Tom Cruise has never been one to shy away from a creative gamble. In the early 2000s, he took bold swings that paid off, but today's audiences are less forgiving of experimental fare. His latest project, Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is projected to lose around $250 million, marking his biggest flop since Magnolia. Yet, there was a time when Cruise could mix blockbuster action with introspective drama and still win over crowds. One such experiment, Vanilla Sky, is now streaming on Peacock—but only for a limited time.
Set to leave the platform on November 1, 2026, Vanilla Sky is a psychological romantic thriller with sci-fi undertones, directed by Cameron Crowe. It marked a reunion between Cruise and Crowe after their massive 1996 hit Jerry Maguire, which grossed nearly $275 million worldwide. Crowe, known for beloved coming-of-age films like Say Anything..., Almost Famous, and Singles, took a major creative leap with this project—and so did Cruise.
Released in 2001, Vanilla Sky was produced on a reported budget of $68 million and went on to earn over $200 million globally. Despite its commercial success, the film divided critics and currently holds a 41% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critical consensus called it "an ambitious mix of genres" that "collapses into an incoherent jumble," with some noting Cruise's performance lacked depth. But over the years, the movie has developed a devoted cult following, especially among fans of existential sci-fi like Inception and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
If you're in the mood for a mind-bending romance, Vanilla Sky is worth a rewatch before it vanishes. And if you're a Cruise completist, you might also want to catch Collateral, which is also leaving Peacock at the end of the month. That neo-noir thriller, where Cruise plays a villainous hitman, grossed around $220 million worldwide and remains a fan favorite.
For those who enjoy psychological thrillers, our list of timeless thrillers that still grip you might fill the void after Vanilla Sky departs. Or, if you're curious about Cruise's more recent output, check out our ranking of his 2020s movies.
So mark your calendars: Vanilla Sky leaves Peacock on November 1, 2026. Don't miss your chance to revisit this ambitious cult classic before it's gone.
