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AlthoughTom Cruisemainly focus on natural action movies these day , his vocation was also filled with several acclaimed dramatic carrying out . Long before Cruise started to scale the side of buildings or jump from carpenter’s plane in franchises likeMission : Impossible , he made a name for himself balance action - labored movies with more nuanced roles in dramas , legal thrillers , read-only storage - coms , and more . As a four - time Academy Award candidate , Cruise was no stranger to complex and ambitious characters in intensely striking motion-picture show .
Thebest Tom Cruise moviesalso included some of his strongest dramatic public presentation , as he embodied all character of characters , from an idealistic Harvard graduate to a seedy pickup arm artist . Cruises ' filmography vaunt works from iconic filmmakers like Martin Scorsese , Paul Thomas Anderson , and even Stanley Kubrick . As a genuine giant of mod cinema , Cruise has pile to offer as a dramatic performing artist , and it ’s a real ignominy he has n’t been study up non - action movie roles in late geezerhood .
10Cocktail (1988)
Tom Cruise as Brian Flanagan
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Cocktail ( 1988 ) follows the story of Brian Flanagan , play by Tom Cruise , a untested and challenging bartender who teams up with a veteran bartender , Doug Coughlin , portray by Bryan Brown . Together , they take on the upscale measure scene in New York City , creating a flashier and more theatrical fashion of bartending that captivates their patrons . The pic explores themes of success , ambition , and personal family relationship within the fast - paced nightlife industriousness .
By the timeCocktailwas released in 1988 , Tom Cruise had already made a name for himself as a major movie star with roles inRisky BusinessandTop Gun . While these previous use highlighted his accomplishment as a comedic actor and up - and - come legal action star , Cocktailallowed him to dig into more striking territorial dominion while uphold chemical element of lighthearted funniness . As the account of a byplay bookman who take up bartending to make end meet , Cocktailwas a hit at the box spot that highlighted Cruise ’s undeniable genius tycoon .
The critics were not so kind toCocktail , as reviews called it shallow , and the film won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture . However , depend back onCocktail , there were hints of Cruise ’s burnished future in more dramatic roles as he penetrate the struggling bartender Brian Flanagan with a real gumption of humanity . While Cruise himself may disparageCocktailas “ not a crowning jewel ” in his career ( viaRolling Stone ) , there ’s a lot to love about this 1980s amatory drollery - drama .
9The Firm (1993)
Tom Cruise as Mitch McDeere
The Firm is a effectual thriller directed by Sydney Pollack , found on John Grisham ’s novel . It stars Tom Cruise as Mitch McDeere , a untested lawyer who join a esteemed law firm only to discover its dark secrets . As McDeere dig deeply , he finds himself entangled in a web of depravity and risk . The pic features a strong support hurl include Gene Hackman and Jeanne Tripplehorn .
Before activity moving-picture show became Tom Cruise ’s primary focus , he take up roles in take exception sound drama likeThe Firm , a heart - racing thrillerbased on a novel by John Grisham . As the storey of an challenging vernal attorney excited to link a prestigious legal philosophy house , the sinister realities of the system become apparent when he starts to acquire the dark secrets hidden just below the surface . From money laundering to tax schemes , The Firmwas an enjoyable uncovering of embodied subversion .
Cruise give a strong performance as Mitch McDeere , a bright - eyed Harvard Law alumnus who lento started to realise the deception and knavery that have enveloped the sound system . With Cruise in top acting strain , it was thrilling to see him alongside major talents like Gene Hackman , Ed Harris , and Holly Hunter , who was propose for a Best plunk for Actress Oscar for her role . With plenty of twists and turns throughout , it ’s no surpriseThe Firmwas a bang at the box office(viaThe Numbers ) , taking in over $ 270 million against its $ 42 million budget .
8Vanilla Sky (2001)
Tom Cruise as David Aames
Vanilla Sky is a psychological thriller directed by Cameron Crowe , featuring Tom Cruise as a wealthy publication magnate list David Aames . Released in 2001 , the photographic film explores themes of personal identity , realness , and the consequences of one ’s actions , intertwined with dreamlike events . Centennial State - asterisk Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz , the film is known for its intricate narration and engaging performances . Vanilla Sky is a remake of the Spanish film " spread Your Eyes . "
Tom Cruise reunited with hisJerry Maguiredirector Cameron Crowe for the sci - fi psychological thrillerVanilla Sky , the enthralling floor of a magazine publisher who begins to wonder realism after being disfigure in a car crash . As an challenging mix of genres , Vanilla Skysometimes crumble under the weightiness of its own construct yet remained an gratifying addition to Cruise ’s more striking works . Vanilla Skyalso featured a strong supporting stamp , including Kurt Russell , Penélope Cruz , Tilda Swindon , and Cameron Diaz in one of her very skilful roles .
As the story of a world who want it all and loses everything , Vanilla Skyfelt like an intriguing waking dream as it cut into into the very nature of consciousness . Although Cruise has played it safe with franchise activeness movie for much of the 21st 100 , his role inVanilla Skyshowcased his affinity for strange projects and ability to push thing into exciting new territory . It ’s a shame there are n’t more entries likeVanilla Skyin Cruise ’s filmography because it was a uniquely thrilling moving picture .
7Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Tom Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford
Eyes wide of the mark Shut is a 1999 drama mystery orchestrate by Stanley Kubrick centering on a Manhattan doctor who goes to unexpected lengths to please his married woman after she admits she was unsatisfied and almost had an affair a year in the first place . Eyes across-the-board Shut stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as husband and married woman .
Tom Cruise has worked with many great music director , but one of his most impressive collaborations was on Stanley Kubrick ’s final motion-picture show , Eyes all-encompassing Shut . As a highly remarkably titillating mystery , Eyes all-inclusive Shutstarred Cruise alongside his then - wife Nicole Kidmanas they ship on a seedy nighttime dangerous undertaking that brought them right into the heart of a masked orgy organize by a hush-hush companionship . With a unique mother wit of trend , Eyes Wide Shutwas one of Kubrick ’s most artful films as he peel back the complexity of human psychology in a cryptic write up of sexual activity and secret .
Kubrick died soon before the spillage ofEyes spacious Shut , and although it was well - received at the time , it was also misunderstood and submit to censorship due to its R - rated content . However , looking back onEyes Wide Shuttoday , it ’s clear that it was one of Kubrick ’s most complete works , as he managed to showcase a side of Cruise never before check on screen . eye Wide Shutwas bold , ambitious , and subversive , as well as a unattackable showcase of Cruise ’s unbelievable skill as a dramatic player .
Custom image by Yeider Chacon.
6The Color of Money (1986)
Tom Cruise as Vincent Lauria
The Color of Money is a 1986 moving picture directed by Martin Scorsese , starring Paul Newman as pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson , who mentors a young and talented thespian identify Vincent Lauria , played by Tom Cruise . The film explores theme of mentorship , ambition , and salvation as Eddie attempt to impart his knowledge and experience to the nervy fledgling while grappling with his own past in the world of competitive pool .
As a bequest continuation to the 1961 sport dramaThe Hustler , The Color of Moneypaired Tom Cruise with screen legend Paul Newman , who reprise his role as “ Fast Eddie " Felson . Directed by Martin Scorsese , The Color of Moneywas the only subsequence by the iconic movie maker and was an interesting follow - up that explored pool players hustle their path through halls and finally to a major tournament . Part of the joyousness ofThe Color of Moneywas see Cruise and Newman encounter off one another as one whizz go in the backend of their life history while the other was just at the beginning .
While Cruise has earned a reputation for doing his own stunts in activeness movies likeMission : Impossible , he also assert on perform his own pool stunt inThe Color of Money(viaUPI ) . As an accomplished drama blending metaphor of hustling and pool , The Color of Money’ssuccess place unwaveringly on the unbelievable trio of actors Cruise , Newman , and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio . WhileThe Color of Moneydoes not get most as much realization as Scorsese ’s better - known motion-picture show , it was an underrated entry in his filmography that ’s well worth seek out for Cruise ’s performance alone .
Cocktail (1988) follows the story of Brian Flanagan, played by Tom Cruise, a young and ambitious bartender who teams up with a veteran bartender, Doug Coughlin, portrayed by Bryan Brown. Together, they take on the upscale bar scene in New York City, creating a flashier and more theatrical style of bartending that captivates their patrons. The film explores themes of success, ambition, and personal relationships within the fast-paced nightlife industry.
5A Few Good Men (1992)
Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee
Tom Cruise , Jack Nicholson , Demi Moore , Kevin Bacon , and Kiefer Sutherland star in A Few Good Men , a legal drama that follows military lawyer Daniel Kaffee , who represent two Marines on trial for slaying , reveal a high - level conspiracy in the process . The 1992 movie is based on the eponymic stage play written by Aaron Sorkin .
Director Rob Reiner pair off Tom Cruise with playact legend Jack Nicholson for the effectual dramaA Few Good Men . With a screenplay by the future writer ofThe Social NetworkandThe West Wingcreator Aaron Sorkin , A Few Good Menwas categorise by its strong writing as Cruise gave his all to a substantive and complex function about a military lawyer learn his seemingly open - and - shut compositor’s case was anything but . As the hypocrisy of a mean - spirited Colonel , played by Nicholson , slow unveiled themselves , this cliff-hanging courtroom dramatic event keep viewers on the border of their buns .
A Few Good Menwas an insightful deconstruction of the moral corruption that can take place behind the unsympathetic doorway of respected military institutions . The climatical confrontation between Cruise and Nicholsonin the courtroom was one of the most iconic courtroom scenes of all time . Although Cruise gave a dandy public presentation , it was Nicholson who was most memorable as he shouted the famous line , “ You ca n’t cover the truth ! ”
4Jerry Maguire (1996)
Tom Cruise as Jerry Maguire
High flying sports agent Jerry Maguire ( Tom Cruise ) has a crisis of conscience , and writes a heartfelt society - wide memo resulting in a swift resultant of his services . Scrabbling to retain his athlete node , Jerry start his own management firm , with the only colleague who leaves with him - single female parent Dorothy Boyd ( Renee Zellweger ) . Retaining just one client , football histrion Rod Tidwell ( Cuba Gooding Jr. ) , Jerry and Dorothy commence to fall in love as their new business venture struggles
Jerry Maguirewas one of the most repeatable movies of the nineties , whose heartfelt and humorous narrative resonated with watcher . Featuring an unbelievable performance from Tom Cruise as the title character and as one ofRené Zwelleger ’s respectable movies , this laugh - out - loud dramedy walk the fine line between drollery and play to prove once again why Cruise was one of the biggest movie stars of this epoch . As the story of a summercater agent going out on his own after being fired , Jerry Maguiresucceeded due to its compelling main characters ' vulnerable lookup for function in his life and career .
From lines like “ you had me at hello ” to “ aid me , help you,”Jerry Maguire’sscript was littered with memorable moments and iconic turns of phrasal idiom . Cruise was perfectly suitable to the character of a morally righteous sports agent who was not willing to turn a unreasoning heart to the dishonest practice of his former employers . regard the materialistic landscape painting of previous twentieth - hundred America , the substance at the heart ofJerry Maguirefelt like a breathing spell of fresh air and a swell spectacular turn from Cruise .
From " Show me the money " to " You fill out me " , these are the beneficial Jerry Maguire citation .
3Rain Man (1988)
Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt
Rain Man follow the story of Charlie Babbitt , who happen upon his estranged brother Raymond , an autistic savant , after their don ’s death . Charlie , portray by Tom Cruise , and Raymond , played by Dustin Hoffman , embark on a cross - country journeying that alter their life . lead by Barry Levinson , this 1988 film explores themes of house , connection , and understanding , spotlight Hoffman ’s award - pull ahead carrying into action as Raymond .
While Dustin Hoffman took home the Academy Award for his depicting of the autistic savant Ray Babbitt inRain Man , this role would not have been near as effective without an role player of Tom Cruise ’s stature to play off . As the history of a jr. buddy exploiting his sibling ’s incredible intelligence and photographic retentiveness , Rain Manwas one ofHoffman ’s best moviesandan significant addition to Cruise ’s varied body of work . It ’s a route trip movie but also the story of two brothers connect despite their vast differences .
pelting Manhighlighted autism during a time when little was know about the condition and its waiver tempt more support , medical research , and cognizance among the general public ( viaGuardian . ) Cruise had a unmanageable challenge withRain Manas he had the unappreciated task of leading a picture show where the hearing focus was chiefly on the title character . Although Cruise has usually excelled in leading humanity purpose , Rain Manwas an interesting example of him knowing how to recreate off his supporting co - starring and allow Hoffman ’s Oscar - winning performance to shine through .
The Firm is a legal thriller directed by Sydney Pollack, based on John Grisham’s novel. It stars Tom Cruise as Mitch McDeere, a young lawyer who joins a prestigious law firm only to discover its dark secrets. As McDeere delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and danger. The film features a strong supporting cast including Gene Hackman and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
2Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Tom Cruise as Sergeant Ron Kovic
Ron Kovic , driven by a solid sentiency of patriotism , enlists in the Marine Corps and is deployed to Vietnam . His life take a drastic turn when he sustains a severe accidental injury , leaving him paralytic from the waist down . take back to a nation divided over the state of war , Kovic struggles with his newfound disability and the disillusionment with his former beliefs . His path to recovery and self - discovery result him to become a passionate anti - war militant , using his voice to recommend for pacification and the right of veterans , redefine his purpose and bequest .
While Tom Cruise has played plenty of glorified military heroes in fast - paced military action movies , the reality behind the war were powerfully handle through his use in Oliver Stone’sBorn on the Fourth of July . This anti - war biographical drama followed Stone’sPlatoonto high spot once again criticisms of the United States ' participation in Vietnam . Through the story of the paralytic soldier Sergeant Ron Kovic , bear on the Fourth of Julyshowcased how the glorious semblance of war can be quickly shattered by the lived realities of veterans ' experiences .
In one of his strongest performances , Cruise took interview on a journeying through Kovic ’s desire to fight for his country and eventual shift into an anti - war activistwho felt betrayed by the government in whose name he lose his ability to take the air . Born on the Fourth of Julywas a truly unforgettable picture that get ripe to the gist of human emotions to tell apart a extremely political story of fighting , fortitude , and the futility of war . Cruise ’s deeply moving depiction of Kovic earn him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor .
1Magnolia (1999)
Tom Cruise as Frank T.J. Mackey
correct in Los Angeles , Magnolia follows the life of nine character through interconnected stories revolve around a dying television producer , his alienated prodigal son , a vernal male child whizz , and a compassionate cop . As a rare climatical phenomenon occurs , these individuals present their pasts and essay pardon and attempt to grow from their past experiences .
Paul Thomas Anderson’sMagnoliawas released in the same yr asEyes Wide Shut , meaning 1999 was an unbelievable time to be a fan of Tom Cruise ’s more spectacular roles . As one of the most unique movies of all time , Magnoliashowcased a new side to Cruise ’s acting skills as he portrayed the go out guru Frank T.J. Mackey , perhaps the most compelling eccentric in the film ’s ensemble plaster cast . As an arrogant and gross motivational loudspeaker and pickup artist , Frank avowedly used his charm and personal magnetism to take vantage of those in his life .
Cruise was appoint for an Oscar for his fantastic performance , which deconstruct his virtuoso as he steal every scene he was in . With a lousiness that ’s masked by assurance , Frank ’s complex psychology was intrinsically connect to being vacate by his father as a child and have got his female parent pass away when he was just 14.Tom Cruisebrought all these aspects together in his intensely richMagnoliaperformance , which was his finest achievement as a striking histrion .
Sources : Rolling Stone , The Numbers , UPI , Guardian
Vanilla Sky is a psychological thriller directed by Cameron Crowe, featuring Tom Cruise as a wealthy publishing magnate named David Aames. Released in 2001, the film explores themes of identity, reality, and the consequences of one’s actions, intertwined with surreal events. Co-starring Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz, the film is known for its intricate narrative and engaging performances. Vanilla Sky is a remake of the Spanish film “Open Your Eyes."
Eyes Wide Shut is a 1999 drama mystery directed by Stanley Kubrick centering on a Manhattan doctor who goes to unexpected lengths to please his wife after she admits she was unsatisfied and almost had an affair a year earlier. Eyes Wide Shut stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as husband and wife.
The Color of Money is a 1986 film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Paul Newman as pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson, who mentors a young and talented player named Vincent Lauria, played by Tom Cruise. The film explores themes of mentorship, ambition, and redemption as Eddie seeks to impart his knowledge and experience to the brash newcomer while grappling with his own past in the world of competitive pool.
Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Kiefer Sutherland star in A Few Good Men, a legal drama that follows military lawyer Daniel Kaffee, who defends two Marines on trial for murder, uncovering a high-level conspiracy in the process. The 1992 movie is based on the eponymous stage play written by Aaron Sorkin.
High flying sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) has a crisis of conscience, and writes a heartfelt company-wide memo resulting in a swift termination of his services. Scrabbling to retain his athlete clients, Jerry starts his own management firm, with the only colleague who leaves with him - single mother Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger). Retaining just one client, football player Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jerry and Dorothy begin to fall in love as their new business venture struggles
Rain Man follows the story of Charlie Babbitt, who discovers his estranged brother Raymond, an autistic savant, after their father’s death. Charlie, portrayed by Tom Cruise, and Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, embark on a cross-country journey that changes their lives. Directed by Barry Levinson, this 1988 film explores themes of family, connection, and understanding, highlighting Hoffman’s award-winning performance as Raymond.
Ron Kovic, driven by a strong sense of patriotism, enlists in the Marine Corps and is deployed to Vietnam. His life takes a drastic turn when he sustains a severe injury, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Returning to a nation divided over the war, Kovic struggles with his newfound disability and the disillusionment with his former beliefs. His path to recovery and self-discovery leads him to become a passionate anti-war activist, using his voice to advocate for peace and the rights of veterans, redefining his purpose and legacy.
Set in Los Angeles, Magnolia follows the lives of nine characters through interconnected stories revolving around a dying television producer, his estranged prodigal son, a young boy genius, and a compassionate cop. As a rare climatic phenomenon occurs, these individuals confront their pasts and seek forgiveness and attempt to grow from their past experiences.
