Tom Cruise has been a Hollywood mainstay for decades, known for his death-defying stunts and charismatic performances. But the last ten years have been a fascinating chapter in his career, marked by both soaring highs and a few notable misfires. From the adrenaline-fueled heights of the Mission: Impossible franchise to the bizarre satire of Digger, Cruise has kept audiences guessing. Here's our ranking of every Tom Cruise movie since 2016, based on acting, direction, originality, and overall impact.
8. The Mummy (2017)
Universal's attempt to launch a Dark Universe franchise crashed and burned with The Mummy. Cruise plays Nick Morton, a soldier who accidentally awakens an ancient Egyptian queen, unleashing a curse on the modern world. The film tries to blend horror, action, and superhero tropes, but ends up a muddled mess. Cruise's usual action-hero persona doesn't fit the role, and the movie's identity crisis makes it one of his worst.
7. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
The sequel to Jack Reacher is forgettable in every way. Cruise returns as the titular hero, but the plot—involving a framed commander and a teenage sidekick—fails to generate any excitement. The action is bland, the villain is unmemorable, and even Cruise seems to be going through the motions. It's a film that leaves no impression, which is the worst thing a movie can do.
6. Digger (2026)
After wrapping up the Mission: Impossible series, Cruise surprised everyone by teaming with director Alejandro González Iñárritu for a satirical comedy. Digger follows an oil baron who decides to save humanity from his own disaster. While Cruise delivers a career-defining performance, the film's polarizing nature has divided audiences. Some critics adore it, but many find it too bizarre. It's a bold experiment that doesn't quite land, but it's far from a total failure.
5. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
The supposed finale of the Mission: Impossible franchise is a grand spectacle, but it's also the weakest of the recent entries. The plot involves the team racing against time to stop an AI from taking over the world. While it's still a thrilling ride with incredible stunts, it lacks the freshness of its predecessors. Still, it's a fitting send-off for the series, with one of Cruise's most jaw-dropping stunts.
4. American Made (2017)
This crime drama, loosely based on a true story, shows Cruise in a different light. He plays Barry Seal, a pilot who becomes a drug smuggler for the CIA. Cruise's charisma carries the film, and his performance is both charming and morally ambiguous. It's a reminder that he can excel outside of action blockbusters, and it's one of his most underrated films of the decade.
3. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Thirty-six years after the original, Cruise returned as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in a sequel that exceeded all expectations. Top Gun: Maverick is a masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge aerial sequences. Cruise's dedication to practical effects is on full display, and the film became a cultural phenomenon. It's not just a great Tom Cruise movie; it's one of the best films of the 2020s.
2. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Often cited as the best action movie of the decade, Fallout is a relentless thrill ride. Cruise's Ethan Hunt faces his toughest challenge yet, with jaw-dropping stunts including a HALO jump and a helicopter chase. The film's pacing, direction, and Cruise's commitment make it a modern classic. It's the pinnacle of the franchise and a testament to Cruise's enduring appeal.
1. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
While Fallout is a close second, Dead Reckoning Part One edges it out for the top spot. This film raises the stakes with a gripping story about AI and a train sequence that is pure cinema. Cruise's performance is nuanced, and the action is innovative. It's a perfect blend of old-school spy thrills and modern filmmaking, proving that Cruise is still at the top of his game.
From the lows of The Mummy to the highs of Dead Reckoning, Tom Cruise's post-2016 filmography is a rollercoaster. But even his misses are worth watching for his sheer commitment. For more rankings of cinematic greats, check out our list of the greatest novels since 1990 or the greatest B-movies ever made.
