Mission: Impossible (1996) launched the iconic spy franchise, starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, an elite IMF agent framed for the deaths of his team. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film blends espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action with a complex plot full of twists. Known for its suspenseful sequences—including the legendary vault heist scene—this first installment set the tone for the series. Hunt must uncover the real mole within the agency while staying one step ahead of enemies and allies alike. With its sleek style, intense score, and thrilling pace, Mission: Impossible redefined the spy genre for a new generation.
Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), directed by John Woo, follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he faces a new global threat involving a deadly bioweapon called Chimera. Hunt must stop rogue IMF agent Sean Ambrose from unleashing the virus for profit. Set against stunning international backdrops, the film blends stylized action, slow-motion shootouts, and high-octane motorcycle chases. With a romantic subplot involving Nyah Nordoff-Hall (Thandiwe Newton), the film explores personal stakes and betrayal. Though more action-driven than its predecessor, Mission: Impossible 2 showcases Woo's signature flair and Cruise's evolution as a full-fledged action star in the franchise’s most operatic installment.
Mission: Impossible III (2006), directed by J.J. Abrams, marks a significant shift for the franchise, grounding Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) in a more personal and emotionally resonant narrative. Having retired from field work to train new IMF agents and settle down with his fiancée Julia (Michelle Monaghan), Ethan is forced back into action when his protégé is captured by the ruthless arms dealer Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman, in a chilling performance). The mission becomes a desperate race against time to recover a mysterious, dangerous object known as "The Rabbit's Foot" and protect Julia, who is unaware of Ethan's true profession. The film is lauded for its intense action, tight plotting, and a compelling villain, effectively revitalizing the series.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) plunges Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) into his most existential threat yet: a rogue, sentient AI known as the Entity, capable of manipulating global systems. Teaming up with Luther (Ving Rhames), Benji (Simon Pegg), and new ally Grace (Hayley Atwell), Ethan races to secure a two-piece key that controls or destroys this digital menace. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film delivers jaw-dropping practical stunts, including Cruise's unprecedented motorcycle cliff jump, and introduces a chilling new human antagonist in Gabriel (Esai Morales). It's a high-stakes, thrilling first chapter that leaves audiences eagerly awaiting the conclusion.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that pushes the franchise to new heights. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film sees Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) racing against time after a mission to recover stolen plutonium goes wrong. Joined by allies Benji, Luther, and MI6 agent Ilsa Faust, Hunt must face a new nemesis, August Walker (Henry Cavill), and confront the fallout of his past decisions. Featuring jaw-dropping stunts—including a HALO jump and a helicopter chase—Fallout combines emotional depth, complex characters, and relentless action. It’s widely regarded as one of the best entries in the Mission: Impossible series.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) reinvigorates the franchise with explosive action and global espionage. Directed by Brad Bird, the film follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his disavowed IMF team after they are blamed for bombing the Kremlin. Operating without official support, they must clear their names and stop a nuclear extremist from triggering global war. Featuring stunning set pieces—most notably the Burj Khalifa climb in Dubai—the film delivers high-stakes thrills and inventive choreography. With a strong ensemble cast including Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Paula Patton, Ghost Protocol raised the bar for the series and cemented its modern legacy.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) continues Ethan Hunt’s high-octane journey as he faces his most elusive enemy yet—the Syndicate, a rogue organization as skilled and resourceful as the IMF. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film blends espionage, breathtaking stunts, and intense suspense. Hunt goes off the grid to uncover the Syndicate’s operations, joined by loyal allies Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames), and newcomer Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a mysterious MI6 agent. From a daring plane takeoff stunt to a riveting underwater sequence, Rogue Nation is a stylish, smart, and thrilling entry that redefines the boundaries of the action genre.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) concludes the epic battle against the sentient AI, the Entity. Picking up from Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team (Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell) race to prevent global catastrophe as the Entity's human liaison, Gabriel (Esai Morales), wields its immense power. Director Christopher McQuarrie promises even more groundbreaking practical stunts, including underwater sequences and aerial maneuvers, while bringing emotional payoffs to long-running character arcs. This highly anticipated film is expected to be a spectacular and potentially definitive conclusion to Ethan Hunt's incredible journey.