Tom Cruise’s action film series are experiencing renewed popularity on global streaming platforms, with the “Mission: Impossible,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Jack Reacher” franchises currently leading viewership rankings. As fans search for new favorites after Cruise’s long run as Ethan Hunt, the Tom Cruise action franchises streaming surge has placed the actor’s legacy firmly back in the spotlight.
Cruise’s Franchises Dominate On-Demand Services
Although Tom Cruise was once better known for his single-installment classics, he has played a pivotal role in creating some of Hollywood’s most enduring franchises. Aside from “Mission: Impossible,” which will see his final outing as Ethan Hunt in the 2025 film
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,”
Cruise has also headlined “Top Gun” and “Jack Reacher,” both finding new life with streaming audiences.
Paramount+ has become a primary destination for Cruise fans, especially thanks to “Top Gun: Maverick.” Since its arrival on the platform, “Maverick” has continued to eclipse the competition, echoing the global box office phenomenon it became in 2022. The thrilling aerial sequences and dynamic characters, such as the titular pilot and Rooster, have drawn in viewers week after week, with fans returning to watch their daring escapades repeatedly.
Interest in Cruise’s filmography runs deeper than just one title. On the same Paramount+ leaderboards, “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”—the 2016 sequel teaming Cruise’s Jack Reacher with Cobie Smulders’ Army major—has also surged in popularity. The attention isn’t exclusive to Paramount+, either, as the original 2012 “Jack Reacher” has broken into Netflix’s global Top 10, introducing new audiences to Cruise’s interpretation of Lee Child’s iconic character.
The Rise and Reappraisal of Jack Reacher
Upon their theatrical releases, neither “Jack Reacher” nor its sequel received overwhelming critical acclaim. Many critics and book fans expressed skepticism about Cruise’s casting, particularly contrasting his physical stature with the character described by Lee Child in the novels. Despite these early detractors, global audiences now seem to view the films in a different light, drawn by Cruise’s compelling screen presence and storytelling style.
The transformation of “Jack Reacher” from a film franchise to a streaming television hit further cements its relevance. Although the two movies each earned well over $100 million at the box office, a third installment was never produced, despite creative interest from Cruise and his frequent collaborator Christopher McQuarrie. Instead, the character found new momentum when Prime Video launched a series adaptation, staying true to the novels and starring Alan Ritchson as the much taller, physically imposing Reacher—an element that excited purists and long-time fans of Lee Child’s books.
A New Era for the Reacher Franchise
Since its launch, the Prime Video “Reacher” series has dropped three seasons, with the most recent one concluding in May 2025. Production is already underway for a fourth season, a testament to the property’s enduring appeal. As fans anticipate the next chapter, Cruise’s own contributions to the character have resurfaced in popularity, with both of his “Jack Reacher” films appearing on Top 10 streaming lists worldwide.
This wave of attention serves multiple purposes: it introduces a new generation to Cruise’s earlier action performances, while also bolstering Alan Ritchson’s visibility in the lead role. For many viewers, these various interpretations of Jack Reacher have become accessible in one place, thanks to streaming platforms’ global reach.
Impact of Streaming Chart Success
The ongoing streaming success of Tom Cruise action franchises is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the enduring allure of well-crafted action stories, regardless of original critical reception. The presence of characters like Ethan Hunt, Jack Reacher, and the pilots of “Top Gun” offers entertainment to audiences looking for adrenaline and heroics, while streaming services make it easier to revisit or discover these films for the first time.
This phenomenon underscores how the streaming model can revive perceived underdogs—like the “Jack Reacher” films—and expand their global audiences. It also highlights the interconnectedness of film and television: with Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson both leaving their marks on the Reacher character, fans have options to enjoy different eras and interpretations of the story.
As
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”
prepares to close the book on Ethan Hunt’s legacy, Cruise’s influence is far from fading. Instead, his franchise work is reaching new peaks on streaming charts around the world, proving the timeless appeal of his action-hero persona and giving new life to stories that once faced doubt from critics and fans alike. With additional seasons of “Reacher” on the way and renewed curiosity about earlier films, the streaming era ensures that Cruise’s biggest adventures remain available to global audiences for years to come.
