Amazing! Tom Cruise Movies: 17 Films That Missed the Audience

1. Taps 1981，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 20418, ID: 0083169
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Taps, a military drama, stars Tom Cruise as a military academy student who stages a rebellion to save his school. While the film captures the spirit of adolescent idealism and authoritarianism, it was criticized for its slow pace and disturbing climax. Nonetheless, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of honor and loyalty.
2. The Outsiders 1983，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 99379, ID: 0086066
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The Outsiders, a film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel, received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the cast and themes, while others criticized the direction and pacing. Despite the mixed reviews, the film has a certain charm that makes it a classic in its own right.
3. Top Gun 1986，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 509020, ID: 0092099
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Top Gun, a high-octane military action film, was a commercial success but received mixed reviews from critics. Some appreciated the aerial scenes and the performances, while others criticized it for its thin plot and overly engineered acting.
4. Rain Man 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 550726, ID: 0095953
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Rain Man, featuring Dustin Hoffman’s remarkable performance as an autistic savant, was highly praised. However, some critics felt the film was limited by its subject and lacked emotional range. Despite this, the film’s exploration of autism and brotherly love left a lasting impact.
5. Born on the Fourth of July 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 117443, ID: 0096969
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Born on the Fourth of July, a biographical war drama, received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking subject matter and Tom Cruise’s unforgettable performance. However, some critics found the film to be overly sentimental and contrived.
6. A Few Good Men 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 290923, ID: 0104257
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Despite the film’s strong plot and performances, ‘A Few Good Men’ was criticized for its screenplay being too obvious and telegraphing the outcome. The film’s setup scenes were praised, but the screenplay was criticized for not making the audience work or allowing them to figure out things for themselves.
7. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 351121, ID: 0110148
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‘Interview with the Vampire’ was praised for its realism, beauty, and tragedy, but criticized for its lack of plot. The film was seen as a wise and sympathetic exploration of cruelty, loss, and redemption. However, it was also seen as taking too much time in building a great story but not devoting enough time to end it elegantly.
8. Jerry Maguire 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 289605, ID: 0116695
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‘Jerry Maguire’ was seen as both a ‘Whodunnit?’ and a futuristic exercise of science fiction. However, it was criticized for its overcrowded subplots and the predictable sports scenes. Despite these criticisms, the film was praised for its performances, particularly those of Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger.
9. Minority Report 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 588622, ID: 0181689
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‘Minority Report’ was praised as a triumph, a film that works on our minds and our emotions. However, it was criticized for its rocky screenwriting and paper-thin story, resulting in a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 Metascore. Despite these criticisms, the film was praised for its performances, particularly those of Tom Cruise.
10. Collateral 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 436566, ID: 0369339
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Collateral, a thriller with a unique blend of action and drama, showcases Tom Cruise in a different light as a ruthless contract killer. Despite the film’s high-octane action sequences and the compelling performances of Cruise and Jamie Foxx, critics found the plot to be less engaging. However, as a movie fan who appreciates creativity, I found the film’s atmospheric cinematography and pulsating soundtrack to be quite artistic, making it an interesting watch despite the criticism.
11. Mission: Impossible III 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 393427, ID: 0317919
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Mission: Impossible III, while packed with thrilling action sequences and a captivating performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman as the villain, was criticized for its formulaic storytelling and lack of originality. However, the film’s relentless pace and the chemistry between Cruise and Michelle Monaghan provided an entertaining experience. As a fan of action and comedy, I appreciated the film’s attempt to blend these elements, making it a fun ride despite the critics’ views.
12. Tropic Thunder 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 452127, ID: 0942385
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Tropic Thunder, a comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its clichés, received mixed reviews from critics. Some found it to be a successful parody with memorable performances, particularly Robert Downey Jr.’s, while others criticized it for its over-the-top humor and lack of subtlety. As someone who enjoys comedy and values creativity, I found the film’s bold humor and satirical take on Hollywood to be quite refreshing, making it a fun watch despite the divided opinions.
13. Jack Reacher 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 367909, ID: 0790724
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Jack Reacher, an action thriller featuring Cruise as a former military policeman, received mixed reviews from critics. Some found the film to be engaging and well-made, while others criticized it for its lack of depth and character development. As a fan of thrillers, I found the film’s suspenseful plot and Cruise’s performance to be quite engaging, making it an interesting watch despite the critics’ views.
14. Edge of Tomorrow 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 745132, ID: 1631867
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Despite the high praise from critics, ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ was not universally loved. The film’s concept of time travel was highly appreciated, but some critics found the plot to be formulaic. However, as a movie lover who enjoys creative plots, I found the time loop concept intriguing and the action sequences breathtaking. The film’s unique blend of sci-fi and action, coupled with Tom Cruise’s performance, made it a memorable watch for me.
15. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 414160, ID: 2381249
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‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’ received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s action sequences and humor, others criticized it for its formulaic storytelling. As a fan of comedy and action, I found the film’s blend of intense action and light-hearted humor engaging. Tom Cruise’s performance as Ethan Hunt was commendable, and the film’s plot kept me on the edge of my seat.
16. Mission: Impossible – Fallout 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 381765, ID: 4912910
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Critics had mixed opinions about ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’. While some praised the film’s action sequences and character growth, others felt the franchise was straining to stay fresh. As an art and design student, I appreciated the film’s stunning visuals and intricate action choreography. The film’s intense plot and Tom Cruise’s performance made it an exhilarating watch.
17. Top Gun: Maverick 2022，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 718482, ID: 1745960
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‘Top Gun: Maverick’ received positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its action sequences, character growth, and nostalgia. As a fan of musicals and fantasy, I enjoyed the film’s high-energy aerial sequences and the emotional depth of the characters. Tom Cruise’s return as Maverick was a highlight, and the film’s nostalgic elements added to its charm.