Mission Impossible Movies in Order: If you’re a fan of high-octane action, intense espionage, and breathtaking stunts, diving into the Mission: Impossible film series is a must.
Based on the iconic 1966 television show created by Bruce Geller, the franchise has evolved into one of the most successful and enduring action series in cinematic history. Led by Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, an elite agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), these films follow daring missions to thwart global threats while delivering edge-of-your-seat thrills. Since the debut of Mission: Impossible in 1996, the series has grown with each installment—featuring evolving plots, recurring characters like Luther Stickell and Benji Dunn, and escalating stakes. With various directors, writers, and composers contributing their unique vision, the franchise continues to reinvent itself while staying true to its espionage roots.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through all the Mission Impossible Movies in Order, providing a comprehensive guide to each film’s story, cast, and critical milestones. Whether you’re catching up or revisiting the series, this guide will help you experience the Mission: Impossible saga from the very beginning.
Order to Watch The Mission Impossible Film Series Movies (Chronologically)
1. Mission: Impossible (1996)
Mission: Impossible (1996) marked the explosive beginning of the Mission: Impossible film series, rebooting the iconic 1966 TV show. Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, the film introduces viewers to a high-stakes world of espionage, betrayal, and thrilling stunts. When Ethan is framed for his team’s murder, he must uncover a mole within the IMF while evading authorities and pulling off a daring heist to steal the CIA’s NOC list. With suspenseful direction, memorable action sequences, and a star-studded cast, this 1996 blockbuster laid the foundation for a franchise still going strong.
2. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), directed by John Woo, is the explosive second entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Following the 1996 original, this sequel sees Tom Cruise return as Ethan Hunt, now tasked with retrieving a deadly bioweapon called Chimera. Teamed with professional thief Nyah Nordoff-Hall (Thandiwe Newton), Hunt battles rogue IMF agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who plans to unleash the virus for profit. Known for its stylized action and slow-motion sequences, the film was a box office success, grossing over $546 million globally. Despite mixed critical reviews, M:I-2 cemented the franchise’s momentum ahead of Mission: Impossible III (2006).
3. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Mission: Impossible III (2006) marks a gripping return for Ethan Hunt in the third installment of the Mission: Impossible series. Directed by J.J. Abrams in his feature film debut, this high-stakes spy thriller sees Hunt pulled out of retirement to rescue a captured agent and confront ruthless arms dealer Owen Davian, portrayed chillingly by Philip Seymour Hoffman. With intense action, global locations from the Vatican to Shanghai, and emotional depth through Ethan’s relationship with Julia, the film reinvigorated the franchise. Released on May 5, 2006, M:i:III was a critical and commercial success, paving the way for Ghost Protocol (2011).
4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) is the explosive fourth chapter in the Mission: Impossible franchise, directed by Brad Bird in his live-action debut. Following Mission: Impossible III (2006), this installment sees Ethan Hunt and his IMF team disavowed after being blamed for a Kremlin bombing. Forced to operate without support, they must stop nuclear extremist Kurt Hendricks from inciting war between the U.S. and Russia. Featuring breathtaking stunts—including Tom Cruise scaling Dubai’s Burj Khalifa—and a gripping international chase, the film revitalized the series, grossing $694 million globally and becoming the franchise’s highest earner until Fallout in 2018.
5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) is the fifth film in the Mission: Impossible series and a direct sequel to Ghost Protocol (2011). Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the action-packed spy thriller follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team after the IMF is disbanded and Hunt becomes a fugitive. As they battle The Syndicate—a rogue network of former intelligence agents—the film introduces key characters like Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) and villain Solomon Lane (Sean Harris). With high-stakes missions, standout performances, and gripping action, Rogue Nation was a critical and commercial hit, earning $683 million globally and setting the stage for Fallout (2018).
6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) is the sixth thrilling entry in the Mission: Impossible film series, following Rogue Nation (2015). Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Fallout stands out for its emotional depth and explosive action, further exploring Ethan Hunt’s moral compass and personal ties. Set two years after Lane’s capture, the film follows Hunt as he races to stop nuclear attacks orchestrated by Lane and extremist John Lark. Featuring stunning setpieces filmed across Paris, London, and Kashmir, the film was a critical and commercial success. It remains the franchise’s highest-grossing film and directly leads into Dead Reckoning Part One (2023).
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) marks the explosive seventh chapter in the Mission: Impossible saga, continuing the high-stakes legacy of Ethan Hunt. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film follows Hunt and his IMF team as they race to stop “the Entity,” a rogue AI threatening global security. Set after Fallout (2018), it blends globe-trotting action with a gripping AI-centered plot. Tom Cruise leads an all-star cast through dazzling set-pieces across Rome, Venice, and the Arabian Desert. Despite critical acclaim and earning $571.1 million worldwide, its massive budget and fierce box office competition made it a financial disappointment.
8. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two (2025)
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), formerly Dead Reckoning Part Two, is the explosive eighth installment in the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, it directly follows 2023’s Dead Reckoning Part One, uniting returning stars like Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg. With a $400 million budget and globe-spanning filming locations, it’s among the most expensive films ever made. Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, this sequel concludes the “Dead Reckoning” arc, while possibly setting the stage for future missions. It’s a pivotal entry when watching the Mission: Impossible movies in chronological order.
How many Mission Impossible movies are there?
There are currently seven released Mission: Impossible movies, with an eighth film, The Final Reckoning, scheduled for May 2025.
All Mission Impossible Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the List of Mission Impossible Films in order, they were released.
1. Mission: Impossible — May 22, 1996
2. Mission: Impossible 2 — May 24, 2000
3. Mission: Impossible III — May 5, 2006
4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol — December 16, 2011
5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation — July 31, 2015
6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout — July 27, 2018
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One — July 12, 2023
8. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two — May 23, 2025
Conclusion:
In conclusion, exploring the *Mission Impossible Movies in Order* reveals the evolution of one of the most iconic action franchises in cinematic history. From the suspenseful espionage of the 1996 original to the high-stakes technological warfare in *Dead Reckoning Part One*, each installment expands on the legacy of Ethan Hunt and the Impossible Mission Force. With unforgettable action sequences, returning characters, and global adventures, the series continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As fans eagerly await *The Final Reckoning* in 2025, revisiting the *Mission Impossible Movies in Order* offers a thrilling journey through decades of elite spy storytelling and innovation.
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