Tom Cruise's all time best movies ranked including 'breathtaking and moving' 80s classic

Daily Record

28-06-2025

A full list of Tom Cruise's movies has been ranked from best to worst, according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores, with some surprise entries doing better than you might expect
Tom Cruise, the quintessential '80s Hollywood heartthrob, has been dazzling audiences for decades, and now we've got the definitive list of his best and worst films.
Rotten Tomatoes, the esteemed review aggregator, has crunched the numbers, using authentic critiques to sort through Cruise's extensive filmography. The rankings may throw up a few surprises, with some of Cruise's more obscure roles securing spots in the top 10, while others are expected entries thanks to widespread critical praise.
‌
Topping the charts as the actor's most celebrated work, according to viewer ratings, is the high-octane Mission: Impossible-Fallout. The 2018 blockbuster, which is the sixth instalment in the Mission: Impossible saga, has garnered an outstanding 98% rating, making it a clear fan favourite.
‌
One critic said: "Mission: Impossible - Fallout is hands down one of the best action movies I've seen in a while. The stunts are absolutely wild, and knowing Tom Cruise actually did them makes it even crazier."
They added: "The pacing keeps you locked in from start to finish-there's never a dull moment. The story ties in nicely with the previous films but still stands strong on its own."
Cruise's reputation for performing his own death-defying stunts has certainly paid off, influencing the high ranking of his stunt-laden features, with the recent hit Top Gun: Maverick soaring into second place in the 2022 charts.
Unexpected entries have climbed the rankings out of 44 films, with the 2002 Steven Spielberg hit Minority Report making a notable appearance.
It's closely tailed by Spielberg's 1988 classic Rain Man, which is just a whisker behind with an 88% rating, followed by The Color of Money in tenth place.
‌
Discussing Rain Man, the Mirror US reports that one film enthusiast remarked it is a "comedy that brings you to tears when the credits role".
They added: "A breathtaking and moving film with such fantastic acting from both lead roles, with Tom Cruise showcasing that he can be more than a blockbuster protagonist who runs and jumps. It is a lost gem, and I hope it gains more attention as years go on."
‌
Languishing at the bottom of the pile, in 44th place with a mere 9% score, is the romantic comedy Cocktail. In this early Tom Cruise vehicle, he plays a New York bartender with grand ambitions that take him to Jamaica to open his own bar.
The general view labels the film as rather "average," though some critics are more scathing. A review stated: "Yes, Tom Cruise has charisma. All that doesn't change the fact that this film isn't that good. Much like Cruise's character, Brian, this story drifts along without any real purpose."
It continued: "And while the acting isn't terrible, the writing is watered down, and the characters are one-dimensional. It seems that the filmmakers didn't get the mix right when it comes to Cocktail."
The Top 10 Rotten Tomatoes ranking
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
Risky Business (1983)
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Minority Report (2002)
Rain Man (1988)
The Color of Money (1986)