Ethan Hunt, the iconic character played by Tom Cruise in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, has aged pretty well. As the seventh entry in the series, “Dead Reckoning Part One,” is set to release this month, fans have had plenty of time to revisit the entire trilogy that has spanned almost three decades. It’s hard to believe that a child born when the first “Mission: Impossible” film came out in 1996 is now a fully fledged adult.
One thing that sets the “Mission: Impossible” franchise apart is its consistency. Tom Cruise, along with a growing cast of supporting characters and filmmakers, have consistently stepped up their game with each installment. This has resulted in a franchise that not only has a great overall arc but also produces films that work individually.
So, where does each film stand? Let’s take a look at a ranking of the “Mission: Impossible” movies, including the upcoming “Dead Reckoning Part One.”
Starting with “Mission: Impossible 2,” directed by John Woo, it’s not a bad film by any means. However, being the first sequel, the franchise was still finding its footing, resulting in a movie that feels quite different from the others. It has more gunplay and lacks the cohesive feel of the later entries.
Next up is “Rogue Nation,” Christopher McQuarrie’s first film in the franchise. While it is legitimately awesome, it feels slightly smaller in comparison to the other films. It lacks the epic scale and wild experimentation seen in the other entries.
Contrary to popular opinion, “Mission 2” and “Mission 3” are not the worst films in the franchise. “Mission 2” gives Ethan Hunt an actual backstory and introduces a love interest, played by Michelle Monaghan, adding emotional depth. Additionally, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s portrayal of the villain and J.J. Abrams’ dynamic filmmaking set the tone for the rest of the franchise.
The latest film, “Dead Reckoning Part One,” falls in the middle of the list. While it is excellent, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of the other entries. If it were one full movie instead of half, it might have ranked higher.
“Ghost Protocol,” directed by Brad Bird, established the tone of the franchise after “Mission 3.” It is not only an exciting action movie but also showcases Tom Cruise’s willingness to perform death-defying stunts. The supporting cast, including Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, and Simon Pegg, elevates the film even further.
It’s easy to forget that the first “Mission: Impossible” film, directed by Brian De Palma, set the foundation for the franchise. The story is incredible, the stunts are jaw-dropping, and it feels complete and whole. It truly is the ultimate “Mission: Impossible” movie, even though it could have been on a larger scale.
Finally, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” takes the top spot as the best film in the franchise. It combines everything fans love about the series, including death-defying stunts, high stakes, a twisty story, and an incredible supporting cast. The movie escalates in incredible ways and features a formidable villain portrayed by Henry Cavill. Cruise and McQuarrie swung for the fences and hit a grand slam with this installment.
As we eagerly await the release of “Dead Reckoning Part One,” it’s clear that Ethan Hunt and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise have aged pretty well. With consistent quality and thrilling action, it’s no wonder that these films continue to captivate audiences after almost three decades.
How does the “Mission: Impossible” franchise continue to captivate audiences with its thrilling action and compelling storytelling?
Sion: Impossible 2″ has its flaws, but it still delivers on intense action sequences and showcases Tom Cruise’s charisma. “Mission: Impossible 3” marked J.J. Abrams’ directorial debut and introduced a more emotional and personal story for Ethan Hunt. It solidified the franchise’s place in the action genre, setting the stage for future installments.
Moving up the list, “Mission: Impossible” (1996) remains a classic. Brian De Palma’s direction and suspenseful storytelling set the tone for the entire series. It introduced iconic scenes like the dangling from a wire and the exploding aquarium. It’s a masterclass in action filmmaking.
Following closely behind is “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” This entry brought a fresh energy to the franchise, thanks to Brad Bird’s direction. The film added humor and showcased jaw-dropping stunts like the Burj Khalifa sequence. It solidified the franchise’s ability to consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible in action films.
“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is arguably the best film in the franchise. Christopher McQuarrie returned to direct the sixth installment and delivered an exhilarating, high-stakes adventure. It combines intense action, complex storytelling, and incredible performances. The film is a testament to the franchise’s ability to continually raise the bar.
Lastly, we have the highly anticipated “Dead Reckoning Part One.” While the film has yet to be released, anticipation is high. It promises to deliver another thrilling installment, further expanding the universe and leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the “Mission: Impossible” franchise enters its seventh film, it’s impressive to see how it has evolved and stayed relevant over the years. With Tom Cruise’s unwavering dedication and a talented team behind it, the series continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling action and compelling storytelling.
