Rain Man (1988)

One of Cruise’s more notable performances within the film industry, Barry Levinson’s Oscar winning drama put his talent at the forefront, perfectly complimenting Dustin Hoffman’s incredible central performance.

His character, self-centred, avaricious Californian Charlie Babbitt, is challenged with taking care of his estranged, autistic-savant older brother Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman), takes him on a cross-country odyssey (including a particularly successful stop at a Vegas casino), in an attempt to use him as leverage for his recently deceased father’s inheritance. Although Cruise was overlooked once awards season rolled around, this helped enhance his reputation as a serious on-screen presence and one of Hollywood’s most coveted leading men.