All 8 Mission: Impossible Films, Ranked From Worst to Best

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The Mission: Impossible films starring Tom Cruise are considered among the greatest action series ever made. What’s impressive is how consistently good the eight movies have been, and they’ve really influenced the style of modern action blockbusters. While all of the films offer something to enjoy, some are stronger than others, so here’s a ranking from least to most impressive.

Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt first appeared in the 1996 film Mission: Impossible, which began as a remake of a classic television series. Over time, the movies evolved beyond their source material and became something special. While still retaining the spirit and over-the-top style of the original show, Cruise’s Mission: Impossible films are now famous for their unbelievable stunts, exciting action, and the dramatic reveal of characters in disguise.

8) Mission: Impossible II

Most fans of the Mission: Impossible series have similar opinions about which movies are the best and worst, though they often disagree about the ones in the middle. It’s not surprising, then, that Mission: Impossible II appears on our list as the weakest entry. It doesn’t have the qualities that make the newer Mission: Impossible films so good, and its biggest flaw is that it’s just not very memorable.

Tom Cruise is still charismatic in this movie, but it doesn’t have the excitement you’d expect from a Mission: Impossible film. It really misses the direction of Brian De Palma from the original, and while John Woo is a talented director, this isn’t one of his strongest works. Mission: Impossible II isn’t terrible, but it’s easily the least impressive movie in the series so far.

7) Mission: Impossible

The original Mission: Impossible is a strong movie, and its relatively low ranking here really shows how consistently excellent the series has become. While the 1996 film is a little more over-the-top than the ones that followed, and its connections to the older TV show feel a bit dated, it still has some truly memorable scenes. It just doesn’t quite reach the level of the later films known for their incredible stunts.

What really makes this film stand out is Brian De Palma’s direction. He’s at the top of his game here, and many consider it the most visually striking movie in the series. Fans of his signature style – think unusual camera angles and split-screen effects – will especially enjoy it.

6) Mission: Impossible III

With Mission: Impossible III, the series really hit its stride. It’s more realistic, incorporates more advanced technology, and is generally more visually exciting than the earlier films. A key reason the story stands out is Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s fantastic performance; his character, Owen Davian, is widely considered the best villain in the whole franchise, and his scenes with Tom Cruise are captivating.

5) Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

While slightly not as strong as the previous film, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is still a truly excellent movie. It shows director Christopher McQuarrie settling into the series, and proves how talented he was from the beginning. The story about the Syndicate is compelling and sets the stage well for the rest of the Mission: Impossible films.

4) Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

The Final Reckoning is a bit of a mixed bag. The last two hours are fantastic – some of the best action the Mission: Impossible series has ever delivered, with a particularly exciting dogfight and submarine sequence, and a heartfelt farewell to the characters we’ve come to love. Unfortunately, the first hour feels rushed and disorganized, which holds the movie back. Despite this, it’s still a good film, and many viewers might enjoy it more if they started with the second hour.

3) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

Before Christopher McQuarrie took over as director, Brad Bird helmed a memorable Mission: Impossible film, effectively marking the end of an era where each film had a distinct directorial style. Rogue Nation successfully built upon the foundation laid by Ghost Protocol, capturing a winning combination of excitement, action, and visual flair that defined later installments. While surpassed by subsequent films, it was widely considered the best Mission: Impossible movie when it came out.

2) Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning

Despite the challenge of following such a popular film, Dead Reckoning delivers. The villain, The Entity, is truly compelling, and Grace is a standout character. The movie features the most thrilling car chase in the series and delves deeper into Ethan Hunt’s past. While the ending felt a little rushed, Dead Reckoning is a strong start to the final chapter of the franchise.

1) Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Most people agree that Mission: Impossible – Fallout is the strongest film in the Mission: Impossible series. It’s a thrilling movie from beginning to end, showcasing Tom Cruise at his best, with incredible stunts, masterful direction by Christopher McQuarrie, and some truly surprising twists and disguises.

Henry Cavill’s character, August Walker, is a standout performance and truly elevates the film. He delivers a career-best performance with a role packed with surprises. From its funny beginning to its thrilling end, Mission: Impossible – Fallout is a truly unforgettable movie and the best installment in the Mission: Impossible series.

Okay, fellow movie fans, let’s talk Mission: Impossible! I’m genuinely curious – what’s your absolute favorite film in the series? Drop a comment below and let’s geek out about it together over at the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-02 20:14