Tom Cruise has long been known as one of Hollywood’s most captivating movie stars, and over the past year, one fan took it upon themselves to watch every single one of his films—yes, all 46. This fascinating endeavor, dubbed the Thomas Cruise Completionist Project, sheds light on Cruise's prolific career and evolution as both actor and cultural icon.
With each viewing, the project began as both a form of entertainment and a way to mark the end of graduate school—a celebratory act to stay sane during job hunting. It involved strict rules: movies had to be watched chronologically, notes needed to be taken, and skipping any title was simply off the table. Friends and family who joined the screenings became part of the experience, which was declared more fulfilling than mere solitary viewings.
The fascination with Cruise began with his early career, showcased through films such as Endless Love (1981) and Risky Business (1983). Risky Business, where Cruise famously slides across the living room floor, was pivotal for his star power, demonstrating undeniable charm. "He is not a future film star but a teenager... about to be very stupid to impress a girl," recalled the viewer, emphasizing the relatable element of Cruise’s early roles paved the way for his majestic rise.
Over the decades, Cruise's commitment to his craft was notable, particularly with stunt work. He made headlines with his extreme performances, especially during the Mission: Impossible franchise, where he insisted on performing gravity-defying stunts himself, regardless of risks. With Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), he reached extraordinary heights, having the film become the highest-grossing of its year, raking in over $546 million globally.
Despite receiving mixed reviews about the film’s depth, its success established the Mission: Impossible franchise as one of the most enduring and thrilling in entertainment history, maintaining its relevance through six sequels and counting. The project highlighted how Cruise’s relentless perseverance for authenticity struck audiences and critics alike.
Looking beyond action, Cruise's filmography is rich with diverse roles showcasing his versatility. He starred in Jerry Maguire (1996), rated as one of his defining roles, where his character declared, “I had so much to say and no one to listen.” This moment left lasting impressions, encapsulating his ability to portray nuanced sentiments within the chaos of his often explosive movies.
Even some of Cruise's less popular films maintained audience engagement, as their oddities often led to spirited discussions among friends. During the project, viewers found amusement even within misunderstandings—like when Eyes Wide shut (1999) turned slightly tedious for friends yet was still celebrated for taking risks, as epitomized by Cruise’s involvement with director Stanley Kubrick.
Cruise's career took several odd turns, especially between 2000 and 2010, as public scrutiny developed alongside his movie choices. His role as Vincent in Collateral (2004) saw him stepping out of the hero mold and embodying villainy, which, according to some well-placed commentary, rarely left the screens unnoticed. "It was both cathartic and thrilling to watch him be the villain,” recalled one viewer following these showings.
Despite commendable performances, some films struggled at the box office. Taking The Mummy (2017) as reference, it was seen as Cruise's most poorly received film, losing sight of its adventurous roots as it sought to create its own cinematic universe. Yet, somehow, his resilience through these cinematic trials propelled him forward. The fondly remembered Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which continued the legacy of the original film, was praised for reviving Cruise's status alongside thrilling action sequences, pulling $1.496 billion globally—almost matching the magical box office performance of Mission: Impossible 2.
If anything, this project reinforced the idea of shared experiences. Throughout the film-watching endeavor, friends expressed how important those discussions and shared reactions became. Commenting on Mission: Impossible, one friend playfully quipped, “For God’s sake, the mission is clearly possible.” Such remarks captured the humor and depth of friendship, intertwined through cinematic nostalgia.
Finally, what stands out through the Thomas Cruise Completionist Project isn’t just the sheer volume of films watched, but the way it connected the author and their loved ones through conversation, laughter, and the shared love for the ultimate adventurous storyteller: Tom Cruise. Watching films together offered spaces to create memories, reaffirm shared culture, and undoubtedly led to unforgettable moments, as now immortalized through recordings on screen. Cinema's eternal draw peaks through these narratives, and perhaps, crowds will take heed to watch one of Cruise's countless films tonight—especially with someone they love.
