Key Highlights
- The Mummy (2017) is ranked the worst of Tom Cruise’s horror films.
- War of the Worlds (2005) was more a sci-fi reaction to 9/11 than a traditional horror movie.
- Interview with the Vampire (1994) is considered Tom Cruise’s best horror film despite being primarily a Gothic romance.
The Mummy (2017): A Misfire in Horror
In 2017, Tom Cruise starred in “The Mummy,” a movie that aimed to reboot the Universal Pictures’ classic monster franchise. Directed by Alex Kurtzman and co-starring Russell Crowe as Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
Hyde, this film attempted to bring back iconic characters from the 1930s and 1940s in an interconnected cinematic universe. However, “The Mummy” fell flat, earning a notorious reputation for its poor reception.
Set in modern times, Cruise plays an irascible former soldier who makes a living plundering graves and selling artifacts illegally. His grave-robbing expedition awakens an ancient mummy with magical powers, leading to Cruise’s transformation into a superpowered monster by the end of the film. The best thing about “The Mummy” is Sofia Boutella’s performance as the menacing mummy, but the script is terrible, and the plot is dull.
War of the Worlds (2005): A Sci-Fi Horror
Tom Cruise’s role in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” is a bit of an anomaly within his filmography, leaning more towards sci-fi than horror. The film follows a divorced dad, Ray (played by Cruise), who struggles to connect with his teenage son and young daughter amidst the chaos of Martian invasions.
Spielberg’s direction masterfully captures the fear and terror as Martians vaporize humans using death rays.
While not a traditional horror movie, these scenes effectively create an atmosphere of dread and panic. The film is full of fear, with Cruise delivering a performance that contrasts his typical hero persona. He is seen as a sad, incapable figure swept up in chaos rather than the savior one might expect.
Interview with the Vampire (1994): A Gothic Romance
The 1994 adaptation of Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” stands out among Tom Cruise’s horror films. Directed by Neil Jordan, this film is a Gothic romance that also serves as a slumber party movie par excellence. Cruise plays Lestat, an ancient vampire who teaches Louis (played by Brad Pitt) the ways of immortality and hedonism.
Despite being primarily a romantic tale, “Interview with the Vampire” was a massive success, making over $223 million at the box office.
The film’s smoky atmosphere, near-erotic relationship between Lestat and Louis, and the presence of other handsome actors like Antonio Banderas and Kirsten Dunst (then 12) made it a standout in Cruise’s horror filmography. This movie is considered his best horror film due to its atmospheric quality and engaging narrative.
In conclusion, Tom Cruise has only starred in three horror films throughout his career, with “The Mummy” and “War of the Worlds” being more about sci-fi and “Interview with the Vampire” standing out as a Gothic romance. Each film offers unique insights into Cruise’s diverse acting range and the challenges he faced in these genres.
