In honour of Tom Cruise’s new movie, Edge of Tomorrow I thought I’d do a round-up of some of the Tom Cruise films that I feel you should get around to seeing, or dusting off and seeing again! Now, I’ve never been a big Tom Cruise fan. In fact, anyone that knows me knows that I really dislike him most of the time (I even wrote an essay on it in College!). But overlooking the strangeness that is Tom Cruise, and my inability to really become a fan, he does have some pretty good, entertaining movies out there to be enjoyed!

So lets get started:

Cocktail

“A talented New York bartender takes a job at a bar in Jamaica and falls in love”.

There is a lot more to this film that just that synopsis above. Made in 1988 it is still a great story today, with some great acting (as much as is pains me to say that!)! It may not have won any awards (except a Razzie for Worst Picture in 1989…) but it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. Which is a feel good, classic love story.

image via IMDb

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Top Gun

“As students at the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school compete to be the best in the class, one daring young flyer learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom”

Classic 80’s description right? This film has everything; romance, comedy, tragedy, action, and a whole lotta cheese. Including a classic motorcycle scene and the unforgettable beach volley-ball scene complete with denim jeans and hilarious song choice. You could not ask for more. Also, enjoy how young and svelte Val Kilmer looked. You’re welcome.

image via IMDb

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The Outsiders

“When two poor greasers, Johnny, and Ponyboy are assaulted by a vicious gang, the socs, and Ponyboy kills one of the attackers, tension begins to mount between the two rival gangs, setting off a turbulent chain of events.”

We were made to watch this film in English class when I was about 14, and we all loved it. Everyone is in it, Tom Cruise isn’t even a lead character. It’s a great story and is very much about friendship, coming of age and acceptance. Definitely a must see if you haven’t already. A classic.

image via IMDb

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Days of Thunder

“A young hot-shot stock car driver gets his chance to compete at the top level.”

This may just be my favourite Tom Cruise movie. I’m not a racing fan, or much of a Tom Cruise fan, but I found this really enjoyable and fun. It doesn’t get rave reviews and it’s certainly not the best film ever but it’s a guilty pleasure. His character name is classic Tom Cruise…Cole Trickle, and the film is full of mistakes (including someone calling him Tom at one point instead of his characters name) but it’s exactly what you’d expect and is easy to enjoy. Tom Cruise met Nicole Kidman on the set of this film and the rest of the cast is great. A brilliant 80’s flick.

image via IMDb

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A Few Good Men

“Neo military lawyer Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder; they contend they were acting under orders.”

This was on TV the other day and we all happily got completely engrossed in it all over again. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen this film, it’s brilliant. The cast is fabulous and the story is even better. With classic quotes and scenes, and one of Jack Nicholson’s best performances, you can’t go wrong! This is a very close second to being my favourite Tom Cruise movie!

image via IMDb

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And there you have it! My favourite Tom Cruise films! Notice how they’re all from the ’80’s…I can’t be doing with any of that Vanilla Sky, Eyes Wide Shut nonsense.

Let me know your thoughts on these films, and your favourites of course!

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