Tom Cruise: An Iconic Journey Through Cinema’s Milestones
Tom Cruise in an unprecedented moment that reflects the “impossible mission” of any actor (Image: Paramount Pictures)
As one of the most recognizable faces in cinematic history, Tom Cruise has achieved an impressive career that stands out against any actor’s. Starting from his breakout role in Risky Business (1983), Cruise has consistently delivered box office successes over his 40 years in the industry, often collaborating with renowned director Steven Spielberg, and becoming the face of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Notably, he has also made a name for himself in the realm of independent films.
Throughout his remarkable career, Tom Cruise continues to reach new heights. The year 2022 marked a significant milestone for the 62-year-old actor, as Top Gun: Maverick became the first film in his career to gross over 1 billion USD, surpassing all Marvel films released that same year, only trailing behind the blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water. However, Tom Cruise remains at a unique junction, making “impossible” achievements that no other actor can replicate.
Top Gun: Maverick is Tom Cruise’s first billion-dollar film (Image: Paramount Pictures)
To date, Tom Cruise has starred in over 30 films that have grossed more than 100 million USD. These include iconic films like Jerry Maguire, Rain Man, and Cocktail—all of which were produced with a keen focus on innovative storytelling. In an era dominated by franchise films, it is challenging to envision how independent films could also achieve significant financial success.
Among Tom Cruise’s “billion-dollar” films, the only one to surpass the 1 billion USD mark is Top Gun: Maverick. Other actors within the Marvel universe have at least two billion-dollar films to their name, but Cruise’s unique ability to maintain box office success independently highlights his exceptional talent and enduring appeal.
Tom Cruise’s resilience distinguishes him from other actors like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, or Chris Hemsworth, who may not sustain similar success after their roles conclude.
While Cruise remains a prominent name in the industry, his success is not solely dependent on the brand name of the Mission: Impossible franchise. His work in films like Jack Reacher and the Top Gun series has established his reputation as a leading man in both adaptations and original narratives. This ability to deliver high-quality performances solidifies Tom Cruise’s status as a cinematic icon.
Tom Cruise dominates the action genre
Now over 60, Tom Cruise has performed 8 motorcycle stunts and completed 500 jumps for the film Mission: Impossible 7 – Dead Reckoning. The scene where Ethan Hunt rides a motorcycle off a cliff took 15 months to prepare, along with 536 practice jumps. Furthermore, Cruise underwent extensive training to master skydiving, free-fall maneuvers, and escape from aircraft in various dangerous scenarios to refine his skills.
Tom Cruise’s dedication has made Mission: Impossible 7 receive positive feedback from critics and audiences alike, achieving a “Fresh” rating of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes with expert reviews praising the film. Additionally, its IMDb score is also impressive, ranking at 8.3/10. Many reviews have hailed the film as a high watermark in the action genre.
What other milestones has Tom Cruise not yet achieved? (Image: Paramount Pictures)
If Mission: Impossible 7 proves to be a success, it will mark a significant highlight for Tom Cruise in the following summer seasons. The pressing question remains: what other milestones has Tom Cruise yet to achieve?
