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Tom Cruise is one of the most successful actors in history. His films have grossed over $4 billion in North America and over $11.1 billion worldwide. Beginning his career in the 1980s, Cruise’s breakout role came when he slid across the ground and doing a dance in Risky Business. He soon upped his game with films such as The Color of Money, Rain Man, and Born on the Fourth of July- which garnered him his first Academy Award nomination. In the 90s, he faced off against Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men and starred as a vampire in Interview with the Vampire along with yelling, Show Me the Money in Jerry Maguire. Lately, Cruise has been an action star with being Ethan Hunt and hitting his highest grossing film with Top Gun: Maverick.
Ethan Hunt- Mission Impossible series (1996-Present)
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” In one of his best roles, Cruise pumps out Mission Impossible films like they are James Bond films. Cruise has been getting better and better as Ethan Hunt. The first film was iconic with the hovering over the ground and not making a sound. The films are way better now than the second or even third film. Cruise does his own stunts, which even adds to Cruise’s greatness.
Pete “Maverick” Mitchell- Top Gun (1986) & Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
We on the Highway to the DANGER ZONE!! No film wanted to make me be a fighter pilot better than Top Gun. In the original Cruise plays Maverick, a cocky but very talented fighter pilot. The film was good but 30 years later with Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise up the ante and storytelling. The film is Cruise’s highest box-office ever in his illustrious career. It is the best film I have seen in a while.
Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee- A Few Good Men (1992)
“I WANT THE TRUTH!!” If you want to see Cruise and the legendary Nicholson, go at it in a courtroom drama, then watch this film. Cruise is great as he is trying to defend his clients. Homeboy wanted to know who ordered the Code Red.
Joel Goodson- Ricky Business (1983)
The film where Cruise slid across the floor in a white shirt and his underwear while his parents were out of town. This was the breakout role for Cruise as he showed his acting range and knew he would be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Also, who wouldn’t want to star alongside the BEAUTIFUL Rebecca De Mornay.
Lestat de Lioncourt- Interview with a Vampire (1994)
Cruise was fantastic as the sophisticated, evil vampire who turned the main character. Cruise was the best part of the whole film and brought undead life to the film with his performance. Side point, Sarah Rice, the writer of the book, didn’t think Cruise was a good fit as the vampire and didn’t want him in the beginning. After watching the film, she stated she was wrong.
Jerry Maguire- Jerry Maguire (1996)
“Show me the money.” In one of Cruise’s most down to earth roles, he plays a sports agent who all of a sudden gains a conscience. Yea, crazy when you read that. Cruise chemistry with Gooding Jr. is priceless as he is the only client he has left. Yet, the film has a romantic side as Cruise bonds with the female lead and her young son.
Vincent- Collateral (2004)
Cruise usually plays the over-the-top person but, in this film, he is a stone cold killer. Riding along with Jamie Foxx, homebody is a hitman who is going around the city to fulfill his hits. Cruise’s character is a psychopath and the gun scene in the club was intense. Cruise is amazing in a villainous role and he should really think about playing them more often.
Les Grossman- Tropic Thunder (2008)
Tropic Thunder is a hilarious film about a group of actors making a war film. Besides all the acts and hilarity, Tom Cruise was one of the major highlights. As Les Grossman, Cruise was a surprise as he donned a fat suit and cursed out everyone. The dancing at the end of the film was priceless.
Major William Cage- Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow is one of the best alien films that has come out in a while. An alien race has conquered most of Europe and the world bands together to fight them. Cruise plays Major Cage, a public relations officer who has almost zero combat experience who gains time loop powers. Cruise is great in this role and film that is alien fighting mixed with Groundhog Day.
Ron Kovic- Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Gaining his first Academy Award nomination, Cruise gives an unbelievable performance as an anti-war veteran. The film goes through the life of Kovic during a 20-year period from his childhood where watching a parade that lead to his military service, to fighting in the Vietnam War to being paralyzed and his transition to hating the war.
