Top 7 Tom Cruise Movies from the 2000s, Ranked

Tom Cruise is a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom, especially in the action and thriller genres. Though his career peaked in the 80s and 90s, the 2000s also saw some stellar performances and iconic roles that further cemented his status as a versatile actor. 

Despite his eventual transformation into the industry’s biggest action star, Cruise has produced his fair share of hits in other genres as well. Below are the top 7 Tom Cruise movies from the 2000s, ranked based on their impact, critical acclaim, and Cruise’s remarkable performances.

1. Minority Report (2002)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Neo-noir
Runtime: 145 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton

Tom Cruise’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg resulted in Minority Report, a mind-bending adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s short story. The film showcases Cruise as John Anderton, a futuristic cop who arrests criminals before they commit crimes. The movie’s unique blend of neo-noir elements and sci-fi concepts, paired with Cruise’s intense performance, made Minority Report one of the most iconic films of the decade.

2. The Last Samurai (2003)

Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai. | Prime Video

Director: Edward Zwick
Genre: Drama, Epic, Historical
Runtime: 154 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Koyuki

Set in 19th-century Japan, The Last Samurai features Cruise as Nathan Algren, a disillusioned soldier who becomes involved with samurai culture. The film received critical acclaim, especially for its sweeping cinematography and powerful performances by both Cruise and Ken Watanabe, who earned an Academy Award nomination.

Despite ongoing discussions about the portrayal of samurai culture, the film remains a highlight in Cruise’s filmography for its ambitious scale and dramatic depth.

3. Collateral (2004)

Tom Cruise in Collateral. | Prime Video

Director: Michael Mann
Genre: Action, Crime Thriller
Runtime: 120 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith

In Collateral, Cruise took on the rare role of a villain, playing Vincent, a contract killer. His cold, calculating demeanor and precise performance, opposite Jamie Foxx’s cab driver, created a riveting dynamic that made this film a standout. The tense atmosphere and tight pacing make Collateral one of the best action thrillers of the 2000s, showcasing Cruise’s ability to dominate the screen even in a darker role.

4. Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Tom Cruise in MI III. | Prime Video

Director: J.J. Abrams
Genre: Action, Thriller
Runtime: 126 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames

The third installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise redefined the series, elevating it to blockbuster status. Directed by J.J. Abrams, Mission: Impossible III delivers non-stop action sequences and intricate espionage plots. Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as one of the best villains of the series. The film’s success laid the foundation for the next wave of action-packed Mission: Impossible sequels.

5. War of the Worlds (2005)

Tom Cruise in War of the Worlds. | Amazon Prime.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Runtime: 116 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto

Cruise and Spielberg teamed up again for this modern retelling of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. The alien invasion spectacle saw Cruise as a father desperate to protect his family in the midst of chaos. The film’s impressive special effects and gripping tension, along with Cruise’s grounded performance, made it one of the biggest box office hits of 2005. Although largely driven by spectacle, Cruise’s portrayal added a layer of humanity to the story.

6. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder. | Warner Bros.

Director: Ben Stiller
Genre: Action Comedy
Runtime: 106 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr.

In one of his most surprising roles, Cruise stole the show in Tropic Thunder as the eccentric, foul-mouthed studio executive Les Grossman. The role showcased Cruise’s comedic chops and earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Though he was part of an ensemble cast that included Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Jack Black, Cruise’s hilarious performance remains one of the film’s standout elements, demonstrating his versatility in both drama and comedy.

7. Vanilla Sky (2001)

Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky. | Prime Video

Director: Cameron Crowe
Genre: Psychological Sci-Fi, Mystery
Runtime: 136 min
Starring: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Penélope Cruz

A unique departure from Cruise’s usual action-packed roles, Vanilla Sky is a psychological thriller that explores themes of love, identity, and reality. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the film divided audiences with its complex narrative and dreamlike sequences. Nevertheless, Cruise’s performance as David Aames, a man caught in a surreal, nightmarish reality, was praised for its emotional depth and intensity, making Vanilla Sky a memorable film from the early 2000s.