Known for doing his own stunts in blockbuster action films, Tom Cruise is one of the biggest movie stars of his generation. With a career spanning over four decades, he’s got numerous noteworthy moments from the “need for speed” in Top Gun to “Show me the money!” in Jerry Maguire. While we can’t name all of his movies, these are the six best Tom Cruise movies you need to watch for your next movie night.
6. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Starting our list of the best Tom Cruise movies is Top Gun: Maverick. Released 36 years after the original, it quickly became one of the best-reviewed blockbusters of recent years. Returning as Maverick, the pilot has his biggest challenge yet, teaching a group of hotshot pilots for a near-impossible mission. One of the students is Goose’s vengeful son, Rooster, leaving Maverick in for the ride of his life.
5. A Few Good Men (1992)
Fifth on our list of the best Tom Cruise movies is A Few Good Men. The film is based on the 1989 play by Aaron Sorkin, taking place in a courtroom as two Marines are court-martialed and accused of killing a fellow Marine. However, the story focuses on the challenge faced by lawyers Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Cruise) and Lt. Commander JoAnne Galloway. It features one of the most famous courtroom scenes of all time, and earns Cruise a Golden Globe nomination.
4. Mission Impossible (1996)
Next on our list of the best Tom Cruise movies is Mission Impossible. This is where it all began for Cruise, leading to seven other films in the series and making him the poster boy of the American espionage hero. The film is based on the 1966 TV series and has turned into a cultural phenomenon. One of the most recognizable moments from the franchise is Cruise dangling from wires to avoid laser alarms, pictured above.
3. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Rounding out the top three best Tom Cruise movies is Jerry Maguire. Many see this film as his best, and Cruise definitely got critical acclaim for his role. He won his second Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, along with earning nominations from both the Academy and the Screen Actors Guild. The most iconic scene from the film? “Show me the money!” with Rod Tidwell (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.).
2. Rain Man (1988)
Second on our list of the best Tom Cruise movies is Rain Man. The film was the Oscar winner for Best Picture, and though it’s co-star Dustin Hofferman’s film, Cruise steals the show. Cruise plays Charlie Babbit, a man who constantly seems to be in debt. When his father dies, and the majority of his inheritance goes to a brother Charlie never knew he had, he goes searching for him for a few extra bucks, and finds a brother instead.
1. Top Gun (1986)
Last but not least on our list of the best Tom Cruise movies is Top Gun. There is no role that Cruise plays that is more iconic than Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. While it may not be his best acting performance, the flight scenes, action, romance, and iconic lines turn this into a quintessential film of the 1980s. Mitchell is part of an elite Top Gun school, learning how to be the best in flight and in eventual combat.