Ranking All 7 Mission: Impossible Movies From Good to Best – Ultimate Guide to the Best MI Movies

November 21, 2024 Oblivion

Welcome Back To MovieAnimeX! Today we are going to rank all 7 Mission Impossible movies. So without wasting any time let’s get started.

The Mission: Impossible franchise, starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, has become a cornerstone of action cinema. Known for its breathtaking stunts, gripping plots, and unforgettable action sequences, the series has captivated audiences worldwide. In this blog, we’ll be ranking all 7 Mission: Impossible movies, based on how enjoyable each film is, from the least exciting to the best. Read on to discover where your favorite MI movie lands and see the MovieAnimeX, IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes scores that reflect their popularity!

7. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

**(Featured Image and This Image Credit Goes To: Paramount Pictures and Tom Cruise)**

Director: John Woo
Although Mission: Impossible 2 offers some thrilling action, including the iconic motorcycle chases and a memorable villain in Sean Ambrose, it falls short in terms of story and character development. The film focuses more on high-octane action sequences than the intelligent espionage that fans expect from the series.

MovieAnimeX: 7.5/10
IMDb Score: 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 57%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 63%

Why it’s here: The over-reliance on slow-motion action and the lack of emotional depth make this entry the least enjoyable.

6. Mission: Impossible III (2006)

**(This Image Credit Goes To: Paramount Pictures and Tom Cruise)**

Director: J.J. Abrams
Mission: Impossible III marks a shift in the series by adding an emotional layer to Ethan Hunt’s character. It introduces Philip Seymour Hoffman as the menacing villain Owen Davian, but the film still doesn’t quite reach the level of excitement seen in later entries. While it’s a solid action film, it doesn’t offer the same thrills as others in the series.

MovieAnimeX: 7.1/10
IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 70%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 75%

Why it’s here: The movie is a great bridge between the older and newer entries, but its slower pacing and emotional focus place it lower on the list.

5. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

Director: Brad Bird
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol introduces a fresh, exciting direction for the series under the direction of Brad Bird. The movie features one of the most jaw-dropping sequences in franchise history—the Burj Khalifa climb. Although the film brings back the core of what makes Mission: Impossible fun, it doesn’t quite match the intensity and personal stakes of its successors.

MovieAnimeX: 7.4/10
IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 93%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%

Why it’s here: Ghost Protocol is a thrilling film but doesn’t have the same emotional weight or complex plot seen in the later films.

4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Rogue Nation is a smart, suspenseful installment that introduces the Syndicate as a formidable foe. With stunning set pieces like the underwater heist, the movie enhances the franchise’s reputation for delivering excitement. The chemistry between Tom Cruise and Rebecca Ferguson (as Ilsa Faust) is fantastic, but some parts of the plot feel predictable.

MovieAnimeX: 7.5/10
IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 93%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 86%

Why it’s here: While Rogue Nation has fantastic action and intrigue, its pacing and more predictable storyline prevent it from being the absolute best.

3. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Mission: Impossible – Fallout takes the series to new heights. With some of the best stunts in cinematic history—like the helicopter chase and HALO jump—this film blends action and emotional stakes masterfully. It explores Ethan Hunt’s internal conflict while offering some truly breathtaking action. However, it occasionally relies too much on the series’ formula.

MovieAnimeX: 7.1/10
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 97%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 91%

Why it’s here: Fallout sets the bar high for action and tension, though it’s not as revolutionary as the top film on this list.

2. Mission: Impossible (1996)

Director: Brian De Palma
The original Mission: Impossible film surprised audiences with its intricate, suspense-filled plot and strategic espionage, making it one of the most intelligent action movies of its time. The twist-filled storyline, iconic “mask” scene, and gripping espionage set a high standard for the franchise. This is where Ethan Hunt’s journey begins, and it still holds up as one of the best spy thrillers.

MovieAnimeX: 7.9/10
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 63%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85%

Why it’s here: As the first film in the series, it set the foundation for everything that followed, offering a slow-burn but satisfying thriller.

1. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Dead Reckoning Part One is, without a doubt, the best Mission: Impossible film to date. The movie ups the ante in every way—from heart-pounding action sequences, like the infamous motorcycle jump, to the emotional stakes that feel more personal than ever. The introduction of a new, mysterious AI villain and the stakes of the global espionage make this film a non-stop, thrilling ride.

MovieAnimeX: 8.1/10
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 93%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%

Why it’s here: With impeccable pacing, stunning action, and strong character development, Dead Reckoning Part One is the perfect blend of everything that made the series great.

Conclusion

From the emotional depth of MI3 to the breathtaking stunts in Dead Reckoning Part One, the Mission: Impossible franchise continues to raise the bar for action films. While every movie has its strengths, Dead Reckoning Part One emerges as the best Mission: Impossible movie due to its balance of action, suspense, and emotional resonance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, these films are a must-watch for anyone craving thrilling action and clever espionage.

The Mission: Impossible series isn’t slowing down anytime soon! Fans are eagerly awaiting Mission: Impossible 8, the highly anticipated follow-up to Dead Reckoning Part One, set for release in 2025. While details about the plot remain under wraps, it’s expected that this film will continue Ethan Hunt’s fight against the AI-driven villain introduced in Dead Reckoning. With Tom Cruise returning as the iconic IMF agent and Christopher McQuarrie once again in the director’s chair, Mission: Impossible 8 promises to deliver even more heart-stopping action and mind-bending stunts. Fans can expect the same high-energy thrill ride, but with new twists and turns that will keep us all on the edge of our seats.

Will this be the final chapter for Ethan Hunt? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Mission: Impossible 8 is bound to be one of the most thrilling and memorable films of the decade.