Tom Cruise this is the very definition of a movie star. Since the 1980s he called himself one of the greatest and most versatile actors in Hollywood history, and starred in many iconic films, from Top shooter To Mission: Impossible. While Cruise is perhaps best known for action roles such as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, the actor has proven his versatility and is not afraid to take on more dramatic and emotional roles when possible.
Cruise's best scenes often involve both his emotional nuances and his ability to bring breathtaking action to the big screen. He's an actor who consistently delivers riveting performances in these scenes, whether flying an F-16 or delivering a powerful monologue in a courtroom. This scenes from films that defined the actor's career. Sure, they're all iconic, but it's the way they elevated Cruise to the level of an acting giant that truly makes them great.
10
Conversation with Iceman
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) | Directed by Joseph Kosinski
One of the main reasons why Top Shot: Maverick often seen as a step up from the 1986 original as the film's dedication to emotional complexity. "Macho" themes Top shooter were removed, leaving Cruise's character, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, vulnerable and guilt-ridden over the death of his partner Goose. In a touching moment of camaraderie and respect, Maverick turns to rival-turned-friend Iceman (Val Kilmer) for support.
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This scene is incredibly powerful, with both Cruise and Kilmer demonstrating their incredible ability to delve deeply into their characters' emotions. Iceman is unable to speak due to an illness (which is made even worse when you consider that Kilmer was battling throat cancer), but the few words they exchange and the tears rolling down Maverick's cheek are proof enough that the characters understand each other. This is a rare moment when Cruise is finally able to show Maverick not as cocky and self-confident, but as a vulnerable and emotional person.
9
Phone call
Tropic Thunder (2008) | Directed by Ben Stiller
Cruise is not an actor known for his comedic roles. Some of his characters may have moments of comic relief, but in general Cruise has avoided roles that specifically revolve around comedy. This is what makes his performance so out of place by Hollywood executive Les Grossman in the film. Tropical Thunder one of the outstanding achievements of his career. In particular, the scene where Grossman receives a call from the kidnappers of one of his favorite movie stars. is one of the most memorable of Cruise's career.
This appearance is funny enough on its own, but it's Cruise's dialogue that really makes this scene great.
Cruise has completely transformed into Grossman, wearing a bald cap, a fat suit and prosthetic arms that make him unrecognizable. This look is funny enough on its ownbut it's Cruise's dialogue that really makes this scene great. Instead of complying with the kidnappers' demands, Grossman rants over the phone, screaming as he does so. Tropical ThunderThe phone call scene is great because it demonstrates Cruise's ability to seamlessly fit into any role and genre.
8
Climbing Burj Khalifa
Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol | Director Brad Bird
It is known that Cruz an actor defined by his desire to perform most of his own stunts. In particular, Mission: Impossible The franchise is particularly demanding of Cruise's stunts: one of the most iconic events occurred in the fourth installment of the franchise. Ghost Protocol. Cruise's character, Ethan Hunt, must climb to the top of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in search of nuclear launch codes.
It's a thrilling, nerve-wracking scene that uses both wide shots and close-up camera angles to convey a real sense of tension. Cruise actually climbed the Burj Khalifa himself (with the help of a secure harness), which made it even more impressive. This stunt is one of the greatest scenes in Cruise's cinema. because he embodies one of his most important qualities as an actor, his constant desire to push the boundaries of stunt work in film.
7
"You can be my wingman any time"
Top Gun (1986) | Directed by Tony Scott
Final air battle scene, 1986. Top shooter This may be one of the greatest action films in film history, but it's the scene immediately after the fight that cements Cruise's status as an incredible actor.. After Maverick and Iceman successfully shoot down incoming enemy fighters in an intense dogfight, they are reunited on the deck of an aircraft carrier. At this point, their rivalry and past enmity cease thanks to an iconic dialogue:
"You can be my wingman any time"
“Fuck, you could be mine.”
After Maverick and Iceman were at each other's throats for almost the entire Top shooterit's truly an emotional moment and it was worth the wait. The reason this scene is so great is because How Cruise Captures Maverick's Transformation from a selfish braggart to a pilot who inspires teamwork and loyalty. This is an acknowledgment of Maverick's storyline throughout Top shooterand is home to one of the most iconic lines in film history.
6
Casino scene
Rain Man (1988) | Director Barry Levinson
Rain Man sees Cruz take over one of the most emotionally challenging roles of his career in Charlie Babbitt, a fast-talking businessman who discovers he has an estranged brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant. In one of the film's most iconic scenes, Charlie takes Raymond to a casino to use his remarkable ability to count cards and win big. The scene is certainly interesting, but it also marks a turning point for both characters.
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Although at first glance this scene is intended for comedic purposes only, it soon becomes apparent that Charlie begins to change his feelings towards his brother. He is no longer perceived as a “walking calculator”, but as a person. The subtle moments of genuine connection are incredibly captured here, and although Hoffman steals the show whenever he appears on screen in Rain ManIt is in this scene that audiences can truly appreciate Cruise's emotional depth and his suave nature as an actor.
5
Dance
Risky Business (1983) | Director Paul Brickman
Risky business It is widely considered Cruise's breakthrough role. The film is about a high school student Joel (Cruz) as he explores the freedom of staying home alone while his parents are on vacation. In a scene that has since become a classic, Joel pours himself a whiskey and coke, eats dinner, and then dances in the living room to the tune of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll."
The dance showcases Cruise's natural on-screen charisma, with Joel able to convey joy and release without uttering a single line of dialogue.
What makes this scene so great isn't just Cruise's iconic dance moves or his outfit. The point is that without this scene (and Risky business overall), Cruise may never have established himself as one of Hollywood's best actors. Without it, audiences might never have seen another Cruise role again. Dance showcases Cruise's natural on-screen charismawhere Joel is able to convey joy and release without uttering a single line of dialogue.
4
"I want the truth"
A Few Good Men (1992) | Director Rob Reiner
Very few scenes or lines of dialogue have become as legendary in film history as the courtroom confrontation in A few good men. Cruise plays Lieutenant Daniel Cuffee and desperately tries to get Colonel Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson) to admit that he was accidentally responsible for the death of a young Marine. His frustration reaches a boiling point when, after a series of incessant questions, Cuffy yells at Jessup and the two exchange two of the most iconic lines in film history:
"I want the truth!"
"You can't handle the truth!"
Cruise's performance in this scene is a real highlight.as he builds tension before the climactic scream. Seeing two heavyweight actors like Nicholson and Cruise go head to head in a courtroom drama is incredible by any means, but it's Cruise's performance that really steals the show. As Caffy, Cruise fits into the dramatic role with ease and proves that he is worthy of going toe-to-toe with a legendary actor like Nicholson.
3
The biggest stunt in film history
Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) | Director Christopher McQuarrie
Cruise has always been known for his stunts, but lately his dedication to doing them himself has reached a whole new level. Mission: Impossible installment plan During the third act Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part OneEthan Hunt rides a motorcycle along a mountain, trying to catch up with a train. In a moment of pure action movie glory, Hunt rides his motorcycle down the mountain and parachutes to safety.
Cruise's motorcycle jump from the mountain has since been called "the biggest stunt in movie history" and is truly amazing to watch. The actor, of course, actually rode his motorcycle down the mountain, demonstrating his true commitment to authentic stunt work. This scene deserves its place on this list because it showcases the fact that even as Cruise gets older, he is relentless in his dedication to his craft.
2
Test run
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) | Directed by Joseph Kosinski
IN Top Shot: MaverickCruise reprises his role as the titular cocky pilot. The film focuses on Maverick's attempts. train a group of aspiring TOPGUN graduates to carry out an extremely dangerous mission.. The mission involves flying very low to the ground to avoid detection and then beginning an extremely steep climb to get over a mountain. The mission is considered impossible by both Maverick's students and his superiors, who end up intervening to make the mission more feasible but less likely to succeed.
This scene is the culmination of everything that makes Cruise such a fantastic actor, most notably his ability to combine incredibly memorable action scenes with moments of genuine emotion and drama.
Taking matters into his own hands, Maverick flies the plane (without permission, of course) and completes a test run of a simulated mission in less time than previously thought possible. By proving that the mission was in fact possible, Maverick won the favor of both the audience and his students. This scene is the culmination of everything that makes Cruise such a fantastic actor.most notably his ability to combine incredibly memorable action scenes with moments of genuine emotion and drama.
1
Langley robbery
Mission: Impossible (1996) | Directed by Brian De Palma
Cruise's stunt work is truly legendary and continues to grow in scope as the actor continually tries to top his previous stunts. However, it's important to remember where Cruise's reputation for incredible stunts comes from. The answer, of course, is the first. Mission: Impossible movie. In the film, Ethan Hunt has to infiltrate the guarded headquarters of the CIA. and retrieve a list of undercover agents from a heavily guarded vault.
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Unable to activate the alarm, Hunt is lowered from the ceiling by cable as he gains access to the computer. He must also remain completely silent and maintain a cool head. It's really hard to put into words how good this scene is at building tension, but one thing that's for sure is the way Cruise ramps it up. The image of Ethan Hunt hanging just inches from the ground has become a hallmark of the film industry. but it's like Tom Cruise handles the tension (and the stunt itself) that makes this the greatest scene of his career.