Mission: Impossible Movies, Ranked

It’s a bittersweet task to analyze this, especially since I hold an immense admiration for John Woo, the legendary Hong Kong filmmaker. However, even Woo would admit that M:I 2 falls short of his best work. He was perhaps miscast for this project. Interestingly, Woo’s collaboration with Jean-Claude Van Damme in Hard Target (1993) resulted in a more compelling film than his American venture with Cruise. The cultural and stylistic clash between Woo’s operatic, melodramatic approach and Hollywood’s commercial demands often created a disconnect. Released four years after Brian De Palma’s original Mission: Impossible, M:I 2 is a spectacle of flashy visuals and slow-motion sequences, embodying a “more is more” philosophy. Yet, excess does not always translate to excellence. The film’s focus on style-highlighted by Cruise’s long hair and a high-octane meet-cute with Thandie Newton amid a high-speed chase-leaves viewers craving depth beyond the superficial villain (Dougray Scott) and a plot revolving around… stock options? Despite its flaws, the opening sequence featuring Cruise hanging from Utah’s Dead Horse Point remains a breathtaking display of vertigo-inducing stunt work.

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Transitioning from Brian De Palma to John Woo and then to J.J. Abrams might seem like a whirlwind of stylistic shifts, but Abrams’ debut in the franchise proves to be a surprisingly cohesive entry. Known for emphasizing character development over spectacle, Abrams brought a more grounded emotional core to Ethan Hunt’s adventures-something that was somewhat lacking in Woo’s flamboyant M:I 2. However, some might argue that Abrams overcorrected, as the film could have benefited from a touch more grandeur. Nonetheless, M:I 3 stands out as a personal mission for Hunt, whose backstory remains largely shrouded in mystery. Michelle Monaghan’s character, though played with sincerity, lacks chemistry with Cruise, but the real tension ignites in the face-off between Cruise and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Owen Davian, a chilling villain. The film’s most memorable sequences include the Shanghai skyscraper climb and a seemingly fake bridge ambush, but the standout moment is the Vatican extraction, showcasing the franchise’s signature use of low-budget yet effective disguise tricks. In this case, less truly becomes more.

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The film industry is often haunted by projects that aim to spawn endless franchises, yet many falter under the weight of overambition-examples include The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and John Carter. From the outset, it was clear that Brian De Palma’s Mission: Impossible was the beginning of a series designed to grow beyond its origins, even if De Palma himself was no longer involved. The allure was undeniable: the nostalgic pull of the classic TV series combined with Tom Cruise’s star power. However, the film quickly signaled that these adaptations would prioritize spectacle and complex plotting over faithful storytelling. One of the most iconic moments remains the tense, sweat-drenched break-in at CIA headquarters in Langley-an achievement of pure cinematic ingenuity that still holds up today. Over the years, the franchise’s set pieces have grown larger and more elaborate, but this initial sequence remains a benchmark for suspense and cleverness, a masterclass in minimalist tension that set the tone for future installments.

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The primary reason Dead Reckoning Part One ranks high here is its delayed release-coming nearly three years after its intended debut, which slightly diminishes its impact. The film introduces an AI antagonist that feels more like a parody of modern tech thrillers, yet Tom Cruise’s magnetic screen presence remains undiminished. He continues to push the boundaries of physical endurance, performing jaw-dropping stunts such as navigating narrow Roman streets in a tiny car, engaging in brutal fistfights in confined alleyways, and leaping off cliffs on a motorcycle-all at the age of 60. These sequences are nothing short of astonishing, reaffirming Cruise’s reputation as the quintessential action star. Although the subsequent installment, The Final Reckoning, arguably surpasses it in scope and spectacle, this film’s relentless focus on high-octane action cements its place as a modern blockbuster marvel.

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Every epic saga must eventually reach its conclusion, and for Tom Cruise’s ageless Ethan Hunt, that moment arrives with The Final Chapter. This culmination of over two decades of espionage adventures is a whirlwind of adrenaline and nostalgia, picking up immediately after Dead Reckoning Part One left off. The team-featuring familiar faces like Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and newcomer Pom Klementieff-embarks on a mission to thwart the villainous Gabriel (played by Esai Morales) and his doomsday AI device, “the Entity.” Yet, the plot’s complexity often feels secondary to the franchise’s signature set pieces. Cruise’s underwater stunt, diving into the depths of a sunken Russian submarine to retrieve a vital device, is visually stunning and tense. Equally breathtaking is his daring walk along the wing of an aging biplane in a death-defying stunt. Filled with callbacks to earlier films, The Final Chapter feels like a farewell to a genre that’s been a staple of Hollywood’s blockbuster landscape-an ode to the spectacle and craftsmanship that defined the series. Cruise’s performance ensures that, even as the franchise concludes, it does so with style and grandeur.

This entry marks a pivotal point in the franchise, where the decision to have each film directed by a different visionary truly paid off. From the outset, Rogue Nation demonstrates a seamless blend of high-octane action and intricate plotting. Tom Cruise’s collaboration with director Christopher McQuarrie has become legendary, with McQuarrie’s background in crafting complex narratives like The Usual Suspects shining through. The film kicks off with Cruise hanging perilously from a cargo plane during takeoff-an iconic shot that sets the tone for relentless adrenaline. The film’s brilliance lies in its meticulous pacing and inventive sequences, such as the underwater computer chip exchange and the operatic Vienna opera-house sequence, which showcases the franchise’s ability to combine suspense with a touch of grandeur. Rebecca Ferguson’s introduction as the enigmatic Ilsa adds a new layer of intrigue, and the film’s tight storytelling and clever set pieces make it a standout in the series.

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The defining moment of Ghost Protocol is undoubtedly the scene atop Dubai’s tallest skyscraper-the Burj Khalifa. Watching Cruise scale this architectural marvel in a dizzying, gravity-defying sequence is nothing short of cinematic perfection. It’s arguably the most iconic action scene of the 21st century to date, setting a new standard for stunt work. Following a somewhat uneven M:I 3, director Brad Bird revitalized the franchise with a fresh energy, blending humor and high-stakes action seamlessly. The team’s chemistry, especially between Cruise and Simon Pegg, along with Paula Patton’s addition, elevated the film’s appeal. The film’s inventive set pieces, including a daring Kremlin infiltration and a sandstorm sequence reminiscent of biblical epics, showcase the franchise’s evolution into a spectacle that balances humor, tension, and jaw-dropping stunts. Lea Seydoux’s role further enriches the ensemble, making this installment a fan favorite.

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Fallout stands as the zenith of the franchise, delivering a relentless barrage of pulse-pounding sequences packed into 147 minutes-an exhilarating ride from start to finish. Cruise, at 56, demonstrates that age is just a number as he performs death-defying stunts, including a notorious ankle-breaking jump in Paris, with unwavering commitment. This film arguably surpasses even the legendary Skyfall in terms of depth, offering a rare glimpse into Ethan Hunt’s personal sacrifices and emotional struggles. The action sequences are nothing short of iconic: HALO jumps lit by lightning, a high-speed motorcycle chase through Paris, and a helicopter finale that leaves audiences breathless. Fallout not only redefines what a blockbuster can be but also cements Cruise’s reputation as the ultimate action star of his generation. It’s a must-watch for anyone craving pure, unadulterated cinematic adrenaline.

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