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Tom Cruise's Best Movie Performance From Every Decade Since The '80s

America's last true movie star?

Mickey Rourke made headlines not too long when he said some not-so-nice things about Tom Cruise's career . But, upon creating this list, I'd have to disagree with Rourke's opinion that Cruise has been playing "the same effing part for 35 years," because honestly, he really hasn't. 

In fact, Tom Cruise actually has a pretty diverse list of roles in his filmography. So much so, that I'm kind of blown away by just how many unique roles the superstar has taken on over the past 40 years or so. Plus, with movies like Top Gun: Maverick, which is still making plenty of money at the box office , and the upcoming Mission: Impossible 7 , where it legit looks like Tom Cruise came close to dying a few times , he doesn't look to be ending his career anytime soon. So, here are the best Tom Cruise movie performances from every decade since the '80s. How many of these classics have you seen?     

'80s: Born on the Fourth of July (1989) 

In Oliver Stone 's second movie in his Vietnam trilogy, Tom Cruise got his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, though he lost to Daniel Day Lewis in My Left Foot . That said, Cruise's portrayal of a gung-ho, all-American boy who wants to fight in Vietnam, only to ultimately become paralyzed and disillusioned with his country is a performance for the ages. 

Tom Cruise goes through a wide range of emotions throughout the movie, from victim to activist, and it just goes to show that Cruise isn't just an actor who stiffly runs away from explosions. He's the real deal! 

'80s movie runner up-Rain Man (1988)  

When we did our list of 10 Tom Cruise movies that prove he's more than an action star , the one movie that really sticks out to me is Rain Man . And that's because even though everybody likes to point out Dustin Hoffman 's Oscar-winning performance, it's Tom Cruise who's really carrying that movie. Cruise plays a selfish, egotistical car dealer who, throughout the course of the film, learns to drop his guard and let his brother back into his life. Yes, Hoffman is incredible in his performance, but it's Tom Cruise's character who has the biggest change, and thus, it’s really his story in the end.    

'90s: Eyes Wide Shut (1999) 

Fun fact, but Eyes Wide Shut is the first Rated-R movie that I ever saw in the theaters by myself. I mean, how could I not? Stanley Kubrick made some of the best movies ever , so it was an honor to see Kubrick's very last film on the big screen. But, I had no idea at the time that Tom Cruise could play such a jealous, sex-starved man who would willingly try to get into a secret society where people wear masks and have orgies.   

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But, he did do a movie like that, and it's Eyes Wide Shut . Kubrick's final film is one of Cruise's best performances since the whole movie is a maddening erotic thriller, and Cruise plays the part of the jealous husband who is both titillated and terrified by this new world he's entering. Nicole Kidman -- who was married to Tom Cruise at the time -- is also excellent in it, making it both a time capsule of their marriage, and also showcasing a time when Tom Cruise didn't mind shedding his movie star image for something dark and sinister.  

'90s movie runner-Jerry Maguire (1996)  

And then, on the complete opposite side of the spectrum is Cameron Crowe 's Jerry Maguire , a romantic comedy sports drama about an agent who fails in both love and work, but ultimately wins out in the end. Jerry Maguire is absolute proof of Tom Cruise's range as an actor when juxtaposed with Eyes Wide Shut , since he's actually lovable and fun in Jerry Maguire , as opposed to being distant, and borderline misanthropic in Eyes Wide Shut . There's a reason why he was nominated for Best Actor for this film. You can't not love him in this movie.  

2000s: Collateral (2004) 

Very likable Tom Cruise had definitely played unlikable characters in the past, like the doctor in Eyes Wide Shut , or the motivational speaker in 1999's Magnolia , but he never played an all-out villain like he did in Michael Mann 's Collateral . In the film, Cruise played a hitman who gave a taxi driver (Jamie Foxx) the night from hell as he assassinated his targets one by one. 

Cruise played a stone cold killer in the movie with aplomb, and it was actually quite terrifying to see how easily he could slip into the role of a killer. To this day, I still want to see more villainous turns out of Tom Cruise. He's really good at it!

'2000s movie runner up: Tropic Thunder (2008)  

Tom Cruise has been in comedies before -- I mean, one of his biggest early roles was Risky Business back in the '80s. But, he's always been cool, no matter what movie he was in. Well, in 2008's satirical comedy, Tropic Thunder , Tom Cruise was definitely not cool as studio exec, Les Grossman. In the role, he pounded down Diet Cokes and cursed a lot.

The performance is also completely fearless in making himself look like a tremendous jerk. When Tom Cruise finally decides to pack it all in and leave acting for good, I'm pretty sure that Les Grossman will be the role that shows that Tom Cruise, for at least one movie, could be utterly unlikable, but hilarious at the same time. 

'2010s: American Made (2017) 

Tom Cruise once spoke about his interest in being in American Made and how he was fascinated by the real-life figure that the film was based off of, Barry Seal. That said, if you actually research Seal, you'll find that he and Cruise couldn't be any further apart when it comes to looks. That said, the story of Barry Seal is so larger-than-life that it feels like only a bona fide star like Tom Cruise could possibly play the part.

And he plays it with gusto! Cruise makes Seal, who is said to have been working for the CIA as a pilot, into a likable rogue. He's our entry point into this world of crime, and he is an excellent entry point at that. You feel safe with him in these very unsafe conditions, and if that isn't acting, then I don't know what is. 

'2010s movie runner up- Mission: Impossible -Rogue Nation (2015)  

And lastly, I want to talk about the Mission: Impossible movies, since this is the kind of action-heavy stuff that Mickey Rourke may have been referring to when he commented on Cruise's career, but honestly, Cruise is GOOD at doing action movies, and the Mission: Impossible films are consistently excellent.  

I want to focus on Mission: Impossible-Rogue Nation , which our very own Mike Reyes called "the best film of the summer" at the time of its release. And I tend to agree with Mike, especially since Rogue Nation arguably had Cruise's most intense stunt at the time of him hanging onto the side of a plane as it was taking off. The fact that Cruise is not only willing to act his heart out, but also put his safety on the line for our entertainment just goes to show how lucky we are to have Tom Cruise in our lives. He's done it all! 

And, that's the list. But, what is your favorite Tom Cruise performance over the years? For more news on Cruise and other great actors, make sure to swing around here often.  

Rich is a Jersey boy, through and through. He graduated from Rutgers University (Go, R.U.!), and thinks the Garden State is the best state in the country. That said, he’ll take Chicago Deep Dish pizza over a New York slice any day of the week. Don’t hate. When he’s not watching his two kids, he’s usually working on a novel, watching vintage movies, or reading some obscure book. 

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Tom Cruise is undeniably one of the greatest movie stars in the history of cinema, the type of big screen icon that many say are a dying breed. He can shoulder the weight of blockbuster franchises, deliver riveting performances, and pack movie theaters all around the world. Movies starring Cruise have generated over 10 billion dollars in ticket sales globally over the past four decades. Cruise has also earned three Oscar nominations (Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July , Best Actor for Jerry Maguire , and Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia ).

Long before he ever ran in a film or said a single line of dialogue in a dramatic scene, Cruise was studying to be a priest. Upon being expelled from seminary school, he set out to pursue a career in acting. (He had already become infatuated with acting in high school after starring in the school's production of Guys and Dolls .) A bit part in the 1981 romantic drama Endless Love led to a scene-stealing supporting role in the drama Taps that same year. Soon, he would cement himself as a leading man. When Cruise slid across the screen and started to lip-sync "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band in the 1983 comedy-drama Risky Business , a star was born. And there was no looking back.

As proof of Cruise's enduring star power, last summer saw the release of Top Gun: Maverick , his long-awaited follow-up to the Oscar-winning 1986 action drama. The film grossed close to $1.5 billion worldwide and received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won the Oscar for Best Sound.

This summer, Cruise returns to theaters as Ethan Hunt in the seventh installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One , in theaters July 12. As we look forward to what's next for him, below, A.frame is revisiting the best of Cruise's filmography.

Cruise had only been in Hollywood for a couple of years when he was cast as Joel, the lead in Risky Business , a teenager cutting loose when his parents are away — who soon gets caught up in various risky escapades. First-time director Paul Brickman auditioned the likes of Kevin Bacon, John Cusack and Tom Hanks for the role, but ultimately chose Cruise.

Considering how seminal a role Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell played in Cruise's career to come, it's inconceivable that the hotshot fighter pilot was nearly played by... Matthew Modine?! Top Gun was an instant box office smash hit, becoming an enduring action classic (hence the sequel 36 years later). Top Gun received four Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Take My Breath Away."

Two of the most acclaimed dramas in which Cruise has starred were released in successive years: The Best Picture-winning Rain Man in 1988 and then Born on the Fourth of July the following year. In the latter, Cruise portrays paralyzed Vietnam veteran-turned-anti-war activist Ron Kovic. His performance earned him the first Oscar nomination of his career.

His nomination for Best Actor was one of the biographical drama's eight nominations. The film went on to win two Oscars, Best Director for Oliver Stone and Best Film Editing.

"Show me the money!" "Help me help you." "You complete me." Perhaps the most quotable movie Cruise has starred in, Jerry Maguire, a romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Cameron Crowe, sees the actor portraying a sports agent suffering a crisis of conscience. The film earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Cruise and Best Picture, and won an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category.

A horror film to some and a beloved Christmas classic to others, the erotic thriller Eyes Wide Shut was legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick's final film. Cruise plays Dr. Bill Harford, a Manhattan doctor who, following his wife Alice's admission that she almost had an affair, embarks upon a dangerous night-long odyssey featuring a masked adventure amongst an ominous secret society. The film, co-starring Sydney Pollack, Todd Field, Marie Richardson, Vinessa Shaw and Alan Cumming, was the third and final time Cruise and then-wife Nicole Kidman appeared on-screen together, following Days of Thunder (1990) and Far and Away (1992).

By then a bona fide movie star, Cruise took a rare supporting role in Paul Thomas Anderson's third feature film . A sweeping drama about coincidences, regrets, loss, longing, and crime and punishment, Magnolia features interconnected characters on one stormy day in the San Fernando Valley. The film's ensemble cast includes Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, Philip Baker Hall, William H. Macy, Alfred Molina, Melora Walters and Jeremy Blackman. Cruise plays motivation speaker Frank T.J. Mackey, a part Anderson wrote specifically for him, and earned his third Oscar nomination (this time in the Best Supporting Actor category).

The early 2000s saw Cruise starring in a string of blockbuster hits with Mission: Impossible II , Vanilla Sky and this dystopian thriller, which is set in a future where the police arrest criminals before their crimes have been committed. Cruise plays a Precrime officer accused of a future murder. Minority Report served as a long-in-the-works collaboration between Cruise and Steven Spielberg, which would continue with 2005's War of the Worlds.

Cruise has built his stardom on playing heroes, but he is certainly more than capable of portraying villains from time to time. In Michael Mann's Collateral , he plays Vincent, a lone-wolf contract killer hired to go on a killing spree during one night in Los Angeles. Jamie Foxx plays Max, the captive cab driver driving him around the city so that he can carry out his hits. The neo-noir action thriller, co-starring Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem, was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Foxx and Best Film Editing).

Cruise is no stranger to the high concept action flick, but his crown jewel in the genre is arguably Edge of Tomorrow. Set in a future where aliens have taken over Europe, Cruise's Major Bill Cage finds himself stuck in a time loop with Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) as they attempt to stop the invaders. A much-demanded sequel has been in various stages of development since the sci-fi action film was released in 2014.

Fallout is Cruise's sixth outing as superspy Ethan Hunt — following the original 1996 Mission: Impossible , as well as M:I II , M:I III , Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation. Although each one of the first six films has remarkable sequences to appreciate, Fallout is regarded as one of the franchise's best installments. The film features, among other elements, some of the most insane, death-defying stunts of the franchise, which, of course, the astonishing star performs himself.

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The 40+ Best Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked By Fans

Vote up the films starring Tom Cruise that complete you.

When it comes to Hollywood royalty, few can hold a candle to Tom Cruise. Over the years, this megastar has delivered one jaw-dropping performance after another, solidifying his place as a cinematic legend. It's a formidable task to narrow down the best Tom Cruise movies of all time, but hey, someone's got to do it. From high-octane action flicks to soul-stirring dramas, Cruise's filmography is as versatile as it is impressive.

Take, for instance, Top Gun , the adrenaline-pumping story of competitive fighter pilots that catapulted Cruise to international stardom. Or A Few Good Men , where he delivered one of his most powerful performances, proving that he could handle weighty dialogues with the same ease as he does action-packed sequences. These films are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to top Tom Cruise films that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

But how did we curate such a coveted list? Well, it started with movie experts who have an eye for performances that define careers, creating a shortlist of films that truly showcase Tom Cruise at his best. Then, we turned it over to the fans, whose votes have shaped this definitive ranking. Whether you're a die-hard Cruise fan or just a movie buff looking to revisit some cinematic gold, this list has got you covered.

A Few Good Men

In this tense courtroom drama, audiences are captivated by the exceptional performance as a young military lawyer assigned to defend two Marines accused of killing a fellow comrade. Alongside powerful performances from Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore, the film flawlessly showcases the protagonist's gradual transformation from a cocky, fresh-faced attorney into a fierce, skilled advocate determined to uncover the truth. The iconic line "You can't handle the truth!" immortalizes the film's memorable climax and solidifies the protagonist's status as one of Hollywood's most dynamic actors.

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As an adrenaline-pumping display of aerial combat and rivalry, this movie takes viewers into the world of elite fighter pilots, with the lead actor embodying the brash, fearless pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The audience follows Maverick's journey through the prestigious Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School as he battles his own ego, engages in astonishing dogfights, and learns the true meaning of teamwork. The sizzling on-screen chemistry with Kelly McGillis, the thrilling action sequences, and the beloved rendition of " Take My Breath Away " make it an unforgettable 80s classic.

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Top Gun: Maverick

Returning to the iconic role of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell after decades, the anticipation for this sequel has been immense, and it promises to deliver the same captivating thrills and aerial combat sequences of the original. As a mentor to the next generation of fighter pilots, including the son of his late best friend Goose, the protagonist guides these young talents while still facing his own personal demons and unresolved past. The combination of a compelling storyline, breathtaking stunts, and a nostalgic return to the character that made him a household name ensures this will be another hit.

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The lead character delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Charlie Babbitt, a hustler who discovers he has an autistic savant brother named Raymond after their father's death. Through their cross-country road trip, Charlie learns to appreciate the gentle genius of his older brother while he evolves from a selfish, money-driven man to a compassionate and loving brother. This emotional journey resulted in a Best Actor nomination, and the film itself won numerous awards, including Best Picture, highlighting the powerful and touching bond between the two main characters.

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Mission: Impossible

In the role of super-spy Ethan Hunt, the leading man had audiences on the edge of their seats with the thrilling action and elaborate plots of this espionage thriller series. As Hunt, he displays an unrivaled level of physicality and commitment to his craft, performing most of his own stunts, resulting in a rollercoaster ride of adventure and suspense for moviegoers. The franchise has become synonymous with jaw-dropping stunts, twisty plots, and an evolving ensemble cast that perfectly complements the main character's charisma and determination.

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Jerry Maguire

In this romantic dramedy, the audience witnesses a sports agent's fall from grace and subsequent redemption through his relationship with his sole client and love interest. Audiences are charmed by the stunning performances, emotional vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry between the characters, as well as the classic line, "You complete me." The film earned the lead actor an Academy Award nomination and remains an enduring favorite for its heartwarming relationships, brilliant dialogue, and bittersweet exploration of ambition and love.

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Edge of Tomorrow

Featuring a mix of action-packed sequences, science fiction elements, and dark humor, this film showcases the protagonist as a reluctant hero, forced to live the same day repeatedly while fighting alien invaders. The compelling story of survival and personal growth, alongside the intriguing concept of time loops, make this an unforgettable cinematic experience. Supported by a strong performance from Emily Blunt, this thrilling, fast-paced adventure cements its status as a modern sci-fi classic.

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• # 24 of 166 on The 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies

Minority Report

Set in a dystopian future where crime is predicted and prevented by a specialized police force, this Steven Spielberg-directed sci-fi thriller sees the lead actor as a detective accused of a crime he has yet to commit. With its unique premise, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals, the film became an instant classic and served as a showcase for the protagonist's range and versatility as an actor. The combination of gripping storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and a strong ensemble cast cement its status as one of the best sci-fi films of the 21st century.

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The Last Samurai

Set in 19th-century Japan, this epic historical drama follows the journey of Capt. Nathan Algren, an American military officer who becomes deeply immersed in the samurai culture. The protagonist brilliantly portrays a tortured soul seeking redemption and finding it through his connection with the titular warriors, resulting in a soulful and emotional performance. Aesthetically stunning and emotionally engaging, this film is impressively crafted and features outstanding performances from Ken Watanabe and the rest of the cast.

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Risky Business

As the high school senior who turns his family's home into a brothel after getting involved with a call girl, the lead actor delivers a charming and iconic performance that launched his career as a Hollywood heartthrob. The famous scene of the character dancing in his underwear to " Old Time Rock and Roll " has become a pop-culture staple, and the film itself remains a beloved 80s classic. With its unique blend of teen angst, dark comedy, and romance, this coming-of-age story showcases the beginnings of a truly remarkable talent.

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Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

The fourth installment in the adrenaline-fueled franchise sees the protagonist perform even more heart-stopping stunts, including scaling the world's tallest building, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, further solidifying his reputation as a fearless action star. With a fresh team of dynamic actors, including Simon Pegg and Paula Patton, this film raises the stakes and balances its thrilling action with lighter moments of humor. Picking up where its predecessors left off, the film delivers an exhilarating, globetrotting adventure that leaves audiences eager for more.

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In this gripping adaptation of John Grisham's best-selling novel, the protagonist plays an ambitious young lawyer who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and corruption at his prestigious law firm. The intense plot and stellar performances from the ensemble cast, including Gene Hackman, Holly Hunter, and David Strathairn, keep the audience absorbed and guessing until the very end. The smart script, thrilling twists, and central performance make it a must-watch for legal thriller enthusiasts and fans of the leading man alike.

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Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

The fifth installment of the popular action franchise sees the protagonist reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, this time facing a powerful, clandestine organization known as the Syndicate. With incredible stunts, including a breathtaking underwater sequence and a thrilling motorcycle chase, the lead actor continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in action cinema. Alongside new additions to the cast such as Rebecca Ferguson and Sean Harris, this thrilling adventure offers non-stop excitement and intrigue that maintains the high standards of the series.

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Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Portraying the tormented vampire Lestat in this adaptation of Anne Rice's novel, the protagonist delivers a mesmerizing and seductive performance that captivated audiences worldwide. Sharing the screen with Brad Pitt and a young Kirsten Dunst, the actor's portrayal of an immortal craving companionship and grappling with the morality of his actions is both chilling and heartbreaking. Though controversial at the time for its dark themes and explicit content, the film has since become a cult classic, showcasing a different side of the leading man's abilities.

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• # 205 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

In his sixth turn as super-spy Ethan Hunt, the main character's commitment to performing his own stunts reaches new heights with a harrowing high-altitude-low-opening (HALO) jump. Additionally, the film's electric helicopter chase and intense fight sequences showcase the actor's relentless dedication to delivering pulse-pounding action. With a gripping storyline that delves deeper into the personal life of Hunt and an exhilarating finale, this entry is widely regarded as one of the best in the long-running series.

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In a rare turn as the villain, the lead actor plays a cold and calculating contract killer in this crime thriller directed by Michael Mann. Sharing the screen with Jamie Foxx's unsuspecting taxi driver, the actor's menacing performance offers a fascinating look into the psyche of his character and contrasts sharply with the vulnerable, heroic roles that have defined his career. With its gritty atmosphere, taut pacing, and unforgettable performances, the film stands as a testament to the versatility and range of the protagonist.

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The Outsiders

Based on the classic novel by S.E. Hinton, this coming-of-age drama set in the 1960s features the lead actor as part of an ensemble cast that includes Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe, among others. As the youngest member of the "Greasers" gang and the brother of Ralph Macchio's Johnny, the actor delivers a tender performance that showcases his talent at an early age. The film has since become a cult classic, with its heartfelt portrayal of friendship, loyalty, and the trials of growing up.

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Days of Thunder

Reuniting with the Top Gun director, the protagonist stars as hotshot NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in this high-octane racing drama. With thrilling race sequences and an exploration of the competitive world of stock car racing, the movie allows the lead character to demonstrate his undeniable screen presence and physical prowess. The electrifying on-screen chemistry between the actor and his future wife, Nicole Kidman, adds to the allure of this compelling sports drama.

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The Color of Money

In this sequel to the 1961 classic The Hustler, the lead character plays pool protegé Vincent Lauria, who is mentored by Paul Newman's "Fast" Eddie Felson. A dynamic on-screen duo, they brilliantly convey the tension and rivalry between their characters, making for a compelling examination of ambition, redemption, and the cost of success. The film stands as a worthy follow-up to its predecessor, with a superb performance that further cemented the protagonist's status as a versatile leading man.

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Jack Reacher

Adapted from Lee Child's bestselling novels, the movie features the leading man as the tough-as-nails former Army investigator and drifter who finds himself entangled in a complex conspiracy. Showcasing his impressive range as an actor, the protagonist delivers a gritty and physical performance that captivates audiences and brings the beloved literary character to life. The film's thrilling action sequences, unexpected twists, and solid supporting cast make it a standout in the action-thriller genre.

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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

The upcoming seventh installment in the blockbuster franchise promises to deliver even more breathtaking stunts, explosive action, and intriguing espionage as the lead character reprises his iconic role of Ethan Hunt. As the first part of a two-part cinematic event, the film will undoubtedly raise the stakes and further solidify the protagonist's status as an unstoppable action hero. With returning and new cast members, fans are eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving series.

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In this 80s drama, the leading man portrays an ambitious bartender who dreams of success and navigates the trials and tribulations of love and friendship. The role allows the protagonist to showcase his charm, charisma, and signature smile, resulting in a captivating performance that further establishes him as a Hollywood heartthrob. With memorable scenes and quotable dialogue, the film has earned a special place in pop culture nostalgia.

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Born on the Fourth of July

In a powerful and transformative performance, the lead actor takes on the real-life story of Ron Kovic, a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran who becomes an anti-war activist. Earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, the protagonist impeccably portrays the emotional turmoil, physical pain, and ultimate redemption of his character. The film's unflinching depiction of the war's aftermath and its impact on soldiers makes it a poignant and unforgettable viewing experience.

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Mission: Impossible III

With J.J. Abrams at the helm, the third installment of the blockbuster franchise brings a personal and emotional depth to the series, as protagonist Ethan Hunt faces a ruthless villain with ties to his personal life. The leading man's captivating performance, along with an incredible supporting cast and intense action sequences, make this entry a standout in the spy thriller genre. Fans of the series appreciate the balance of character development, emotional stakes, and adrenaline-pumping action that this installment delivers.

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Tropic Thunder

In a surprising and hilarious turn, the protagonist takes on the role of an over-the-top Hollywood producer in this satirical war comedy. Sporting a bald cap and thick prosthetic makeup, he is nearly unrecognizable as he lampoons the movie industry with biting humor and infectious dance moves. His comedic prowess and willingness to poke fun at himself contribute to the film's status as a modern classic in the comedy genre.

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In this gripping historical thriller, the lead actor portrays German army officer Claus von Stauffenberg, who leads a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II. With a strong supporting cast and a suspenseful narrative, the protagonist delivers a compelling performance that highlights his versatility as an actor. The film is a riveting exploration of moral courage and determination in the face of insurmountable odds.

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In this visually stunning sci-fi thriller, the protagonist plays a drone repairman tasked with maintaining Earth's defense system after an alien invasion. Unraveling a twisted web of secrets and lies surrounding his mission, the lead actor delivers a gripping and emotional performance that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. With its breathtaking cinematography, thought-provoking themes, and memorable score, the film solidifies its place as a captivating entry in the science fiction genre.

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War of the Worlds

In this modern adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic novel, the protagonist portrays a divorced father who must protect his children during a sudden alien invasion. Under the direction of Steven Spielberg, the lead actor excels in conveying the terror, desperation, and determination of his character while navigating a world on the brink of destruction. The film's riveting storyline, impressive special effects, and powerful performances create a thrilling and suspenseful ride for viewers.

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Far and Away

Starring alongside Nicole Kidman, the protagonist takes on the role of an Irish immigrant seeking his fortune in America in this sweeping romantic epic. The film's lush landscapes and stirring score provide an exquisite backdrop for the passionate love story between the main characters. Despite some mixed critical reception, the undeniable chemistry between the lead actors and the film's grand scope make it a memorable viewing experience.

American Made

Based on a true story, the protagonist plays a commercial airline pilot turned drug smuggler and CIA informant in this fast-paced crime drama. The lead actor's charismatic performance, combined with a fascinating real-life plot and a vibrant 80s aesthetic, makes for an entertaining and thrilling ride. The film showcases the protagonist's ability to tackle complex characters and deliver engaging performances in diverse roles.

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All about the life and career of the ageless actor Tom Cruise.

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Tom Cruise is an American film actor and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and has won three Golden Globe Awards. He started his career at age 19 in the 1981 film Taps . His first leading role was in Risky Business , released in August 1983. Cruise became a full-fledged movie star after starring in Top Gun (1986). He is well known for his role as secret agent Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible film series between 1996 and 2011.

Nominations [ ]

Gallery [ ], oscar nominated roles [ ].

Cruise’s Oscar Years: One Decade. Three Nominations. Myriad Lessons.

Tom Cruise Week

When Tom Cruise slid across the living room floor in Jockeys in Risky Business 32 years ago, he became a star. When he became an actor is slightly more difficult to pinpoint. The first time he was taken seriously was in 1986, when he made The Color of Money . And although that title is far more elegant than The Hustler II , the latter name would have been a more accurate curtain-raiser for Cruise’s acting career. He has always been a hustler, and he has always been poised between two of the most common definitions of that word — tireless worker and con man. In his fourth decade as a box office attraction, he is still working to sell us on himself, and still refining the ever-changing recipe of bravado, sincerity, persistence, diligence, arrogance, and open-heartedness that he believes people want from him.

Over the course of his 38-movie career, Cruise has been nominated for three Academy Awards. That is fewer than his closest contemporaries, George Clooney (one year older, eight nominations) and Brad Pitt (one year younger, five nominations). But Clooney also writes and directs, and both he and Pitt produce — including movies that they do not star in, like Argo and 12 Years a Slave . Cruise used to dabble in that, too, but for the past decade or so, as Pitt and Clooney have moved deeper into prestige producing, he’s pulled back. His producing credits are now primarily for movies in which he stars, and it’s been a long time since he expressed any serious interest in directing or writing. 1

Or at least, he used to. The Cruise of today, with a roster of sequels to Mission: Impossible , Top Gun , and Jack Reacher that collectively feel like an aging rocker’s greatest-hits nostalgia tour, seems to have decided that he’s just going to be an action hero until he can no longer dash or leap or grin or twinkle. I hope he rediscovers his ambition to do more than that, because Peak Cruise-as-actor — say, 1988 to 1999 — was a more interesting era. Not coincidentally, it’s also where all three of his Oscar nominations landed. And revisiting that trio of movies reveals a lot about how Cruise learned to be used, and to deploy himself.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

When Cruise signed on to play Ron Kovic, the paraplegic Vietnam veteran turned antiwar activist who was the subject of Oliver Stone’s post- Platoon return to Vietnam drama, he was just 26, and he’d spent the last couple of years doing a lot of coat-holding and Oscar-enabling; his Color of Money costar Paul Newman and his Rain Man costar Dustin Hoffman had both won Best Actor Oscars while he went unnominated. 2 Now it was his turn, with a movie so completely crafted as a star vehicle that it’s hard to remember who else is in it. 3

This was the Oscar that Cruise probably came the closest to winning, in what turned out to be a pivotal year for the Academy Awards and for movies. Going into the ceremony, Best Actor was, at first, seen as a race between Cruise and Driving Miss Daisy ’s Morgan Freeman, who seemed poised to become the first black man since Sidney Poitier to win the prize. But 1989 — the year Sex, Lies, and Videotape won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival — was also the beginning of the modern indie movement, and an impassioned surge of support powered a dark-horse candidate, My Left Foot ’s Daniel Day-Lewis, past Cruise and Freeman to the Oscar podium.

Cruise’s Born on the Fourth of July role ticked off all the then-familiar Best Actor boxes: playing a disability, not looking good (note the scraggly mustache and receding hairline), delving into important subject matter, and hitting one emotional climax after another. In fact, maybe it ticked them off too neatly. Kovic’s life had already provided inspiration a decade earlier for Coming Home , a movie that had won a more experienced actor, Jon Voight, a Best Actor Oscar for playing a paralyzed and politicized Vietnam veteran.

In some ways, Stone’s movie establishes a template to which Cruise would return many times over the decades; the signal quality of his performance here is how hard you see him working. He’s not exactly a natural as a working-class Long Island kid who enters the war all innocently aflame about stopping communism (the Massapequa accent waxes and wanes from scene to scene), but he’s in there trying, and the effort merits respect if not trophies. As an actor, Cruise has always been at his best when he’s given something physical to do — he inhabits his body with the heightened consciousness of an athlete or dancer. Here, when he’s dragging himself on crutches across the floor of a VA hospital or using his chin and neck and shoulders to express the frustration and aggression that the rest of his body cannot, he’s completely persuasive. What you see in Born on the Fourth of July is an inexperienced actor working with ferocious determination to raise his game — and since Kovic is also a ferociously determined character, it’s a good fit.

Cruise is effective in some quieter scenes, as well — flinching almost unconsciously at the sound of firecrackers during a parade, speaking haltingly when he reveals his fear that he accidentally killed a fellow soldier with friendly fire during a battle, trying to get through a homecoming moment with his tearful family that Stone, uncharacteristically restrained and at his very best, turns into a gentle callback to a similar scene in The Best Years of Our Lives . He’s less convincing (and not helped by the blunt-force, point-making script Stone and Kovic cowrote) in his big anger-and-tears monologues, where you can feel him digging deep to find feelings that lie just past his fingertips, not quite getting them, and substituting volume and intensity for modulation and specificity.

In early films like this one, Cruise was often overtly willing to be molded. Even the rave reviews he got had a slight note of qualification; Roger Ebert wrote that “Stone is able to make his statement with Cruise’s face and voice,” and the New York Times ’s Vincent Canby noted, “Cruise looks absolutely right, which is not to underrate the performance itself. The two things cannot be easily separated.” The suggestion that Cruise was being well used rather than fully defining the character was not inaccurate. In Born on the Fourth of July , he plays, very well, exactly what Stone asks him to play, but a truly great actor brings more shading and complexity to a character than even a writer-director could have imagined. That doesn’t happen here, and it’s probably why he lost to Day-Lewis (the wheelchair-vs.-wheelchair nature of the roles did not make for a comparison that flattered him). Born on the Fourth of July showcases something that becomes evident in a lot of his later work — that he thinks his job is to give 110 percent of what’s asked, 4  to pour himself into something rather than to explore it. He is, above all, eager to serve. It’s perfect that Cruise himself was born on the third of July; this performance is a very good “almost.”

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Jerry Maguire was an outlier in its Oscar season — a big year-end studio release in a race that was otherwise almost entirely colonized by indies ( Fargo , Sling Blade ) and foreign films ( The English Patient , Secrets & Lies , Shine , Breaking the Waves ). Cruise lost Best Actor to Shine ’s Geoffrey Rush and was never considered a real contender, despite the film’s five nominations, including Best Picture.

Nonetheless: This is the Oscar he should have won. Although Cruise may get more nominations and even an Academy Award down the road, and although his best performance may still lie ahead of him, I doubt he will ever have a more bespoke script or a more intelligently conceived spotlight for his talents than he did here. Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire is essentially an essay on Tom Cruise that Cruise coauthors by enacting it. Everything we feel about him — how can he be so unbelievably charming, why is he always selling, can we possibly trust someone who asks for our trust that nakedly, does his need make him more human or more scary, shouldn’t that irresistible surface count for something, why does it have to be quite so polished? — is embedded in this character, who is either trying to be a better person or trying to convince you he’s trying. 5  (Should you believe Jerry when he says, “I had lost the ability to bullshit”? Does he believe himself?) As Renée Zellweger’s character says: “I love him for the man he wants to be. I love him for the man he almost is.” It’s that gap between the two — and Cruise’s awareness of what it means — that makes his work here so human, so believable, and so surprising. The Color of Money notwithstanding, it’s the closest he ever came to finding the sweet spot that Paul Newman used to hit in the first half of his career. 6

When I watched Jerry Maguire right after Born on the Fourth of July , the first thing I noticed was how much Cruise’s voice had changed in the seven years between the two movies. It’s deeper, fuller, more confident; more to the point, Cruise knows how to use it better, and throughout the movie, you feel how thoroughly he’s learned to calibrate his brashness and his vulnerability. His physicality is flawless — walking across a room, he looks like a guy who’s used to having a suit bag slung over his shoulder, and Crowe is, I think, the only director who’s ever figured out how to use Cruise’s modest stature to the advantage of the character and the performance. Jerry is an athlete’s agent, and Crowe shoots him to look not like a giant among men but like a man among giants — a medium-sized dude who’s learned how to maximize his presence in the company of big guys.

Cruise was 34 when he made the movie, and Jerry is 35. In retrospect, it was the perfect midpoint for an actor who had spent the first half of his career trying to seem grown-up and who has spent the second half trying to seem young. It’s a sentimental movie because Crowe is a sentimental filmmaker, and I mean that as a compliment — Cruise needs to be handled with heart, not awe. The case that he’s a terrifically resourceful actor can rest on so many different scenes — he has never been sweeter than when he’s talking to Zellweger while distractedly swinging 5-year-old Jonathan Lipnicki with one hand; he has never been funnier than when he’s making a spectacular exit speech to the agency and not quite bringing it off (“Who’s coming with me? Who’s coming with me?! … This is embarrassing.”).

And he’s never had a part that made better use of the internal GPS that allows him to navigate the space between douchebag and good guy, something he does peerlessly. Everything Jerry does (like almost everything Cruise does) is performative — he’s never just feeling a feeling, he’s always playing a feeling, and watching himself to see if it’s working, and loathing the fact he’s doing it. (Crucial early line: “I couldn’t escape one simple thought: I hated myself.”) This is especially affecting when he’s down and out, and part of the key to Jerry Maguire ’s success is that he spends most of the movie as an underdog, struggling to convince himself that he’s happier, stronger, and more together than he is. Not-quite-on-top-of-the-world-and-faking-it is a great place for Cruise, one he hasn’t gone back to often enough. And so is not being quite as good an actor as he wants to be.

When he finally snaps and yells at Cuba Gooding Jr., trying to hold on to him as a client while letting him know that representing him is “an up-at-dawn, pride-swallowing siege that I will never fully tell you about … Help me! Help me help you. Help me help you!” it’s too much — both for the actor (who suddenly seems to be channeling manic Jack Nicholson) and for the character. But Gooding’s character knows it’s too much, and Cruise realizes he knows, and those extra layers of self-awareness make the scene.

There are a few ways in which the rom-com touch points of Jerry Maguire have dated (surprisingly few, given that it’s been 19 years), but Cruise’s work in the movie holds up impeccably, and may make you feel nostalgic. As he says at the climax, “This used to be my specialty.”

Magnolia (1999)

As Cruise became more famous, whatever ability he had to become an immersive, chameleonic actor, never his sharpest skill, atrophied, 7  and so, for a time, he consented to be something else: a useful tool, someone whose participation could get a movie made and who would almost philanthropically place himself in the hands of great filmmakers, even those who wanted to explore and/or exploit his overwhelming celebrity. And 1999 was a high-water mark for that section of Cruise’s résumé — it was the year in which he turned himself over to one great director at the end of his career, Stanley Kubrick , and another near the beginning of his, Paul Thomas Anderson.

In the first case, Cruise’s marriage (to Nicole Kidman) felt inseparable from the text of the movie; in the second, his name probably helped the film get financed, and Anderson tailored a role just for him — albeit one that seemed designed specifically to cause discomfort. Amy Nicholson wrote fascinatingly here  about Cruise and Magnolia last year. As she noted, Cruise’s Frank T.J. Mackey plays on the actor’s own troubled relationship with his estranged father, but it also takes the grinning, determined salesmanship of Jerry Maguire and peels the humanness off of it; what Cruise is peddling here, in late-night “seduce and destroy” instructional commercials that seem to target aspiring rapists and sociopaths, is ugliness — his and ours. The result got him a Best Supporting Actor nomination (his was the only performance cited in the ensemble film, perhaps because he seems almost to be the star of a separate, one-man movie within the movie). He lost, as was expected, to Michael Caine, who won his second Oscar in the category for The Cider House Rules .

When it opened, I found Magnolia , a three-hour-plus epic of West Coast soul rot that makes Short Cuts look like Singin’ in the Rain , hard to watch. Sixteen years later, I still find it hard to watch, and Cruise even harder. His performance unfolds in three beats: The first is a good, long look at his infomercial pitch, which is Frank selling to an audience; the second is Frank giving an increasingly testy and unpleasant on-camera interview (in effect, selling less successfully to a politely skeptical audience of one woman); and the third is Frank pouring his angry, wounded guts out to his dying father (Jason Robards), essentially selling nothing at all to an audience that’s barely there. Cruise goes deep in this role. I’m not fully sold on the deathbed scene, in which his own not-quite-hitting-it frustration seems to blur with the character’s anguish. But wow, does that interview sequence land: It anticipates every bad turn his public persona took in the years that followed, from his manic simulacrum of romantic happiness on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005 to his didactic smugness with Matt Lauer that same year to the gleaming HAHAHAHA! too-muchness of the Scientology video that went viral in 2008. These associations are obviously not the movie’s fault, but I don’t think they’re entirely disconnected from it, either: To Anderson’s great credit, he knew Cruise had a degree of arrogant, grandiose messianism in him, and to Cruise’s, he knew he had it in himself, and didn’t hold back.

The result remains, by far, his most disturbing performance: Jerry Maguire’s Mr. Hyde. Frank is opacity masquerading as openness, which is the most Tom Cruise thing you can possibly be. Ultimately, he’s playing more a conceit than a character: vicious cockiness that reveals its root to be daddy problems. (There may have been more to Frank than that originally; as Nicholson notes, a lot of his role was either cut or was written but never shot.) Still, I can’t find fault with most of what he does in the movie.

Whatever your feelings about Magnolia , you have to admire the abasement it took for Cruise to show this side of himself; it was a moment when he seemed to shun image protection and take whatever dare a director threw at him. And then that moment evaporated. Cruise’s Oscar story (so far) ends in 1999. The past 16 years have brought performances of varying quality and success. There have been effective forays into the villainous ( Collateral ) and there have been demonstrations that he has a sense of humor about himself ( Rock of Ages ) and about his industry ( Tropic Thunder ). But there’s also been a lot of hero stuff, and, in recent years, too little of anything else. That kind of calcification is distressing, especially since, when Cruise’s passionate intensity has nowhere substantial to apply itself, it just feels empty or overbearing. So I’m rooting for him to find himself back at the Oscars one of these years, not because it matters but because as cool as the plane stunt in the new Mission: Impossible movie is, to me the least interesting iteration of Tom Cruise is the 53-year-old man who seems sad that superhero movies became a big deal slightly too late for him to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Ultimately, the most surprising thing about Cruise’s Oscar history is his apparent turn away from caring about it. Today, he seems more interested in the fight to stay a movie star. It would be thrilling to see him humble, invert, or extend himself for a great role again. It’s been too long.

His sole directing credit was for an episode of Showtime’s largely forgotten mid-’90s anthology series Fallen Angels , and his sole writing credit is “story by” on Days of Thunder (1990).

Although nobody really thinks of Cruise as an ensemble actor, it’s worth noting that he’s a good scene partner; over the years, nine of his costars have gotten Oscar nominations for work in his movies.

The fine supporting cast includes everyone from Platoon ’s Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe to a very young Lili Taylor, who makes a stunning impression in one brief scene.

Perhaps that impulse is part of what’s behind his incessant modern-day publicizing of the fact he does many of his own stunts.

Writing in Slate in 1996, Sarah Kerr beautifully captured the actor’s place in the culture: “Cruise … always seems to be weighing his options, to be asking, What does this mean for me, Tom Cruise? This makes his portrayals of deeper emotions come off as shallow and manufactured.” Jerry Maguire , she wrote, exposes “the hysteria, the downright sickness, beneath Cruise’s standard persona … Crowe and Cruise cooperate beautifully in satirizing the image it took Cruise years to build.”

By the way, the second half of Newman’s career, when, in his mid-fifties, he seemed to rediscover his love for acting and for working hard at it, would be the best possible template if Cruise is seeking reinvention or redemption.

I don’t count his latex-and-shtick Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder , which is transformative but not deep.

Filed Under: Tom Cruise Week , Movies , Tom Cruise , risky business , Jerry Maguire , Born on the Fourth of July , Magnolia , oliver stone , Paul Thomas anderson

Mark Harris is the author of Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood  and  Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War .

Archive @ MarkHarrisNYC

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7 best Tom Cruise movies to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Where to stream these iconic movies starring Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. For good reason, too. With jaw-dropping stunts, a gleaming smile and an intense gaze unmatched by many, Tom Cruise is a household name in Hollywood. He's had the lead actor role in at least 39 films and counting and has a box office total that has grossed over 10 billion. He has also produced some of his own films, including the hit Mission: Impossible franchise.

While Cruise may be known as an invincible action star, he has also played numerous characters with incredible depth and range. He has been the charming yet competitive romantic lead, the cold, calculating killer, and the greedy but misguided younger brother . Cruise has worked alongside some of the most famous actors and directors of our time. While it's hard to narrow down his greatest roles in such a short list, we've put together a few of the best Tom Cruise movies. 

In the Oscar award-winning film, Rain Main, Cruise plays Charlie Babbitt, the selfish brother of Raymond as played by Dustin Hoffman. Charlie finds out that his brother Raymond has inherited a great deal of money. Determined to get hold of what he believes is rightfully his, Charlie absconds Ray away from his residential home, sending the two on a memorable road trip neither will forget.

Hoffman took home an Academy Award for his role. So did the director, the screenwriter, and the picture as a whole. While Tom Cruise may not have received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film, he is the perfect actor to play alongside Hoffman. You have the reward of watching him shed his character's shallow, flashy demeanor and embrace a subtle maturity as he learns why his brother was sent away. A must-watch film that is one of Tom Cruise's best.

Watch on Prime Video

No one but Cruise could have played the part of Mitch McDeere in The Firm, an adaptation of the book by John Grisham. It could be why the 2012 television series of the book was canceled after only a single season. In the film, Cruise's McDeere is hired by a "small" firm from Memphis right out of law school. Although everything seems on the up-and-up, it isn't long before he realizes that he is surrounded by crooks.

It's the transformation of McDeere's smugness over landing such a top-notch job into an intensity over uncovering the truth and protecting his career — and life — that makes this such a powerful Tom Cruise film. However, what may surprise many is that Holly Hunter took home the Oscar for her role as Tammy Hemphill, the secretary of the private detective that McDeere hires. Despite Cruise's lack of Oscar recognition, this is one of his best movies.

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A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men is a movie best known by many for its famous line spoken by Jack Nicholson who retorts, "You can't handle the truth!" However, it wouldn't be the same without Cruise playing the cocky Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee. 

When defense lawyer Kaffee gets to defend two Marines accused of killing one of their colleagues, many expect him to simply settle the case out of court. Cruise's natural overconfidence as portrayed in his character, Kaffee, becomes a quality that people plan to manipulate to keep the truth a secret. When he realizes this raw reality, Cruise's stone-cold determination to take the case to court shocks many. Nicholson, who plays Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, was nominated for the Oscar. However, Cruise wows the audience when he plays opposite Nicholson in the famous court scene that prompted the line we all know so well.

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Going against his typical role, Tom Cruise plays a ruthless killer in the movie, Collateral. Vincent, as played by Cruise, is visiting Los Angeles to finish off a few people who are supposed to testify in court against a drug lord as well as a couple of other lawyers involved in the case. When he gets into the cab of Max, played by Jamie Foxx, not everything goes according to plan.

Cruise takes out all the charm in his personality to depict a heartless killer — although what remains is a certain reasonableness to his personality as he almost convinces Foxx's Max to stick with him for the long haul. However, Foxx's Max becomes braver by the moment. In yet another film where another actor was Oscar-nominated over Cruise — this time it was Jamie Foxx — it still remains one of Cruise's most complex characters, making it one of his best movies.

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Jerry Maguire

This time an Oscar nominee, Cruise plays the part of Jerry Maguire, a sports agent at the top of his game. However, Cruise's Maguire gets a crisis of conscience when one of his clients gets seriously hurt. Confronted by the client's son, Cruise realizes he has no heart for those he is supposed to represent. 

When Cruise's Maguire writes a mission statement, encouraging his agency to change their ways, he loses it all. However, despite the falling out, he connects with potential love interest, Dorothy Boyd, played by Renee Zellweger. He also manages to keep a single client, Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. It's a perfect blend of excellent acting, a strong script, and superb directing that makes this one of the most memorable romantic comedies. It also happens to include the famous Tom Cruise line that gives us all the feels, "You complete me."

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Top Gun: Maverick

Timing is everything, as the old adage says. That is possibly why the movie Top Gun: Maverick was such a success. Cruise starred in and produced the film, a sequel to his career-making film, Top Gun. While it was ready to go in 2020, he delayed its release for when people could actually see it in theaters. And for good reason. With incredible stunts and minimal usage of CGI, the movie is an experience as much as it is entertainment.

Playing a character many became familiar with in the '80s, Cruise adds a level of maturity to his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Cruise's Maverick returns to the school that molded him to train younger pilots, one of whom is the son of his now-deceased best friend. The emotional depth Cruise brings to the film makes it almost better than the original, a feat that's near impossible for sequels. 

Watch on Prime Video or Paramount Plus

Risky Business

How can any of us forget that famous scene when Cruise dances in his underwear to the Bob Seger song, "Old Time Rock & Roll"? One of the movies that made him who he is today, Cruise plays Joel Goodsen, a college-bound high school senior who itches to cut loose from his parents' ties. Finally having the opportunity to live a little when his parents go on vacation, things for Goodsen go from bad to worse as each rule is broken.

Acting alongside Rebecca De Mornay who plays the elusive and appealing call girl, Cruise's Goodsen learns about life, love, and consequences in this iconic film. Coupled with a strong script and excellent music from the 80s, this is one of Tom Cruise's best and most memorable movies.

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Nicole Pyles is a writer in Portland, Oregon. She loves movies, especially Lifetime movies, obscure TV movies, and disaster flicks. Her writing has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Mental Floss, WOW! Women on Writing, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and more. When she isn't watching movies, she's spending time with family, reading, and writing short stories. Say hi on Twitter @BeingTheWriter.

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Top Gun: Maverick – Why Tom Cruise’s blockbuster sequel should win the Oscar for Best Picture

Inexplicably, one of the biggest films from last year is a bit of an underdog at this week’s oscars despite a handful of nominations. according to adam white , it really ought to be leading the pack, article bookmarked.

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I spent a lot of Top Gun: Maverick studying Tom Cruise ’s face. It’s a deceptively interesting one – either eerily smooth or comfortingly weathered, depending on the scene; a fitting testament to a man whose intergalactic fame has outlasted seven US presidents and hundreds, if not thousands, of fly-by-night movie stars. Amid the whooshing racket of torpedoes and jet engines, it’s Cruise who emerges as the film’s most compelling special effect. Few other celebrities feel as curiously enigmatic as they are culturally ubiquitous. You can’t quite believe he’s real. He still might not be.

Cruise is up for an Oscar this weekend as a producer on Maverick , meaning he’ll take one home if the film wins Best Picture. He didn’t get the Best Actor nod that at one point seemed predestined, but oddly, Best Picture feels like an appropriate – even preferable – alternative. For Maverick is Cruise. Cruise is Maverick . Playing a confident but battle-weary naval captain and test pilot, he takes full command of every scene and every stunt. Never have a star and their movie felt quite so one-and-the-same.

The original Top Gun is a bit of jingoistic kitsch so deeply heterosexual that it spins back around until it’s suddenly the gayest movie ever made. It’s about a fleet of cocky naval pilots who play beach volleyball and like to shoot at things, the film’s aerial pyrotechnics and man-sweat soundtracked by bombastic synths and Kenny Loggins. To call it “good” feels incorrect – it’s more a historical artifact or a museum piece than something of pristine quality. But somewhere in the 36 years between its release and the arrival of its sequel, its earnest, stylised melodrama became something we yearned to watch again.

Top Gun: Maverick is the best movie of last year because it feels out of time, and it knows it. Cruise’s Maverick is introduced as an Eighties relic, whose hand-operated approach to combat is at risk of being phased out in favour of drones and computers. There is a significant love story between Maverick and his one-time teenage sweetheart Penny (Jennifer Connelly), which seems to exclusively play out against sunsets. Like the original, the film has a big, soaring theme song – this time by Lady Gaga rather than Berlin – which seems to echo through its soundscape before fully serenading the cast and crew over the end credits. Inexplicably, classic cinematic staples like these – Character! Romance! An actual score! – have become rarities. We need to hold on to them tight when they pop up again.

It’s for this reason that the absence of Top Gun: Maverick from awards chatter seems a bit weird. Nothing released last year felt as traditional in its blockbuster bonafides while also making an absolute boatload of money and earning glowing reviews. Yet it’s somehow been outgunned in the home stretch by practically all of its Best Picture competitors, notably the under-the-radar First World War movie All Quiet on the Western Front – a film deemed the closest rival to an assumed Everything Everywhere All at Once victory on the night. How did Tom Cruise become an awards-season underdog?

• ‘He has an iron stomach’: Meet the man who put Tom Cruise in the sky for Top Gun 2
• Top Gun: Maverick review – Tom Cruise soars in a sequel that’s as thrilling as blockbusters get
• Oscars 2023: How to watch the nominated movies in the UK

Watch the movie itself and there’s a titanic amount of technical prowess at work: stirring sound design, stunts you can’t quite believe they pulled off, the kind of shuddering wind power that makes Cruise’s cheeks all flappy when he fires off on his motorbike. But I was also floored by the film’s interest in age, and masculinity, and the fragility of the human body.

The reunion between Maverick and Val Kilmer ’s Iceman, the latter dealing – like Kilmer – with the effects of throat cancer, feels like a film in conversation with itself. Here are two movie-star peers who’ve experienced career highs and career lows and much personal tumult, and are somehow still standing. “It’s time to let go,” Iceman tells his old friend. “I don’t know how,” is Maverick’s cool response, as defiant as it is tortured. For Maverick, endlessly reaching for the impossible is as much an aspiration as it is a trap. Cruise, too, potentially.

How Top Gun: Maverick turned out quite so well remains a bit of a mystery, when legacy sequels and movies stuck in development hell for decades tend to arrive with a whimper. But it feels tweaked and perfected rather than overworked, and so confident in its approach to action and character that it’d be impossible for awards bodies to overlook it.

That’s also unique in itself, considering how unusual it is to see crossover between the Oscars and actual box-office success. But should we really be surprised? Cruise knows movies. He understands that blockbuster filmmaking isn’t just an art, but a science; that great films depend on feeling as well as spectacle.

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Will Tom Cruise Ever Win an Oscar?

If Tom Cruise wants to win a competitive Oscar, he needs to change the course of his career.

At sixty-one years old, Tom Cruise is now approximately the same age as the late Paul Newman was when a younger Cruise co-starred with Newman in the 1986 drama film The Color of Money , which brought Newman his first and only competitive Academy Award win after seven previous unsuccessful nominations. However, while The Color of Money reveals a Newman who had embraced the old man persona, with gray hair, prescription glasses, and a tired body, Cruise doesn’t seem ready to make such a transition.

Indeed, as Cruise seems to be intent on maintaining the action hero persona that Cruise first cultivated in 1986 with Top Gun , which was released just several months prior to Color of Money , it’s as if Cruise exists in a time warp, and as Newman appears old beyond his years in The Color of Money , Cruise presently doesn’t appear to be a day over fifty. Accordingly, the most recent Oscar nomination that Cruise received as a producer for Top Gun: Maverick highlights the fact that it’s been over twenty years since Cruise received his last Oscar nomination for acting.

Updated January 14, 2024: This article has been updated by Jessica Peerez with more information regarding Tom Cruise's Oscar chances and the actor's Warner Bros. deal.

Tom Cruise Has Gotten Very Close to Oscar

Tom Cruise’s most recent Oscar nomination , as a producer, for Top Gun: Maverick was his fourth Oscar nomination, following his previous nominations for his performances in the films Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia . Many were shocked that Cruise did not land a nomination for Best Actor for Top Gun: Maverick , as many thought the film's positive word of mouth and major box office haul, along with the perception of "saving theaters," would be enough to land him a nomination.

Cruise received his first Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance as real-life paralyzed Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic in the acclaimed 1989 anti-war drama film Born on the Fourth of July , in which Cruise, who was twenty-six years old when filming began, portrays Kovic over a twenty-year period, beginning in Kovic’s senior year of high school. Indeed, the stark transformation Cruise undergoes throughout the film undoubtedly represents the most impressive acting achievement of Cruise’s career. However, while Cruise was considered a serious Oscar contender for Born on the Fourth of July , Cruise was defeated by Daniel Day-Lewis, who won the Oscar for Day-Lewis’ memorable performance in My Left Foot .

Cruise received his second Oscar nomination for his comedic titular performance as a love-starved sports agent in the 1996 comedy-drama film Jerry Maguire but was defeated by Geoffrey Rush from Shine , while Michael Caine’s performance in the 1999 drama film The Cider House Rules won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar over Cruise’s emotionally-charged performance as a misogynistic motivational speaker in the 1999 ensemble drama film Magnolia .

No More Risky Business

In pursuing the role of Ron Kovic in Born on the Fourth of July , Tom Cruise said that while he had already achieved major film stardom with Top Gun , he nonetheless felt the need to test himself as a dramatic actor, to essentially find out if he was more than just a pretty face and was capable of becoming a truly great film actor. Indeed, Born on the Fourth of July marked the beginning of an intensive testing period for Cruise, who had already proved that he could more than hold his own alongside Paul Newman in The Color of Money and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man and then did the same against screen giants Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men and Gene Hackman in The Firm .

However, while Cruise has certainly demonstrated a willingness to take physical risks since his last Oscar-nominated appearance in Magnolia and has certainly broken new technical ground in the action and science-fiction film genres over the past twenty years, Cruise has also stopped taking creative and dramatic risks, certainly compared to the 1980s and 1990s, and has stopped testing himself as an actor, as Cruise has seemingly stopped pursuing character-based film roles in favor of maintaining his lucrative standing in his now well-worn genre spaces.

Related: Top Gun Maverick: 10 Reasons it Surpasses the Original

Except for his performances as foul-mouthed Hollywood studio executive Les Grossman in the 2008 action comedy film Tropic Thunder and icy professional killer Vincent in the 2004 action thriller film Collateral , Cruise has shown an increasing unwillingness to leave his comfort zone as an actor and a star, and this has made his path to winning a competitive Oscar much more difficult. Since 2010, the actor has mainly stayed within the action genre with four Mission: Impossible films: Oblivion, Edge of Tomorrow, The Mummy, and Top Gun: Maverick . The closest thing he has done as a character drama in the past decade was American Made , which received mixed reviews from critics.

In many ways, Cruise has now prioritized box office over awards recognition, and it has not been a bad call. Following a very public fallout with Paramount Pictures in 2006, he dipped his toe into dramas like Lions for Lambs and Valkyrie , but both disappointed at the box office and also failed to land box office success. Meanwhile, Misson: Impossible became a much bigger action franchise in the 2010s as he made the death-defying stunts he was attempting part of the marketing campaign, and Top Gun: Maverick became the biggest film of his career and currently is the twelfth highest-grossing film worldwide. Cruise seems to have decided his legacy is now in being one of the last few movie stars who can bring audiences out to the theater over potentially winning an award.

A New Deal: Could It Mean An Oscar?

Broadening his horizons and kick-starting 2024, Cruise has now signed a deal with Warner Bros. As per the agreement, Cruise will be developing and producing theatrical films with Warner Bros. Discovery . The actor is set to star in both original films and franchises through the deal. As per Warner Bros. chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, the agreement's main intent is to take Warner Bros. back to its glory days. Cruise has also expressed his commitment to making great films together with the studio.

The deal between Cruise and Warner Bros. may also yield benefits other than great films. It may possibly pave the path to Cruise winning an Oscar. The actor's last original film was 2010's Knight and Day, in which Cruise starred alongside Cameron Diaz. Despite the reputed talent leading the film, Knight and Day did not see much success. However, with the experience the actor has gained since then, future original films could take a different route.

Related: 12 Directors That Tom Cruise Should Work With Next

The deal also provides Cruise the chance to step away from his action comfort zone and instead delve more into dramatic, theatrical work. Doing so would allow Cruise to portray himself as a truly dynamic actor with a skill set more impressive than what his action-centered films have brought viewers. However, whether Cruise chooses to do so remains to be seen.

While Cruise will likely return for Edge of Tomorrow 2 , it is curious if any of the major Warner Bros. IPs that the studio has would draw Cruise in. Fans might want Crusie to be Green Lantern in the DCU , but does he want that? As Cruise gets older and the past decade is defined by action films, maybe he is looking for a return to the character dramas of the 1990s like Jerry Maguire and A Few Good Men , which were hits with both critics and audiences without needing explosions.

The Sentimental Favorite

If Cruise chooses to stick to his tried and tested genre of films, even with the Warner Bros. deal, there is still the possibility of sentimentality bringing Cruise an Oscar. The actor has the chance of winning an honorary Oscar, which Tom Cruise, as a four-time Oscar nominee and one of the most successful actors in Hollywood history, is certainly more than qualified to receive but one has to ask: would Cruise be happy instead with receiving an honorary award?

Moreover, if Cruise does win a competitive Oscar in the future, for the same sentimental reasons that surrounded Newman’s Oscar for The Color of Money and John Wayne’s win for True Grit , would this alter Cruise’s legacy significantly or merely highlight how much more deserving Cruise was of an Oscar for his performance in Born on the Fourth of July ?

Indeed, it seemed that sentimentality might bring Cruise an Oscar nomination, if not a win, for his nostalgia-tinged performance in Top Gun: Maverick, although it did not happen. It now remains to be seen if the new deal with Warner Bros. might broaden Cruise's prospects of an Oscar. However, with the actor involved in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two until 2025, it might be some time yet until we see the outcomes of Cruise's deal with Warner Bros. Now that Paramount Pictures is developing Top Gun 3 as well, that might be the Cruise's chance at getting the sentimental Oscar vote if the film can play its cards right.

Screen Rant

Tom cruise's new movie can break his disappointing 21st century streak & give him a huge career first.

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Tom Cruise Has Set Himself Up To Achieve The 1 Thing He's Never Done In His 43-Year Career

Peter jackson's lord of the rings movie return is a killer blow for amazon's the rings of power, why lucy gray wasn't a tribute option in hunger games: catching fire's quarter quell.

• Tom Cruise's upcoming movie with Alejandro G. Iñárritu could land him his first Oscar nomination in over 20 years.
• Cruise's new Warner Bros. deal enhances his chances of finally winning an Academy Award.
• Shift towards working with auteur directors like Iñárritu could lead to more Oscar nominations and potentially a win for Cruise.

Tom Cruise already has a new project under his recent Warner Bros. partnership, and this could be the project that finally breaks a years-long career streak and gives him a huge career first. Tom Cruise’s acting career began in the 1980s, with his big break being the 1983 coming-of-age comedy Risky Business . Although Cruise has starred in movies from different genres since then, such as horror with Interview with the Vampire , psychological drama with Eyes Wide Shut , and period drama with The Last Samurai , Cruise is best known for his action roles.

Tom Cruise has earned the title of “action star” with movies like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible saga , and thanks to the latter, his career has also been defined by franchises. Following the success of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, Cruise is now returning to Warner Bros. thanks to a new deal , which is about jointly developing and producing both original and franchise theatrical films, beginning in 2024. Cruise now has his first Warner Bros. project, and it could be the one that will finally break a disappointing career streak and mark a huge first in his acting career.

Tom Cruise has inked a deal with Warner Bros. to produce films together, and the agreement may lead to an accomplishment that has eluded the actor.

Tom Cruise's Movie With Alejandro G. Iñárritu Could Get Him His First Acting Oscar Nomination Since 2000

Alejandro g. iñárritu’s actors are often nominated at the academy awards.

Tom Cruise already has his first Warner Bros. project under the above-mentioned new deal with the studio. Cruise will star in a currently untitled movie directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and co-written by him, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolas Giacobone, and Sabina Berman. This project not also marks a change in Cruise’s career as it’s his first movie that’s not part of a franchise since 2017’s American Made , but it can also be the movie that gives him his first acting Oscar nomination since 2000, given Iñárritu’s track record.

Iñárritu’s career as a filmmaker began in 2000 with the Mexican film Amores Perros , and he quickly jumped to English-speaking productions three years later with 21 Grams . Iñárritu won his first Oscar for Best Director in 2015 for Birdman , also taking home the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The following year, Iñárritu won his second Oscar for Best Director for The Revenant . Every one of Iñárritu’s movies has been nominated for, at least, one category at the Oscars , and when it comes to acting ones, the only one to win Best Actor was The Revenant , thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance.

Starring in a film written and directed by Iñárritu is a great opportunity for Cruise, not just because it’s far from franchises and big-budget action films, but because it can give him another Oscar nomination after 23 years. Of course, whether he has a chance to win or not is impossible to say at the moment, as that depends on multiple factors, but it’s worth noting that it was an Iñárritu project the one that finally gave DiCaprio an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Tom Cruise Could Finally Win His First Ever Oscar

Tom cruise’s new warner bros. contract can finally give him an oscar..

Even if Iñárritu's movie doesn't give Cruise an Oscar, his Warner Bros. deal gives him more chances of winning.

Tom Cruise is starting on the right foot over at Warner Bros. with this Iñárritu-led project, and at the moment, it’s his biggest chance to win his first Oscar in an acting category. Even if Iñárritu’s new movie doesn’t lead to Cruise winning his first Oscar and he only gets a nomination, his current deal with Warner Bros. can give him more chances of winning an Academy Award. As mentioned above, the deal is about developing and producing franchise theatrical movies but also original ones, which is what Cruise’s career needs after years of adaptations and sequels.

This deal will reportedly mark a significant career shift for Cruise, who is interested in working with auteur directors. Iñárritu is the first step towards this shift, and it surely won’t be the only one. Cruise’s work in auteur-driven movies can lead to more recognition from The Academy and more nominations, and with that, Cruise could finally win his first Oscar in an acting category.

Why Tom Cruise Has So Few Oscar Nominations (& 0 Wins)

Tom cruise has been nominated for an oscar in an acting category three times..

Tom Cruise hasn’t won an Oscar yet, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been close to winning. Cruise’s first Academy Award nomination was in 1990 for his performance in the biographical movie Born on the Fourth of July , in the category of Best Actor. In 1997, Cruise was nominated in this same category for his role in Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire , and in 2000 he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for playing Stanley Spector in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia . Cruise’s most recent Oscar nomination was in 2023 for producing Top Gun: Maverick , which was nominated for Best Picture.

Cruise has had some strong competition in every one of those nominations: Daniel Day-Lewis for My Left Foot , Geoffrey Rush for Shine , and Kevin Spacey for American Beauty . In addition to that, The Academy rarely recognizes action movies and franchises in its main categories , which include Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, which has reduced Cruise’s chances of winning an Oscar. It’s to be seen how Tom Cruise ’s new deal with Warner Bros. will change his career, but he’s already on a great path.

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Oscars: complete winners list.

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' won best picture; acting nods for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis; and writing and directing Oscars for Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Brendan Fraser was named best actor for 'The Whale.'

By Kimberly Nordyke

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Everything Everywhere All at Once was named best picture at the 95th annual Academy Awards , which were handed out Sunday night.

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Elsewhere, Brendan Fraser was named best actor in a leading role for The Whale. German film All Quiet on the Western Front also scooped up four awards, including Oscars for best original score, production design, cinematography and international feature. Avatar: The Way of Water won best visual effects, while Top Gun: Maverick won the sound Oscar.

Navalny won best documentary feature, while Black Panther: Wakanda Forever won for its costume design. Sarah Polley won the award for best adapted screenplay for Women Talking , and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio was named best animated film.

Winners in all 23 categories were revealed at the ceremony, which took place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and aired live coast to coast on ABC. (It also streamed online and around the world .)

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 2023 Oscars, his third time emceeing the awards show, with televised trophyfest vets Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner producing. (See the star-studded Oscars red carpet arrivals .)

All of this year’s best original song nominees performed during the show. Lady Gaga , sang “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick ; Rihanna took the stage for a rendition of her first Oscar-nominated tune, “Lift Me Up,” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava performed “Naatu Naatu” from RRR , which won best original song . David Byrne, Stephanie Hsu and Son Lux sang “This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Sofia Carson hit the stage to perform Diane Warren’s “Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman. Lenny Kravitz performed during the “In Memoriam” segment.

Best Picture

All Quiet on the Western Front — Malte Grunert, Producer Avatar: The Way of Water — James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers The Banshees of Inisherin — Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin and Martin McDonagh, Producers Elvis — Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss, Producers Everything Everywhere All at Once — Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert and Jonathan Wang, Producers (WINNER) The Fabelmans — Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, Producers Tár — Todd Field, Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert, Producers Top Gun: Maverick — Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers Triangle of Sadness — Erik Hemmendorff and Philippe Bober, Producers Women Talking — Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Frances McDormand, Producers

Best Directing

The Banshees of Inisherin — Martin McDonagh Everything Everywhere All at Once — Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (WINNER) The Fabelmans — Steven Spielberg Tár — Todd Field Triangle of Sadness — Ruben Östlund

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Austin Butler in Elvis Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin Brendan Fraser in The Whale (WINNER) Paul Mescal in Aftersun Bill Nighy in Living

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Best actor in a supporting role.

Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin Brian Tyree Henry in Causeway Judd Hirsch in The Fabelmans Barry Keoghan in The Banshees of Inisherin Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once (WINNER)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Angela Bassett in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Hong Chau in The Whale Kerry Condon in The Banshees of Inisherin Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All at Once (WINNER) Stephanie Hsu in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Costume Design

Babylon — Mary Zophres Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — Ruth Carter (WINNER) Elvis — Catherine Martin Everything Everywhere All at Once — Shirley Kurata Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris — Jenny Beavan

All Quiet on the Western Front — Viktor Prásil, Frank Kruse, Markus Stemler, Lars Ginzel and Stefan Korte Avatar: The Way of Water — Julian Howarth, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Dick Bernstein, Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers and Michael Hedges The Batman — Stuart Wilson, William Files, Douglas Murray and Andy Nelson Elvis — David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson and Michael Keller Top Gun: Maverick — Mark Weingarten, James H. Mather, Al Nelson, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor (WINNER)

Best Original Score

Best adapted screenplay.

All Quiet on the Western Front — Screenplay by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson and Ian Stokell Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery — Written by Rian Johnson Living — Written by Kazuo Ishiguro Top Gun: Maverick — Screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie; Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks Women Talking — Screenplay by Sarah Polley (WINNER)

Best Original Screenplay

The Banshees of Inisherin — Written by Martin McDonagh Everything Everywhere All at Once — Written by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (WINNER) The Fabelmans — Written by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner Tár — Written by Todd Field Triangle of Sadness — Written by Ruben Östlund

Best Live-Action Short Film

“An Irish Goodbye” — Tom Berkeley and Ross White (WINNER) “Ivalu” — Anders Walter and Rebecca Pruzan “Le Pupille” — Alice Rohrwacher and Alfonso Cuarón “Night Ride” — Eirik Tveiten and Gaute Lid Larssen “The Red Suitcase” — Cyrus Neshvad

Best Animated Short Film

“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” — Charlie Mackesy and Matthew Freud (WINNER) “The Flying Sailor” — Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby “Ice Merchants” — João Gonzalez and Bruno Caetano “My Year of Dicks” — Sara Gunnarsdóttir and Pamela Ribon “An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It” — Lachlan Pendragon

Best Animated Film

Best original song.

“Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman ; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick ; Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga and BloodPop “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ; Music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Goransson; Lyric by Tems and Ryan Coogler “Naatu Naatu” from RRR ; Music by M.M. Keeravaani; Lyric by Chandrabose (WINNER) “This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once ; Music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski; Lyric by Ryan Lott and David Byrne

Best International Feature Film

All Quiet on the Western Front — Germany (WINNER) Argentina, 1985 — Argentina Close — Belgium EO — Poland The Quiet Girl — Ireland

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

All Quiet on the Western Front — Heike Merker and Linda Eisenhamerová The Batman — Naomi Donne, Mike Marino and Mike Fontaine Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — Camille Friend and Joel Harlow Elvis — Mark Coulier, Jason Baird and Aldo Signoretti The Whale — Adrien Morot, Judy Chin and Anne Marie Bradley (WINNER)

Best Production Design

Best cinematography.

All Quiet on the Western Front — James Friend (WINNER) Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths — Darius Khondji Elvis — Mandy Walker Empire of Light — Roger Deakins Tár — Florian Hoffmeister

Best Visual Effects

All Quiet on the Western Front — Frank Petzold, Viktor Müller, Markus Frank and Kamil Jafar Avatar: The Way of Water — Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett (WINNER) The Batman — Dan Lemmon, Russell Earl, Anders Langlands and Dominic Tuohy Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, R. Christopher White and Dan Sudick Top Gun: Maverick — Ryan Tudhope, Seth Hill, Bryan Litson and Scott R. Fisher

Best Documentary Feature

All That Breathes — Shaunak Sen, Aman Mann and Teddy Leifer All the Beauty and the Bloodshed — Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, John Lyons, Nan Goldin and Yoni Golijov Fire of Love — Sara Dosa, Shane Boris and Ina Fichman A House Made of Splinters — Simon Lereng Wilmont and Monica Hellström Navalny — Daniel Roher, Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris (WINNER)

Best Documentary Short Film

Best film editing.

The Banshees of Inisherin — Mikkel E.G. Nielsen Elvis — Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond Everything Everywhere All at Once — Paul Rogers (WINNER) Tár — Monika Willi Top Gun: Maverick — Eddie Hamilton

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El Output » Cinema / Series » Subscriber lists » The best films of the incombustible Tom Cruise

The best films of the incombustible Tom Cruise

If we do a quick survey among fans of the seventh art about Which actor has starred in the most hits over the past 40 years?  without ceasing to belong to starsystem, It is very possible that many of the answers point to a certain Tom Cruise, a New Yorker from Syracuse who came into the world in 1962. He is, of course, one of the greatest cases of cinematographic longevity that is remembered in that myth-crushing machine that it is many times Hollywood.

a fireproof actor

Tom Cruise is one of the actors who they have earned the right to star in any movie whatever he feels like and, furthermore, he succeeded practically from the beginning, when in 1983, just two years after starting his career, he gave life to that boy who takes advantage of the absence of his parents to come into contact with the world of adults: love, parties, sex, business, etc. Risky Business was his baptism, but very soon one success after another came that allowed him to explore other paths far from the blockbusters .

Tom Cruise's decade of the 80s is, surely, one of those that most defined his career and the one that, thanks to the enormous blockbusters achieved, they gave him that freedom to choose and joining the industry in much more responsible roles as executive producer on many of his own initiatives. He even became a screenwriter with Days of thunder , by Tony Scott, and sharing the screen with established stars like Paul Newman in the color of money and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man .

Tom Cruise's best movies

We don't bore you anymore. Here we leave you Tom Cruise movies you shouldn't miss , to better understand all his filmography.

Risky Business (1983)

Tom Cruise stars in this comedy in which he met his first wife, Rebeca De Mornay, and who follow in the footsteps of other crazy productions of the time : a party with a prostitute, a robbery, an expensive decorative egg and a run with pimps who want to get hold of Joel. Hence the risky business ...

Legend (1985)

Tom Cruise gives his career a spin with this fantastic film that takes us to a dream world (and nightmare) plagued by goblins, beasts, fairies, magic, unicorns and an evil that spreads. Directs Ridley Scott in one of the lesser-known films of the American actor.

Top Gun (1986)

What to say about the movie that elevated Tom Cruise to Hollywood stardom. The story of a combat fighter pilot academy They compete to be the best. Tony Scott takes the controls to create one of the most emblematic titles of the entire decade.

The Color of Money (1986)

Paul Newman plays an old villain champion who lives in retirement, but fortune will make him cross the path of Tom Cruise, a promising young man who is looking for an opponent at his level. A film that received extraordinary reviews in his time and that says a lot about the more dramatic side of the American actor.

Rainman (1988)

Barry Levinson directs one of the most Oscar-winning films of that year that teaches us to un Tom Cruise eager to inherit his father's fortune But he discovers, horrified, that his entire legacy is left in the hands of his older brother, who suffers from autism. Dustin Hoffman gets one of his most stellar roles and traces an endearing relationship between brothers that will evolve throughout his entire film. Wonderful.

Born on July 4 (1989)

The second film in Oliver Stone's Vietnam trilogy puts us in the shoes of a veteran who is confined to a wheelchair after suffering war wounds. But that pain will not even be comparable to what Tom Cruise's own character suffers when he returns to his country and finds himself rejected by a large part of American society.

Days of Thunder (1990)

Tom Cruise and Tony Scott meet again in this film in which the New Yorker also works as a screenwriter . The film takes us to the world of Nascar racing to feel all the excitement of a sport that can end in tragedy at any moment.

Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Another of Tom Cruise's great successes who, along with Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas, It became quite a phenomenon in the 90s. It was surely thanks to his influence that vampires became fashionable again, although no one would draw them as sinister and dark characters anymore. Especially after seeing so much beauty together in this film.

Mission Impossible (1996) (Producer)

https://youtu.be/EAcGTtm18ec

Tom Cruise already has his career well on its way and he begins to be the one who produces his films. The actor gets the rights to the old CBS TV series and adapts it to the movies to give it a completely different twist: spies, betrayals, special agents, cutting-edge technology and many more movies that were to come along the following (almost ) 30 years. We will not name more of this saga because they are all contained in this first one.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Who does not remember the story of that sports agent who slams the door of a successful multinational to start his own business? The “show me the pasta” movie that was a success at the box office and also from critics, and which confirmed the good moment of the actor as a benchmark for Hollywood throughout the world.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

One of the typical projects that Tom Cruise agrees to do because he feels like it and even more so if he directs Stanley Kubrick. He stars in the film alongside the one who was his wife at the time , Nicole Kidman, and the story comes to deal with issues such as sex, love and fidelity in a really raw way. Very very good.

magnolias (1999)

Directed by the extraordinary Paul Thomas Anderson, the story tells us nine plot lines that intersect and that take place in a valley near Los Angeles. Rough film to which the North American actor adapts without hardly blinking an eye.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

This film, the work of Ben Stiller, is an example of how Tom Cruise does not mind getting into the skin of a character that moves away from the stereotype that he has been interpreting in recent decades . Take a look at the video that you have above to enjoy the characterization that he had to go through to get on the screen.

Oblivion (2013)

Joseph Kosinski directs Tom Cruise in a really interesting sci-fi movie and that tells us the story of a planet Earth practically destroyed and contaminated because of the destruction of the Moon. Humans have escaped into space and only a few remain controlling what little remains. As interesting as surprising.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Another little Tom Cruise gem that reminds us of a video game: a soldier fighting against an alien invasion, receives the gift of reviving after each death suffering on the battlefield. Undoubtedly, one of the genre films that you must see and to which the actor from Syracuse has accustomed us throughout his entire career.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

32 years Tom Cruise returns to the role that made him famous in the 80s , with a film in which the old memories of those pilots who fought to be the best are revived. Now they don't need so much recognition but they keep fit and ready to face any threat. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, with whom he already met in Oblivion , and it is being a mass phenomenon in theaters with a crazy collection. In fact, such is the success that it can already be said that it has become the best premiere in the actor's film history. Didn't we already say that it was fireproof?

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Tom Cruise, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and ‘Godzilla Minus One’ Among Critics Choice Super Awards Winners

By Clayton Davis

Clayton Davis

Senior Awards Editor

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Superstars Tom Cruise and Pedro Pascal , recent Oscar winner Emma Stone and the legendary “Godzilla Minus One” are among the winners of the 4th annual Critics Choice Super Awards .

The awards, which honor fan-favorite genres in film and television, saw a diverse array of movies and TV shows garnering accolades from international critics and journalists. Leading the cinematic charge, “Godzilla: Minus One” (Toho), “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” (Paramount), “Poor Things” (Searchlight), and “Talk to Me” (A24) each secured two wins, the most of any movies.

Popular on Variety

The full list of winners are below.

Film Winners

Best Action Movie: “John Wick: Chapter 4”

Actor in an Action Movie: Tom Cruise – “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”

Actress in an Action Movie: Rebecca Ferguson – “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”

Superhero Movie: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Actor in an Action Movie: Michael Fassbender – “The Killer”

Actress in a Superhero Movie: Iman Vellani – “The Marvels”

Horror Movie: “Talk to Me”

Actor in an Action Movie: Nicolas Cage – “Dream Scenario”

Actress in an Action Movie: Sophie Wilde – “Talk to Me”

Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie: “Godzilla Minus One”

Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie: Mark Ruffalo – “Poor Things”

Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie: Emma Stone – “Poor Things”

Villiain in a Movie: Godzilla – “Godzilla Minus One”

Actor in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made for TV Movie: Idris Elba — “Hijack” (Apple TV+)

Actress in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made for TV Movie: Zoe Saldaña – “Special Ops: Lioness”

Superhero Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: “The Last of Us”

Actor in a Superhero Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Pedro Pascal – “The Last of Us”

Actress in a Superhero Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Bella Ramsey – “The Last of Us”

Horror Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: “The Last of Us”

Actor in a Horror Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Pedro Pascal — “The Last of Us”

Actress in a Horror Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Bella Ramsey — “The Last of Us”

Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: “Black Mirror: Joan Is Awful”

Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Jharrel Jerome — “I’m a Virgo” and Kurt Russell — “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”

Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Annie Murphy — “Black Mirror: Joan is Awful”

Villain in a Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: Melanie Lynskey – “The Last of Us”

Superhero categories also include Comic Book and Video Game Inspired movies and series.

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The 10 Most Underrated Tom Cruise Movies, Ranked

While a majority of his work has received both critical acclaim and commercial success, some of Cruise’s best work has become undervalued.

While the era where movie stars could single-handedly generate interest in an upcoming movie seems to be over, Tom Cruise remains one of the most compelling actors in Hollywood’s history. Ever since his breakout performance in the classic teen comedy Risky Business , Cruise has appeared in a wide variety of hits across many different genres. With very few misses in his filmography, Cruise’s name is itself an indicator of high quality.

Although he has earned a worldwide audience thanks to his appearances in the Top Gun and Mission: Impossible franchises, there’s much more to Cruise’s filmography than just action movies . With three Academy Award nominations to his name, Cruise often chooses challenging projects from idiosyncratic filmmakers . While a majority of his work has received both critical acclaim and commercial success, some of Cruise’s best work has become undervalued. Here are the ten most underrated Tom Cruise movies, ranked.

10 ‘The Outsiders’ (1983)

Directed by francis ford coppola.

Although he has worked with many great directors, Cruise got a great start to his career when he appeared in the coming-of-age drama The Outsiders . Directed by Francis Ford Coppola , the adaptation of the acclaimed novel by S.E. Hinton served as a breakthrough film for actors like Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, and Emilio Estevez . Cruise has a brief, albeit memorable role as the defiant greaser Steve Randle.

Cruise proved in The Outsiders that he could stand out within a packed ensemble , and managed to make the most of his limited screen time. While not always acclaimed as one of the best films of Coppola’s career , The Outsiders is a refreshingly grim take on adolescence that goes to surprisingly dark places in its final act. It set a precedent that Cruise wasn’t intimidated by intense stories or challenging material.

The Outsiders

Set in a small town, a group of underprivileged teenagers known as the Greasers constantly clash with the affluent Socs. The stark contrast in their socioeconomic statuses leads to a tragic chain of events, testing the bonds of friendship and the notion of loyalty among the Greasers.

Watch on Paramount Plus

9 ‘All the Right Moves’ (1983)

Directed by michael chapman.

Some films simply pop when the right actor is cast, and that was certainly the case with All the Right Moves . Although the story is vastly different from other films about high school football , All the Right Moves succeeds thanks to Cruise’s undeniable star power . Set in the highly competitive world of a small-town sports program, All the Right Moves stars Cruise as the Serbian American running back Stefen Djordjevic, who is desperate to attain a scholarship to maintain his star trajectory.

Although the story is not without clichés, Cruise’s sense of realism ensures that All the Right Moves does not become a melodrama . His strong romantic chemistry with Lea Thompson and commitment to the physicality of the football scenes allowed All the Right Moves to transcend the trappings of its genre and become a coming-of-age classic.

Rent on Apple TV

8 ‘The Color of Money’ (1986)

Directed by martin scorsese.

While the “term legacy” sequel can suggest some creative laziness, The Color of Money is a worthwhile sequel to the classic gambling film The Hustler . Set years after the pool shark “Fast Eddie” ( Paul Newman ) abandoned the game for good, The Color of Money introduces the iconic character to the new, younger hustler Vincent Lauria. Cruise’s inherent confidence and snarky attitude were perfect for the role of Vincent, as he managed to make the character cocky without being obnoxious.

Although Newman finally won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Color of Money, Cruise managed to hold his own against an acting legend . The two stars are on equal footing throughout the film and help elevate The Color of Money from “light entertainment” to a genuinely moving story about the ramifications of a life of hustling.

The Color of Money

Rent on Amazon

7 ‘Days of Thunder’ (1990)

Directed by tony scott.

Although the racing movie concept is by no means an original one, Days of Thunder served as a way for Cruise and director Tony Scott to repeat the success of their work on Top Gun . Cruise stars as the NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, whose relationship with his neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki ( Nicole Kidman ) is rested by a particularly competitive arm of the racing circuit.

While it didn’t become a popular culture phenomenon in the same way that Top Gun did, the chance to see Cruise in a high-octane sports thriller is reason enough to watch Days of Thunder . The film is unabashedly silly, but Cruise’s self-seriousness helps ensure that the story never feels like complete camp. A thoroughly underrated example of pure pop entertainment, Days of Thunder feels like a type of Hollywood crowd-pleaser that the industry simply isn’t interested in making anymore.

Days of Thunder

6 ‘the firm’ (1993), directed by sydney pollack.

Although the Deep South legal thriller seems to have gone out of fashion, The Firm is one of the most richly intelligent films that Cruise has ever starred in. Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by John Grisham , The Firm stars Cruise as the hotshot Harvard Law graduate Mitch McDeere, whose skills gain the attention of the senior partner Avery Tolar ( Gene Hackman ). Despite his enthusiasm about his new job, Mitch begins to suspect that his employer may have insidious intentions; Cruise depicts this crisis of confidence perfectly.

While densely plotted and running over 150 minutes long, The Firm never fails to lose its momentum thanks to Cruise’s electrifying performance . While it didn’t receive the acclaim that other legal thrillers of the era received, The Firm was evidence that Cruise could work on prestigious material and fit within the dramatic parameters.

5 ‘Vanilla Sky’ (2001)

Directed by cameron crowe.

Although Cruise and writer/director Cameron Crowe made a perfect romantic comedy with Jerry Maguire , their follow-up collaboration, Vanilla Sky, is one of the most ambitious science fiction films ever made. With multiple plot twists and several alternate endings, Vanilla Sky maps the complex story of the publisher, David Eames (Cruise), whose life is uprooted by a car crash. Amidst his recovery, Davis is forced to question the nature of his reality as he’s questioned by the psychologist Dr. Curtis McCabe ( Kurt Russell ).

Although it's a film that’s nearly incomprehensible on an initial viewing, Vanilla Sky is a film that gets better with each rewatch. Interlaced within the film’s jumbled narrative structure is insightful commentary on the nature of stardom, the challenges of body image, and the plight of morality. It’s much better than the toxic reputation it landed and features one of Cruise’s most earnest performances.

Vanilla Sky (2001)

Watch on Prime Video

4 ‘War of the Worlds’ (2005)

Directed by steven spielberg.

Although the novel by H.G. Wells has been fascinating science fiction fans since its release in the 19th century, the 2005 remake of War of the Worlds modernizes the source material to create a disturbing parallel to 9/11. Cruise stars as the neglectful father Ray Ferrier, who is forced to transport his son Robbie ( Justin Chatwin ) and daughter Rachel ( Dakota Fanning ) to safety when a Martian invasion threatens to level humanity’s infrastructure.

Similar to Cruise’s previous collaboration with director Steven Spielberg on the science fiction neo-noir thriller Minority Report, War of the Worlds is by no means a traditional summer blockbuster . It’s a disturbing analysis of how easily society can collapse that features Cruise in a rarely vulnerable performance; it’s a film that continues to hold more relevance with each passing year and deserves to be considered on the level of Cruise’s other blockbusters.

War of The Worlds (2005)

In a gripping adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic novel, Earth faces an unprecedented threat when extraterrestrial tripods descend to wreak havoc, leading to humanity's desperate fight for survival. The story follows a divorced father striving to protect his children amidst the chaos.

3 ‘Valkyrie’ (2008)

Directed by bryan singer.

Although the last two decades of his career have been mostly spent making action movies, Valkyrie served as proof that Cruise could still make compelling historical epics. Set during the final days of World War II , the film follows the German Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise) as he leads a resistance group that plans to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Despite a somewhat shaky accent, Cruise perfectly embodies the persona of a proud military leader who takes action to ensure the future of his nation.

Given how popular his films tend to be, Valkyrie indicated that Cruise was interested in exposing audiences to underrepresented stories from history . While it wasn’t necessarily a major critical or commercial success, Valkyrie took decidedly edgy material and turned it into the basis of a great thriller. The attention to detail in crafting the climactic rebellious endurance makes Valkyrie worth watching by Cruise fans and history buffs alike.

Watch on Tubi

2 ‘Oblivion’ (2013)

Directed by joseph kosinski.

Although they would reach an unprecedented level of success with their collaboration on Top Gun: Maverick , Cruise and director Joseph Kosinksi first teamed up for the underrated science fiction mystery Oblivion . Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Oblivion follows the technician Jack (Cruise) as he operates a remote base on the ruins of an uninhabited Earth. After discovering a human survivor of a space crash, Jack discovers that the basis of his mission may have been a deceit.

While not necessarily as action-packed as Cruise’s other sci-fi films, Oblivion presents a compelling mystery and speaks to deep questions about the fate of humanity and overreliance on technology . While it was considered a financial disappointment considering the talent attached, Oblivion is a far more interesting film than many failed blockbusters due to Cruise’s dynamic performance and its ambiguous ending.

1 ‘American Made’ (2017)

Directed by doug liman.

While it wasn’t the first time that he played a controversial historical figure, American Made just may contain the most audacious performance of Cruise’s career . Based on an unbelievable true story , American Made stars Cruise as the commercial pilot Barry Seal, who became a liaison to both the CIA and Mexican drug cartel. Seal was truly a larger-than-life character, and Cruise does a great job at fleshing out his idiosyncrasies.

Although director Doug Liman adds an undercurrent of dark humor to the film, Cruise conveys the traumatic effect that Seal’s actions had on his family’s livelihood. American Made is unafraid to engage with the dark side of the “American dream” and explore the complexities of the drug war; despite its fall release, the film failed to earn Cruise the Academy Award nomination for Best Actor that he certainly deserved for his daring performance.

American Made

KEEP READING: The 10 Most Underrated Mark Ruffalo Movies, Ranked

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Tom Cruise To Star In Oscar-Winning Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu's Next Movie - Report

This will be the first collaboration between the two.

By Lan Pitts on February 23, 2024 at 12:12PM PST

Tom Cruise may have found his next project and it's looking like an untitled Alejandro G. Iñárritu film, Deadline reports. The project would mark Iñárritu's first English-language pic since the Oscar-winning The Revenant, which won Best Director (Iñárritu's second consecutive), and Leonardo DiCaprio's Best Actor award.

The film will be produced and directed by Iñárritu in addition to co-writing the script with Sabina Berman, as well as reuniting with Birdman collaborators, Alexander Dinelaris and Nicolas Giacobone. The project is also the first of hopefully many with Warner Bros. after it was announced he had joined the studio in a " strategic partnership " last month.

The idea behind the collaboration between Cruise and the Warner Bros. studio crew is to help develop brand-new and original movies and to bring those productions into theaters, not made for streaming. It would also break Cruise's career of being part of tentpole franchises.

In just the past ten years alone, he's done three Mission: Impossible movies, a failed franchise starter with 2017's The Mummy, a Reacher sequel, and Top Gun Maverick. The lone anomaly in that timespan is American Made. Even the fan-favorite Edge of Tomorrow is based on a manga.

There are no plot details available other than it being a new original story written by Iñárritu. Deadline continues with how Cruise "has been hungry to find that next project" and moved quickly to get a meeting with the director.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email [email protected]

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6 Oscar Winning Movies That Were Based on True Events

C elebration of cinema has always been extended by the Oscars honoring the prowess of cinematic excellence with one of the most recognized accolades. Throughout the rich history of cinema, there have been several movies based on true events, that left a mark among moviegoers or in the pages of history.

Also, movies that are based on true events are another way of documenting the particular incident, albeit a portion of fictionalization may alter the accuracy, but for cinema’s sake, filmmakers enjoy the basic freedom to have their own touch to the narrative. Throughout history, movies like The Great Ziegfeld by Robert Z. Leonard, or it would be criminal not to mention David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, and several other movies have claimed the Best Picture Oscars. Here is a list of six movies that won an Oscar in the Best Picture category.

6. Green Book

Peter Farrelly’s Green Book is a celebration of friendship. The movie is set against the backdrop of the racially divided 1960s and chronicles the true story of Dr. Don Shirley played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali . Shirley, a talented black pianist, defied the socio-cultural discrepancies as he slowly developed a friendship with Viggo Mortensen’s Tony Lip— Shirley’s Italian-American driver. Green Book should be one of the important movies as the socio-cultural essence of the movie still reflects the gravity of the thematic nuances. 

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Green Book also stars Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov, and co. 

You can buy Green Book on Apple TV.

5. The King’s Speech 

Tom Hooper-directed The King’s Speech is among the inspiring films that propels the primary character to overcome the roadblocks. King George VI battles a speech impediment in the movie released in 2010. Played brilliantly by Colin Firth , King George VI’s journey with speech therapist , Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to rise above the odds inherits the classic traits of true stories movie with a strong narrative. Thematically elevated, The King’s Speech resonates with reality, and of course, leadership. Amid the challenges of World War II, the movie puts King George VI in the spot of a hero who must have a voice while dealing with his very internal conflict to do the same. 

The King’s Speech also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Ehle, and Michael Gambon.

Stream The King’s Speech on Max.

4. Spotlight

Tom McCarthy’s 2015 crime thriller, Spotlight, has to be one of the most brilliant documentation of true events. The movie is a gripping tale of The Boston Globe’s investigative journalism team featuring an ensemble cast of industry prominent names including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams.

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Spotlight will keep you on the edge of your seat if you have not watched the movie already. The team of journalists walked on the dark road of uncovering systemic child abuse within the Catholic Church. The critically acclaimed movie was definitely brave and bold touching upon the true incident while reflecting the prowess of journalistic ethics and integrity.

Stream Spotlight on Starz.

Ben Affleck as a director claimed several accolades, as he made acclaimed movies including his most recent biographical movie, Air . His 2010 political thriller, Argo, claimed the Best Picture Oscar and received astonishing critical accolades. Arguably, Argo , although it’s hard to believe the narrative to be based on true events, is one of the most thrilling political thrillers.

Affleck who also led the movie, follows an ambitious CIA plan depicted from the events of 1979 and 1981 to rescue hostages in a subtle way as the US citizens were trapped in the Iranian soil. Affleck’s Tony Mendez went to the foreign nation under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film to rescue the hostages.

You can buy Argo on Apple TV.

2. 12 Years a Slave

Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave is one of the daunting portrayals of a dark chapter of history. The narrative follows Solomon Northup’s harrowing journey from freedom to slavery and getting back to the same pitfall. The movie may be disturbing for certain viewers as it is raw and will touch the core of emotions.

Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance as Solomon captured the true essence of the character, reflecting on the suffering of a man deprived of his liberty. The critically acclaimed movie based on Solomon Northup’s book of the same name stars several prominent stars including Michael Fassbender. 

Stream 12 Years a Slave on Paramount+ and Apple TV bundle.

1. Schindler’s List

Steven Spielberg’s 2001 masterpiece, Schindler’s List, is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies based on historical events. Set in the backdrop of World War II, Schindler’s List is also claimed to be one of the most prominent war movies ever made. Oskar Schindler played by Liam Neeson— a successful industrialist— is on a mission to save Jewish people amid the holocaust in German-occupied Poland during World War II.

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Ralph Fiennes’ villainous role in the movie which served as an antithesis to Schindler’s humane effort was riveting. But beyond that, the movie was stylistic, almost entirely shot in black and white with harrowing aesthetic visuals perfectly complementing Spielberg’s narrative. 

Watch Schindler’s List on Prime Video.