"Mission: Impossible" Franchise: Ranking the Impossible | MarkMeets | Celebrity News, Music, Movies, TV, London Film Premieres

Tom Cruise recently graced the big screen with the latest installment of his iconic franchise, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” Despite its underwhelming box office performance, the film has been hailed as one of the series’ best, solidifying “Mission: Impossible” as a consistent cinematic action saga. In this ranking, we’ll delve into each film, exploring their unique strengths, memorable moments, and the evolution of the franchise over the years.

Table of Contents

7. “Mission: Impossible II” (2000): Climbing Mountains and Chasing Viruses

Despite its position at the bottom of the list, “Mission: Impossible II” is not without its merits. The film, directed by John Woo, showcases Hollywood’s famous mountain-climbing sequence and introduces us to antagonist Sean Ambrose, played by Dougray Scott, and Nyah Hall, portrayed by Thandiwe Newton. The plot revolves around the theft of a chemically engineered virus, Chimera, setting the stage for a spy thriller in Sydney, Australia. While considered a weak sequel, the film gains relevance today due to its theme of a deadly pandemic, making it a flawed yet essential watch for fans.

6. “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015): A Leap into Modern Espionage

“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” takes a significant leap into the modern era of espionage. The disbandment of the IMF places Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, on a solo mission to combat the Syndicate, a secret organization disrupting global order. The film, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, introduces the formidable Ilsa Faust, played by Rebecca Ferguson, and marks a turning point in the franchise’s narrative. The stakes are higher, the action is thrilling, and the film sets the stage for the series’ continued evolution.

5. “Mission: Impossible III” (2006): Intensity and Intrigue

“Mission: Impossible III” stands out as one of the most intense entries, fueled by Philip Seymour Hoffman’s compelling performance as Owen Davian. Ethan Hunt is thrust back into the world of espionage to thwart Davian, who possesses a deadly weapon named Rabbit’s Foot. Michelle Monaghan joins the cast as Julia Meade, Ethan’s wife, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The interactions between Cruise and Hoffman evoke the stylish thrillers of the 1970s, providing a satisfying yet temporary conclusion to Hunt’s storyline.

4. “Mission: Impossible” (1996): A Classic Introduction to Ethan Hunt

The inaugural film in the series, “Mission: Impossible,” directed by Brian De Palma, introduces audiences to Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. Framed for his team’s murder, Hunt navigates a conspiracy with the help of Luther, played by Ving Rhames. The film blends nostalgia from the original TV series with modern cinematic elements, laying the foundation for the franchise. Iconic stunts and tropes, including Cruise hanging from a cable, have become integral to “Mission: Impossible” lore.

3. “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011): Reinvention and Iconic Stunts

“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” marks a reinvention of the series, introducing new IMF members William Brandt and Benji Dunn. The plot, reminiscent of the 1996 film, revolves around Ethan Hunt being framed for an attack on the IMF. The film’s standout moment is Ethan’s climb up the Burj Khalifa, a sequence that remains one of the most exhilarating in modern action cinema. Tight and elegant, “Ghost Protocol” successfully paves the way for the series’ contemporary status.

2. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018): Adrenaline, Intrigue, and a Formidable Villain

Considered a fan favorite, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” delivers adrenaline-pumping action as Ethan Hunt, portrayed by Cruise, teams up with Henry Cavill’s character, Walker. Blurring the lines between good and evil, the film explores a black market plutonium bid gone awry. Cavill’s John Lark emerges as one of the franchise’s best villains, adding depth to the narrative. The film’s success lies in its risky missions, intricate plot, and the return of familiar faces, solidifying its status as a standout entry.

1. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023): A Terrifying New Villain and Electrifying Chemistry

The latest installment, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” takes the top spot in our ranking. The film sees Ethan Hunt confronting a rogue AI, posing a threat of global destruction. With wild stunts, a focus on female characters, and a spine-chilling antagonist, it has quickly garnered high acclaim. The chemistry between Cruise and newcomer Hayley Atwell, who portrays Grace, adds an electrifying dynamic to the franchise. Released in 2023, “Dead Reckoning Part One” elevates the series to new heights, solidifying its place as an action powerhouse.

In conclusion, the “Mission: Impossible” franchise has evolved over the years, consistently delivering high-octane action, memorable characters, and a blend of thrilling stunts. Each installment contributes to the series’ success, with “Dead Reckoning Part One” standing out as a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal and ability to reinvent itself.