"Ranking All Eight 'Mission: Impossible' Movies: From the Least Thrilling to the Most Daring"

Tom Cruise is taking on one last daring adventure in "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," the eighth and potentially final installment in the franchise. This movie pits Ethan Hunt against an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that threatens global destruction. The "Mission: Impossible" series began in 1996 with Tom Cruise as the lead, and the original "Mission: Impossible" TV series debuted in 1966, starring Steven Hill and Peter Graves, running until 1973 and later revived for two additional seasons in 1988. As the franchise comes to a close, it’s worth reflecting on its evolution through the eyes of fans and critics. Ranking the "Mission: Impossible" Movies 8. "Mission: Impossible 2" (2000) "Mission: Impossible 2" is often considered the weakest entry in the series. Directed by John Woo, the film features Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, who must stop a dangerous pathogen and retrieve stolen research. Despite its high-action sequences, such as a motorcycle chase through Sydney, the plot is convoluted and lacks the depth and complexity of later installments. The film received mixed reviews and is seen as more of a standard action movie rather than a nuanced spy thriller. 7. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" (2011) Brad Bird directed "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," which sees Ethan Hunt leading a mission to prevent a terrorist attack that could spark World War III. The film features one of the most memorable sequences in the franchise: Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. While this sequence is undeniably spectacular, the overall plot and character development are somewhat lacking compared to other entries. However, it still delivers high-quality action and thrilling set pieces. 6. "Mission: Impossible 3" (2006) JJ Abrams, known for "Lost" and "Fringe," directed "Mission: Impossible 3," which marks the director's big-screen debut. The plot revolves around Ethan Hunt trying to stop a terrorist from acquiring the mysterious "Rabbit's Foot" while dealing with his personal life and new romance with Julia Meade (Michelle Monaghan). Abrams packed the film with intense action sequences, but the story sometimes feels rushed, and some elements, like the dynamic between Ethan and Lindsey Farris (Keri Russell), don’t quite land. Still, the high-stakes bridge shootout and Cruise's commitment to practical stunts make it a solid entry. 5. "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" (2025) Set to release in 2025, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" promises to bring the franchise to a dramatic conclusion. The plot will revolve around Ethan Hunt confronting an AI that poses a grave threat to humanity. With Tom Cruise once again at the helm and Christopher McQuarrie returning as director, the film is expected to combine intense action with sophisticated storytelling, capping off the series' legacy. 4. "Mission: Impossible" (1996) The original "Mission: Impossible" film sets the stage for the franchise, introducing Ethan Hunt as a field agent under the command of Jim Phelps (Jon Voight). When his team is betrayed and Phelps is framed for their murders, Ethan must clear his name and uncover the mole. The film is notable for its intense break-in scene at the CIA headquarters, where Cruise dangles from wires to hack into a mainframe. The ending on top of a Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel is also a highlight. Brian De Palma's direction, along with strong performances from the cast, helps establish the tone of intrigue and paranoia that would define the series. 3. "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" (2015) "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" continues the trend of escalating stakes, with Ethan Hunt and his team facing off against Solomon Lane (Alan Rickman) and his rogue organization. The film introduces Agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), whose loyalties are initially uncertain, adding layers of tension and nuance. Key scenes, such as the underwater mission and the climactic fight in a plane's cockpit, showcase the series' commitment to groundbreaking action and practical stunts. Christopher McQuarrie's direction and a deeper exploration of the IMF team dynamics contribute to its high ranking. 2. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" (2023) The latest installment, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One," brings Ethan Hunt back to confront past enemies and a new threat. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film maintains the series’ high-energy action and intricate plot twists. It reintroduces familiar faces and adds new dimensions to ongoing character arcs, particularly those of Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames). The film sets the stage for the finale, building anticipation and continuing the series' legacy of delivering intense, well-crafted missions. 1. "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" (2018) "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" is widely regarded as the best film in the series, further cementing Christopher McQuarrie's prowess as a director. The film features a perfectly balanced mix of action, emotion, and suspense, with Ethan Hunt and his team attempting to prevent a nuclear disaster caused by the Apostles, a group led by August Walker (Henry Cavill). Notable sequences include a thrilling helicopter chase and an extended free-climbing scene. The film stands out for its exceptional pacing, plot coherence, and the depth of its characters, making it a fitting penultimate chapter in Ethan Hunt's legendary career. Industry Insights and Company Profiles Industry insiders have praised the "Mission: Impossible" series for its consistent quality and innovation in action filmmaking. Tom Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts and the meticulous planning of each film's action sequences have become hallmarks of the franchise. Skydance Media and Paramount Pictures, the production companies behind the series, have a strong track record in creating high-grossing, critically acclaimed action films. As the series concludes with "The Final Reckoning," expectations are high for a fitting end that honors the legacy of one of the biggest action franchises in cinema.