Tom Cruise’s Most Memorable Romantic Films: A Definitive Ranking
Tom Cruise’s romantic films reveal a different side to the action star. Discover which of his love stories stand out, which missed the mark, and why these roles still intrigue audiences today.
Before Tom Cruise became synonymous with high-octane blockbusters, he carved out a niche as a leading man in a string of romantic dramas and comedies. While his action-packed exploits now dominate the box office, his earlier forays into matters of the heart still offer a fascinating glimpse into his range as an actor. Most of these films predate the new millennium, capturing a time when Cruise’s on-screen charm was matched by a willingness to take on more vulnerable roles.
Breakout Roles and Unforgettable Chemistry
It was Risky Business in 1983 that truly put Cruise on the map. The film, a sharp and witty take on adolescent anxiety, paired him with Rebecca De Mornay in a story that’s as much about coming-of-age as it is about romance. Their on-screen connection was so palpable that it reportedly spilled over into real life. Cruise’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him his first Golden Globe nod and helping the film rake in over $63 million from a modest budget. The critics were largely impressed, with one consensus describing it as
“a sharp, funny examination of teen angst that doesn’t stop short of exploring dark themes.”
Before Cruise landed the role of Joel Goodson, the part had attracted the likes of Sean Penn and Tom Hanks, but it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that iconic white shirt.
Fast forward to 1996, and Cruise was back in the romantic spotlight with Jerry Maguire. Here, he played a sports agent whose professional crisis is matched only by his personal one. The film’s emotional core is the relationship between Cruise’s Maguire and Renée Zellweger’s Dorothy Boyd. Their chemistry is undeniable, culminating in a now-legendary scene where Maguire’s heartfelt confession is met with Zellweger’s quietly devastating reply:
“You had me at ‘hello.’”
The film was a critical and commercial hit, earning five Oscar nominations and a win for Cuba Gooding Jr. Audiences and critics alike praised the way director Cameron Crowe balanced romance with the cutthroat world of sports management.
Ambitious Experiments and Mixed Results
Not every romantic outing for Cruise was met with universal acclaim. Vanilla Sky (2001), a remake of the Spanish film Abre los Ojos, saw him navigating a surreal blend of romance and psychological thriller. Starring alongside Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz, Cruise played a man whose life unravels after a disfiguring accident. The film’s genre-hopping narrative left many viewers perplexed, and critics were divided. While Diaz’s performance drew particular praise, the film’s reception was lukewarm, with one review noting,
“Cruise’s performance lacks depth, and it’s hard to feel sympathy for his narcissistic character.”
Despite this, the film eventually found a cult following and performed respectably at the box office.
Another attempt at romance came with Far and Away (1992), a sweeping Western adventure co-starring Nicole Kidman. The pair played Irish immigrants chasing the American dream, but the film’s straightforward plot and picturesque landscapes weren’t enough to win over the critics. While audiences appreciated the visual spectacle, the story was often criticised for lacking depth. Still, the film managed to pull in a decent box office return, and the Cruise-Kidman pairing would later be revisited to greater effect in Eyes Wide Shut.
When Romance Fell Flat
Not all of Cruise’s romantic ventures have stood the test of time. Cocktail (1988), released after his successes in Top Gun and The Color of Money, was widely panned. The film, which saw Cruise as an ambitious bartender, was dismissed as
“a shallow, dramatically inert romance”
and even picked up a Golden Raspberry for Worst Picture. Cruise himself later admitted it wasn’t his finest hour. Despite the critical drubbing, the film was a commercial success, a testament to Cruise’s star power at the time. Audiences were more forgiving, and the film’s blend of romance, drama, and a dash of comedy found a sizeable following.
These films, for better or worse, showcase a different side of Tom Cruise—one less concerned with stunts and more invested in the complexities of love and connection. Whether you’re a fan of his action-packed blockbusters or prefer his earlier, more romantic work, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of these stories.