The Impossible Task: Ranking All Mission Impossible Movies

The Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It, Is to Find Out Which Mission Impossible Movie is My Favourite..

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the BFI IMAX in London for an all-night Mission: Impossible movie marathon. I revisited Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation, and Fallout, experiencing the breathtaking spectacle of the franchise on the largest screen imaginable. Watching these films back-to-back reinforced my belief that Mission: Impossible is one of the strongest and most enduring franchises we’ve ever been fortunate enough to enjoy.

After the screening, my friends and I couldn’t resist ranking the Mission: Impossible films—and now, I’m sharing my official ranking. Of course, this is just my personal opinion—do let me know your favourite film in the comments! And, of course, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning will not be added to the list, feel free to watch the trailer below:

The Final Reckoning Trailer!

7. Mission Impossible 2

Image: Looper

It speaks volumes about the success of the Mission: Impossible franchise that the second film ranks last on my list, yet remains an incredibly well-told story and a brilliantly directed movie. Tom Cruise, as always, shines as Ethan Hunt, a man driven in this instalment by a singular goal: to retrieve and destroy a genetically engineered disease called Chimera, which, if unleashed, could infect the entire world. The film also features yet another outstanding score, masterfully composed by Hans Zimmer. The music weaves seamlessly into the action sequences, heightening the suspense and tension, and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats during some of the film’s most high-stakes moments.

That said, there are aspects of the film that, for me, fall short. The villain, while portrayed strongly by Dougray Scott, feels underutilised and lacks the depth needed to make his actions compelling. His motivations aren’t explored enough, leaving his character feeling one-dimensional despite Scott’s best efforts with the material he’s given. Another notable issue is the absence of the franchise’s signature “team spirit.” Unlike the other entries, this film leans heavily on Ethan’s solo perspective, with fewer scenes showcasing how the IMF team collectively tackles the mission. Additionally, I felt Nyah’s arc would have been more impactful if it had ended with her injecting the serum herself as an ultimate sacrifice. This could have provided Ethan with a poignant, personal motivation going into the third film.

It’s almost ironic to place this film at the bottom of the rankings, given how many positives there are to highlight. But this just underscores the brilliance of the Mission: Impossible franchise as a whole, where even the “weakest” entry remains a strong and memorable film.

6. Mission Impossible 3

Image: Netflix

his film is far from awful—in fact, it’s a personal favourite for many fans. But for me, it stands as one of the weaker instalments in the franchise. The concept is undeniably strong, following Ethan Hunt as he’s forced out of retirement to rescue a former student from an arms dealer, but the stakes are quickly raised when his wife is kidnapped and a mole within the IMF is revealed. The cast is as brilliant as ever, with Tom Cruise delivering yet another stellar performance. Maggie Q as Zhen and Simon Pegg, making his debut as the iconic Benji, both stand out as fantastic additions to the franchise. Meanwhile, Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a chilling and unforgettable performance as the villain, Owen Davian, elevating every scene he’s in with his gritty, unsettling presence.

Where this film struggles, in my opinion, is its overly intricate narrative. There are three main plotlines—rescuing the student, the kidnapping, and uncovering the mole—all running concurrently. While they mostly tie together by the end, the execution feels overwhelming. The climax, in particular, tries to resolve too much at once, making it difficult to fully connect with each storyline. I also found myself questioning whether the wife’s kidnapping was necessary to the plot, given that Ethan’s original mission to save his student already provided strong emotional stakes.

That said, when you set aside these narrative flaws—or what I perceive as flaws—the film remains a fantastic spectacle. The action sequences are thrilling, the cast is exceptional, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a favourite for many fans. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t resonate with me in the same way as the other entries in the franchise.

5. Mission Impossible

Image: MUBI

The one that started it all. For many fans, the first Mission: Impossible ranks at the top of their lists, and it’s easy to see why. This film is fantastic in nearly every aspect. The introduction of Ethan Hunt is nothing short of iconic. From the moment Tom Cruise drops in from the ceiling in the unforgettable Langley heist, you know you’re in for a movie packed with action, intrigue, and twists—and that’s exactly what this film delivers. The story centres on Ethan proving his innocence after being framed as a mole within the IMF, and every scene of him racing against time is executed so masterfully that the audience can’t help but feel the tension alongside him. The ensemble cast is equally impressive, with each actor playing their role to perfection. Claire and Luther are standout additions to Ethan’s team, seamlessly guiding him as he navigates his mission. One of the film’s greatest achievements is its twist villain reveal—Jim Phelps’s return after faking his death. Twist villains are notoriously hard to pull off, but Mission: Impossible does it brilliantly, delivering a shock that keeps viewers captivated.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The plot, while engaging, is undeniably convoluted, with multiple storylines weaving through one another in a way that can be difficult to follow. Additionally, many of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, lacking distinct personalities due to a relatively weak script.

That said, Mission: Impossible remains a brilliant opening to the franchise. It brought this world to the big screen with style and set the foundation for what would become one of cinema’s most enduring action series. While there are elements that could have been refined, it’s a film that deserves its accolades for kicking off the franchise with such flair.

4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Image: IMDb

I used to think this was one of the weaker films in the franchise, but upon rewatch—especially in IMAX—I realised it’s one of the strongest. Everything about Ghost Protocol is fantastic, and seeing it on the biggest screen truly solidified that for me. This instalment arguably has one of the franchise’s strongest narratives and introduces us to some incredible characters. Ethan and Benji return in formidable fashion, joined by Jane (Paula Patton) and William (Jeremy Renner). Their dynamic works perfectly, reinforcing the team spirit that has become a hallmark of the Mission: Impossible series. The story focuses on Ethan and the team as they attempt to infiltrate the Kremlin and stop Cobalt, a group of terrorists intent on securing nuclear launch codes to spark a global war. From the first scene—where Benji creates a prison-wide distraction to help break Ethan out—you know the movie will be packed with unforgettable action sequences. And it delivers, with set pieces that are now cemented in the franchise’s history.

The narrative here is brilliantly constructed and, for me, one of the best-paced in the series. With a single, clear storyline, the film avoids the pitfalls of conflicting subplots and maintains a sharp focus that intensifies as the IMF goes into ghost protocol. The stakes rise significantly, and the pacing picks up at the midpoint, drawing you deeper into the escalating tension.Each character contributes meaningfully to the story, with William being a particularly engaging addition. His history with Ethan and his standing within the IMF add layers of intrigue and emotional weight to the team’s arc. The action scenes are spectacular, with the Burj Khalifa sequence and the sandstorm car chase standing out as some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.

Ghost Protocol is a phenomenal film that broke all expectations. It’s an instalment that deserves every bit of praise it receives for delivering an intense, action-packed, and expertly crafted story.

3. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning

Image: IMDb

The latest instalment of Mission: Impossible had fans buzzing with anticipation—and some apprehension. Could the franchise maintain its incredible momentum, or were we in for something repetitive? With Tom Cruise pushing the limits of age and action, and questions about how the story could evolve, fans weren’t sure what to expect. But when Dead Reckoning hit theatres, it exceeded all expectations. The story is as gripping as ever, with Ethan Hunt and the IMF team racing to stop a terrifying new weapon that could bring humanity to its knees if it falls into the wrong hands. With global security at stake, the team embarks on a high-stakes race around the world. The narrative is masterfully crafted, packed with twists, suspense, and shocking moments that keep you hooked from the first scene to the last.

Tom Cruise once again proves why he’s one of the greatest action stars of all time, bringing his signature charisma and intensity to Ethan Hunt. He’s joined by an incredible cast, including Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and newcomer Hayley Atwell, who all deliver stellar performances. Every character has their moment to shine, adding depth and nuance to the story. I particularly loved how the film explores themes like triumph, loss, sacrifice, and loyalty, giving the plot emotional weight.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Mission: Impossible without mind-blowing action sequences, and Dead Reckoning does not disappoint. From jaw-dropping practical stunts to breathtaking visual effects, the film is an absolute spectacle. The Burj Khalifa or HALO jump may have set the bar high in earlier instalments, but this movie continues to push boundaries with every scene. The only downside for me? Ilsa’s death. She’s been my favourite character in the franchise, and her loss hit hard. But, in the end, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning is a cinematic triumph—a thrilling, emotional, and action-packed ride that sets the stage perfectly for the franchise’s grand finale.

2. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Image: Polygon

Initially, I felt the same way about Rogue Nation as I did about Ghost Protocol. But after rewatching it, I realised this might just be one of the best Mission: Impossible films ever made—and for good reason. This movie is a true gem, packed with so many standout elements that elevate it to new heights within the franchise. One of its strongest aspects is the story, which seamlessly carries forward into the next instalment. Ethan Hunt and the team are on a mission to take down Solomon Lane and The Syndicate, a shadowy organisation orchestrating devastating terrorist actions. Unlike most Mission: Impossible plots, which wrap up neatly by the end, Rogue Nation leaves us with a cliffhanger, setting the stage for future developments.

Tom Cruise, as always, is phenomenal as Ethan Hunt, delivering both charm and intensity. Simon Pegg returns as Benji Dunn, bringing humour, loyalty, and a more prominent role, especially toward the climax. Jeremy Renner as Brandt and Ving Rhames as Luther shine in their roles, but the real standout is Rebecca Ferguson, who makes her unforgettable debut as Ilsa Faust. Ilsa’s enigmatic character keeps the audience guessing, adding intrigue and inspiration with every scene. From the very start—when Ethan hangs off the side of a plane in a breathtaking real-life stunt—you know you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The action sequences are jaw-dropping, from the nail-biting underwater heist to the high-speed motorcycle chase and the stunning showdown at the Vienna State Opera. Each scene is meticulously crafted, combining practical effects and impeccable choreography to create edge-of-your-seat moments.

The narrative is packed with twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing at every step. Christopher McQuarrie’s directorial vision is one of the film’s greatest strengths. He expertly balances pacing, ensuring the story never drags, while delivering a visually stunning aesthetic that is both stylish and captivating. Rogue Nation isn’t just an action movie; it’s a masterclass in storytelling, direction, and character development. It raises the bar for the franchise while cementing its place as one of the most memorable entries in the series.

1. Mission Impossible: Fallout

Image: Variety

Finally, we’ve arrived at the crown jewel of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Mission: Impossible – Fallout is, without question, my favourite instalment—and, in my opinion, the best of the entire series. There’s something truly exceptional about this film and the way it was executed, from start to finish, by everyone involved. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that absolutely deserves all the praise it receives.

Let’s start with the action, which is nothing short of mind-blowing. The sequences are on another level—meticulously choreographed, intense, and flawlessly performed by the cast. Whether it’s a high-speed chase involving cars, motorcycles, or helicopters, or a gripping hand-to-hand combat scene, every moment feels incredibly polished and thrilling. Yes, some might say the action leans toward being over the top, but that’s part of what makes the Mission: Impossible franchise so entertaining. The stunning visuals amplify this even further, with awe-inspiring shots that demand to be seen on the biggest screen possible. The cast is, as always, phenomenal—a hallmark of the franchise. Tom Cruise continues to amaze as Ethan Hunt, effortlessly balancing charm, intensity, and vulnerability. Rebecca Ferguson’s return as Ilsa Faust is formidable, Simon Pegg as Benji brings the perfect mix of humour and heart, and Ving Rhames as Luther remains a steady and comforting presence. The new additions elevate the film even further, with Henry Cavill’s dynamic performance as August Walker adding grit, Vanessa Kirby’s enigmatic turn as the White Widow bringing intrigue, and Angela Bassett and Michelle Monaghan offering depth and emotional stakes. These layered performances make Ethan’s mission feel more personal, with heightened stakes as he’s fighting not just for the world but for the people closest to him.

What truly sets Fallout apart, though, is its narrative. The story is razor-sharp, filled with twists and turns that keep you captivated from start to finish. No matter how many times I rewatch it, the plot never fails to engage me. Each character has a clear purpose, and their chemistry is electric, creating moments of humour, tension, and emotional resonance. The relationships—particularly between Ethan and his team, and his deepening bond with Ilsa—are explored with care, giving fans plenty to celebrate.

Overall, Mission: Impossible – Fallout is an extraordinary film that builds on the franchise’s already strong foundations. With an incredible story, top-tier performances, and unmatched action sequences, it cements Mission: Impossible as one of the greatest action franchises in cinematic history.