The Best and Worst Tom Cruise Films

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

I went to see Tom Cruise’s latest movie, “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” last night. As other critics have noted, it’s an entertaining film that includes a stellar cast and some breathtaking action sequences. Although like so many of its genre, I found some of the plot twists implausible and it seems not a one of the bad guys apparently ever set foot on a shooting range. Cruise’s career might be past its prime, but he proves once again that very few can top him for fantastic stunts and top notch production values. The film has done over $300M at the global box office so far and according to IMDb, a sixth entry to the franchise is already being planned. Cruise is 53 now and has built an impressive resume that includes 38 acting credits since his debut in 1981. For me, Rogue Nation was well worth the ticket price, but it falls somewhere in the middle of his movies in terms of quality. It was better than most, but not as good as several others. Given that, I thought it would be fun to list my top favorites and choices for his biggest clunkers. Maybe you’ll agree with my picks, maybe you won’t.

The Best

Collateral (2004) – Sure, Cruise had flashier roles in movies like Born on the Fourth of July and Magnolia, but for me, this is hands-down his best performance. Playing against type as a gray-haired, psychotic hitman, Cruise absolutely nails this one.

Top Gun (1986) – Yes, it’s cheesy and no, it didn’t win any awards for artistry, but this is the role that made Cruise a major star and for good reason. This movie is a near perfect example of 80s pop culture, a slick, jingoistic celebration of the American male.

The Last Samurai (2003) – Cruise clearly chose this role for its Oscar potential, but that doesn’t diminish how good he was in it. His American Civil War veteran in Samurai-era Japan is equal parts heroic and vulnerable and he’s supported by excellent cinematography, costuming, and cast.  

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) – This sci-fi flick didn’t achieve the same sort of success as some of Cruise’s other great films, but it should have. It’s a fun, exciting action movie with a unique twist and a great supporting actress in Emily Blunt.

Mission: Impossible (1996) – I’ve enjoyed all of the films in this franchise, but the first one remains the best one. Director Brian De Palma’s distinctive style was a fantastic fit for turning the early 70s television series into a huge hit as a feature film.

The Worst

Cocktail (1988) – This is what happens when marketing executives and Hollywood agents decide they have a movie star so bankable, they can’t lose. Made right after the hits Top Gun and The Color of Money, this film stinks in every way.

Days of Thunder (1990) – And this is what happens when you let a young star who’s let success go to his head come up with his own storyline for a movie. It’s basically two hours of masturbatory fantasy set on and around a NASCAR racetrack.

Lions for Lambs (2007) – I really don’t know what Cruise was thinking when he agreed to make this one. It was a chance to act with heavyweights Meryl Streep and Robert Redford so I guess that was enough. Too bad it was such a boring waste of talent.

Endless Love (1981) – Didn’t realize that this was Tom Cruise’s feature film debut? Me either. This love story starring Brooke Shields in her heyday sucks all around, but it wasn’t Tom’s fault. His name is so far down the credits, even Ian Ziering gets higher billing.

Losin’ It (1983) – Lucky for the young Cruise, this film was sandwiched between the much better The Outsiders and Risky Business. It’s utterly forgettable crap, but it clearly didn’t end up hurting his career.