All Mission Impossible Movies in Order Before The Final Reckoning Hits

A thrilling look back at every Mission Impossible movie and how the newest chapter, The Final Reckoning, ties it all together.

Would you believe it’s been nearly three decades since Tom Cruise first dropped into frame as Ethan Hunt, the world’s most committed spy with a flair for the impossible? That’s right — the Mission: Impossible movie series kicked off back in 1996, and now, in 2025, we’re gearing up for what might just be the grand finale: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan brushing up on your IMF knowledge, here’s your ultimate guide to all the Mission: Impossible films in order — with a look at where the newest, most explosive entry fits in.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

Where it all began. Directed by Brian De Palma, the first film throws us into the deep end of espionage as Ethan Hunt is framed for his team’s betrayal. From clinging to a bullet train to dangling in that now-iconic vault scene, Cruise introduced audiences to a new kind of action star — intense, agile, and definitely not afraid of heights.
Key Players: Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Ving Rhames, and Vanessa Redgrave.

Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

John Woo took the reins in the second film, dialing up the slow-motion shots and explosive action. Ethan is tasked with stopping a rogue agent from unleashing a deadly virus. Along the way, he falls for Nyah Hall (Thandie Newton), and the mission becomes personal.
Highlights: Doves, motorcycles, and one of the most dramatic beach fights ever filmed.

Mission: Impossible 3 (2006)

J.J. Abrams brought a darker, grittier tone to the third chapter. Hunt’s quieter life is disrupted when he’s pulled back into the field to confront a chilling arms dealer played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. With stakes higher than ever, this entry adds emotional depth and sets the stage for the series’ evolution.
Notable Cast: Michelle Monaghan, Laurence Fishburne, Simon Pegg (his first appearance!), and Keri Russell.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

Boom. The Kremlin explodes, and the IMF is blamed. With no support and no backup, Ethan and his new team — including Jeremy Renner’s mysterious Brandt — go rogue to stop a nuclear disaster. Director Brad Bird amps up the tension with stunts that include scaling Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Vertigo, anyone?
Fun Fact: This is where the Mission: Impossible formula fully leans into globe-trotting spectacle and tech wizardry.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

Enter The Syndicate, a shadow organization bent on chaos. With the IMF disbanded, Ethan is a wanted man — again. But with old allies and new wildcards like Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), he takes the fight to the underground. Motorcycle chases through Morocco? Check. Opera house combat? Absolutely.
Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie, who would go on to become the franchise’s most frequent director.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

When a botched mission lets plutonium fall into the wrong hands, Ethan faces the fallout — both literally and figuratively. Teaming up with a skeptical CIA agent (Henry Cavill, mustache and all), this film has it all: emotional stakes, jaw-dropping helicopter stunts, and Paris car chases.
Vibe: Gritty, grounded, and possibly the best entry yet — until the next ones.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023)

Now deep into the AI age, Ethan and his ever-loyal team are chasing down a mysterious, world-ending weapon. The enemy this time? An all-powerful digital force that threatens global control. With every corner of the globe at risk, Ethan must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice.
Major Players: Hayley Atwell joins the fray, and yes — Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are still holding it down.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)

The end of the road? Maybe — but what a road it’s been. This latest installment picks up right after Dead Reckoning, with Ethan diving (possibly literally) into his most impossible mission yet: recovering the source code of a rogue AI from a sunken Russian submarine. With the world on the brink of nuclear disaster, it’s up to Hunt to stop “The Entity” once and for all.
If this is indeed Cruise’s final run as Ethan Hunt, he’s going out in peak form: full throttle, sky-high, and all-in.
Cast Includes: Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Nick Offerman, and returning faves like Rebecca Ferguson and Hayley Atwell.

Where to Watch and What’s Next

All seven previous films — plus the original 1960s–70s series — are available on Paramount+. The Final Reckoning hits theaters May 23, 2025, and it promises to be a showstopper.
So whether you’re revisiting old favorites or preparing to see Ethan Hunt take his final bow, there’s never been a better time to dive into the Mission: Impossible universe. One thing’s for sure — this mission, should you choose to accept it, will definitely be unforgettable.