The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mission Impossible Movies in Order
Alright, Mission Impossible fans, buckle up! We're going on a wild ride through the best movies in this action-packed franchise. We'll explore each film, from the first to the latest, and rank them based on story, action, and Tom Cruise's death-defying stunts. So, grab some popcorn and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and best mission impossible movies in order.
Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
Kicking off our countdown is the sixth installment, Mission Impossible: Fallout. This movie is a adrenaline-pumping masterpiece that sets the bar high for the entire franchise. With stunning stunts, a gripping storyline, and an all-star cast, Fallout is a must-watch for any MI fan.
Why it's the best:
- Action: Fallout is packed with edge-of-your-seat stunts, including a mind-blowing HALO jump and a bone-crunching bathroom brawl. - Storyline: The plot is intricate and engaging, with twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very end. - Cast: Tom Cruise is joined by a powerhouse ensemble, including Rebecca Ferguson, Henry Cavill, and Angela Bassett.
Mission Impossible III (2006)
Next up is Mission Impossible III, which brought Philip Seymour Hoffman's villainous Owen Davian to life and introduced us to Ethan Hunt's fiancée, Julia (Michelle Monaghan). This film is a thrilling ride that delivered stunning visuals and intense action sequences.
Why it's awesome:
- Villain: Hoffman's chilling performance as Davian makes him one of the franchise's most memorable antagonists. - Emotional stakes: MI:III adds a personal touch by putting Ethan's loved ones in harm's way. - Action: From a high-speed chase through Shanghai to a nail-biting plutonium heist, this movie delivers the goods.
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015)
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation upped the ante with its high-stakes plot and jaw-dropping stunts. This film introduced us to the mysterious Syndicate and featured a standout performance from Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust.
Why it's a standout:
- Stunts: Rogue Nation is home to some of the franchise's most breathtaking stunts, including the now-iconic bathroom scene and a death-defying plane sequence. - Ilsa Faust: Rebecca Ferguson's character is a formidable ally (or enemy?) to Ethan Hunt, adding depth and intrigue to the story. - Plot twists: Rogue Nation keeps you on the edge of your seat with a series of unexpected turns.
Mission Impossible (1996)
The original Mission Impossible movie is a classic that started it all. Based on the 1960s TV series, this film introduced us to Ethan Hunt and set the stage for the action-packed franchise to come.
Why it's a classic:
- Tom Cruise: Cruise's debut as Ethan Hunt solidified his status as an action movie powerhouse. - Intricate plot: The original MI features a complex and engaging storyline that keeps you guessing. - Iconic theme: The movie's iconic theme music, composed by Lalo Schifrin, became synonymous with the franchise and is still used today.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011)
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is a non-stop thrill ride that takes Ethan Hunt and his team around the world, from Dubai to Mumbai. This film features stunning visuals, impressive stunts, and a memorable performance from Jeremy Renner as new IMF agent, William Brandt.
Why it's a blast:
- Action: Ghost Protocol delivers one breathtaking stunt after another, including a heart-pounding Burj Khalifa climb. - Humor: This movie adds a touch of humor, with several laugh-out-loud moments that balance the intense action. - Global adventure: Ghost Protocol takes us on a whirlwind tour of exotic locations, from Russia to Dubai.
Mission Impossible II (2000)
Mission Impossible II is a divisive film in the franchise, but it's still worth a watch for its over-the-top action and unique take on the MI formula. This movie features a memorable performance from Dougray Scott as the villainous Sean Ambrose and an impressive soundtrack by U2.
Why it's worth a watch:
- Action: MI:II is packed with high-octane stunts, including a high-speed motorcycle chase and a tense underwater sequence. - Unique storyline: This film takes the franchise in a new direction, focusing on a stolen bioweapon and a race against time to stop a global pandemic. - U2 soundtrack: The movie's soundtrack, featuring songs like "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation," adds an extra layer of energy to the action.
Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018) - Honorable Mention
We've already mentioned Mission Impossible: Fallout as our top pick, but it's so good that it deserves an honorable mention as well. This movie is a true love letter to MI fans, featuring callbacks to previous films and a thrilling conclusion to the franchise's "apocalypse trilogy" (MI:III, Ghost Protocol, Fallout).
Why it's an honorable mention:
- Stunts: Fallout features some of the most impressive stunts in the franchise, including a mind-blowing HALO jump and a harrowing helicopter chase. - Storyline: The plot ties up loose ends from previous films and sets the stage for future missions. - Emotional resonance: Fallout explores the consequences of Ethan's actions throughout the franchise, adding depth and emotional weight to the story.
And there you have it, folks! Our definitive ranking of the best Mission Impossible movies in order. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, there's something here for everyone. So grab your favorite MI flick, crank up the volume, and enjoy the ride!