Critically acclaimed director and actor Kenneth Branagh believes Tom Cruise's best movies include Eyes Wide Shut, Edge of Tomorrow, and the Mission: Impossible films. Throughout his career, Cruise has starred in several critically acclaimed films, but has also earned a reputation as the most popular action star in the world.

In an interview with The Times of London newspaper, Branagh reveals that he thinks Cruise is an underrated actor, and will deliver many great performances if he moves on from action blockbusters. Branagh makes it clear he is not trying to undervalue Cruise's action-oriented roles. In fact, he praised movies like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun. However, Branagh believes that Cruise will receive even more acclaim in the coming years if he pursues more dramatic roles. Read his full comment below:

If he ever tires of wowing the world with action, he’s going to surprise those who view him as only a movie star. What he’s done with Mission and Top Gun is unique — cinematic entertainment with a serious intent to give you a wonderful time at the movies. But he’s an underestimated actor — for whom a golden age of performance beckons.

What Branagh's Comments Mean For Cruise's Career

Branagh & Cruise Are Both Critically Acclaimed Actors

Branagh is a celebrated actor in his own right, which is why his comments about Cruise are worth considering. Throughout his career, Branagh has been praised for starring in several William Shakespeare adaptations on the stage. Recently, he has also appeared in several Christopher Nolan movies, such as Dunkirk, Tenet, and Oppenheimer, and has also starred in (as well as directed) three Agatha Christie adaptations, in which he plays the detective Hercule Poirot.

Related
Goodbye Mission: Impossible, Hello Oscars? Tom Cruise's Exciting 2026 Movie Will Finally Break A Trend Dating Back To 2017

Tom Cruise is an extremely versatile actor and director, but he has only starred in franchise movies since 2017. His next movie will stand alone.

6

Like Branagh, Cruise has also starred in several critically acclaimed films, such as Risky Business, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia, and A Few Good Men. However, Cruise is better known as an action star. This is largely thanks to his role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise, as well as films like Edge of Tomorrow and Top Gun: Maverick. This year, Cruise will once again portray Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. However, it could potentially be his last time playing the iconic character.

Our Take On Branagh's Comments About Cruise

Cruise Is A Fantastic Dramatic Actor

Daniel Kaffee during the courtroom scene in A Few Good Men

If The Final Reckoning is indeed Cruise's last time playing Ethan Hunt, it's possible that he will leave action blockbusters behind in the coming years. While he is a huge action star, several of Cruise's most notable roles prove that he is also a skilled dramatic actor. Therefore, I agree with Branagh and believe Cruise could deliver several amazing dramatic performances with his movies. While he will still likely make several more action films, it will be interesting to see if Tom Cruise makes more dramatic movies in the coming years.

Source: The Times of London

Headshot Of Tom Cruise In The UK premiere of ‘Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning’ Part One
Birthname
THOMAS CRUISE MAPOTHER IV
Birthdate
July 3, 1962
Birthplace
Syracuse, New York, USA
Notable Projects
Top Gun
Profession
Actor
Professions
Actor, Producer