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1. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) is the fifth installment in the action-packed spy thriller series. Tom Cruise returns as the iconic Ethan Hunt, who must tackle a nearly impossible mission to take down a transnational criminal syndicate, the Syndicate, which consists of the most dangerous and intelligent assassins. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who previously worked with Cruise on Jack Reacher, this film is packed with breathtaking stunts.
The movie features intense action scenes, including the iconic airplane sequence at the start, a high-speed motorcycle chase, and an underwater stunt that pushes the limits of human endurance. Tom Cruise himself performed most of these stunts, including the daring plane chase, without a stunt double, showing his commitment to realism. Despite aging, Cruise’s performance remains as captivating as ever, making viewers wonder if anyone could ever replace him in such heart-pounding action roles.
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Tomatometer Score: 94%
Audience Score: 87%
2. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) is set in the near future, where Earth is under invasion by a deadly alien species. The creatures launch relentless, blood-soaked attacks, overwhelming all military defenses. Colonel Bill Cage (Tom Cruise), a man with no combat experience, is sent to London, where he is forced to fight as a soldier on the front lines without any training to face the vicious alien forces. Within minutes of entering the battlefield, Cage is killed, but then finds himself caught in a time loop, repeating the same events over and over again in a strange and inexplicable cycle.
Edge of Tomorrow proves once again that action-packed, sci-fi films with Tom Cruise are always thrilling and visually stunning.
At over 50, Tom Cruise still delivers intense physical performances. He performs his own stunts, including those requiring immense physical endurance. The 34kg armored suit worn by his character, Bill Cage, is outfitted with a variety of weapons, including knives, sniper rifles, blades, and even a rocket launcher.
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Tomatometer Score: 91%
Audience Rating: 90%
3. Jack Reacher (2012)
Jack Reacher (2012) is based on the novel of the same name, following the story of former military police officer Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) as he investigates to clear the name of Lieutenant Turner (Cobie Smulders). Through his investigation, he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy within the military, one that has led to the deaths of countless individuals.
"Jack Reacher" stands as one of Tom Cruise’s defining films, showcasing his excellence as one of Hollywood’s finest action stars. Through his portrayal, Cruise brings depth to the character of Jack Reacher, a tough yet emotionally complex figure. Few actors today can bring such emotion to the screen in action scenes as effectively as Cruise.
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Tomatometer Score: 63%
Audience Rating: 67%
4. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) follows the aftermath of a terrorist bombing at the Kremlin in Russia, where the investigation points to the IMF agents, led by Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), as the perpetrators. The President of the United States orders a covert operation, “Ghost Protocol,” to accuse Hunt and his team. Forced to go on the run, Ethan must stop another terrorist attack while also teaming up with a group of former IMF agents, each with their own hidden agendas.
What stands out in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol are its explosive action sequences. One of the most memorable scenes is when Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) scales the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, in Dubai, using high-tech yet fragile gloves. Cruise performs this heart-stopping stunt himself, without a stunt double, delivering a breathtaking moment. The action continues with a thrilling high-speed car chase through the streets of Dubai during a massive sandstorm.
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Tomatometer Score: 93%
Audience Rating: 76%
5. War of the Worlds (2005)
War of the Worlds (2005) is an exhilarating science fiction film that delves into a brutal battle for survival against an alien invasion. The story follows Ray Ferrier, a divorced man working at a Brooklyn dock who is estranged from his children: his 10-year-old daughter Rachel and teenage son Robbie. When Ray's pregnant ex-wife, Mary Ann, leaves the children with him for a visit to her parents, their world is suddenly upended as alien forces begin their terrifying assault on Earth.
In War of the Worlds, Tom Cruise delivers a performance that surpasses even his earlier work in Minority Report, another collaboration with director Steven Spielberg. While he plays an everyman, Cruise’s star presence is undeniable, with his portrayal of Ray Ferrier keeping the audience captivated throughout the film.
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Tomatometer Score: 75%
Audience Rating: 42%
6. Collateral (2004)
Collateral (2004) is one of the most introspective action films you’ll find, meticulously crafted with a logical, well-structured plot. The film centers around a taxi, which plays a key role in the story, and the unlikely interaction between two men on opposite paths. A hitman with a painful past and a taxi driver living an unremarkable life are thrown together, creating a story of moral ambiguity and tension.
This film offers a rare opportunity for Tom Cruise to shine in an action-packed, yet deeply psychological role. Cruise plays a ruthless assassin with a complex psyche, delivering one of his most memorable performances. Widely regarded as one of the best action films of the early 2000s, Collateral helped both Tom Cruise and co-star Jamie Foxx gain widespread acclaim.
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Tomatometer Score: 86%
Audience Rating: 84%
8. Minority Report (2002)
Minority Report (2002) is set in 2054, a future where a sophisticated system predicts crimes before they occur, allowing law enforcement to prevent tragic events. John Anderton (Tom Cruise) is the head of this PreCrime division, a man of authority who commands respect from his subordinates. The film excels with its visual effects, even though it was released quite some time ago. Tom Cruise's performance in the film plays a pivotal role in its success, with his dynamic screen presence perfectly suited for action roles. His trademark intense action scenes, including high-speed chases and intense fights, are all part of the experience in Minority Report.
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Tomatometer Score: 90%
Audience Rating: 80%
9. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) picks up after the events of Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, where IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is once again thrust into a high-stakes mission to protect a third of the world’s population. His decision to prioritize his team over the mission leads to a dangerous weapon falling into the wrong hands. Now, Ethan must race against time to prevent global catastrophe while also facing accusations of being a traitor to his government.
At the time of filming Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Tom Cruise was over 50, yet his charisma on screen remained undeniable. The role of Ethan Hunt seemed tailor-made for him, requiring little effort to embody the character’s essence. His loyal team members, including Luther (Ving Rhames) and Benji (Simon Pegg), play pivotal roles in assisting Ethan, adding humor and depth to the action-packed narrative.
Tom Cruise famously performed most of his own stunts in the film, adding a raw, unpolished realism to the action. The fight sequences may lack the smooth choreography of other CGI-heavy blockbusters, but their grit and intensity make them feel far more authentic.
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Tomatometer Score: 97%
Audience Rating: 88%
10. American Made (2017)
American Made (2007) is a true historical tale about pilot-turned-con artist Barry Seal (Tom Cruise). Recruited by the CIA for a series of political missions in Central America, Barry, however, takes advantage of his position to become a major drug smuggler for the Medellin Cartel, working closely with notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Over the course of three years, Barry successfully transported large quantities of cocaine, causing a massive scandal when the operation was exposed and even putting the White House in a tight spot.
In American Made, Tom Cruise delivers a striking transformation into an anti-hero role, a rare departure from his usual characters. As always, Cruise rejects the use of green screens, preferring to perform his own stunts to deliver the most thrilling and authentic action scenes. For instance, in this film, he personally executed the airplane stunts, giving audiences a real sense of the skilled, devious pilot who simultaneously outwitted both the CIA and the criminal underworld.
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Tomatometer: 90%
Audience Rating: 98%
