War of the Worlds is a 2005 science fiction film based on H. G. Wells' original novel of the same name. It was directed by Steven Spielberg
Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier who is a dock worker who is divorced and who doesn't get along too well with his kids. His ex wife and new husband drop his son and daughter for a weekend visit. All of a sudden a powerful lightning storm touches down and Ray witnesses an extraordinary event that changes their lives. A towering three legged machine emerges from beneath the earth and destroys everything in sight. Now it is up to Ray to save his family from the first alien attack on earth. With Spielberg's direction and the spectacular special effects, this film is a sure winner all the way!
It was reported that the film was "poised to make history in Hollywood as the most expensive film ever made - surpassing Titanic's $198 million budget."
According to Entertainment Weekly, Tom Cruise earned $100,000,000 for his role in the film, making him one of the highest paid actors ever for a movie.