Probably the worst film that Tom Cruise was in, was 1982's Losin It, about "four teenagers trying to lose their virginity." But you know what? He gave the role 100%.
In 1981 he had a small but significant role in Taps, and starred in 1983's All the Right Moves, which showed he could take on serious roles. By the time he was cast in Interview with the Vampire, he'd been in Born on the Fourth of July and A Few Good Men, which proved he was a serious actor.