As the curtain begins to close on one of Hollywood’s most celebrated film franchises, fans around the world are preparing for what may be a final bow from one of cinema’s most enduring icons. From slick espionage in Mission: Impossible to dogfighting bravado in Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, and even his breakout performance in Risky Business, Cruise has always paired sharp performances with equally sharp style. And central to that look? His choice of eyewear. Let’s dive into Cruise’s most iconic sunglasses moments, the Ray-Ban frames that helped define his characters—and men’s fashion—and why Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice is proud to offer the very same Ray-Ban collections that have become legendary on screen.
The End of an Era: Mission: Impossible and the Legacy of an Action Icon
With Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning concludes the saga of Ethan Hunt, it marks not just the end of an era for a legendary series, but perhaps the final chapter of Tom Cruise’s most high-octane role. Over three decades of death-defying stunts, globe-trotting missions, and suspenseful storytelling have solidified Cruise as the premier action star of our time. Few actors have had the cultural impact that Tom Cruise has, and even fewer have defined the visual language of action heroes quite like him.
When Tom Cruise first appeared as Ethan Hunt in 1996’s Mission: Impossible, audiences were immediately drawn to his intensity, agility, and charisma. Across seven installments (and soon, an eighth), Cruise transformed the role into one of the most enduring action leads in modern cinema. But what separates Cruise from his peers is his commitment—not just to acting, but to the physical demands of the genre. Whether he’s hanging from cliffs, piloting helicopters, or sprinting through European cities, Cruise does it all himself.
As Final Reckoning releases, there’s a sense of bittersweet excitement. Fans eagerly await another round of epic action and intricate espionage, but also know this may be the final outing of an era-defining character. Through it all, Cruise’s image has remained consistent: confident, bold, and always stylish.
Tom Cruise: The Action Star of Generations
Since the 1980s, Cruise has headlined some of Hollywood’s most influential films. His early roles in Risky Business (1983), Top Gun (1986), and The Color of Money (1986) made him an instant household name. By the 1990s and 2000s, Cruise had evolved from a teen heartthrob to a commanding action hero with roles in The Firm, Minority Report, War of the Worlds, and of course, Mission: Impossible.
Throughout it all, one thing remained constant: Cruise’s unmistakable sense of style. Whether he’s racing down runways or strolling through sun-drenched cities, his wardrobe—especially his eyewear—has always been deliberate and iconic. And no brand has been more closely associated with Cruise’s characters than Ray-Ban.
The Ray-Ban Wayfarers in Risky Business: A Cultural Shift
It’s impossible to talk about Cruise’s rise to superstardom without mentioning Risky Business. In the now-famous scene, Cruise’s character Joel Goodson slides across the floor in his underwear, a button-down shirt, and a pair of black Ray-Ban Wayfarers—creating a cultural moment that would define 1980s fashion.
Before Risky Business, Wayfarers were on the decline. But after Cruise donned them on-screen, Ray Ban sales reportedly jumped by over 2,000% in the following years. It wasn’t just product placement—it was personality. The Wayfarer gave Cruise a cool, rebellious edge that resonated with an entire generation.
The Wayfarer’s thick acetate frame, distinct trapezoidal shape, and timeless appeal have made it a staple ever since. Today, it’s still one of Ray-Ban’s best-selling models, and the style continues to make appearances in pop culture.
Top Gun and the Rise of the Ray-Ban Aviator
If Wayfarers made Tom Cruise cool, then aviators made him a legend. When Top Gun hit theaters in 1986, Cruise’s role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell became instantly iconic. Clad in a bomber jacket, white tee, and gold-rimmed aviators, Cruise embodied the American action hero.
Again, Ray-Ban was at the center. The Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Classic became synonymous with Top Gun and experienced a massive sales boom after the film’s release. The aviator’s teardrop lenses, thin metal frame, and military origins aligned perfectly with Maverick’s daring persona.
The effect was so strong that when Top Gun: Maverick released in 2022, younger generations rediscovered the style all over again. Once again, aviator sales soared, proving that great design—and star power—never go out of fashion.
The Ray-Ban Legacy in Hollywood
Ray-Ban’s legacy doesn’t end with Cruise. Over the decades, Ray-Ban sunglasses have become a staple in cinematic history. Some notable appearances include:
- The Blues Brothers (1980) – Ray-Ban Wayfarers
- Men in Black (1997) – Ray-Ban Predator 2
- Reservoir Dogs (1992) – Ray-Ban Clubmasters
- American Psycho (2000) – Ray-Ban RB2140
Each of these roles contributed to Ray-Ban’s status as more than just eyewear—they’re cinematic symbols of confidence, mystery, rebellion, and style. The brand has mastered the art of blending timeless design with character-driven storytelling.
Ray-Ban’s presence in film has made its frames more than accessories. They’re iconic, wearable statements of identity. When you put on a pair of Ray-Bans, you’re channeling decades of cultural relevance—and a bit of movie magic.
Most Exclusive Collections from Ray-Ban
At Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice, we don’t just offer Ray-Bans—we offer the best Ray-Bans. As a Diamond Plus Partner with Luxottica, Ray-Ban’s parent company, Optical Illusions has exclusive access to:
- New and limited-edition Ray-Ban releases
- Prescription-ready Ray-Ban styles
- Premium materials and custom finishes
- Special collections that aren’t available at standard retailers
Whether you’re looking for the bold Wayfarers from Risky Business, the legendary aviators from Top Gun, or a modern twist on these iconic frames, we have you covered. Our expert opticians are trained to match you with the perfect frame for your face, prescription, and personal style.
Visit any of our Optical Illusions locations in San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, or Juneau to explore our full Ray-Ban collection. You’ll find the legacy of Tom Cruise’s most stylish roles—and maybe even your new signature look.
See the World Comfortably with Ray-Bans from Optical Illusions
If you’re ready to elevate your experience with prescription polarized Ray-Ban sunglasses or simply want to protect your eyes from glare and UV damage, our dedicated team is here to help. Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining long-term eye health and ensuring your eyewear meets all your needs. Visit one of our convenient locations and let us help you see the world—whether through your favorite pair of polarized sunglasses or the crystal-clear vision you deserve.
At Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice, we are committed to providing exceptional eye care. Our experienced optometrists use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat eye conditions through comprehensive medical eye exams. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse—schedule your eye exam today and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your vision and health. Contact our team to schedule your appointment at 1 of our 4 conveniently located offices in in San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, and Juneau.
