Tom Cruise’s Top Romantic Films: The Ultimate Ranking

These days, most punters know Tom Cruise for his high-octane action flicks, but there was a time when he was the go-to bloke for a good romance on screen. Before he became synonymous with daring stunts and impossible missions, Cruise starred in a handful of romantic films that showcased his charm and knack for heartfelt roles. Most of these came out before the turn of the millennium, and many reckon he could’ve made a real go of it in the romance genre if he’d stuck with it.

Breakout Roles and Unforgettable Chemistry

Risky Business (1983) is often cited as the film that put Cruise on the map. It’s a classic coming-of-age story, with Cruise playing Joel Goodson, a high schooler whose life takes a wild turn after meeting Lana, played by Rebecca De Mornay. The chemistry between the leads was so strong it spilled off-screen, with the pair reportedly starting a relationship during filming. Cruise’s performance earned him his first Golden Globe nod, and the film pulled in $63.5 million at the box office, a tidy sum for its time. Critics praised it as

“a sharp, funny examination of teen angst that doesn’t stop short of exploring dark themes.”

The film still holds a 93% Tomatometer score, making it one of his most acclaimed works.

Next up is Jerry Maguire (1996), where Cruise took on the role of a sports agent navigating the cutthroat world of American football. The film is as much about romance as it is about sport, with Renée Zellweger playing Dorothy Boyd, the woman who stands by him. Their on-screen connection led to one of the most memorable lines in film history:

“You had me at ‘hello.’”

The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, earning $273 million worldwide and five Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Cruise. Cuba Gooding Jr. took home the award for Best Supporting Actor, and the film’s blend of romance and sport was widely praised.

Genre-Bending and Mixed Receptions

In 2001, Cruise teamed up again with director Cameron Crowe for Vanilla Sky, a remake of the Spanish film Abre los Ojos. This one’s a bit of a head-scratcher, blending romance, thriller, and sci-fi elements. Cruise stars alongside Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz, with Cruz reprising her role from the original. The story follows a man whose life unravels after a car accident leaves him disfigured, and he’s left piecing together his past relationships. While Diaz’s performance was singled out for praise, the film itself received a lukewarm response, with critics calling it

“an incoherent mess”

and noting that

“Cruise’s performance lacks depth, and it’s hard to feel sympathy for his narcissistic character.”

Despite this, it still managed to gross over $200 million and has since developed a bit of a cult following.

Far and Away (1992) saw Cruise and then-wife Nicole Kidman star as Irish immigrants chasing the American dream in the late 19th century. Directed by Ron Howard, the film is a sweeping romantic adventure, but critics weren’t overly impressed, giving it a 51% rating. Audiences were a bit more generous, and the film’s stunning visuals of the American West were a highlight. The story, however, was criticised for being a bit too simple-minded. Still, it made $137.8 million at the box office, and the pair would later redeem themselves with Eyes Wide Shut.

Box Office Hits and Critical Misses

Then there’s Cocktail (1988), which came out after Cruise’s turns in Top Gun and The Color of Money. Despite his rising star, this film was panned by critics and even won the Golden Raspberry for Worst Picture. The consensus was that it was

“a shallow, dramatically inert romance”

that didn’t make the most of Cruise’s talents. Even he admitted it wasn’t his finest work. Still, the film was a commercial success, raking in $171.5 million, thanks in large part to Cruise’s popularity at the time. The story follows an ambitious bartender learning the ropes from a seasoned mentor, with romance, drama, and a few laughs thrown in for good measure.

Each of these films offers a different take on romance, from steamy teen drama to sports-infused love stories and genre-bending thrillers. Whether you’re keen for a nostalgic rewatch or just curious about Cruise’s softer side, there’s plenty to explore in his romantic back catalogue.