The Secret Behind Tom Cruise’s Running Scenes—And Why He Rarely Shares the Spotlight

From outrunning explosions to racing against time to save the world, one thing you can always count on in a Tom Cruise movie is a high-energy running scene. It’s become a trademark for the actor, arguably just as iconic as the death-defying stunts he’s known for. Whether he’s sprinting to beat a deadline or make a daring escape, Cruise’s runs have an undeniable effect on the pacing and energy of the film. But what’s even more intriguing is the curious rule Cruise has about these famous running scenes—he prefers to run solo.

This “I run alone” mantra became well-known through The Mummy (2017), when Cruise’s co-star Annabelle Wallis revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the actor initially shot down her request to run alongside him on-screen. “He told me no at first,” Wallis recalled. But after seeing her dedication—she even timed her treadmill runs to impress him—Cruise eventually changed his mind and allowed her to join him in one of the film’s iconic running scenes. Wallis jokingly compared this small victory to winning an Oscar, given how much it meant to her.

But here’s the twist: Cruise’s filmography doesn’t exactly support this “I run alone” philosophy. A deeper look into his career reveals that Cruise has had several running partners on-screen, making his self-imposed rule appear more like a quirky preference rather than an established tradition. Over the years, Cruise has shared the screen during running sequences with various co-stars, including Robert Duvall in Days of Thunder, Cameron Diaz in Knight and Day, and Cobie Smulders in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. In films like TAPS and The Last Samurai, he’s even been part of larger groups of characters in pursuit.

Where the “running alone” rule seems to stick is in the Mission: Impossible series. These films, with their high stakes and heart-pounding action, feature Cruise often sprinting into danger on his own, whether it’s to rescue his team or evade an incoming missile. It’s in these moments that Cruise’s solo runs truly shine, becoming a symbol of his character’s determination and relentless drive. His runs in these films are some of his most memorable moments, especially in Mission: Impossible III, where a long take captures his intensity.

And just when you thought Cruise could never top his already legendary sprint in Mission: Impossible – Fallout—where he famously broke his ankle during a stunt—he did it again. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning features an equally intense chase sequence, illuminated by a brilliant score and cinematography that captures the passion behind every step. It’s a perfect example of how Cruise continues to raise the bar for action sequences, even in his running scenes.

In the end, Tom Cruise’s running scenes aren’t just about physical exertion—they’re about character, energy, and the palpable tension that he brings to the screen. Whether he’s alone or joined by a co-star, these iconic moments have become an essential part of his cinematic legacy, driving the pulse of the action and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. And while his “I run alone” rule might be a quirky piece of his personal approach to filmmaking, there’s no doubt that he’s never stopped running toward greatness.