Mission: Impossible Movies Ranked From Worst to Best

Tom Cruise dangling from impossible heights, intricate masks, and heart-stopping espionage – the Mission: Impossible franchise has defined action cinema for nearly three decades. With eight adrenaline-fueled instalments and potentially more on the horizon, fans passionately debate which missions soar highest. Drawing on critical consensus, box office performance, and enduring fan appeal, we rank every Ethan Hunt adventure from the bottom to the very best.

How Do Experts Rank the Mission Impossible Films?

Ranking these films involves weighing multiple factors: the ingenuity and execution of action sequences, the strength of the villain, character development (especially for Hunt and his team), narrative coherence, and overall impact on the action genre. Crucially, even the lowest-ranked entries in this series outperform many standalone action films, a testament to the consistently high bar set by Cruise and his collaborators. Industry analysts like Box Office Pro note the franchise’s unique trajectory: unlike many series, it grew significantly stronger in its later phases, with Fallout (2018) and Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) becoming critical and commercial peaks. Stunt coordination, practical effects mastery, and evolving directorial visions (from Brian De Palma to Christopher McQuarrie) all play pivotal roles in defining each film’s place.

Mission Impossible Movies: The Complete Ranking

1. Mission: Impossible II (2000): John Woo’s stylized entry introduced Cruise as a full-blown action hero but suffers from dated effects, excessive slow-motion, and an over-reliance on mask reveals. While Thandie Newton shines and the final motorcycle duel delivers thrills, its convoluted plot and melodrama place it last for many fans (Variety, 2000).
2. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023): A visually spectacular entry featuring an incredible Rome car chase and train-top climax. However, its focus on setting up the AI-driven “Entity” storyline for Part Two leaves it feeling slightly incomplete narratively (The Hollywood Reporter, 2023).
3. Mission: Impossible (1996): Brian De Palma’s original masterfully captured the show’s espionage roots. The iconic Langley vault break-in remains a franchise high point. Yet, its lower-key action and complex plot feel less dynamic compared to later globe-trotting spectacles (RogerEbert.com, Revisited).
4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015): Christopher McQuarrie’s debut as director revitalized the franchise. Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust became an instant icon, and the opera house sequence is pure tension. The breathtaking Morocco motorcycle chase slightly overshadows the finale, however (Entertainment Weekly, 2015).
5. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011): Brad Bird injected thrilling scale, most memorably with Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa in IMAX – arguably the franchise’s most iconic stunt. Jeremy Renner’s addition worked well, though the villain (Michael Nyqvist) lacked menace (Collider, Retrospective).
6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025): This ambitious conclusion delivers jaw-dropping action and emotional payoffs. While some debate its heavier sci-fi leanings with “The Entity,” it provides a satisfying, high-stakes finale to Hunt’s saga (Deadline, 2025).
7. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018): Widely hailed as a masterpiece. Henry Cavill’s imposing villain, the Paris bathroom brawl, the HALO jump, and the helicopter chase set a new standard for action filmmaking. Seamless pacing and emotional depth make it relentless (The Guardian, 2018).
8. Mission: Impossible III (2006): J.J. Abrams’ entry tops our list. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s chilling Owen Davian is the franchise’s best villain. It grounds Ethan Hunt with real emotional stakes through Michelle Monaghan’s Julia. The Vatican break-in and bridge assault deliver thrilling action, balanced perfectly with character-driven tension (Empire, 2006 Retrospective).

Ultimately, the Mission: Impossible series stands as a rare franchise where quality escalated over time, driven by Tom Cruise’s unparalleled commitment to practical stunts and evolving directorial talent. From De Palma’s tense spycraft to McQuarrie’s breathtaking action crescendos, Ethan Hunt’s missions consistently push cinematic boundaries. Whether you agree with ranking M:I-III at the peak or champion Fallout‘s perfection, revisit these iconic films and experience the adrenaline rush all over again.

Must Know

What is the most successful Mission: Impossible movie financially?
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) holds the global box office crown for the franchise, earning over $791 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo. It surpassed Dead Reckoning Part One ($567.5 million) and Ghost Protocol ($694.7 million). Success is attributed to its critical acclaim and jaw-dropping stunts.

Who directed the most Mission: Impossible movies?
Christopher McQuarrie has directed the most films in the franchise: Rogue Nation (2015), Fallout (2018), Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), and The Final Reckoning (2025). His partnership with Tom Cruise is credited with the series’ recent critical and commercial peak.

Why is Mission: Impossible III often ranked highly by fans?
Fans and critics frequently praise M:I-III for Philip Seymour Hoffman’s terrifying villain performance, the emotional core provided by Ethan’s relationship with Julia (Michelle Monaghan), and its tighter, more personal stakes. J.J. Abrams’ focus on character amidst the action resonates deeply.

What is Tom Cruise’s most dangerous Mission: Impossible stunt?
While the Burj Khalifa climb (Ghost Protocol) and HALO jump (Fallout) are legendary, Cruise considers the motorcycle cliff base jump in Dead Reckoning Part One his most dangerous. He performed it six times during filming after extensive training (Empire, 2023 Interview).

Will there be more Mission: Impossible movies after The Final Reckoning?
While marketed as the conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s story, Paramount has not ruled out future franchise instalments. Potential spin-offs focusing on other IMF agents, like Ilsa Faust or characters introduced later, are considered possible (Variety, 2025).