Every ‘Mission: Impossible’ Ranked From Worst to Best

It’s nearly 30 years now since Tom Cruise initially portrayed secret agent Ethan Hunt in the 1996 film “Mission: Impossible”. Remarkably, both the “M:I” series, stemming from a long-extinct television program, and Tom Cruise himself have managed to endure. To give you an idea, consider this: In the 30 years following the first James Bond movie, “Dr. No”, four different actors had played James Bond, with a fifth set to debut. By the time three decades had passed, the original James Bond, Sean Connery, had already retired from the role; this was roughly when he appeared as Indiana Jones’ inept father in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.

Approximately three decades have passed since then, and Tom Cruise continues to portray the character of Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as I ponder over the subtitle of “The Final Reckoning.” While Tom Cruise has expressed his desire to continue embodying Ethan Hunt well into his eighties, this eighth “Mission” seems poised to serve as a fitting conclusion to the franchise. Regardless, it presents an opportune moment for us, as fans, to reflect upon the 30-year journey of this series.

From its inception as a tangled web of espionage, to its transformation into an orchestral display of gunplay and acrobatics, from its exploration of a spy’s quest for work-life harmony to its showcase of breathtaking practical effects and stunts – the franchise has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. “The Final Reckoning” promises to encapsulate this rich history, offering us a poignant retrospect that will undoubtedly resonate with every action enthusiast.

Reflecting on the Mission: Impossible series is akin to trying to compare ripe apples with oranges, both sporting a resemblance to Tom Cruise and a shared fondness for high-altitude stunts. Yet, I endeavored to rate the entire franchise from what I perceived as least captivating to most enthralling.

Every Mission: Impossible Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

8. Mission: Impossible II (2000)

John Woo continued his operatic style with another action-packed thriller after Face/Off. This time, a noble government agent confronts his sinister counterpart. Interestingly, there’s a recurring speech about the tale of Bellerophon and Chimera, which are symbolically used as names for a deadly virus and its cure in this movie. In John Woo’s typical fashion, both sides of the law seem to be entangled in an eternal, reciprocal conflict. The characters in this film, much like those in Face/Off, possess the power to swap faces and deceive others into believing they are their sworn enemy.

People often comment on Face/Off as an immortal ’90s classic, while dismissing Mission: Impossible II as a laughable failure. I find it surprising because although M:I-2 might be the weakest in the Mission: Impossible series, in any other franchise, it would still be a decent, mid-tier film.

7. Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

Regarding my personal opinion, I find that “Mission: Impossible 2” and “The Final Reckoning” are quite similar in terms of quality. However, “Mission: Impossible 2” might be more consistently entertaining and doesn’t drag on as much – it runs for only 123 minutes compared to the 170 minutes of “The Final Reckoning.” Unfortunately, the longer runtime results in extended periods of convoluted plotting, unresolved subplots, and references to earlier “Mission: Impossible” installments that seem unnecessary.

Nevertheless, I must admit that “The Final Reckoning” takes the lead due to its incredible biplane finale. This sequence alone is worth the ticket price. Therefore, while it has higher highs, I believe it also experiences lower lows compared to the first one.

6. Mission: Impossible III (2006)

In a stark contrast to Mission 1 and even more so than Mission 2, Mission: Impossible 3 presents a dramatic change. Unlike before, Ethan Hunt is now enjoying a peaceful family life in semi-retirement as a trainer for the IMF. However, his tranquil existence is disrupted when he’s summoned to save one of his former students (Keri Russell) and later his wife (Michelle Monaghan). The narrative bears resemblance to director J.J. Abrams’ Alias pilot, veering away from the typical action tropes associated with Mission: Impossible. However, it’s the chilling portrayal of Philip Seymour Hoffman as the cunning villain Owen Davian (and in one scene, as Tom Cruise under an IMF mask pretending to be Owen Davian) that sets Mission: Impossible 3 apart.

5. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

In “Dead Reckoning (Part One of One)”, it seems like a recap of the entire series so far, packed with references to the previous six films. It also continues the themes established in “Top Gun: Maverick”, where Tom Cruise symbolically battled against advanced technology as an old-school test pilot refusing to give up. In this movie, Cruise takes this battle quite literally, fighting against an evil computer – a godlike A.I. that can manipulate reality. Despite the film being labeled as ‘Part One’, it doesn’t feel incomplete, with several memorable scenes, such as the jaw-dropping stunt where Cruise rides a motorcycle off a cliff and then parachutes into the ravine below.

4. Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation (2015)

One could contend that “Rogue Nation” may not have surpassed “Ghost Protocol” entirely, but the thrilling opening scene where Tom Cruise clings onto a cargo plane door during takeoff certainly aimed to exceed it. This sequel is filled with entertaining devices, however, its standout feature is Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Ilsa Faust, a disavowed British agent and member of “The Syndicate,” an evil counterpart to the IMF. There’s an instant chemistry between Ethan and Ilsa, adding a touch of sensuality to what was previously a rather modest franchise, as she also dons striking evening gowns.

3. Mission: Impossible (1996)

In the first “Mission,” the complexity may not have been as grand, but the Ethan Hunt character remained consistent throughout the following three decades of films. Significant actions he took included defying a direct order, attempting to rescue his teammate, and employing an explosive gum stick against a large aquarium to evade his IMF superior and prove his innocence by infiltrating the most highly protected computer system globally. Consistently throughout the “Mission: Impossible” series, Ethan Hunt remains a character who prioritizes people over organizations, isn’t deterred by breaking laws (or rules) to serve a higher purpose, and persists in the belief that no mission is unattainable.

2. Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol (2011)

Regarding my personal preference for the top “Mission: Impossible” film, I often waver, but when it comes to standout sequences, there’s no contest. The Burj Khalifa scene from “Ghost Protocol” leaves an indelible impression. In this sequence, Ethan Hunt and his team pull off a mind-boggling deception, which includes Tom Cruise hanging precariously from the side of the world’s tallest building. However, the villain in this instance, portrayed by the late Michael Nyqvist, is somewhat generic, with typical motives.

1. Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018)

The movie “Fallout” combines the most thrilling aspects from all the previous “Mission: Impossible” films into one package: Agile action sequences, swift-paced dialogue, jaw-dropping visual effects, unexpected plot turns, complex character loyalties, and a touch of romantic turmoil involving Ethan Hunt, Ilsa Faust, and Julia, Hunt’s wife. Tom Cruise performs helicopter flights and freefall jumps (though not necessarily in that sequence). Admittedly, considering it’s Tom Cruise, one might expect him to attempt a HALO jump onto a moving helicopter before taking control of it himself!

The Worst Photoshopped Movie Posters

25. Nothing to Lose

In this poster, Tim Robbins’ posture seems unusual. He’s crossed one leg and his left arm appears to be hovering above Martin Lawrence’s head instead of resting on it. Additionally, his facial expression in the image is devoid of any emotion. Perhaps, with nothing left to lose, his face takes on such a blank expression.

24. Trespass

A more fitting image to convey a couple holding on for dear life during a harrowing experience might be superimposing one image over the other.

23. All About Steve

Sandra Bullock appears quite realistic, but the trio in this scene leaves me puzzled. Ken Jeong’s neck seems exceptionally elongated, almost as if he’s portraying Mister Fantastic. Bradley Cooper’s facial expression fails to convey a man who is gazing at a woman frantically holding an umbrella and screaming hysterically.

22. Knock Knock

Examine the countenance of Keanu Reeves. Does it appear as if a knife is mere inches from his chest? And do the women holding him at knifepoint seem to be in any way associated with that knife? I will provide the answers here: No, it doesn’t give such an impression, and no, they don’t seem connected to it.

21. Life As We Know It

In this photo, Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel appear quite realistic, yet their eye alignment seems slightly off. The main issue, however, lies with the child who appears in an odd position that gives the impression he might not be physically present. If ‘Life As We Know It’ was a film about a haunted couple by a child ghost, this would make an excellent poster. Regrettably, that is not the case for this movie titled ‘Life As We Know It‘.

20. In a Valley of Violence

Ethan Hawke seems to be anticipating John Travolta’s appearance from around that corner. Meanwhile, John Travolta appears to be having trouble reading a sign situated over the street.

19. Ready Player One

As a movie enthusiast, it’s puzzling to me that, according to all I’ve seen, Tye Sheridan, the actor, possesses two legs of equal length. However, in the poster for Ready Player One, one of his legs appears to be of average size while the other seems unusually long, almost seven feet! Either there was a blunder with the photo editing or Tye Sheridan has been keeping a giant leg a secret throughout his acting career.

18. What to Expect When You’re Expecting

The ladies depicted in the top part of this poster are not found in the same room, nor are they close by, being miles apart.

17. Cosmic Sin

As a cinephile, if it’s true that Bruce Willis is donning that mechanical armor, then I must be mistaken for Tom Cruise, the leading man in the sci-fi film “Edge of Tomorrow.

16. Dirty Grandpa

I apologize, it seems this has inadvertently ended up here. It appears to have been mistakenly included in the list. Initially, it was meant to be the top choice for our forthcoming selection of the Best and Most Authentically Edited Movie Posters.

15. The Accidental Husband

In other words, I haven’t watched “The Accidental Husband,” but I can guess that the movie’s title implies a situation where people mistakenly believe Uma Thurman and Colin Firth are married, possibly due to someone editing a photo of them appearing to hold hands.

14. Blonde and Blonder

In this photo, Pamela Anderson’s head appears to be approximately 30% oversized compared to her body. Moreover, the umbrellas that both Pamela and Denise Richards are supposedly holding appear minuscule. It also seems as if the designer of this poster added an exhaust puff where a Cadillac apparently ran over someone’s golf bag – but why is the golf bag smoking? Is it powered by gas?

13. Grudge Match

In the film “Grudge Match,” Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone worked hard to achieve remarkable physical fitness for portraying aging boxing opponents. However, you might be surprised by the movie poster as it appears as though an individual without glasses attempted to draw their faces onto two young stand-ins instead of the actual actors.

12. Mickey Blue Eyes

Whenever my father-in-law pinches my cheeks and my wife blows in my ear, I make this exact facial expression.

11. Brother Nature

Here’s another way of expressing the text:

“Once more, it’s the tranquil stare in the eyes that betrays the sloppy Photoshop. Unfortunate Taran Killam has a crowd of peculiar characters (and a fish) swarming him, and he seems as if he’s patiently waiting for a green light at a traffic signal. Taran, it appears a fish is murmuring insignificant compliments in your ear! Don’t you feel any emotion about that?

10. The Heat

Do you recall the moment in ‘Beetlejuice’ when Michael Keaton’s head shrunk and his voice became unusually high? It seems like the photo used for the poster of ‘The Heat’ captures a similar effect happening to Melissa McCarthy.

9. The Greening of Whitney Brown

Y’know, I could be wrong, but I’m not sure they really got that horse inside that sportscar.

8. Everybody’s Fine

Incorrect, they are definitely not. Not even Robert De Niro, whose hand appears to be significantly enlarged, around eight times larger than normal!

Or:

Robert De Niro is not among them, his hand seems more like it’s been inflated to a whopping eight times its original size!

7. Heartbreakers

If “Heartbreakers” isn’t actually a hidden replica of “The Stepford Wives”, then this poster is a disgraceful example of poor image editing.

6. Hit By Lightning

Navigating romance is tricky enough, but crafting a believable scenario where three unrelated characters find themselves entangled in a shared bed… oh, and let’s not forget the intriguing addition of a firearm! – can prove to be quite the challenge for a screenwriter.

5. I Am Wrath

In this poster, it seems like only John Travolta’s face is genuine. The rest, including his body, hairstyle, and background, might have been digitally crafted using a computer.

4. Cook Off

In this remarkably peculiar scene, six distinct characters are depicted, yet none appear to be responding to the same occurrence. Melissa McCarthy seems to be cringing, as if she’s just told an inappropriate joke with poor taste. To her right, Diedrich Bauer appears startled, as if he’d been surprised by the unexpected return of a former spouse he believed was deceased. The remaining actors seem to be reacting differently – some appear to be smelling something foul, others are whistling, while a few even give the impression they are ablaze. What a chaotic situation!

3. Chef

It’s quite challenging to create a Photoshop collage featuring numerous cooks in a kitchen! The poster for Jon Favreau’s “Chef” is surprisingly disappointing, even when compared to the poster for “Cook Off.” It seems that the designer chose to dress everyone from the cast in chef jackets and toques, which led to each head being placed on a body that doesn’t match its original, and in certain instances, a body that appears too small for the individual. I wouldn’t feel confident entrusting any of these people with preparing my meal.

2. Good Luck Chuck

Ponder over the number of individuals who must have approved this movie poster before its unveiling. Maybe it was several artists and film studio administrators who glanced at it and agreed, “Yes, this could entice audiences to watch our film!” I understand that promoting a movie can be challenging, but is it truly as difficult as shown here?

1. Takers

I can’t forget the time I encountered the poster for “Takers” in a movie theater at Regal Cinemas, Times Square. As I walked past, the overwhelming amount of poorly executed Photoshop within a single image made me freeze. The proportions of every character were off; some heads appeared too large, while others seemed unusually small. The entire poster seemed to be out of perspective. It’s so dreadfully bad, you start questioning if it was intentionally created in a twisted effort to garner attention.

2025-05-15 00:26