Fans of Tom Cruise looking to experience the roots of his creative partnership with Christopher McQuarrie can now watch the Tom Cruise Valkyrie WWII movie streaming on Tubi for free. The 2008 historical thriller, which played a pivotal role in Cruise’s career trajectory, marks the beginning of a collaboration that would shape multiple blockbuster projects.
A Unique Perspective on WWII in Film
While there is no shortage of acclaimed WWII films, such as Saving Private Ryan and Hacksaw Ridge, Valkyrie stands out for its focus on the little-known story of a German resistance group’s attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Directed by Bryan Singer, this gripping drama centers on Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a real-life German officer who led the infamous Operation Valkyrie. Tom Cruise brings this historical figure to life, capturing the tension and determination of a man willing to risk everything.
Supporting Cruise is a distinguished ensemble, with Kenneth Branagh, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, and Terence Stamp rounding out the cast. This talented group brings authenticity to the depiction of soldiers who, rather than follow orders blindly, dared to challenge a brutal regime from within. Many of the cast members, including Branagh and Nighy, are known for their magnetic presence in films ranging from Murder on the Orient Express to Shaun of the Dead, elevating Valkyrie’s dramatic depth.
The Early Days of an Influential Collaboration
Though Christopher McQuarrie served as co-writer rather than director on Valkyrie—working alongside Nathan Alexander—the film provided an important early connection between him and Cruise. This experience laid the groundwork for their artistic partnership, which soon flourished with 2012’s Jack Reacher and expanded into major projects like Edge of Tomorrow, The Mummy, Top Gun: Maverick, and four consecutive Mission: Impossible films.
The creative synergy between Cruise and McQuarrie has consistently resulted in high-profile successes, each contributing to the enduring legacy of both the star and the filmmaker. Their ongoing collaboration continues to influence the action and thriller genres, with audiences often anticipating their next ventures together.
A Hero’s Story Revisited for New Audiences
Unlike Cruise’s more widely recognized characters, such as Ethan Hunt or Pete Mitchell, his portrayal of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg offers a look at a real-life hero whose courage and sacrifice warrant renewed attention. The film’s narrative highlights Stauffenberg’s leadership and moral conviction as he organizes a risky plot against Nazi leadership, providing a powerful example of bravery under extreme circumstances.
Although Valkyrie did not achieve the same iconic status in Cruise’s repertoire as some of his other work, its enduring themes and strong performances remain relevant and impactful. The film’s availability on Tubi presents a new opportunity for audiences to explore a lesser-known chapter of both WWII history and Cruise’s career.
With Valkyrie now accessible for streaming, viewers can revisit—or discover for the first time—this significant film that not only reshaped Tom Cruise’s professional path but also shines a spotlight on the unsung bravery of those who dared to defy tyranny during one of history’s darkest chapters.
