The 2000s marked a dynamic period for Tom Cruise, as he shifted between genres and delivered some of his most memorable performances, despite a decade shadowed by public controversies and personal upheavals. This ranked list of the best Tom Cruise movies from the 2000s highlights the variety in his roles, providing a clear look at which of his performances defined an era and stood the test of time.
Reflecting on Tom Cruise’s Diverse Decade in Film
Tom Cruise began his career as a promising actor in the 1980s and quickly evolved into a household name by the end of that decade. While the 1990s cemented his celebrity, the 2000s represented both a period of artistic exploration and personal challenges for the star. Discussions about his ties to Scientology, highly public separations, and several headline-making moments placed Cruise in the center of media scrutiny, but his on-screen work remained a focal point, demonstrating remarkable versatility and commitment.
Throughout the decade, Cruise appeared in a striking mix of genres, from psychological science fiction to gritty thrillers and historical epics, showcasing his range beyond the typical action hero mold. His performances helped keep audiences’ attention on his craft rather than his controversies, marking the era as one that revealed Cruise’s ability to take risks and surprise viewers. The ten movies ranked below reflect the standout projects that defined Cruise’s journey through the 2000s.
10. Lions for Lambs (2007): Political Drama Fails to Ignite
Directed by Robert Redford, “Lions for Lambs” features Cruise as Senator Jasper Irving, sharing the screen with accomplished stars like Meryl Streep and Redford himself. The movie’s narrative attempts to connect three parallel stories—debates among politicians in offices, academic discussions in classrooms, and combat sequences in Afghanistan—all tethered to the war on terror.
Despite the impressive ensemble and a topic of global relevance, the film underdelivers due to its static approach and lack of engaging drama, unsuccessfully utilizing its high-profile cast. The convoluted structure and absence of narrative momentum left many viewers unmoved by its intended message, resulting in the film fading from public memory rather than sparking substantial conversation. While Andrew Garfield and Streep deliver earnest performances, the overall effect is underwhelming, making it a lesser entry in Cruise’s filmography.
9. Mission: Impossible II (2000): Action Excess and Early 2000s Flair
In the first sequel to the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt under director John Woo’s vision. The film departs from its predecessor’s intricate plotting, delivering instead a barrage of stylized action sequences that defined the early 2000s big-budget spectacle. While considered the weakest in the series, “Mission: Impossible II” compensates with high-energy set pieces and the growing charisma of Cruise’s now-iconic IMF agent.
The plot revolves around Hunt’s mission to Sydney, where he must track down and neutralize a genetically engineered disease known as Chimera. Dougray Scott plays the formidable adversary Sean Ambrose, providing a suitable foil for Cruise’s relentless agent. Though the narrative suffers from excessive complexity and melodrama, nostalgia for its over-the-top elements has lent it a certain charm for long-time fans of the franchise.
8. Valkyrie (2008): Historical Tension in a Hollywood Retelling
“Valkyrie,” directed by Bryan Singer, dramatizes the real-life attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler toward the end of World War II. Tom Cruise portrays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a key figure in the German Resistance, who spearheads a desperate and dangerous plot to change the fate of the world by eliminating Hitler, as played out in the tense unfolding of Operation Valkyrie.
The film offers suspense despite audiences knowing the outcome. Though the cast, which includes Eddie Izzard, Bill Nighy, and Kenneth Branagh, all portray German characters in English, it is Cruise’s intensity that anchors the film. “Valkyrie” blends Hollywood style with historical events, delivering a tense portrait of sacrifice and conviction amidst the backdrop of a collapsing regime.
7. Vanilla Sky (2001): Dreamlike Mystery and Genre Experimentation
Directed by Cameron Crowe, “Vanilla Sky” casts Cruise as David, a man whose reality blurs with dreams and subconscious projections following a traumatic incident. The film, inspired by the 1997 Spanish movie “Open Your Eyes,” features Penélope Cruz reprising her role alongside Cruise, weaving a complex relationship through uncertainty and altered perception.
This psychological drama stands out for its willingness to to probe questions of identity, reality, and memory. Supporting performances from Kurt Russell and Jason Lee add texture, yet it’s the film’s surreal, ambiguous tone that remains its signature. “Vanilla Sky” challenges viewers with its layered structure, leaving lasting impressions thanks to Cruise’s willingness to immerse himself in such enigmatic material.
6. War of the Worlds (2005): Sci-Fi Disaster Through a Human Lens
Steven Spielberg directed Cruise in this blockbuster adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel. The story follows Cruise as a divorced father whose struggle to protect his children becomes urgent when alien tripods initiate a cataclysmic invasion of Earth. Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, and Tim Robbins contribute to the film’s intensity as survivors navigating relentless chaos.
The film’s disaster-movie style, dark undertones, and relentless tension set it apart from typical summer spectacles. As CGI-powered destruction unfolds, Cruise anchors the narrative with an emotionally charged performance:
“…It’s to Tom Cruise’s credit that he can still make an impression here as an actor, even with all the flashy technical stuff and special effects whizzing around him.”
—Steven Spielberg, Director. “War of the Worlds” remains notable for balancing technical achievement with human vulnerability.
Its themes of survival, fear, and family make it more than just an alien invasion story; instead, audiences witness humanity’s desperate response to an unfathomable threat through Cruise’s character’s personal journey.
5. Mission: Impossible III (2006): Reinvention of the Spy Thriller
Under J.J. Abrams’ direction, the third “Mission: Impossible” film revitalized the franchise, raising the stakes in both emotional and narrative terms. Cruise’s Ethan Hunt returns to active duty to face a relentless arms dealer, portrayed with chilling menace by Philip Seymour Hoffman as Owen Davian, in a showdown where the fate of Hunt’s fiancée hangs in the balance.
A sharper, more personal motive drives the story, and the film benefits from tightly choreographed action and an invigorated sense of urgency. The cast’s chemistry, particularly between Cruise’s Hunt and his adversary, is central to the film’s success. This installment paved the way for the even more acclaimed sequels that followed, solidifying Cruise’s role as one of cinema’s most enduring action protagonists.
4. Collateral (2004): Nighttime Thriller Turns Cruise into a Chilling Antagonist
“Collateral,” directed by Michael Mann, stands out in Cruise’s career for letting him inhabit a rare villainous role. Playing Vincent, a coldly efficient hitman, Cruise subverts expectations as he forces a reluctant taxi driver named Max to drive him through Los Angeles for a sequence of contract killings, all within a single tension-filled night.
Jamie Foxx as Max offers a compelling counterbalance, heightening the suspense as the film transitions from urban noir to psychological duel. Michael Mann’s atmospheric direction emphasizes suspense and moral ambiguity over straightforward action, making “Collateral” a unique entry in Cruise’s body of work. The film’s tension and atmosphere showcase the versatility and depth that Cruise brings to unconventional roles.
3. The Last Samurai (2003): Hollywood Epic Meets Eastern Traditions
Edward Zwick directs this historical drama, which follows Cruise as an American military advisor hired in the late 19th century to modernize the Japanese army. The character finds himself transformed by the samurai way of life and ultimately allies with those resisting change, attracted to their code of honor and discipline.
Ken Watanabe, Koyuki Kato, and Shin Koyamada join a talented cast that creates a vivid depiction of Japan’s shifting cultural landscape. Cruise’s journey from outsider to devoted supporter parallels larger themes of identity, tradition, and cultural respect. “The Last Samurai” features memorable battle sequences and inspirational storytelling, inviting comparisons to other sweeping historical epics like “Gladiator” and “Braveheart.” Attention to period detail and emotional resonance make the film a highlight among Cruise’s dramatic endeavors.
2. Tropic Thunder (2008): A Comedic Transformation with Lasting Impact
In Ben Stiller’s satirical send-up of Hollywood, Tom Cruise reinvents himself as Les Grossman, an outrageous and unrecognizable studio executive. Though Cruise’s screen time is limited, his performance delivers a jolt of comedic energy, allowing him to break free of his usual leading man persona.
Sharing the screen with Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Matthew McConaughey, Cruise commits to a role that is both absurd and commanding, making Grossman one of the film’s most memorable elements. The transformative nature of his work in “Tropic Thunder” underscores the depth of his acting range, demonstrating a willingness to embrace the unexpected and the ridiculous for the sake of entertainment. The film’s acclaim is in part owed to Cruise’s fearless, scene-stealing performance.
1. Minority Report (2002): Science Fiction and Moral Dilemmas Collide
Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise previously worked together on “War of the Worlds,” but their collaboration on “Minority Report” is often considered their finest. The movie explores a future where law enforcement detects and prevents crimes before they occur, thrusting Cruise’s character into a labyrinth of suspicion, betrayal, and social critique.
Colin Farrell, Neal McDonough, and Samantha Morton contribute strong supporting performances as the tension ramps up around the ethics of pre-emptive justice. As his character is accused of a crime he has yet to commit, Cruise navigates a world of high-tech surveillance and moral ambiguity. The film raises pressing questions about free will, the role of technology in society, and the boundaries between justice and control. “Minority Report” remains an essential entry in both Cruise’s filmography and the broader science fiction canon, admired for its combination of thought-provoking themes and innovative spectacle.
The Lasting Influence of Cruise’s 2000s Filmography
As this ranking of the best Tom Cruise movies from the 2000s demonstrates, the decade offered both challenges and opportunities for the celebrated actor. By tackling everything from psychological drama and historical epics to franchise action and startling transformations, Cruise reaffirmed his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and resilient stars. The films featured here not only entertained audiences at the time of their release, but also contributed to ongoing conversations about genre, identity, and moral complexity in modern cinema. Looking forward, these roles have set a precedent for Cruise’s continued evolution on screen, ensuring his legacy endures for years to come.
