The Mission Impossible series, led by Tom Cruise as the iconic Ethan Hunt, has captivated audiences for decades. With intense action sequences, elaborate stunts, and thrilling plots, this franchise keeps fans on the edge of their seats. If you’re new to the series or just want to revisit the entire saga, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to watch Mission Impossible movies in the right order to get the full story.
The Best Order to Watch Mission Impossible Movies
1. Start with Mission: Impossible (1996)
The journey begins in 1996 with Mission: Impossible, directed by Brian De Palma. This film introduces us to Ethan Hunt and the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), an elite team carrying out dangerous missions. Hunt must clear his name after being framed for a failed mission. This first movie set the stage for Tom Cruise’s career as a major action star and introduced the high-stakes, twist-filled action that the series is known for.
- Release Year: 1996
- Plot Highlights: Ethan’s battle against betrayal within the IMF and his quest to uncover the real mole.
- Key Takeaway: A brilliant beginning with a memorable heist scene, laying the groundwork for the franchise.
2. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
Directed by John Woo, Mission: Impossible 2 takes a different stylistic approach with more slow-motion action sequences and a touch of romance. Ethan is tasked with retrieving a deadly virus, Chimera, and must team up with a skilled thief to prevent its release.
- Release Year: 2000
- Plot Highlights: Ethan’s battle against bio-terrorism, features thrilling bike chases and hand-to-hand combat.
- Key Takeaway: Ethan’s character development deepens as he faces moral dilemmas alongside intense action.
3. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Directed by J.J. Abrams, the third film raises the stakes. This time, Ethan is up against a terrifying arms dealer, Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who threatens the lives of everyone he loves. This instalment gives us a glimpse into Ethan’s personal life, adding a fresh emotional layer.
- Release Year: 2006
- Plot Highlights: High-tech gadgets, explosive action, and a more personal story with Ethan’s wife Julia.
- Key Takeaway: Ethan’s vulnerability and commitment to protecting his loved ones make this film an emotional roller-coaster.
The Mission: Impossible films were inspired by the 1966 TV show of the same name. The series, which ran for seven seasons, introduced many of the elements that the movies adapted, including the theme song and the iconic self-destructing mission briefings.
4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Directed by Brad Bird, Ghost Protocol sees Ethan and his team disavowed and forced to operate without official support. Their mission: prevent a nuclear war triggered by a Russian terrorist. The film features a series of high-octane sequences, including the unforgettable climb on the Burj Khalifa.
- Release Year: 2011
- Plot Highlights: A mission gone wrong, forcing the team to go rogue to stop a global disaster.
- Key Takeaway: The introduction of new team dynamics and some of the series’ most thrilling stunts.
5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
Rogue Nation, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, introduces the Syndicate, an underground organization targeting the IMF. The film follows Ethan as he unravels a global conspiracy, with impressive stunts and new allies, including former MI6 agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson).
- Release Year: 2015
- Plot Highlights: Ethan’s quest to bring down the Syndicate, introduces a formidable antagonist in Solomon Lane.
- Key Takeaway: This film marks the beginning of a shift toward interconnected storylines and complex plots.
6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
In Fallout, Ethan faces a mission gone wrong that puts the world in jeopardy. Directed again by McQuarrie, this instalment features Henry Cavill and takes Ethan through an intense journey filled with betrayal, danger, and suspense. The high-altitude skydiving scene and helicopter chase add even more to the movie’s allure.
- Release Year: 2018
- Plot Highlights: The race against time to recover stolen plutonium while confronting personal and professional challenges.
- Key Takeaway: The film received widespread acclaim, considered one of the best in the series, blending action and story effortlessly.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) is the franchise’s most successful film at the box office to date, grossing over $790 million worldwide. Its success solidified the series as one of the most popular action franchises globally.
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 (2023)
In this latest addition, Ethan’s team faces new global threats. While specific details are still emerging, Dead Reckoning Part 1 promises to take the action to new heights and build on the Syndicate storyline. This instalment has fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of Part 2.
- Release Year: 2023
- Plot Highlights: Continuing the IMF team’s battle against emerging threats.
- Key Takeaway: A fresh chapter with new faces, risks, and the first part of an epic two-part finale.
Tom Cruise famously performs many of his own stunts, including the breathtaking helicopter chase in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. For the scene, he trained intensively and even became a certified pilot to make it as authentic as possible.
8. Upcoming: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
Expected to be the final chapter in the Mission Impossible series, Dead Reckoning Part 2 will likely conclude Ethan Hunt’s story, delivering a satisfying end to the adventures we’ve followed for nearly three decades.
- Release Year: 2025
- What to Expect: An explosive finale, tying up loose ends, and giving fans the closure they’ve been waiting for.
Why Watching in Release Order Matters
The Mission Impossible series connects its plotlines and develops its characters over time. By watching these films in release order, you’ll appreciate the progression in Ethan’s character, the evolution of the IMF team, and the recurring themes that make the series unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The Mission Impossible series has redefined the spy-action genre, with each film bringing something new to the table. Whether it’s the suspenseful heists, heart-pounding stunts, or intricate plots, there’s something for everyone. Watching these movies in order will ensure you don’t miss any critical details or exciting connections between films.
So grab your popcorn and start your Mission Impossible marathon. You’re in for a thrilling ride!
