Tom Cruise’s film American Made, which explores the true story of a pilot turned covert agent, is regaining popularity on streaming platforms in 2024. Currently ranked eighth on Peacock’s charts, the movie shines as a notable entry in Tom Cruise American Made’s filmography, drawing renewed attention for its thrilling narrative and Cruise’s compelling performance.
A Resurgence for a Lesser-Known Tom Cruise Thriller
Unlike Cruise’s highly recognized aviation films such as Top Gun and its sequel, American Made takes a different approach by depicting the real-life story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who was covertly recruited by the CIA during the 1980s. Under director Doug Liman, notable for Edge of Tomorrow, the film follows Barry Seal as he becomes involved in a vast CIA operation linked with drug and arms smuggling in Central America.
The movie tells how Seal’s work not only contributed to the rise of the Medellin cartel but also nearly caused a political crisis at the Reagan White House. This complex backdrop combines high-stakes espionage with the tense atmosphere of Cold War Central America, positioning American Made as a unique thriller that blends action with historical intrigue.
“Barry Seal, a TWA pilot, is recruited by the CIA to provide reconnaissance on the burgeoning communist threat in Central America and soon finds himself in charge of one of the biggest covert CIA operations in the history of the United States. The operation spawns the birth of the Medellin cartel and almost brings down the Reagan White House,”
the official synopsis states.
Strong Performances and a Talented Ensemble Cast
Tom Cruise leads the cast as Barry Seal, delivering one of his most grounded and intense performances in recent years. Supporting him are Sarah Wright, Domhnall Gleeson, Jesse Plemons, Caleb Landry Jones, Jayma Mays, and Lola Kirke, who all contribute to creating a richly textured portrayal of this complicated era.
The film was released in 2017 with a production budget of $50 million and managed to earn $134.8 million globally, marking it as a moderate commercial success. Despite this, it has not always received the widespread acclaim or recognition that some of Cruise’s other projects have garnered.
Fan and Critical Reception Highlight Its Strength
Tom Cruise enjoys a reputation as one of the last true movie stars, capable of driving audiences to theaters by name alone. While many fans champion classics like Jerry Maguire or the blockbuster Mission: Impossible series, American Made holds a special place for those who appreciate character-driven thrillers within Cruise’s career.
The film holds an 85% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences closely aligned at 79%. These figures reflect solid approval, though the intense enthusiasm among fans is particularly notable. One user called it a “Classic Cruise Banger,” celebrating the film’s blend of action and character depth.
“American Made might push Cruise further along his evolution to more interesting, character-based roles. One doesn’t expect an immediate return to iconic roles like Vincent Lauria or T.J. Mackey, but hopefully Barry Seal is just the start.”
— User Review
Among the strongest praise, some viewers even suggest American Made surpasses Top Gun in quality, underscoring the film’s underrated status. Its presence on Peacock streaming has given it a second life, as more viewers discover the complexity and energy Cruise brings to this lesser spotlighted movie.
The Film’s Place in Tom Cruise’s Career and Its Ongoing Impact
American Made’s resurgence highlights a key moment in Tom Cruise’s trajectory where he experimented with blending high-octane thrills and more nuanced character work. Directed by Doug Liman, the film captures a politically fraught era while offering Cruise the chance to move beyond typical action hero roles.
As streaming platforms continue to expand film access to wider audiences, American Made’s increasing popularity suggests that it may soon be appreciated as one of Cruise’s definitive performances of the 2010s. For fans and new viewers alike, it represents an intense, unpredictable journey that reflects real history with a pulse-pounding edge.
With its mix of espionage, politics, and personal risk, American Made is more than just an action movie—it’s a tense reflection on covert operations and the individuals caught in their crosshairs. Its renewed attention on Peacock could encourage similar films grounded in true stories to find fresh audiences and critical consideration.
