Netflix Finds New Global Smash Hit With Tom Cruise's "Masterpiece" Sci-Fi Thriller

Tom Cruise is known for playing some of cinema’s most iconic characters, including Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible, Maverick in Top Gun, and even Jack Reacher himself. With his vast filmography, viewers are prone to forget his lesser-known roles, although some are etched in the public memory simply because they were essential in showing that Cruise is more than a franchise icon. Among these “smaller” productions, we can find a wildly compelling sci-fi movie that’s become a smash hit on Netflix. Blending time travel elements with high-octane action, this underrated epic delivered an unbeatable Tom Cruise in a very, very different role from what we’re used to.

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Becomes Netflix’s Latest Sci-Fi Thriller Hit

The sci-fi thriller Edge of Tomorrow follows Major William Cage (Cruise), an inexperienced military PR representative who’s sent to cover a major event in which humans will attempt to defend Europe from an alien species. The Mimics are relentless in their quest to extinguish humanity, and Cage is terrified of violent combat. His attempts to stay behind are futile and ultimately work against him. As punishment, the public affairs officer is sent into battle against the mighty extraterrestrials.

Of course, things don’t go well for the demoted soldier. He doesn’t have any experience on the battlefield, and when he’s facing a huge alien, he throws a mine at it without thinking and ends up standing too close. Cage dies, but not before being drenched in the alien’s apparently magical blood. He wakes up in the morning before his death, and after a few loops, he realizes he’s reliving the same day over and over.

12 years after landing in theaters – and grossing a whopping $381 million – Edge of Tomorrow has become a hit on Netflix. The sci-fi thriller has recently been jumping in and out of the top 10 list of most-watched movies on everyone’s favorite streamer. The film rarely streams on Netflix, but it’s recently found success on the global charts, proving Cruise’s drawing power on streaming as well as the big screen.

Will ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Ever Receive Its Highly Anticipated Sequel?

A sequel to Edge of Tomorrow has been teased ever since the first film came out. From director Doug Liman to co-star Emily Blunt, everyone has indicated a different reason why the film hasn’t been developed yet. But they have all said they are excited about a potential sequel. That being said, we should address the elephant in the room: the real reason why Edge of Tomorrow 2 hasn’t been made is likely due to Tom Cruise’s busy schedule.

Last we heard, plans for a sequel were dead, with Cruise moving on to pursue other more important franchises. It’s quite obvious that projects like Days of Thunder 2 and Top Gun 3 have more potential for the Hollywood legend, who’s actively pursuing his first Oscar win with the upcoming Digger.

In the meantime, fans of the sci-fi thriller can check out All You Need Is Kill, the official reboot based on the original novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, which inspired the film. The anime production was released in the U.S. in 2026, and is already available on digital streaming. It may not be a follow-up to Cruise’s cult classic, but its 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes may convince you that a reboot is a much better idea than a sequel.