With the release of Mission Impossible: Fallout, we are officially 6 movies in on a 22 year-long franchise. It is pretty impressive that they have kept the same lead and supporting actors and there’s been no reboot with a new cast or studio. The beauty of the Mission Impossible films is that they continue to get better as they go on. That and Tom Cruise does all of his own epic stunts and that is simply so impressive. Cruise is also somehow getting younger-looking and faster. Must have something to do with that Church of Scientology…. Anyway, below is a list ranking all of the Mission Impossible films from worst to best.
6. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
It’s really no surprise that M:1:-2 is the worst one on this list. Tom Cruise was good in his role for the most part, the problem was that the script was way too cheesy and the plot got convoluted as the movie went on. Basically, this one was all style and no substance. Plus, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that the long hair on Cruise looked kind of weird..
5. Mission Impossible (1996)
The original Mission Impossible will always be an action classic, despite suffering from a somewhat messy screenplay. The action was incredible, especially for the 90s. Cruise embraces the role of Ethan Hunt immediately, and you can tell that he is perfect for it. One of the main problems with this one is that it moves so fast and several things that the audience doesn’t understand are just kind of move past and not explained. The writers just expected them to be transfixed on the action and on Cruise that they thought it didn’t matter to explain technical and complex plot points.
4. Mission Impossible III (2006)
Mission Impossible III is a fun movie and the first one in the franchise to have a smart screenplay. Director JJ Abrams took the reigns on this one and the change in vision was fresh and much-needed. The famous freeway scene with the drone is spectacular and the movie as a whole is very fast paced and exciting. This one also introduced us to our first great villain in the series with Philip Seymour Hoffman as Owen Davian. Mission Impossible III was a very important movie as well; If this one had been bad after MI: 2 wasn’t received well, its likely that this would’ve been the end of the franchise. Luckily, people generally liked MI:III.
3. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011)
This instalment in the series was absolutely incredible. What Hollywood can do visual effects wise had come so far in 2011 that the action sequences were mind-blowing. The cast got some new additions as well in Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton. On the re-watch at home, some of the scenes with the dust storm didn’t age too well. One can definitely tell the actors are right in front of a green screen. Other than that, Ghost Protocol is awesome.
2. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015)
Rogue Nation has one of the best screenplays in the entire franchise. Cruise is amazing as Ethan Hunt and some of the action sequences are groundbreaking. The way this one was shot definitely made it pleasing to watch as well. There was a nice blend of comedy, specifically from Simon Pegg. Basically, Rogue Nation has it all.
1. Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
Mission Impossible: Fallout is not only the best in the franchise, but it is one of the best action movies ever. It stands tall with the iconic Mad Max: Fury Road. It is a beautiful mix of an espionage spy thriller and a mind-blowing action movie. The screenplay is so smart and every time you think you know where its going, it goes in a different direction. It remains cohesive and the action sequences are simply breathtaking. Henry Cavill is fantastic in his role as well, bringing a bigger and tougher character to the series. Ethan Hunt has to face so many dilemmas, both personal and professional, and this makes his character depth deeper than ever. This is his best performance as Ethan Hunt and generally his best performance in years. Fallout is a must see in IMAX. I really hope The Academy keeps this one in mind come awards season. If Mad Max: Fury Road got a Best Picture Nomination, then Fallout definitely deserves one too.