How to watch every Mission: Impossible movie in order

The Mission: Impossible movie franchise, produced by Paramount Pictures, has been thrilling audiences for over 25 years with its high-stakes espionage, breathtaking stunts, and the charismatic performance of Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. If you're looking to dive into these impossible films or revisit them from the beginning, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to watch every Mission: Impossible movie in order, providing insights into each film's plot, critical reception, and place in the overall franchise.

Release Order vs. Chronological Order

Unlike some film franchises, the Mission: Impossible series is straightforward when it comes to viewing order. The release order and chronological order are the same, making it easy for viewers to follow the story's progression. Here's the list of Mission: Impossible movies in order of release:

Now, let's dive into each film in detail:

1. Mission: Impossible (1996)

Director: Brian De Palma
Runtime: 110 minutes

The first mission introduces us to Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), a skilled agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). When a mission in Prague goes horribly wrong, Ethan finds himself accused of being a mole and must go on the run to clear his name. This movie sets the tone for the entire franchise with its intricate plot, tense action sequences, and the now-iconic scene of Ethan suspended from the ceiling of a high-security vault.

The film features a stellar cast including Jon Voight and Emmanuelle Béart. It was a critical and commercial success, praised for its stylish direction by Brian De Palma and Cruise's committed performance. It effectively updated the original TV show for a modern audience while establishing its own unique identity.

2. Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Director: John Woo
Runtime: 123 minutes

The sequel takes a different approach, with Hong Kong action director John Woo bringing his signature style to the franchise. This time, Ethan must stop a former IMF agent who has stolen a deadly virus and its cure. The film is known for its over-the-top action sequences, including an extended motorcycle chase finale. Thandiwe Newton joins the cast as Ethan's love interest, while Dougray Scott plays the film's antagonist.

While commercially successful, M:I-2 received mixed reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Some praised its action set-pieces, while others felt it strayed too far from the espionage roots of the original. Nevertheless, it solidified the franchise's position as a major player in the action genre.

3. Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Director: J.J. Abrams
Runtime: 126 minutes

J.J. Abrams made his feature directorial debut with this installment, which many consider a return to form for the series. The plot revolves around Ethan's attempt to rescue his fiancée, played by Michelle Monaghan, from a ruthless arms dealer, portrayed brilliantly by Philip Seymour Hoffman. This film delves deeper into Ethan's personal life and introduces recurring characters like Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and brings back Henry Czerny as Eugene Kittridge from the first film.

M:I-3 was praised for its taut direction, emotional depth, and Hoffman's menacing villain. It successfully blended the series' trademark action with more personal stakes for the protagonist. The film also features Keri Russell in a memorable supporting role.

4. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Director: Brad Bird
Runtime: 133 minutes

Pixar veteran Brad Bird took the helm for this fourth installment, which many consider a high point of the series. After the IMF is shut down, Ethan and his team must go rogue to clear the organization's name. The film features some of the franchise's most memorable set-pieces, including Cruise's death-defying climb up the Burj Khalifa. Jeremy Renner joins the IMF team as William Brandt, while Paula Patton rounds out the core cast.

Ghost Protocol was a critical and commercial triumph, praised for its inventive action sequences, humor, and the chemistry between the ensemble cast. It revitalized the franchise and set a new standard for future installments.

5. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Runtime: 131 minutes

Christopher McQuarrie, who would become the franchise's mainstay director, took over for this fifth entry. Ethan faces off against the Syndicate, a shadowy organization of rogue operatives. The film introduces Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a complex ally who would become a crucial character in subsequent films. Alec Baldwin joins the cast as Alan Hunley, the CIA director who initially opposes the IMF.

Rogue Nation was lauded for its sleek direction, intricate plot, and standout performances, particularly from Ferguson. It maintained the high standard set by its predecessor while further developing the franchise's mythology.

6. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Runtime: 147 minutes

The sixth installment is the first direct sequel in the series, continuing plot threads from Rogue Nation. Ethan and his team race against time to recover stolen plutonium cores while being hounded by a CIA assassin (Henry Cavill). Angela Bassett joins the cast as the new CIA director, while Vanessa Kirby makes her debut as the enigmatic White Widow.

Fallout is known for its relentless pacing and jaw-dropping stunts, including a HALO jump and helicopter chase sequence. Widely regarded as one of the best action films of the 2010s, Fallout received universal acclaim for its direction, performances, action sequences, and cinematography. It raised the bar for the entire action genre and cemented the Mission: Impossible franchise as a pinnacle of blockbuster filmmaking.

7. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Runtime: 163 minutes

The seventh entry in the franchise sees Ethan Hunt and his team embarking on their most dangerous mission yet. They must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. This film introduces new characters, including Hayley Atwell as Grace and Pom Klementieff as a powerful enemy, while bringing back familiar faces from previous installments.

Dead Reckoning Part One has been praised for its ambitious storytelling, spectacular action sequences, and the continued evolution of Ethan Hunt's character. It sets the stage for an epic conclusion in the following film.

Tips for Your Mission: Impossible Marathon

If you're planning to watch all the Mission: Impossible movies in order, here are some tips to enhance your viewing experience:

1. Pay attention to recurring characters: While each film can stand alone, the later entries reward viewers who are familiar with the entire series. Characters like Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) develop over multiple films.
2. Watch for evolving themes: The series explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguity of espionage work. These themes become more pronounced in later installments.
3. Appreciate the stunt work: Tom Cruise is famous for performing many of his own stunts. Each film tries to outdo the previous one in terms of spectacle and danger, from scaling the Burj Khalifa to hanging off the side of an airplane during takeoff.
4. Notice the different directorial styles: Each director brings their unique vision to the franchise, from Brian De Palma's suspense to John Woo's balletic action to Christopher McQuarrie's intricate plotting.
5. Look for callbacks and references: Later films often contain subtle nods to earlier entries in the series, rewarding attentive viewers.
6. Take breaks between films: While it might be tempting to binge the entire series, taking time between movies can help you appreciate each one's unique qualities.

The Legacy of Mission: Impossible

As you watch the Mission: Impossible movies in order, you'll witness not just the evolution of Ethan Hunt as a character, but also the transformation of action cinema itself. The franchise has consistently raised the bar for what audiences expect from summer blockbusters, influencing countless other films in the process.

Technological Innovation: Each film has pushed the boundaries of filmmaking technology, from the first film's groundbreaking computer-generated scenes to the IMAX footage used in later installments.

Practical Effects: In an era of CGI-heavy blockbusters, the Mission: Impossible series stands out for its commitment to practical effects and real stunts, adding a level of authenticity that resonates with audiences.

Character Development: Unlike many action franchises, Mission: Impossible has allowed its characters to grow and evolve over time, adding depth and emotional resonance to the high-octane action.

Global Appeal: The series' international settings and diverse cast have helped it maintain a broad, global appeal, making it one of Hollywood's most successful exports.

Longevity: Few franchises have managed to maintain such a high level of quality over such a long period, with later installments often receiving higher critical acclaim than their predecessors.

The Impact of Tom Cruise and the IMF Team

No discussion of the Mission: Impossible franchise would be complete without acknowledging the central role of Tom Cruise and the evolving IMF team. As both the star and a producer of the series, Cruise has been instrumental in shaping the direction and tone of the films.

Cruise's commitment to performing his own stunts has become legendary, adding an extra layer of authenticity and excitement to the action sequences. From hanging off the side of a plane during takeoff in Rogue Nation to piloting a helicopter through treacherous mountain passes in Fallout, Cruise's dedication to his craft has set a new standard for action stars.

Moreover, Cruise's portrayal of Ethan Hunt has evolved over the years, from the cocky young agent of the first film to the more world-weary but still determined operative of the later installments. This character arc adds depth to the series and rewards viewers who watch the films in order.

The supporting cast has also been crucial to the franchise's success. Ving Rhames has appeared in every film as Luther Stickell, providing a steady presence throughout the series. Simon Pegg's Benji Dunn has grown from a lab technician to a full-fledged field agent, adding both comic relief and heart to the team. Rebecca Ferguson's Ilsa Faust, introduced in Rogue Nation, has become an integral part of the later films, adding complexity and intrigue to the plots.

The Future of Mission: Impossible

As of 2024, the future of the Mission: Impossible franchise beyond Dead Reckoning Part Two remains uncertain. While Tom Cruise has been the face of the series for nearly three decades, there's always the possibility of the franchise continuing with a new lead or taking a new direction altogether.

Regardless of what the future holds, the existing films offer a complete and satisfying narrative arc that spans nearly 30 years of cinema history. By watching the Mission: Impossible movies in order, viewers can fully appreciate this remarkable journey.

Bonus Content and Expanded Universe

For those who want to dive even deeper into the world of Mission: Impossible, there's additional content to explore:

The Original TV Show: The films are based on the television series that ran from 1966 to 1973. While the movies take significant liberties with the source material, watching the original show can provide interesting context.

Mission: Impossible vs. The Mob: This 1968 film was created by editing together two episodes of the original series. While not part of the main film continuity, it's an interesting curiosity for completists.

Video Games: Several Mission: Impossible video games have been released over the years, offering interactive experiences set in the world of the films.

Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries: Many of the film's home video releases include extensive behind-the-scenes footage, offering insights into the movie-making process and the incredible stunts.

Novels and Comics: Various tie-in novels and comic books have expanded the Mission: Impossible universe, though these are generally considered non-canonical.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a Mission: Impossible marathon is more than just a way to pass the time – it's a journey through the evolution of action cinema. By watching the films in order, you'll witness the growth of characters, the escalation of stunts and spectacle, and the refinement of storytelling that has made this franchise a cornerstone of modern blockbuster filmmaking.

From the tension-filled heist of the first film to the globe-spanning adventures of the later installments, each Mission: Impossible movie offers a unique experience while building upon what came before. The result is a series that has managed to stay relevant and exciting for over a quarter of a century – a mission that might have seemed impossible back in 1996, but one that this franchise has accomplished with style and flair.

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for action. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to experience one of cinema's most thrilling and enduring franchises from start to finish. This blog post will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck!