4. The Last Samurai (2003)
Warner Bros.Packed with as much emotion as action, Edward Zwick's epic sees Tom Cruise give one of the best performances of his career in a movie that deftly balances stylish yet realistic action scenes with plenty of character moments. More than just a vehicle for its lead actor, The Last Samurai boasts strong performances from the multicultural cast that add real depth to the technical wizardry associated with a $140m production. Cruise has rarely been as vulnerable onscreen as he is here, delivering an powerful and believable transition from alcoholic fallen hero to honorary samurai, a character arc that could easily become overly-sentimental. Ken Watanabe arguably plays the real hero of the piece, with his stoic conviction in the role landing the actor a deserved Academy Award nomination. A great script, top-notch cast and no shortage of visceral action result in an intelligent blockbuster that offers both substance and spectacle in equal measure.