Books & Movies In Order

tom cruise books

The War of the Worlds - 1898

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is a science fiction novel about a Martian invasion of Earth. The story follows a narrator as he witnesses the Martians’ destruction of civilization with advanced weaponry. Humanity’s survival seems doomed until the invaders are defeated by Earth’s bacteria.

Dream Story - 1926

Dream Story by Arthur Schnitzler follows Fridolin, a Viennese doctor whose wife, Albertine, confesses a fantasy about another man. Haunted by jealousy and temptation, Fridolin embarks on a surreal night of encounters, including attending a mysterious masked orgy. The novella explores themes of desire, fidelity, and the unconscious mind.

Valkyrie: An Insider's Account of the Plot to Kill Hitler – 1946

Valkyrie: An Insider's Account of the Plot to Kill Hitler by Hans Bernd Gisevius provides a firsthand account of the failed July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. Gisevius, a German resistance member, details the conspiracy, its key figures, and the oppressive Nazi regime’s downfall.

The Minority Report - 1956

The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick follows John Anderton, head of Precrime, a future law enforcement agency that predicts and prevents crimes before they occur. When Anderton himself is accused of an imminent murder, he questions the system's infallibility, uncovering corruption and the possibility of alternate futures.

The Outsiders - 1967

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton follows Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage "Greaser" from a working-class background, and his gang as they navigate conflicts with the wealthier "Socs." After a deadly altercation, Ponyboy and Johnny go on the run. The novel explores themes of identity, class struggles, loyalty, and finding common humanity.

Born on the Fourth of July - 1976

Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic is a memoir chronicling Kovic’s journey from a patriotic, young Marine to a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran. Grappling with trauma and disillusionment, he becomes an outspoken anti-war activist. The book explores themes of sacrifice, loss, and the quest for justice and peace.

Interview With The Vampire - 1976

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice is a gothic horror novel following Louis de Pointe du Lac, a tormented vampire recounting his life story to a journalist. Turned by the manipulative Lestat, Louis grapples with immortality, morality, and his complex relationship with the child vampire Claudia in this haunting tale.

Endless Love - 1979

Endless Love by Scott Spencer is a romantic tragedy about the intense, obsessive love between teenagers David Axelrod and Jade Butterfield. After a fire David sets in an attempt to see Jade again, their relationship spirals out of control, leading to heartbreak, betrayal, and unforeseen consequences.

The Color of Money - 1984

The Color of Money by Walter Tevis follows Fast Eddie Felson, a former pool hustler seeking redemption. Years after leaving the game, he returns to reclaim his confidence and former glory. Eddie navigates new challenges, young rivals, and self-discovery in a high-stakes world of competitive pool, ambition, and risk.

Rain Man - 1989

Rain Man by Leonore Fleischer, based on the film, follows Charlie Babbitt, a self-centered businessman who discovers his estranged brother, Raymond, an autistic savant. As they journey together, Charlie initially seeks his inheritance but ultimately forms a deep bond with Raymond, transforming his perspective on love, family, and loyalty.

A Few Good Men - 1990

Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men is a courtroom drama centered on military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, who defends two Marines accused of murdering a fellow soldier at Guantanamo Bay. As the trial unfolds, Kaffee exposes a cover-up and challenges the authority of commanding officer Colonel Jessup.

The Firm - 1991

The Firm by John Grisham follows Mitch McDeere, a Harvard Law graduate who joins a prestigious Memphis law firm. He soon uncovers the firm’s criminal ties to the mob and becomes entangled in an FBI investigation. Mitch must navigate betrayal and danger to expose the corruption and save himself.

Mission Impossible - 1996

Mission Impossible: The Movie Novelization by Peter Barsocchini follows Ethan Hunt, a skilled IMF agent, framed for betraying his team. Hunted by his own agency, Ethan must uncover the true traitor, retrieve stolen NOC list files, and clear his name. Action, espionage, and deception drive this fast-paced thriller.

Jerry Maguire - 1998

Jerry Maguire by Cameron Crowe, based on the film, follows sports agent Jerry Maguire, who has a moral epiphany and writes a mission statement advocating honesty in business. Fired for his ideals, he starts over with one loyal client and assistant Dorothy. Together, they discover love, integrity, and true success.

Vanilla Sky - 2002

Vanilla Sky by Cameron Crowe, based on the film, follows wealthy publisher David Aames, whose life spirals after a disfiguring car accident caused by a jealous lover. Caught between dreams and reality, he struggles with his identity, love, and regret, ultimately facing a choice between fantasy or waking life.

All You Need Is Kill - 2004

All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka follows Keiji Kiriya, a soldier caught in a time loop during humanity’s war against alien invaders called Mimics. Each death resets his day, forcing Keiji to hone his combat skills. With fellow warrior Rita Vrataski, he seeks to break the cycle.

One Shot - 2005

In One Shot, Jack Reacher investigates a sniper attack that kills five people in Indiana. Though evidence points to a suspect, Reacher uncovers a larger conspiracy involving corruption and murder. With his sharp instincts and combat skills, he dismantles the scheme, exposing the real culprits behind the crime.

Never Go Back - 2013

In Never Go Back, Jack Reacher returns to the headquarters of his former military unit to meet his replacement, only to find himself implicated in a 16-year-old murder and entangled in a conspiracy. With danger closing in, Reacher uncovers hidden truths and fights to clear his name.

Oblivion: An Illustrated Novel – 2010

Oblivion: An Illustrated Novel by Joseph Kosinski is a sci-fi story set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth has been devastated by war with alien invaders. Technician Jack Harper repairs drones maintaining the planet but discovers hidden truths about humanity’s fate, his identity, and a larger conspiracy that challenges everything he knows.

American Made: Who Killed Barry Seal? - 2016

American Made: Who Killed Barry Seal? explores the life and mysterious death of Barry Seal, a drug smuggler-turned-informant. The book examines Seal’s ties to the CIA, DEA, and Medellín Cartel, questioning whether Pablo Escobar or U.S. political figures, including George H.W. Bush, were involved in his assassination.

Top Gun - 2019

Topgun: An American Story by Dan Pedersen recounts the founding of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, known as "Topgun." In 1969, Pedersen and eight elite pilots developed advanced aerial combat training to counteract high aircraft losses during the Vietnam War, revolutionizing air combat tactics.

The Battle of Shiroyama - 2019

The Battle of Shiroyama: The History and Legacy of the Samurai's Last Stand in Japan by Charles River Editors details the 1877 Battle of Shiroyama, where samurai led by Saigō Takamori made a final stand against Japan's Imperial Army, marking the end of the samurai era.