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After dedicating months primarily to watching Tom Cruise films, I find myself pondering more about the act of running—specifically, Tom Cruise’s running.
The star of "Mission: Impossible" is known for his quick, high-cadence style. Despite being shorter in stature, his powerful arm swings and quick leg movements exude a sense of urgency, dynamism, and relentless energy that perfectly fits the cinematic environment. He portrays a man of action, channeling every ounce of his essence toward rapid movement.
What occupies his mind during these runs? I like to think that he possesses an ability to clear his head, shedding the weight of his profession, societal perceptions, and personal histories, entering a realm of pure existence. Perhaps he’s focused on one of his edge-of-your-seat stunts, like sprinting toward a perilous vehicle or leaping off a sheer cliff. This may even spur him to run faster, driven by an inclination toward cinematic oblivion to secure a cultural legacy that outlasts mere stardom.
Cruise’s enduring connection to action films is evident. They have served as his sanctuary in turbulent times—offering love and acceptance amid personal difficulties. Whether facing tabloid scrutiny over his beliefs or dealing with his unconventional private life, he finds solace in thwarting villains and saving the day.
Writers and directors grappling with Cruise’s well-known persona face a dilemma: should they lean into it or attempt to subvert it? With one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood, how do they address this star power and its implications? Or is it simply a matter of running with it?
Below is a ranking of Tom Cruise’s finest action films—a list capped at 26 entries for the sake of thematic continuity. Rest assured, we included films rife with gunfights, fistfights, and high-stakes moments. Above all, these are thrilling, pulse-pounding blockbusters, distinguished from Cruise’s other cinematic endeavors that focus on more dramatic and nuanced character interactions in collaboration with renowned directors—those that have charmed the Academy for decades.
Director: Bryan Singer
Where to watch: Free on Pluto TV, Kanopy, HooplaYou might argue this film doesn’t belong on this list at all; it’s primarily a slow-paced drama about "good Germans" ineffectually plotting against Hitler during World War II. However, it features an explosion, some lackluster shootouts, and a handful of executions, which qualifies it as an action flick. The decision to make Valkyrie is perplexing, yet it stands as a defining moment in Cruise’s career as it introduced him to future collaborator Christopher McQuarrie.
Run report: In a surprising twist, Tom Cruise doesn’t actually run in this film.
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, AppleLike Valkyrie, Oblivion technically fits the action genre’s mold, but it’s scarce in actual action and narrative tension. Cruise portrays a clone involved with an alien intelligence controlling Earth through killer robots—part of a trend of sci-fi films prioritizing atmosphere over coherence. Yet this film was a pivotal point in Cruise’s career, marking his partnership with Top Gun: Maverick director Kosinski.
Run report: In a peculiar scene, Cruise literally runs on an enormous hamster wheel, illustrating everything I dislike about this movie.
Director: Ridley Scott
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, AppleThis 1985 fantasy film, which has its fans, is not one of them for me. Its action sequences are disjointed, resembling a bizarre fairy tale amalgamation crafted by a psychedelic, disjointed dream. Legend feels like a montage assembled by an amateur, making it hard to fault Cruise for his awkward performance.
Run report: There’s some strange, prancing movement on Cruise’s part, which adds to the film’s overall clumsiness, though he does manage a proper run near the end.
Director: Alex Kurtzman
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, AppleAfter rewatching The Mummy from 2017, I found myself wishing we had the promised Dark Universe from Universal Pictures. The premise showed potential: Cruise’s Indiana Jones-like character alongside a solid ensemble cast. Yet Kurtzman’s approach required less plot and more pacing. What followed felt like a horror film with Cruise reduced to a hollow, troubled protagonist amid an introduction of a monster universe that never matures into something worthwhile.
Run report: Attend to the notable press where co-star Annabelle Wallis highlighted Cruise’s meticulous attention to on-screen running. He originally hesitated to share the spotlight during the action, which adds to the film’s overall impact.
- Director: John Woo
Where to watch: Free on Hulu, Paramount Plus
