Tom Cruise, the quintessential ’80s heartthrob, has been dazzling audiences for decades, and now we’ve got the definitive list of his best and worst films, courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes.

The esteemed review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has crunched the numbers, offering a definitive ranking of Tom Cruise’s cinematic endeavours based on a plethora of reviews. While some of Cruise’s more obscure roles have surprisingly cracked the top 10, it’s the critically lauded blockbusters that predictably dominate the rankings.

Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of Cruise’s filmography, as determined by genuine audience ratings, is the adrenaline-fueled Mission: Impossible-Fallout. The 2018 instalment, which is the sixth in the Mission: Impossible saga, has garnered an astounding 98% rating, cementing its status as a fan favourite.

One critic raved: “Mission: Impossible – Fallout is hands down one of the best action movies I’ve seen in a while. The stunts are absolutely wild, and knowing Tom Cruise actually did them makes it even crazier.”

“The pacing keeps you locked in from start to finish-there’s never a dull moment. The story ties in nicely with the previous films but still stands strong on its own.”

Cruise’s reputation for performing his own death-defying stunts has certainly paid off, influencing the high placement of his action-packed movies, with the recent hit Top Gun: Maverick soaring to the second spot in the rankings.

In a surprising turn of events, several lesser-anticipated films have climbed the rankings, with Steven Spielberg’s 2002 futuristic thriller Minority Report securing a spot among the top-rated movies. Hot on its heels is his 1988 classic Rain Man, boasting an impressive 88% rating, a mere 1% shy of Minority Report’s score.

The Color of Money rounds out the top 10.

One film enthusiast praised Rain Man, describing it as a “comedy that brings you to tears when the credits roll”, reports the Mirror US. They gushed: “A breathtaking and moving film with such fantastic acting from both lead roles, with Tom Cruise showcasing that he can be more than a blockbuster protagonist who runs and jumps. It is a lost gem, and I hope it gains more attention as years go on.”

At the opposite end of the spectrum, languishing at number 44 with a dismal 9% overall score, is the romantic comedy Cocktail. This early Tom Cruise vehicle follows his character, a charismatic bartender, as he chases his dreams from New York to Jamaica.

The prevailing sentiment is that Cocktail is decidedly “average,” but some viewers have stronger opinions. One scathing review states: “Yes, Tom Cruise has charisma. All that doesn’t change the fact that this film isn’t that good. Much like Cruise’s character, Brian, this story drifts along without any real purpose.

“And while the acting isn’t terrible, the writing is watered down, and the characters are one-dimensional. It seems that the filmmakers didn’t get the mix right when it comes to Cocktail.”

The Top 10 Rotten Tomatoes ranking

1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
2. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
3. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
5. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
6. Risky Business (1983)
7. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
8. Minority Report (2002)
9. Rain Man (1988)
10. The Color of Money (1986)