The 'They Think That I'm Tom Cruise' meme gained significant traction through short-form video platforms like TikTok, often set to the catchy rap song 'Tom Cruise' by Donnie. The meme typically highlights situations where someone acts with exaggerated intensity, performs a mundane task with action-movie flair, or literally mimics Cruise's signature running style. It serves as a humorous nod to the actor's reputation for doing his own dangerous stunts and his high-energy persona. Users apply this template to everything from relatable daily struggles—like rushing to catch a bus—to actual impressive feats, playing on the absurdity of comparing oneself to a Hollywood mega-star.