Tom Cruise became an international movie star in the 80’s with a string of unforgettable performances. Since then, he’s established himself as one of Hollywood’s most prominent leading men with an incredible career that has spanned decades. Whatever the role may be, you can always count on Cruise to go above and beyond what’s expected. Tom Cruise has had no shortage of iconic performances, but these stand out as some of his greatest appearances in front of the camera.

Swipe for the most iconic Tom Cruise performances.

Rain Man (1988)

Tom Cruise plays the wildly unlikable Charlie Babbitt who finds redemption by way of a road trip with his long lost older brother. Dustin Hoffman won an Academy Award for his role as Raymond, something he was only able to accomplish acting opposite of Cruise’s stellar performance.

Photography: United Artists

Collateral (2004)

Director Michael Mann takes viewers on one of the scariest cab rides they will ever experience thanks to Tom Cruise’s icy turn as a professional assassin named Vincent. Collateral is stylish, fun and haunting thanks to Cruise and his co-stars, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith and Mark Ruffalo.

Photography: DreamWorks Pictures

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Born on the Fourth of July takes everything you thought you knew about American idealism as it pertains to the military, and sets it on fire. Cruise takes the audience on a journey over two decades from the viewpoint of a starry-eyed young patriot that turns into a worn-down paraplegic who goes on a mission to end the Vietnam War. It’s one of Cruise’s most powerful performances of all time.

Photography: Universal Pictures

Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun might just be Tom Cruise’s most iconic role of all time. The movie has a little something for everyone: Action, romance, drama, comedy and a killer soundtrack. Cruise would reprise his role for the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick.

Photography: Paramount Pictures

Mission Impossible (1996)

Tom Cruise’s performance as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible set the new standard for what audiences could expect from an action-packed spy thriller. Cruise would reprise his role as Hunt in a total of six Mission Impossible sequels as of 2023, with a seventh scheduled for a 2024 release.

Photography: Paramount Pictures

Risky Business (1983)

Risky Business is widely considered to be Tom Cruise’s breakout role. In a decade full of forgettable teen comedies, Cruise managed to bring a performance to the table that has helped this movie stand the test of time. He also taught a generation how much fun it can be to sing in your underwear in the living room.

Photography: Warner Bros.

Minority Report (2002)

Minority Report is a thrilling look into the future, anchored by Tom Cruise’s compelling performance. Spielberg’s dizzying futuristic society is only believable thanks to the grounded depth Cruise brings to the role.

Photography: 20th Century Fox

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Jerry Maguire is a movie that perfectly encapsulated the aura of the mid-90s. Cruise gave audiences a performance they’ll never forget and lines they’ll never stop quoting.

Photography: Sony Pictures