Tom Cruise’s Sci-Fi Adventures: A Ranking of His Futuristic Forays
Tom Cruise is known for his high-octane action, but the man has also dipped his toes into the fantastical world of sci-fi and fantasy. From the iconic to the, shall we say, less iconic, Cruise has explored the realm of the impossible, the alien, and the otherworldly, leaving a trail of thrilling and thought-provoking films in his wake. Today, we’re ranking his sci-fi/fantasy films, examining the hits, the misses, and the ones that fall somewhere in between.
8. The Mummy (2017):
Ah, The Mummy. This one is a dark horse, and not in a good way. This reboot of the Universal Monsters franchise was unfortunately plagued with problems, and its biggest sin was shifting the focus from the titular Mummy to Cruise’s character, effectively turning the film into a Tom Cruise vehicle instead of an exploration of a classic monster. It’s a lesson in what not to do when revisiting a beloved franchise, and one hopefully the industry has learned from.
7. Legend (1985):
While not as critically acclaimed or commercially successful as some of his later entries, Legend is a charming fantasy film. This Ridley Scott-directed spectacle features a young Cruise as Jack, a man who must battle the forces of darkness (incarnated by a fantastic Tim Curry) to save his love. The film boasts stunning imagery, a classic fairytale vibe, and surprisingly good special effects for its time. It’s a good example of Cruise’s early work and showcases his ability to hold his own in a fantasy setting.
6. Vanilla Sky (2001):
Cameron Crowe’s Vanilla Sky is a surreal and unsettling film that dives into themes of identity, loss, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Cruise portrays David Aames, a wealthy playboy who is disfigured in a tragic accident. The film then becomes a psychological exploration of his fractured psyche, blurring reality with hallucinations and memories. This is not a film for the faint of heart, but it’s a powerful and unforgettable journey into the mind of a man struggling with grief and desperation.
5. Oblivion (2013):
"A remix of every sci-fi idea" is a harsh assessment, but there’s truth to it. While Oblivion doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table, Cruise’s performance and the film’s visually stunning world make it a captivating watch. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Cruise plays Jack Harper, a technician tasked with repairing drones on a desolate Earth. As events unfold, Jack uncovers a shocking truth about the world and his mission, raising questions about humanity’s future. It’s a film that invites contemplation and offers a visually breathtaking escape, even if its narrative feels somewhat familiar.
4. Interview with the Vampire (1994):
Tom Cruise alongside Brad Pitt and a young Kirsten Dunst? This Anne Rice adaptation explores the complex themes of immortality, desire, and the eternal quest for fulfillment. Cruise portrays Lestat de Lioncourt, a charismatic and cunning vampire who tells his story to a reporter. The film captures the gothic grandeur of the source material, showcasing a darker side of Cruise’s persona. It’s a visually stunning film that explores the duality of human nature and the consequences of eternal existence.
3. War of the Worlds (2005):
Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise reunited for this adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells novel, delivering a thrilling albeit familiar take on the alien invasion story. The film follows Cruise’s Ray Ferrier, a divorced father who must protect his children in the face of an extraterrestrial attack. The film’s spectacle is undeniable, but its true strength lies in the human drama, exploring themes of family, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.
2. Minority Report (2002):
Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report is a captivating film about a future where crimes are predicted and prevented by "precogs" who see future events. Cruise stars as John Anderton, a detective who works in the PreCrime division, but finds himself the subject of their predictions, leading him on a chase to uncover the truth behind the system. This film is a masterful blend of action, science fiction, and moral dilemmas, raising questions about free will, fate, and the ethics of pre-emptive justice.
1.5 Trapped in the Closet (2005):
While Tom Cruise isn’t physically in this iconic South Park episode, his legacy, particularly his beliefs about Scientology, are woven into the episode’s very fabric. This episode serves as a satire of Scientology, and it’s a testament to Cruise’s notoriety that he became a target of South Park’s sharp comedic wit. Though technically not a film, this episode deserves a mention for its cultural impact and its hilarious and thought-provoking take on Cruise’s off-screen persona.
1. Edge of Tomorrow (2014):
This one is truly a standout. Edge of Tomorrow, directed by Doug Liman, is not only Cruise’s finest sci-fi entry, but one of his best films, period. The film offers a blend of action, humor, and thought-provoking sci-fi elements. Cruise plays Major William Cage, a soldier who is thrust into a deadly battle against an alien race. After dying, he finds himself reliving the day of the invasion again and again, allowing him to learn from his mistakes and eventually master the art of combat. Starring alongside Emily Blunt, the film is a thrilling and engaging time-loop adventure that blends the action of Mission: Impossible with the sci-fi brilliance of Minority Report.
Honorable Mention: The Mission Impossible Series
While not strictly science fiction, the Mission: Impossible franchise deserves a mention for its unique blend of action, espionage, and fantastical technology. These films showcase Cruise’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking, often doing his own stunts, and relying on creative gadgetry to complete impossible missions.
It’s safe to say that Tom Cruise’s sci-fi endeavors have been uneven, but there’s no denying his presence as a leading force in the genre. From the classic Legend to the exhilarating Edge of Tomorrow, Cruise has shown his range and his commitment to bringing these fantastic worlds to life. He’s a performer who embraces the challenges of sci-fi, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and keeping audiences captivated with his daring performances.
