Tom Cruise talking atop a background of the Netflix logo, a top 10 badge, and falling dollar bills

Tom Cruise’s Edge of Tomorrow has just edged into the top 10 on Netflix, proving above all else why that movie deserves a sequel. Edge of Tomorrow was first released in 2014 and was directed by Doug Liman. The film received rave reviews, directed primarily at Edge of Tomorrow‘s fantastic cast. Starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, the film subverts expectations by showing Cruise as an awkward, timid businessman who learns from Blunt’s hardened, veteran soldier to fight a war against aliens called Mimics by the time of Edge of Tomorrow‘s ending.

Based on the Japanese novel All You Need Is KillEdge of Tomorrow received rave reviews. Outside of the Mission: Impossible series and Top Gun: MaverickEdge of Tomorrow is the best-ranked Tom Cruise-led movie since 1983’s Risky Business, based on the critical approval score of Rotten Tomatoes. This initial reverence from fans and critics alike has spiraled into endless talks about Edge of Tomorrow 2‘s story. Above all else, the film’s enduring popularity proves a sequel should happen, typified no better than it breaking into Netflix’s top 10 over a decade after release.

Edge Of Tomorrow’s Netflix Success Shows Its Enduring Popularity

The Film’s Popularity Continues To Show Itself 10 Years Later

Tom Cruise's Cage from Edge of Tomorrow surrounded by dollarsCustom image by Milica Djordjevic

As alluded to, Edge of Tomorrow was added to Netflix at the beginning of September 2024. Despite the film initially releasing over a decade before that, the film ranked among the top 10 on the streaming service only weeks later, proving above all else how Edge of Tomorrow‘s popularity perseveres. While the film has received somewhat of a cult following since its theatrical release regarding the sect of people clamoring for a sequel, it was not the most popular film at the box office, earning $370 million worldwide against a $178 million budget.

However, despite the film not pulling in billions at the box office, Edge of Tomorrow‘s recent Netflix feat proves how its popularity remains. More so than that, it proves that new people are experiencing the film via streaming services given its top 10 debut. Above the promising fan reviews and decent, albeit not outstanding, worldwide box office haul, the success Edge of Tomorrow is receiving on Netflix is proof that a sequel needs to be made sooner rather than later.

Edge Of Tomorrow 2 Could Be A Great Tom Cruise Sequel

Edge Of Tomorrow 2 Could Continue The First Film’s Best Aspects

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt arguing in Edge of Tomorrow in battle suits

For several reasons, Edge of Tomorrow 2 would be a fantastic sequel to make. For one, it would provide a welcome element of differentiation regarding Cruise’s recent career. While the recent Mission: Impossible movies are fantastic, there is no denying that they have taken up a lot of Cruise’s focus outside of Top Gun: Maverick. As such, Edge of Tomorrow 2 would give Cruise the increasingly rare opportunity to focus on a different character than Ethan Hunt, all while continuing the best elements of the first film.

Besides Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two, Cruise has little in the way of major projects lined up, offering the aforementioned differentiation via Edge of Tomorrow 2.

Edge of Tomorrow was not necessarily original with its time-loop story, but it certainly presented it as such. The quick, frenetic direction of Doug Liman combined with the expert editing and amazing performances from Cruise and Blunt helped Edge of Tomorrow stand apart. If a second film was made, the same would likely happen as Liman has expressed willingness to return. Also, Edge of Tomorrow 2 could delve deeper into the incredibly unique sci-fi elements like the Mimic aliens and the war against them.

Edge Of Tomorrow Has Been Discussed For Years, So Why Hasn’t It Happened?

Edge Of Tomorrow 2 Has Been A Victim Of Poor Timing

Tom Cruise as Maj. Willian Cage in Edge of TomorrowCustom Image by Yailin Chacon.

Since 2015, Liman and Cruise have insisted an idea for Edge of Tomorrow 2 has been finalized. The following years saw Liman, Cruise, and Blunt all enthusiastically claim that a sequel would happen and that it was simply a matter of fitting the film’s production into their respective schedules. However, this proved more difficult than first thought with the film being stalled up until March 2018, when Liman revealed the script was being rewritten. More rewrites then took place in 2019, after which Liman announced it had been finalized once more.

Cruise’s focus on the Mission: Impossible films has been a big reason for Edge of Tomorrow 2’s delays in the late 2010s/early 2020s.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic added strain to the Hollywood model, with Blunt stating on The Howard Stern Show that the effects on budgeting and scheduling resulted in Edge of Tomorrow 2 being postponed indefinitely. After years of silence, a Variety report revealed that the possibility of Edge of Tomorrow 2 was raised at a meeting between Cruise and Warner Bros. Pictures regarding a contractual deal between the parties. Since then, however, little has been revealed about an Edge of Tomorrow sequel, though hopefully, the original film’s Netflix success will prove it should still happen.