5 Must-See Tom Cruise Action Movies Beyond Mission Impossible

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When you hear Tom Cruise‘s name mentioned, it’s tough not to instantly associate him with the Mission: Impossible series. Spanning seven films (with an eighth and final installment in the pipeline), this franchise has solidified his status as a leading action star in contemporary cinema. However, it would be a mistake to limit Cruise’s career to just one role, as he has played a diverse range of characters over the years. In fact, he has delved into various aspects of the action genre and given memorable performances in numerous other films that are equally noteworthy. These titles demonstrate Cruise’s continuous enthusiasm for tackling new challenges, providing audiences with something fresh without being confined to a specific typecast role.

Five of Tom Cruise’s top-notch action films provide an excellent insight into his career beyond the world of “Mission: Impossible”.

Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun, a classic ’80s movie, is well known for introducing Tom Cruise to stardom. Yet, its follow-up, Top Gun: Maverick, exceeded the original in various aspects, providing a more current perspective and a storyline that was both technologically advanced and emotionally deep. The plot reintroduces Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Cruise), who has accumulated over 30 years of flight experience, when he is tasked with training a new batch of top-tier Top Gun pilots for an important mission. Throughout this journey, he must grapple with his own apprehensions and unresolved issues from the past.

In the aftermath of its premiere, Cruise’s performance in Top Gun: Maverick was lauded by numerous critics, who appreciated his ability to convey a broad spectrum of emotions and exude an authoritative screen presence. This role is often hailed as one of his best, masterfully combining high-octane action with deep emotional resonance. If Cruise was already a legendary figure in Hollywood, this film significantly bolstered his reputation, raising the bar for the action genre. The movie itself became a landmark in cinema history, earning over $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office.

Stream Top Gun: Maverick on Paramount+.

Edge of Tomorrow

In a departure from his typical roles, Tom Cruise showcases his versatility in the science fiction genre by delivering both captivating performances and high-octane action scenes in films like “Edge of Tomorrow.” This movie finds Cruise stepping out of his usual comfort zone to portray Major William Cage, a cowardly, arrogant, and untrained public relations officer who is unwillingly thrust into combat against an alien invasion. After meeting his untimely end on the battlefield, Cage becomes trapped in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. With the guidance of Rita Vrataski (played by Emily Blunt), Cage gradually learns to hone his skills with each reset.

Critics were absolutely right in their accolades for Tom Cruise’s acting, highlighting his skill in blending high-octane action scenes with humorous and sensitive moments. In the movie “Edge of Tomorrow,” we witness a transformation of his character into a hero, which adds an intriguing perspective to observe this versatile actor. Initially, the film had a modest opening at the box office, but gradually built up a dedicated fanbase, eventually being recognized as one of the top action films from the 2010s.

Collateral

In a departure from his usual heroic roles, Tom Cruise delves into the chilling persona of a ruthless villain for the first time in Collateral. This gripping tale unfolds under the neon lights of Los Angeles’ nightscape, where a seasoned cabbie named Max (played by Jamie Foxx) finds his world flipped when he picks up what appears to be an ordinary passenger, only to discover that it’s none other than Vincent (portrayed by Cruise), a cold-blooded assassin hired for a high-stakes crime spree. Vincent manipulates Max into becoming his unwitting accomplice as they race across the city, eliminating crucial witnesses in their deadly game.

Collateral is another movie that showcases a unique facet of Tom Cruise’s acting, representing one of his bravest career decisions. This film was a hit at the box office and received rave reviews across the board. With its gripping tension, stylish cinematography, and exceptional on-screen chemistry between Jamie Foxx and Cruise, this movie has maintained its relevance over time. It continues to captivate new viewers and often finds itself listed among top modern thrillers. In short, it’s a must-see film.

Stream Collateral on Paramount+.

The Last Samurai

The Last Samurai

In brief, this movie is a grand war-drama film set in 19th-century Japan. It showcases Tom Cruise’s exceptional acting skills as he assumes the role of Captain Nathan Algren, a seasoned soldier from the American Civil War, tasked with teaching Japan’s emerging imperial army contemporary combat techniques. However, after falling into the hands of a band of rebellious samurai led by Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), Algren starts to reconsider his principles and eventually develops a strong affinity for the samurai lifestyle.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the profound impact “The Last Samurai,” with its four Oscar nods, has had on Tom Cruise’s career. This film isn’t just about war; it’s a poignant narrative of personal transformation and redemption that resonates deeply. Cruise doesn’t merely bring physical prowess to this role; he pours his heart into the character’s journey, elevating the film to an emotionally gripping and powerful cinematic experience for us viewers.

Jack Reacher

Today, the Reacher action series is extremely popular, but it all began with Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher movie on the big screen. However, the film garnered mixed reviews as its storyline was adapted from books where the character’s physical appearance differs significantly from Cruise’s. In the narrative, an elite sniper named James Barr (portrayed by Joseph Sikora) is charged with the random slaying of five individuals in Pittsburgh. During the interrogation, Jack Reacher (played by Cruise), a retired military investigator who now leads a secluded life, intervenes to defend him. Unexpectedly, Reacher arrives on the scene and starts digging into the case, eventually exposing a much more intricate conspiracy hidden behind the murders.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that Tom Cruise’s magnetic presence in “Jack Reacher” takes this film to new heights. Initially, some book fans might have questioned his casting, but his captivating portrayal of the character has left an indelible mark. The intensity and determination synonymous with the character were expertly conveyed by Cruise, making “Jack Reacher” a must-watch for any action movie fan.

Stream Jack Reacher on Paramount+.

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2025-05-05 23:40