‘Mission: Impossible’ Movies Ranked from Worst to Best, Including ‘The Final Reckoning’

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ series has been a thrill ride for nearly three decades, with Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt pulling off jaw-dropping stunts and saving the world from all sorts of threats. From the 1996 original to the latest chapter, ‘The Final Reckoning’ in 2025, each film brings something unique, whether it’s a new director’s vision or a wild action sequence that leaves you speechless.

We’ve watched Ethan climb skyscrapers, dive into icy waters, and outsmart villains, all while the franchise grew into a benchmark for action movies. Ranking these films isn’t easy, but I’ve put them in order from the least impressive to the absolute best, based on story, action, and that special spark that makes a ‘Mission: Impossible’ movie unforgettable.

8. Mission: Impossible 2

In ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ (2000), Ethan Hunt takes on a rogue agent, Sean Ambrose, who plans to unleash a deadly virus. Directed by John Woo, the film leans hard into slow-motion gunfights, doves, and a motorcycle chase that’s equal parts thrilling and over-the-top. Thandiwe Newton shines as Nyah, a thief caught in a messy love triangle, but the plot feels thin, and the villain lacks depth.

I placed this one last because it feels more like a John Woo experiment than a true ‘Mission: Impossible’ film. The action is stylish but often cartoonish, and the story struggles to keep up with the franchise’s later entries. It’s fun in moments, but it lacks the sharp focus and team dynamic that define the series.

7. Mission: Impossible

The first ‘Mission: Impossible’ (1996), directed by Brian De Palma, kicks off the series with Ethan Hunt framed for his team’s murder. He must clear his name and stop a traitor from selling secrets. The iconic CIA vault heist, with Ethan dangling from wires, remains a standout, and Vanessa Redgrave’s arms dealer adds charm. The tech, like floppy disks, feels dated now.

This lands near the bottom because, while it set the stage, the story feels more like a spy thriller than the action-packed spectacle the series became. The pacing drags at times, and the final train chase leans on shaky CGI. Still, it’s a bold start that introduced Ethan’s relentless drive.

6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Released in 2025, ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ aims to wrap up Ethan’s story. He battles the AI villain, The Entity, with stunts like diving to a sunken submarine and clinging to a biplane. The cast, including Hayley Atwell and Ving Rhames, delivers, but the plot ties itself in knots with callbacks to past films.

I ranked this in the lower half because it feels weighed down by its own ambition. The action is incredible, but the story gets lost in heavy dialogue and nostalgia. It’s a solid send-off, yet it doesn’t quite match the energy of earlier entries, leaving some fans wanting more.

5. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’ (2023) sees Ethan chasing a key to stop The Entity, a rogue AI. The film boasts a wild Rome car chase and a train crash that’s pure chaos. Hayley Atwell’s Grace adds fresh energy, but the death of a fan-favorite character stings, and the plot feels like half a story.

This sits in the middle because the action is top-notch, but the narrative feels incomplete, originally meant as part one of two. The AI villain lacks personality, and some scenes drag with exposition. Still, the stunts and Atwell’s charm keep it exciting.

4. Mission: Impossible 3

Directed by J.J. Abrams, ‘Mission: Impossible 3’ (2006) brings Ethan out of retirement to face arms dealer Owen Davian, played by a chilling Philip Seymour Hoffman. The stakes feel personal with Ethan’s fiancée, Julia, in danger. A bridge shootout and a Vatican infiltration pack a punch.

I put this higher because Hoffman’s villain steals the show, and the emotional stakes hit hard. The action feels grounded yet intense, though the pacing dips in the final act. It’s a pivotal film that showed the series could blend heart with high stakes.

3. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’ (2015), directed by Christopher McQuarrie, pits Ethan against The Syndicate, led by the cunning Solomon Lane. Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust is a standout, matching Ethan’s grit. The underwater vault scene and Vienna opera chase are tense and beautifully crafted.

This ranks high for its sharp balance of spy thrills and action. McQuarrie’s direction brings polish, and the team dynamic, with Simon Pegg’s Benji shining, feels perfect. It’s a lean, fun entry that set the tone for the franchise’s modern era.

2. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

In ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011), Brad Bird directs Ethan and his team as they’re disavowed after a Kremlin bombing. The Burj Khalifa climb is the franchise’s most iconic stunt, and the sandstorm chase adds grit. Newcomers like Jeremy Renner bring fresh energy.

This takes second place because it’s a near-perfect action film. The stunts are daring, the pacing is relentless, and the team’s reliance on faulty gadgets adds humor. It’s a high point that made the series a global phenomenon, just missing the top spot.

1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018), also by McQuarrie, is Ethan at his peak, facing off against The Syndicate’s remnants and a new threat, August Walker. The helicopter chase and Paris bathroom brawl are heart-pounding, and Henry Cavill’s mustache became a legend. The story ties up emotional threads with Julia.

I crowned this the best because it nails everything: jaw-dropping stunts, a tight plot, and deep character moments. The action feels personal, the villain is menacing, and the team shines. It’s the franchise at its boldest, delivering thrills that are hard to top.