Top Gun's 25th Anniversary - the Highlights of Tom Cruise's Acting Career

Love it or hate it, "Top Gun" had a hefty impact on cinema when it released twenty-five years ago. While it never quite reached the critical acclaim that some believed it deserved, it still managed to win over many fans and leaving that lasting impression. In no small part this can be attributed to Tom Cruise's role in the film. His entertaining portrayal of the maverick pilot in the film built a fan-base that lives to this day. To commemorate this occasion, let's chart the highlights of his career following and preceding "Top Gun."

Based upon the hit book of the same name, "The Outsiders," was Cruise's first significant role as Steve Randele in 1983. Director of "The Godfather," Francis Coppola put his own personal spin on the coming-of-age greaser story. Cruise didn't have the same deep effect on "The Outsiders" as he did on "Top Gun," he did introduce his face to audiences.

Tom's real breakout role would come a few years after "Top Gun" in 1988's "Rain Man." The role drew out Tom's natural ability to portray a slick, exploitative shark among men. It's a treat for audiences to see the gradual change in Charlie as he learns to love someone other than himself- specifically the brother he never knew he had.

In a return to the "Top Gun" stylized Tom Cruise film, "Born on the Fourth of July," paints a sad but realistic portrait of Vietnam and its veterans. The film opens eyes to the atrocities of not only the war, but the unfair practices and treatment of its soldiers. The government turned its back on the veterans. What started with cheers and ''¹..."welcome home' banners ended with disgust and disinterest.

Tom's next big break would come in 1996 with "Mission Impossible." This action thriller had all the makings of a popular franchise. Intrigue, suspense, an excellent cast, and an extremely catch theme song. While Tom Cruise didn't become the next James Bond, he did carve out a new niche for the waning spy genre.

"War of the Worlds" in 2005 is considered Tom's last great role. Amid the destruction and tragedy of an alien invasion, Ray is a struggling father that's unable to fix his own life- much less connect with his estranged children. Cruise plays the part of the desperate, frustrated father fairly convincingly. The film would be considered excellent were it not for Dakota Fanning's awful role in it.