The Mission: Impossible series, which debuted in 1996, will have eight films released by the year 2025. This action franchise, highly praised by critics, has been active for nearly three decades. Despite the release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise, who plays Ethan Hunt, has expressed his intention to continue with the role as long as the films remain profitable, potentially lasting into his 80s (according to Deadline).
Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” film series, where he portrays IMF agent Ethan Hunt, is one of his most well-known and iconic works. Known for its crisp dialogues, lengthy action sequences, and authentic stunts, Cruise consistently takes risks to ensure the best possible movie experience by placing himself in potentially dangerous situations. While “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” seems like it might conclude the series, with more Mission: Impossible movies planned, the rankings of these films could undergo significant changes.
7. Mission: Impossible II
Released In 2000
Impossible II” was the top earner in the year 2000, an indication of how peculiar the film industry was before the releases of “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings.” This period, often referred to as tentpoles, was quite ordinary. The sequel followed the usual formula by featuring Tom Cruise, a staple of box office success, in a completely different setting – the Australian suburbs. However, with John Woo’s signature slow-motion dove scenes incorporated into “Mission: Impossible,” the film never manages to escape being overly absurd.
| The Mission: Impossible Main Team Members | |
|---|---|
| Member | Actor |
| Ethan Hunt | Tom Cruise |
| Luther Stickell | Ving Rhames |
| Benji Dunn | Simon Pegg |
| Isla Faust | Rebecca Ferguson |
| William Brandt | Jeremy Renner |
| Julia Meade-Hunt | Michelle Monaghan |
In a more conversational style: The movie “Mission: Impossible 2” has aged noticeably compared to other films in the series, and some elements feel overly cheesy. Thandie Newton’s character, who is portrayed as the object of desire for all, mirrors Hitchcock’s “Notorious,” but it results in a rather steamy plotline that feels oddly out of place. Additionally, Dougray Scott, whose role is largely remembered for preventing him from playing Wolverine, doesn’t quite live up to his intended portrayal as the villainous counterpart.
Even though it’s the weakest installment in a well-established series like Jurassic Park or The Mummy, it’s surprisingly enjoyable, even remarkable so. The excessive use of masks adds a delightfully farcical touch (particularly since it was mentioned in Ghost Protocol), and while Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt differs from any other Mission: Impossible film, his full-on action style is undeniably present.
6. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Released In 2011
The Burj Khalifa scene in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol might be considered the standout moment for the entire franchise. This thrilling sequence, centered around Tom Cruise’s daring high-altitude stunts, is so captivating and authentically exciting that it sets a high bar for all other skyscraper action scenes. In essence, this scene was more than worth the cost of admission, demonstrating the true potential of the franchise.
The rest of the movie is decent, but it doesn’t quite reach those peaks; it begins with a CGI-rendered Kremlin explosion and concludes with a CGI battle in a futuristic car park. The plot could use some clarity on how Ethan fits into the team dynamics. Brad Bird deserves ongoing acclaim for building upon the reinvention initiated in Mission: Impossible III, adding a touch of self-deprecating humor to prevent the series from feeling overly grim. The fact that it manages to be this good is a testament to the quality of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
5. Mission: Impossible III
Released In 2006
Initially, transitioning from Brian De Palma to John Woo to television work might have seemed like a step back, but J.J. Abrams saw it differently. Looking back now, his move makes perfect sense considering he is the mastermind behind both the revival of Star Trek and Star Wars, and his debut film also breathed new life into the Mission: Impossible series (which was inactive for six years). Abrams didn’t alter the formula but established crucial elements that have contributed to the series’ lasting success.
Overall, Mission: Impossible III is a strong addition to the series, offering action sequences that may not surpass future installments’ excitement levels, but still deliver a good amount of adrenaline. The plot effectively employs Abrams’ enigmatic storytelling style (without any lingering clues or hints at future plots, even though the Rabbit’s Foot MacGuffin might not be particularly innovative). However, it’s the characters created by Abrams that truly distinguish this film.
The focus is once again on team dynamics. Among the villains in the series, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Owen Davian stands out most notably, with his intense mid-flight interrogation scenes being just as thrilling as any of Tom Cruise’s stunts. For the first time, this installment delves deeply into the personal life of Ethan Hunt.
4. Mission: Impossible
Released In 1996
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how Tom Cruise takes things to the next level in the “Mission: Impossible” series. Looking back, it might seem quaint compared to the high-octane stunts we see now, but remember, the original had Tom Cruise leaping from a ceiling vent! That’s right, a simple vent! It was quite a shocker for audiences at the time, especially considering that the core team is wiped out in the opening mission, and the series’ lead Jim Phelps is unveiled as the secret villain. This twist, similar to Luke Skywalker becoming a hermit, was a significant departure from the original storyline, adding an element of unpredictability that keeps “Mission: Impossible” feeling fresh even today.
The success of this TV series reboot falls squarely on Brian De Palma, who brought the same meticulousness to it as he did with “Scarface.” His dialogue scenes are sharp and intense, while the action sequences are carefully crafted to maximize tension. The use of Dutch angles during Ethan’s investigation adds an element of unease and suspicion that serves as brilliant exposition. In other words, it’s a masterclass in storytelling.
In a somewhat straightforward depiction, the burglary scene in Langley might seem less complex on paper than what follows, yet Cruise truly executed the drop in reality. Director De Palma pays close attention to detail, making two droplets of sweat appear as the most crucial elements in the world for an extended minute that feels too lengthy. Given its ongoing expansion, the Mission: Impossible series is revisited more frequently than many other 1990s blockbusters. Even without subsequent films to distinguish it, this particular movie stands out as one of the best.
3. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Released In 2015
Previously released movies were starting to resemble what “Mission: Impossible” could become – action-packed, playfully self-referential, and entertaining blockbusters. However, it was “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” that perfected this formula. The movie opens with an exhilarating single shot, featuring Tom Cruise hanging onto the exterior of a plane as it takes off, which could have been the focus of another entire series. From there, the film races forward at breakneck speed, combining intricate plot twists and seamless action sequences that never falter in their delivery.
Christopher McQuarrie demonstrated his expertise in crafting gripping thrillers with “The Usual Suspects,” and this film builds upon that foundation by introducing fresh elements such as Ilsa Faust and developing ongoing aspects like Jeremy Renner. The climax, featuring a cunning, emotionally invested villain apprehended during a gloomy London night, garnered numerous comparisons to “Spectre,” often paying homage to “Mission: Impossible.“. For some time now, Ethan Hunt has been on the lips of many, but in this case, it appears that Ethan Hunt has surpassed James Bond.
2. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
Released In 2023
In its seventh installment, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the series continues to impress by providing Ethan Hunt with unprecedented character development and exploring his past. This time around, Hunt confronts a rogue AI possessing divine powers, offering a fresh take on the franchise’s antagonist dynamics. Despite featuring a MacGuffin as usual, the film maintains tension by keeping the risks consistently escalated.
Remarkably, it’s the death-defying stunts that steal the show in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One“. The action on a moving train, the lengthy car chase through Rome, and Tom Cruise’s legendary motorcycle leap from a cliff are all breathtaking. However, they don’t quite measure up to the helicopter chase and the intense bathroom fight in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout“. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” is an exceptional movie, outperforming nearly all of its predecessors, save for one film.
1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Released In 2018
In “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” there’s a noticeable upgrade from “Rogue Nation.” The action sequences are even more daring – a nerve-wracking 106 HALO jumps set the tone at the start, while the extended helicopter chase in the climax is so prolonged that some trailers had to omit certain scenes. The humor is better balanced and the cinematography is sharper. Just like De Palma, action and dialogue are given equal chances to shine with panache. Additionally, the plot is more intricate. The series effectively employs its complex storyline to delve into familiar genre tropes when it comes to its villains.
The excellence of “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” lies in its deep exploration of the character Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. Throughout the Mission: Impossible franchise, Ethan’s development hasn’t always been natural, but in “Fallout”, McQuarrie has made a concerted effort to make it more organic. This character study began in “Rogue Nation”, but “Fallout” takes it further by trying to understand what drives this “force of nature” and redefine him within the real world context. The heartfelt portrayal of these themes, along with all the other elements, creates an incredibly moving experience.
How Does The Mission: Impossible TV Show Compare To The Movies?
Despite the fact that many fans adore the “Mission: Impossible” films, it’s worth noting that some members of the original TV show cast didn’t share this enthusiasm. Some of these actors had issues with Tom Cruise’s movies from the very beginning. The primary source of contention stemmed from the first movie’s surprising plot twist and the identity of the villain. In this film, Jon Voight’s character, Phelps, who led the IMF, was revealed to be a double agent, betraying his team. Every member of the team was killed except for Ethan Hunt, a newcomer in the series.
Greg Morris, the actor portraying tech expert Barney Collier, exited the cinema prior to the film’s conclusion. Peter Graves, famously known for his role as Phelps on the TV series, was displeased with the plot twist and declined to reprise his character in the movie. Martin Landau, who played Rollin Hand, expressed his fury by criticizing the film publicly.
In the early stages of crafting the initial installment, the creators considered a darker path – one where the entire team would be systematically wiped out, an idea I vehemently opposed. This movie wasn’t supposed to be an action-packed adventure; it was meant to challenge minds and keep secrets, much like a game of espionage. The true mission was infiltration and extraction without leaving any trace behind – hence, why would we willingly lead our characters towards their own demise? Given the lackluster quality of the script, I chose to step aside from this project.
Regardless of this, the Mission: Impossible movie series went on to become one of the most successful action franchises ever made. Although the original TV show has lost some popularity over time, it is still held in high esteem by many. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score for the first season is a perfect 100%, and the critical reviews were overwhelmingly positive until the final fifth season. Critics often praised it as one of the best spy shows on television during an era when other shows were becoming increasingly comedic. Instead, Mission: Impossible maintained its “elegant” or “classy” feel.
The Future Of The Mission Impossible Franchise
In the upcoming “Mission: Impossible” film titled “The Final Reckoning“, it appears that Ethan Hunt and his specialized team are nearing a conclusion of their missions. The situation seems dire, with the stakes being as high as they’ve ever been. This movie is slated for release in theaters on May 23, 2025, with previews expected towards the end of 2024. Contrary to speculation, director Christopher McQuarrie has confirmed that this isn’t the end of the “Mission: Impossible” series, and additional movies are planned for the future.
No matter what the initial plan, it often shifts, things frequently don’t go as expected, but somehow, things usually work out fine in the long run. You may never truly comprehend or feel assured about your destination until you arrive at it.
The sequel titled “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” carries on from where “Dead Reckoning” left off. Ethan Hunt is once again in action, this time aiming to prevent the villain Gabriel (Esai Morales) from acquiring an advanced AI program called the Entity. Joining the team is Hayley Atwell, previously known for her role as Agent Carter in Marvel series, who is now an IMF agent, and Pam Klementieff, famous for portraying Mantis in Guardians of the Galaxy, takes on the character of Grace, a former thief, and Paris, a French assassin betrayed by Gabriel respectively. The majority of the main cast also reprise their roles for this eighth thrilling escapade.
At 60 years old, Tom Cruise expresses his intentions to continue starring in Mission: Impossible films well into his eighties. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he stated, “Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to follow in his footsteps and keep going for as long as possible. I’ve got 20 more years to catch up with him.” If Cruise has his way, the Mission: Impossible franchise will endure for the next two decades.
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2025-05-03 20:42