Check out the ultimate ranking of all Tom Cruise movies!
Over the summer, Federalist Senior Editor David Harsanyi — someone I consider to be a friend, mentor, and crime expert — has repeatedly downplayed the work of the greatest action star of our lifetimes: Tom Cruise.
During a June 21 episode of “‘You’re Wrong’ with Mollie Hemingway and David Harsanyi,” for example, he wrongly claimed the first three “Indiana Jones” movies are better than the “Mission Impossible” franchise. He also claimed a few weeks after that discussion that, after initially liking the film, he thought “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One” could have been written by a “ninth grader.”
As it turns out, David fancies himself as a Tom Cruise movie aficionado — as do I. In fact, roughly five years ago, Mr. Harsanyi penned an article ranking every Cruise movie from best to worst. And while I respect David’s opinions — mostly — I strenuously object to his podcast hot takes and list. They are simply, as legacy media like to say, “misinformation.”
In order to provide Federalist readers with an accurate ranking, I’ve crafted my own list of Cruise’s films. (For the record, I have yet to see “Lions for Lambs” or “Endless Love,” so neither of them is included below.)
My Ranking of Tom Cruise Films:
- “Top Gun: Maverick”: I may be biased since I wasn’t alive when the original “Top Gun” was released, but this film is so much better than its predecessor. Having the actors fly in actual F-18s to film their aerial scenes added so much quality to an already visually stunning film. Combined with the emotional elements carried over from the original and the on-screen dynamic between Maverick (Cruise) and Rooster (Miles Teller), this movie cements itself as one of the best action films of all time and the best picture of Cruise’s career.
- “A Few Good Men”: It’s an incredibly captivating feature, and Cruise and Jack Nicholson deserve immense praise for their compelling performances. The courtroom scene between their characters will always be one of the most iconic in cinematic history.
- “Magnolia”: It takes viewers a while to grasp the interconnected storylines and how they fit together, but once you do, this film becomes much more entertaining. Cruise’s performance as the internally damaged Frank Mackey stands out as one of the picture’s best.
- “Rain Main”: I don’t care what David says, this film is wonderful. Not only does it include your funny cross-country hijinks; it also does a terrific job of cultivating the relationship between Charlie (Cruise) and Raymond (Dustin Hoffman).
- “Edge of Tomorrow”: Total banger of a movie. Cruise and Emily Blunt make a great pairing, and the action and storyline are fantastic.
- “The Last Samurai”: An incredibly well-executed picture that highlights the importance of honor and self-discipline. Plus, it’s got top-notch action.
And the list continues:
- “Top Gun”: An all-time classic that stands the test of time and gives me the need for speed (not the drug).
- “Jerry Maguire”: A great film that allows Cruise to exemplify his depth as an actor and has something for the guys (sports) and gals (mushy romance).
- “Mission Impossible” films: A franchise that gets better with age. Definitely one of the more underappreciated film series out there.
- “Collateral”: Makes you wish Cruise would take on more villainous roles. He’s so dang good at it.
- “The Color of Money”: Cruise and Paul Newman are terrific in this entertaining ’80s hit.
And the list goes on. Check out the full ranking to see where your favorite Tom Cruise films land!
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