Tom Cruise remains one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, but even legends have their off days. After the massive success of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning last year, Cruise returned to theaters with Digger, a passion project from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu that has struggled to find an audience. With a reported $180 million budget and a global haul that hasn't yet crossed $40 million, it's been a rough ride for the actor. But Cruise has plenty on the horizon, including a long-awaited sequel to Days of Thunder with Anne Hathaway, set for a June 2, 2028 release. Before that, fans can revisit one of his most ambitious sci-fi efforts: Oblivion, which just landed on Prime Video.
Released in 2013, Oblivion arrived a year before Cruise's beloved Edge of Tomorrow and showcased his willingness to dive into original, high-concept storytelling. Directed by Joseph Kosinski—who later helmed Top Gun: Maverick and Brad Pitt's F1—the film was a visual spectacle with a hefty $120 million price tag. It also boasted a stellar supporting cast, including Morgan Freeman and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau of Game of Thrones fame. Now, Prime Video subscribers can stream this post-apocalyptic adventure as part of the platform's October lineup.
What Is Oblivion About?
Set in the year 2077, Oblivion follows Jack Harper (Cruise), a security repairman stationed on a devastated Earth in the aftermath of a war with alien invaders. With just two weeks left before he joins the remaining survivors on a distant colony, Jack's routine is shattered when he rescues a mysterious woman from a downed spacecraft. Her arrival sets off a chain of events that forces Jack to question everything he knows and ultimately leads to a desperate fight to save humanity.
The script, penned by Karl Gajdusek and Michael Arndt, was based on a graphic novel story by Kosinski himself. While critics were lukewarm—giving it a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes—audiences were slightly more receptive, with a 61% score. The film's stunning visuals and Cruise's committed performance have helped it age well, making it a solid pick for sci-fi fans looking for a binge-worthy escape.
For those who've already exhausted Prime Video's recent offerings, Oblivion joins a strong roster of streaming options. If you're in the mood for something lighter, check out Prime Video's heist comedy that's been stealing the spotlight, or explore this week's top picks for more recommendations.
As Cruise gears up for Days of Thunder 2, which is riding high on the success of F1's $600 million global haul, Oblivion serves as a reminder of his versatility. It's a far cry from the grounded action of Top Gun, but it showcases the same star power that has kept him at the top for decades. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this is a chance to see Cruise in full sci-fi mode.
So, if you're looking for a visually striking, thought-provoking adventure this October, Oblivion is now available on Prime Video. And for more updates on Cruise's upcoming projects, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
