success, though its reception was somewhat mixed. Cruise’s performance, however, was generally praised for its intensity and emotional depth.
20. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
In Mission: Impossible III, Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt for the third installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, further solidifying Cruise’s role as one of the top action stars in Hollywood.
21. Lions for Lambs (2007)
In Lions for Lambs, Cruise played a senator involved in the War on Terror, alongside Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. The film received mixed reviews, but it marked another departure for Cruise, who was experimenting with more dramatic and political roles.
22. Tropic Thunder (2008)
In Tropic Thunder, Cruise took on the role of Les Grossman, a vulgar, over-the-top movie producer. His performance, which was a departure from his typical roles, received widespread acclaim and showed a new, comedic side to the actor that audiences hadn’t seen before.
The 2010s: Continuing to Dominate
23. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
The fourth installment in the Mission: Impossible series was another massive hit, with Cruise once again performing his own stunts, including the iconic scene where he climbs the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The film was a critical and commercial success and further cemented Cruise’s status as a leading action star.