Tom Cruise has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and bankable stars, known for his extraordinary stunts and charismatic performances. In 2022, his Tom Cruise highest grossing movie achievement was redefined when Top Gun: Maverick surpassed $1.4 billion globally, marking a sensational milestone for the actor’s prolific career.
The Unexpected Box Office Champion: Top Gun: Maverick’s Meteoric Rise
Contrary to popular belief that Tom Cruise’s most successful films would be from the Mission: Impossible franchise, it was actually Top Gun: Maverick that soared to the top. The sequel, released over thirty years after the original, defied expectations by amassing a staggering $1.4 billion worldwide despite being banned in major markets such as China and Russia. Cruise himself remarked during the film’s success,
I don’t need ‘em to show who is the real boss.
—Tom Cruise, Actor
Reprising his iconic role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Cruise reconnected with audiences across generations, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. The addition of new cast members like Glen Powell, Danny Ramirez, and Lewis Pullman injected vigor into the film’s dynamic, while the storyline’s blend of patriotism and intense action resonated deeply with viewers. Critics praised the movie not only for its spectacular stunts and visuals but also for its authenticity and emotional depth, distinguishing it from other sequels and reboots.
This surge demonstrates that Cruise’s highest-grossing movie leveraged both the familiarity of a beloved franchise and the excitement of cutting-edge filmmaking. The film’s success reestablished Cruise’s box office dominance years after his earlier blockbuster hits.
Tom Cruise’s Legacy of Blockbuster Action Films
More than just a movie star, Tom Cruise has become an action genre unto himself, performing daring physical feats that often eclipse the scripts he stars in. At age 63, he continues to deliver high-octane performances, flying fighter jets, racing across rooftops, and defying danger with unmatched commitment. This relentless passion has kept him at the core of Hollywood blockbusters for decades, racking up billions in ticket sales worldwide.
Top 10 Most Successful Tom Cruise Films Ranked by Box Office Revenues
1. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Box office: $1.4 billion | Budget: $170 million | Outcome: Hit
The sequel reignited fans’ love for the original, while appealing to new audiences with its thrilling flight sequences and emotionally charged storyline. More than just an action movie, it revitalized the cinematic experience post-pandemic and set a new benchmark as Cruise’s top box office performer.
2. Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018)
Box office: $824 million | Budget: $178 million | Outcome: Hit
Christopher McQuarrie’s direction propelled this sixth installment into an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Cruise performed gravity-defying stunts, becoming the most bankable chapter of the series at the time, with intense action that captivated audiences worldwide.
3. Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol (2011)
Box office: $694 million | Budget: $145 million | Outcome: Hit
Directed by Brad Bird, this fourth film elevated the franchise with breathtaking sequences including the memorable Burj Khalifa climb, cementing Cruise’s reputation as an actor willing to take extreme risks for realism.
4. Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation (2015)
Box office: $682 million | Budget: $150 million | Outcome: Hit
This entry introduced Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust, adding a dynamic new element while Cruise continued executing high-stakes missions under Christopher McQuarrie’s focused direction, crafting a sleek and tightly woven story.
5. War of The Worlds (2005)
Box office: $603 million | Budget: $132 million | Outcome: Hit
Produced by Steven Spielberg, the film combined large-scale sci-fi destruction with Cruise’s grounded, gripping portrayal of a father fighting to protect his family in an alien invasion, resonating deeply with audiences.
6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
Box office: $585 million | Budget: $400 million | Outcome: Flop
Marketed as the concluding chapter of Ethan Hunt’s saga, this film struggled financially due to its massive budget and marginally lower global returns, signaling a rare commercial disappointment in Cruise’s career despite its ambitious narrative.
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Box office: $571 million | Budget: $291 million | Outcome: Hit
This recent installment delivered the signature Cruise stunts, such as intense AI confrontations and runaway train fights. Despite solid performances and fan approval, it underperformed relative to its high budget and competitive release environment.
8. Mission: Impossible II (2000)
Box office: $546 million | Budget: $125 million | Outcome: Hit
John Woo’s stylish direction gave this sequel a distinct flair with iconic slow-motion sequences. The tone was more dramatic and moody than its predecessor, striking a chord with audiences who welcomed Cruise’s evolving portrayal of Ethan Hunt.
9. Mission: Impossible (1996)
Box office: $457 million | Budget: $80 million | Outcome: Hit
The film that launched one of the most successful franchises, this entry introduced viewers to a fresh type of spy thriller. Cruise’s commitment to the famous vault scene and intense character work helped establish Ethan Hunt as a signature role.
10. The Last Samurai (2003)
Box office: $454 million | Budget: $140 million | Outcome: Hit
Showing a different side of Cruise, this film cast him as Nathan Algren, an American soldier immersed in 19th-century Japanese culture. The performance emphasized character depth over action and resonated due to its emotional authenticity and thematic depth.
A Career Defined by Consistency and Risk-Taking
Tom Cruise’s filmography is remarkably steady in delivering commercial hits, with few outright flops across more than four decades. While early-career missteps like Far and Away (1992) garnered mixed reviews, these rare slips never derailed his upward trajectory. Studios continue to trust him as a reliable box office draw, due in large part to his willingness to physically challenge himself in daunting action roles.
From his breakthrough in Risky Business to the ongoing Mission: Impossible series, Cruise’s versatility and vitality have made him a fixture in Hollywood. His films often emphasize a balance between spectacle and character, allowing audiences to connect with the stories beyond just the visuals.
Today, Cruise remains a dominant force, attracting audiences hungry for his blend of thrilling escapades and compelling screen presence. With Top Gun: Maverick setting a new standard, the question remains what heights his career will reach next—though it’s clear he plans to keep pushing the envelope on and off screen for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. When was Tom Cruise diagnosed?
A. When he was seven, Tom Cruise found out he had dyslexia, a learning disorder that makes reading hard. This made school and his early acting roles difficult. Despite this obstacle, Cruise remained determined to achieve his goals.
Q. What is Tom Cruise’s religion?
A. Apart from his movies, Cruise strongly supports the Church of Scientology. This has led to debates and public attention on his role in the group. He is also keen on flying and has had a pilot’s license since 1994.
Q. Does Tom Cruise have ADHD?
A. Many people, from famous actors like Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, and Tom Cruise to athletes like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams, have ADD/ADHD.
Notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Marilyn Monroe are also believed to have experienced it.
Q. What syndrome does Tom Cruise have?
A. When Tom Cruise was seven, doctors said he had dyslexia, a learning disability that makes reading difficult. This issue made it tough for him to read while he was in high school and in his early acting career.
