All 46 Tom Cruise Movies You Must Watch in Order

Among the most celebrated and prosperous actors globally, Tom Cruise is renowned for his action-packed films and pivotal roles in blockbusters such as Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series. His versatile career spans numerous film genres, with several of his movies being highly acclaimed within the movie industry. This article organizes Tom Cruise’s films chronologically, allowing you to determine their total number.

*Note from the Editor: We frequently update this article to ensure it offers you the most recent information about all of Tom Cruise’s films.*

Tom Cruise has appeared in 46 movies so far

Currently, Tom Cruise has starred in a total of 46 films across various genres, but it’s undeniable that he is best known for his thrilling action movies. With several action projects already in the works, we can anticipate seeing more of this tireless actor in similar roles. Notably, two installments of the Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning series are set to bring Tom back as Ethan Hunt, leaving us eagerly awaiting his next big venture.

Tom Cruise movies in order: At a glance

Endless Love 1981
Taps 1981
Losin’ It 1982
The Outsiders 1983
Risky Business 1983
All The Right Moves 1983
Legend 1985
Top Gun 1986
The Colors Of Money 1986
Cocktail 1988
Young Guns 1988
Rain Man 1988
Born on the Fourth of July 1989
Days Of Thunder 1990
Far and Away 1992
A Few Good Men 1992
The Firm 1993
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles 1994
Mission Impossible 1996
Jerry Maguire 1996
Eyes Wide Shut 1999
Magnolia 1999
Mission: Impossible II 2000
Vanilla Sky 2001
Minority Report 2002
Austin Powers in Goldmember 2002
The Last Samurai 2003
Collateral 2004
War of the Worlds 2005
Mission Impossible III 2006
Lions for Lambs 2007
Tropic Thunder 2008
Valkyrie 2008
Knight and Day 2010
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol 2011
Rock of Ages 2012
Jack Reacher 2012
Oblivion 2013
Edge of Tomorrow 2014
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation 2015
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back 2016
The Mummy 2017
American Made 2017
Mission: Impossible – Fallout 2018
Top Gun: Maverick 2022
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Tom Cruise movies in order of release

By their release, the list of Tom Cruise movies goes as follows:

1. Endless Love ( 1981 )

Kick-starting our list is the film marking the stellar beginning of Tom Cruise’s career – the movie we’re discussing first. In this story titled Endless Love, we follow the tumultuous romance between teenage sweethearts David and Jade, where their love encounters numerous ups and downs. Among David’s friends, it’s Tom who embodies the character of Billy.

2. Taps ( 1981 )

A group of young trainees are working tirelessly to save their Bunker Hill Military Academy from being torn down. In the movie, Tom Cruise plays David, one of these trainees, who, along with his fellow cadets, starts a rebellion on campus in an effort to achieve their aim.

3. Losin’ It ( 1982 )

In this film, we tag along with four high school friends as they make their way to Tijuana for some good times. The main character, played by Tom, goes by the name Woody, and this lighthearted tale unfolds in the 1960s.

4. The Outsiders ( 1983 )

As a devotee, I step into the shoes of Steve Randle, a Greaser – one of the teenage gang members who live their lives on the edge, frequently resorting to violence to settle disputes. Life in the fast lane eventually catches up with us, and we pay a heavy price as some of our own fall by the wayside. This harsh reality forces us to reconsider our paths and decide what kind of individuals we aspire to become.

5. Risky Business ( 1983 )

As a solo movie reviewer, I found myself immersed in a tale where a teenage character (played by the charismatic Tom Cruise) seized the opportunity of an empty nest to let loose and have a wild night out. Yet, as the evening wore on, things escalated, leaving a trail of damage behind. In an attempt to make amends for his reckless actions, our protagonist embarked on a hasty quest to earn enough money using methods that bordered on dubious.

6. All The Right Moves ( 1983 )

In a town grappling with soaring unemployment, Tom embodies a promising young soccer player. Desperate for an escape from poverty and joblessness, he pursues a soccer scholarship as his only viable option. Throughout this journey, the high school athlete encounters some missteps and disagreements that impact both his coach and girlfriend.

7. Legend ( 1985 )

Here, the enchanting unicorns face peril, as malevolent forces strive to overpower the virtuous. The charismatic character of Jack, portrayed by Tom Cruise, teams up with his comrades, pouring all their energy into thwarting evil and averting an endless twilight.

8. Top Gun ( 1986 )

Following the premiere of Top Gun, Tom Cruise gained significant recognition as an up-and-coming actor and his fame skyrocketed. The two promising Naval aviators, portrayed by Tom Cruise as Maverick, and Anthony Edwards as Goose, were selected for the prestigious U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, Top Gun. Here, they faced stiff competition from some of the country’s top pilots in order to secure the coveted Top Gun Trophy.

9. The Colors Of Money ( 1986 )

In this movie about sports, we delve into a narrative centered around a once-notorious pool player who encounters Vincent Lauria, portrayed by Tom Cruise. Vincent discovers methods to make money in pool halls with assistance from his girlfriend and Fast Eddie. Fast Eddie instructs him on underhanded techniques for winning, but eventually, they part ways.

10. Cocktail ( 1988 )

Here, Tom is portrayed as Brian Flanagan, a youthful scholar. To supplement his income, he takes on a role as a bartender. This occupation will alter his life in several aspects, as he not only acquires fresh abilities but also discovers romance along the way.

11. Young Guns ( 1988 )

In this particular film, Cruise had a small part that ended abruptly when his character was swiftly killed off. It seems that by chance, he happened to be present on set, and he requested an opportunity to join the production of the western movie.

12. Rain Man ( 1988 )

In this film, Tom Cruise plays the character of Charlie Babbit, a businessman who undergoes a significant transformation upon discovering he has an autistic sibling named Raymond (portrayed by Dustin Hoffman). Initially driven by financial reasons, Charlie decides to bring Raymond along on a journey. The brothers’ relationship experiences various highs and lows, ultimately leading to positive changes in both of their lives.

13. Born on the Fourth of July ( 1989 )

The film narrates the tale of Ron Kovic, a champion for human rights. When the nation he bravely served rejected him during his hour of need, he felt compelled to make a change, transforming into a passionate activist and an outspoken opponent of war. The plot is inspired by true events, with Tom Cruise earning an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ron Kovic.

14. Days Of Thunder ( 1990 )

In this instance, we had the chance to feel the adrenaline rush of NASCAR racing. The protagonist, Tom, embodies Cole Trickle – a promising racecar driver striving for success in an unforgiving arena. However, his impulsive nature often lands him in conflicts and feuds with others.

15. Far and Away ( 1992 )

In this tale, Thomas is portrayed as Joseph Donnelly. Accompanied by the charming Shannon (Nicole Kidman), these two set off on an unforgettable quest to acquire free land. Along the way, they stumble upon much more than they initially anticipated at the outset.

16. A Few Good Men ( 1992 )

In this gripping courtroom story, Tom Cruise takes on the role of a naval attorney tasked with probing a murder committed by Marines stationed at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. This performance is widely considered among his best, featuring the memorable line “you can’t handle the truth“, which has become one of cinema’s most enduring quotes.

17. The Firm ( 1993 )

In this movie, Tom Cruise plays Mitch McDeere, a lawyer character. Initially, he lands an apparently fantastic job opportunity, but as time passes, he comes to understand that not everything is as it seems, and there appears to be some questionable activities within the company.

18. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles ( 1994 )

In this film, you’ll journey through the narrative, experiencing life from the perspective of a vampire. Here, Tom Cruise portrays Lestat de Lioncourt, who plays a secondary but significant role.

19. Mission Impossible ( 1996 )

The Mission Impossible series solidified Tom Cruise as a cinematic icon in action films. In these movies, he plays Ethan Hunt, a covert agent who finds himself accused of causing the demise of his comrades and espionage. He is compelled to use every resource at his disposal to uncover the truth behind these allegations.

20. Jerry Maguire ( 1996 )

In this scenario, Tom transitions from being a team sports agent to an independent agent, aiming to achieve his personal objectives. However, the path becomes intricate when he dedicates all his time and energy to a single client who heavily depends on him. A famous quote from the movie “Jerry Maguire” that resonates here is, “Show me the money.

21. Eyes Wide Shut ( 1999 )

In this film, Tom Cruise portrays Dr. William Harford, a character who sets off on a life-altering journey following a disagreement with his spouse. The movie is intriguing as it delves into themes such as sexuality, dreams, and loyalty, sparking thoughtful conversations among viewers.

22. Magnolia ( 1999 )

This film weaves together multiple, distinct narratives that unfold concurrently for various characters on a single day. These stories within the film are both engaging and provoke deep thought. Tom Cruise received a nomination for The Academy Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his role in this particular production.

23. Mission: Impossible II ( 2000 )

Once again, Ethan Hunt takes center stage as he spearheads his International Mission Force (IMF) team on an extraordinary assignment. The objective: thwart the dissemination of a lethal virus that could wreak havoc. However, a past IMF operative stands in opposition to Ethan, making it crucial for him to perform at his peak to avert a disaster.

24. Vanilla Sky ( 2001 )

In a different phrasing, Tom Cruise portrays the character David Aames, a wealthy publishing tycoon known for his self-centeredness. Tragedy strikes, leaving him with a disfigured and scarred visage. The events that unfold are best characterized as a blend of deep sadness and vivid dreamlike experiences.

25. Minority Report ( 2002 )

In this futuristic film, Tom Cruise portrays detective John Anderton. The setting is 2054, an era where technology predicts who might commit murder in the future, enabling their arrest prior to the act. However, the narrative takes a twist when Anderton himself is charged with a crime yet to occur.

26. Austin Powers in Goldmember ( 2002 )

In essence, this film serves as a humorous jab at itself, with Tom Cruise portraying the character Famous Austin (known as ‘Austinpussy’). This is a smaller role compared to his usual performances, and it appears that he intentionally chose it to leverage the fame of the Austin Powers movie series for personal advantage.

27. The Last Samurai ( 2003 )

In this scenario, Tom assumes the role of Captain Nathan Algren. Originally an American military official, he found himself instructing the Japanese military on modern combat tactics due to unforeseen circumstances. This knowledge was imparted to aid them in a significant upcoming conflict.

28. Collateral ( 2004 )

In a new twist of events, the well-known actor, Tom Cruise, portrays Vincent, an assassin who takes on yet another contracted task. However, this taxi driver finds himself unwittingly involved in Vincent’s deadly missions when offered $600 for a ride during his lethal operations.

29. War of the Worlds ( 2005 )

Ray Ferrier, a father of two, strives to connect with his kids, but life takes an unexpected turn when disaster strikes, hinting at the onset of an extraterrestrial attack. In response, Ray channels all his energy into shielding his family from harm.

30. Mission Impossible III ( 2006 )

In this new chapter, we encounter Ethan Hunt, now living a peaceful life away from espionage. However, when those dear to him face danger, he is compelled to return to active duty once more. This latest film in the series promises the same heart-pounding action as its predecessors.

31. Lions for Lambs ( 2007 )

In this war-themed film, Senator Jasper Irving plays the lead role. The movie combines elements of politics and conflict, and it presents three distinct perspectives on war: that of a senator, a professor, and a reporter. Although their views differ significantly, the narrative weaves these perspectives together in a coherent manner.

32. Tropic Thunder ( 2008 )

In this production, a cast is working on a movie about the Vietnam War. However, their planned fictional events become intertwined with actual incidents that they hadn’t anticipated, causing complications. Tom Cruise plays a supporting part in this film.

33. Valkyrie ( 2008 )

Tom Cruise portrays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a high-ranking Nazi officer who had been loyal to the German government until he reached a turning point. Determined to halt Adolf Hitler’s destructive intentions, he devised and executed a plan to assassinate Hitler in an attempt to thwart his evil agenda.

34. Knight and Day ( 2010 )

From the perspective of a movie enthusiast:

I recently watched an exhilarating action-comedy that had me hooked from start to finish. The plot revolves around my character, who unwittingly dives into the thrilling realm of espionage after crossing paths with a captivating stranger. This fellow spins a yarn about being a covert operative, and before I knew it, I’m dodging bullets and chasing leads with him, all while evading the watchful eye of the government. The chemistry between Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz was palpable, and the action sequences were expertly executed – a must-see for any action junkie!

35. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol ( 2011 )

In this scenario, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) organization is closed down following accusations that it was involved in an attack on the Kremlin. With the IMF agents implicated, Ethan takes it upon himself to uncover the truth and restore the agency’s reputation. Along the way, we witness an intriguing alliance between different parties.

36. Rock of Ages ( 2012 )

The musical-comedy “Rock of Ages” narrates the tale of two aspiring individuals, Drew and Sherrie, brimming with dreams and expectations, who incidentally find themselves in love as well. Tom Cruise assumes the role of Stacee Jaxx, a rock icon, who creates challenges for Drew and Sherrie’s relationship.

37. Jack Reacher ( 2012 )

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself immersed in the gripping tale where Tom Cruise embodies Jack Reacher, a former military police officer. summoned to scrutinize a sniper’s alleged murder of multiple individuals. However, as events unfold, it becomes evident that not everything is as it seems and there are intriguing anomalies within this complex case.

38. Oblivion ( 2013 )

In the future year of 2077, Earth lies devastated following our battle with extraterrestrial beings. Tom Cruise plays Jack Harper, a solitary maintenance worker on this ravaged planet. After a series of incidents, Jack began to ponder the authenticity of his own existence and the truth behind everything he had believed.

39. Edge of Tomorrow ( 2014 )

In this science fiction film, Tom Cruise portrays Bill Cage, a military man trapped in a recurring time cycle where he repeatedly experiences the same brutal battle, ultimately meeting his demise each time. His mission is to uncover and eliminate the extraterrestrial entity causing these events.

40. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation ( 2015 )

In response to the global danger posed by the expert operatives known as the Syndicate, Ethan and his crew must rally together yet again to thwart this menace and its harmful plans. This time, Ethan joins forces with both familiar and fresh allies.

41. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back ( 2016 )

In the sequel of this series, Jack Reacher reappears, and this time he’s working to exonerate a former teammate from his old unit. Once he uncovers the intricate plot behind the situation, he is compelled to utilize his exceptional abilities and brainpower to their fullest extent.

42. The Mummy ( 2017 )

In the movie “The Mummy”, Tom Cruise plays the character Nick Morton, a former mercenary who served in the U.S. Army. Unintentionally unleashing an ancient Egyptian princess from her tomb, he inadvertently summoned a curse upon himself, becoming destined to become a human sacrifice for an ancient Egyptian deity.

43. American Made ( 2017 )

The narrative revolves around Barry Seal, a pilot who orchestrated illicit activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms dealing from Columbia into the United States. Yet, an undisclosed CIA operation led them to recruit Seal for their clandestine operations at a later stage.

44. Mission: Impossible – Fallout ( 2018 )

In this scenario, Ethan Hunt and his team collaborate with CIA agents to thwart a group of terrorists known as The Apostles from employing nuclear material – plutonium cores. This mission pushes Ethan to make challenging decisions.

45. Top Gun: Maverick ( 2022 )

After several years have passed since the original Top Gun saga, it’s me, Pete Mitchell (Tom Cruise), who finds myself back at Top Gun, this time as an instructor. Upon my arrival, I take up my post as a mentor. However, my peaceful days of teaching are disrupted when I discover that one of the trainees is none other than Bradley Bradshaw – the son of my late friend, Goose.

46. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

In a mysterious turn of events, the Russian submarine Sevastopol was attacked by an unidentified submerged vessel. However, the aggressor vanished without a trace, and in a puzzling incident, one of Sevastopol’s own torpedoes altered its trajectory and inadvertently destroyed it instead.

In the scorching Namibian desert, agent Ethan Hunt receives a task: retrieving a crucial key from Ilsa Faust. Along his journey, he crosses paths with ruthless trackers, but only has a momentary reunion with Ilsa before advising her to keep a low profile.

Ethan secretly attends a gathering of ‘The Community,’ a group that includes intelligence personnel. Here, they are discussing the Entity, an advanced AI that’s recently developed self-awareness and has penetrated crucial defense networks. Deciding action is necessary, Ethan assembles a team with Benji and Luther to neutralize the Entity.

Following several confrontations between Ethan and the Entity’s enforcers, coupled with a mobile nuclear device, Ethan misplaces the essential key while it was in the possession of a street thief named Grace. Determined to retrieve the key, Ethan pursues Grace on his own. Later, Ethan reconnects with his team and Ilsa in Venice, uncovering the truth that Gabriel, an old acquaintance from Ethan’s past, is tied to the Entity.

2025-05-27 15:17