Tom Cruise turns 63: Must-watch movies of the legend that are unmissable

New Delhi: Actor Tom Cruise has worked in a slew of films over a career that has lasted more than four decades. His work sweep across genres, from intense action thrillers to swoon-worthy romantic flicks. He has received multiple accolades for his performances, including three Golden Globe Awards, one BAFTA award and even got nominated for for Oscars. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia and facing early parental trauma in his life, he has cemented his position as one of the biggest Hollywood icons of all time and has consistently appeared on the list of the world’s highest paid actors.

With multiple big hits over the years, it is hard to pick Tom Cruise’s best work. Although known best for his action sequences like that in the Jack Reacher series, Tom Cruise has also given many critically acclaimed performances such as his role in A Few Good Men and Eyes Wide Shut. 

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Undoubtedly his most successful franchise, it has grossed USD 4 billion worldwide since its inception and just recently wrapped up. The eight installments of the franchise are easily some of the most iconic spy films of all time. The films follow Ethan Hunt, a member of the Impossible Mission Force as he and his team prevent global disaster.

Another one of his most well-known series is Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick. A spin-off based on Miles Teller’s character, called Top Gun: Rooster is reportedly in the talks. Known as the film which propelled him to fame as a sex-symbol, it led to a significant increase in US Navy recruitment figures.

Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, widely regarded as one of the best filmmakers of all time, Eyes Wide Shut was an erotic mystery psychological drama. Full of dark and taboo themes, the film was the master director’s last and most commercially successful venture. It featured Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, his wife at the time.

While films like Vanilla Sky, War of the Worlds and Minority Report already marked his foray into the sci-fi genre, Edge of Tomorrow and Oblivion really marked his presence as a force to be reckoned with. The visuals and storyline in this movie made it one of the best action movies of the 2010s.

Tom Cruise is not all action. In fact, one of his most beloved characters is Jerry Maguire in which he appears as a charming agent in a sports rom-com. This is the movie that gave us a the iconic “you had me at ‘hello’ “ dialogue, and has gained a cult following.

Tom Cruise began his career in the early 1980s and rose to fame with his blockbuster hits and character-driven dramas. His first major role was in the film Taps and his first breakout hit was Risky Business. He cemented his place as a leading hero with Top Gun, followed by Days of Thunder, A Few Good Men, The Firm, Interview with the Vampire, Mission Impossible, Jerry Mcguire, Eyes Wide Shut and Magnolia, among others.

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While these are just some of his performances, be sure to check out his other movies such as American Made, Lions for Lambs and Collateral. Good news for fans is that at even 63, the veteran actor has made no mention of retiring. Moreover, director Joseph Kosinski, who directed Tom Cruise's Top Gun: Maverick and Brad Pitt's F1 recently floated the idea of an F1 sequel with both the renowned actors facing each other. What exciting project Tom picks up next waits to be seen.

Curated by Lakshya Jha!