How Many Mission Impossible Movies Are There?
Tom Cruise has thrilled audiences for decades as the daring Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt. But just how many heart-pounding Mission: Impossible movies have hit the big screen so far? Today we will give you the basic rundown on the total number of Mission: Impossible movies released to date in this massively successful spy action franchise.
From the initial 1996 film that launched the series to the most recent adrenaline-pumping installments, we’ll go over each entry in the Mission: Impossible universe.
Contents
- 1 How Many Mission Impossible Movies Are There?
- 1.1 1. Mission: Impossible (1996):
- 1.2 2. Mission: Impossible II (2000):
- 1.3 3. Mission: Impossible III (2006):
- 1.4 4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011):
- 1.5 5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015):
- 1.6 6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018):
- 1.7 7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023):
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 2.1 Why should I watch the Mission Impossible film series?
- 2.2 How many movies are in the Mission Impossible franchise?
- 2.3 Are all Mission Impossible movies available for streaming?
- 2.4 When is Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part Two releasing?
- 2.5 Who is the director of the Mission Impossible movies?
How Many Mission Impossible Movies Are There?
There are currently seven Mission: Impossible movies. The most recent one, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”, was released in July 2023. An eighth movie is scheduled to be released in May 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the series:
1. Mission: Impossible (1996):
Framed for stealing a data disc containing IMF agents’ identities, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) becomes a fugitive. He must clear his name, stop a rogue agent from selling a deadly nerve gas, and expose a mole within the IMF. This film established the franchise’s hallmarks: high-tech gadgets, heart-stopping stunts, and Ethan’s signature “dead reckoning” self-reliance.
- Box Office: $457.7 million worldwide (a huge success in 1996)
- Reviews: Mostly positive, praising the action sequences and Cruise’s performance. Established the franchise’s core elements.
2. Mission: Impossible II (2000):
Hunt teams with a seductive thief, Nyah Nordoff (Thandie Newton), to steal a deadly chimera virus that can be genetically targeted. However, Nyah betrays him, infected with the virus herself. The film explores themes of trust and betrayal, with Hunt questioning his emotions and facing off against a villain with a personal vendetta.
- Box Office: $546.3 million worldwide (highest-grossing domestic entry until Fallout)
- Reviews: Mixed, with some criticizing the plot and villain but praising the action and special effects.
3. Mission: Impossible III (2006):
Now retired, Ethan trains new IMF recruits. When the mission to capture an arms dealer goes awry and his love interest, Julia (Michelle Monaghan), is kidnapped, Hunt defies orders to save her. This darker entry emphasizes the emotional toll of espionage and introduces a new director, J.J. Abrams, who injects a more character-driven approach.
- Box Office: $398 million worldwide
- Reviews: Generally positive, with praise for the emotional depth and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s villainous performance.
4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011):
The IMF is blamed for a Kremlin bombing and disbanded. Hunt assembles a ragtag team, including tech expert Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), to clear their names and stop a nuclear attack orchestrated by a vengeful Swedish criminal, Sabine Moreau (Léa Seydoux). This film boasts stunning visuals, particularly the iconic Burj Khalifa climb, and injects humor through Benji’s “gadget nerd” persona.
- Box Office: $694 million worldwide
- Reviews: Acclaimed for its action sequences, visuals, and humor.
5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015):
The IMF clashes with a ruthless shadow organization called the Syndicate. Hunt and his team, including Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), struggle to stop them from acquiring black-market weaponry. The film introduces a compelling villain, Solomon Lane (Sean Harris), and features a captivating performance by Ferguson, who becomes a fan-favorite character.
- Box Office: $683 million worldwide
- Reviews: Praised for its action, performances (especially Ferguson), and return to a classic spy thriller feel.
6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018):
Three plutonium cores are stolen, and Hunt’s team must retrieve them before they trigger a global catastrophe. Alliances shift as Hunt confronts a mysterious figure from his past, August Walker (Henry Cavill). This critically acclaimed entry features some of the most death-defying stunts ever filmed by Cruise himself, pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking.
- Box Office: $791 million worldwide (highest-grossing entry in the franchise)
- Reviews: Critically acclaimed, lauded for its action choreography, Cruise’s performance, and overall execution.
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023):
The details remain shrouded in secrecy, but the IMF faces a new threat, and Ethan’s past actions may come back to haunt him. With Hayley Atwell returning as a mysterious figure and a possible connection to the Syndicate, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Ethan Hunt’s ongoing saga.
- Box Office: $172.1 million worldwide (as of March 2024) – Still performing in theaters.
- Reviews: Reviews are positive so far, praising the action sequences and overall story setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I watch the Mission Impossible film series?
The Mission Impossible series offers heart-pounding action, thrilling espionage, and a charismatic lead in Tom Cruise. Each installment raises the stakes and excitement, showcasing advanced action sequences and intricate plots.
How many movies are in the Mission Impossible franchise?
There are seven movies in the Mission Impossible franchise, starting with the original in 1996 and leading up to the upcoming release of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two in 2024.
Are all Mission Impossible movies available for streaming?
For Paramount subscribers, six of the Mission Impossible movies are available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the captivating world of espionage alongside protagonist Ethan Hunt.
When is Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part Two releasing?
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part Two is set for release on June 28, 2024, concluding the two-part saga and promising continuity and excitement for fans.
Who is the director of the Mission Impossible movies?
Director Christopher McQuarrie has been behind the unique storytelling and high-quality action sequences of the Mission Impossible movies, delivering escalating action and suspense to the franchise’s fans.
I’m Elena Finley, a writer and English Literature student with a heart full of wanderlust and words. Singing is my escape, and football is my thrill. I’m an explorer at heart, constantly seeking new horizons and experiences. My love for movies is as vast as my desire to travel, leading me to write blogs where I share my cinematic adventures. Every day is an adventure and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
