By Jonathan 
My buddies believe that Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marked the end of this legendary franchise. However, I believe Hunt, along with Benji and the rest of their crew is still capable of saving our world from unimaginable threats and offering a few more blockbusters on the big screens.
Well, only time would tell if we’ll ever see Hunt on a world-saving mission again, and there’s nothing we can do about it except to wait. However, I’ve got an idea.
Why don’t we relive the top five Mission Impossible movies over the past 29 years?
Also, I’d love it if you rewatch the movies in this listicle to validate my choice. And, if you don’t know where to rewatch these movies, I’ve got a plan for it too.
So, let’s start with that.
Where to Rewatch the Mission Impossible Franchise?
Netflix would’ve been my go-to choice if it had all the Mission Impossible movies.
Since there are only a few of them available, I wouldn’t suggest it. However, bundling your internet with TV, like I did mine at affordable rates with Spectrum Deals is a great idea.
The on-demand feature is great as I watched The Dead Reckoning on TV a day before The Final Reckoning was released to have a recap. And, not to mention hundreds of on-demand movies available that are difficult to find on OTT platforms.
Top 5 Mission Impossible Movies:
The first Mission Impossible movie was released in 1996 and in May 2025, the franchise’s eighth movie made it to the big screens. Honestly, it was a tough choice to choose only the top five movies out of eight.
So, read on to find out if your favorite MI movie made it to my list or not.
Mission: Impossible
It’s a crime not to mention the very first movie of this legendary franchise. Mission: Impossible set the tone, introduced Ethan Hunt as an IMF’s reliable agent, and provided us a glimpse of what to expect from the franchise in years to come.
One could argue that this movie was way ahead of its time. To say that this movie redefined the spy genre wouldn’t be an understatement. And, if it wasn’t for the breathtaking stunts and thrilling scenes, I might’ve opted out of this movie.
Also, while CGI could’ve been better, to rate it as a ranking factor, given how technology was in 1996 would be an injustice.
Overall, it was one of the best MI movies and raised our expectations for the next parts.
Mission: Impossible III
The second movie was on point with the action and drama, but the story lacked any thrill like the first one, which had raised the bar so high. However, Mission: Impossible III compensated for the previous part in several ways.
I liked how the directors made Ethan Hunt vulnerable. I believe it was the first time in the franchise that Hunt had actually something to lose.
And, not to mention Owen Davian, a sociopathic arms dealer who really pushed Hunt to limits.
Having said that, do you know what I like the most about Mission: Impossible III? Well, of course, it’s Benji!
Most MI fans might forget but this legendary guy was introduced in the third part of the MI franchise. And, even though he wasn’t so important in this movie, his introduction surely set the character’s foundations for the upcoming movies.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Just like Benji was introduced in the third movie and went on to play a crucial role in the franchise, Ilsa Faust appeared on the big screen for the very first time. She worked for British intelligence, and I believe her role as a leading female was vital in the franchise.
Besides ever-reliable Benji and Luther, Ilsa Faust was second to none and really complemented Ethan’s efforts. Also, the idea of a terrorist organization, Syndicate, which we later saw in Mission: Impossible – Fallout was introduced in this movie.
Also, I believe Rogue Nation often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. In the previous MI movies, Ethan was disavowed by IMF multiple times. But with the IMF disbanded now, the responsibility was upon Ethan’s shoulders to eliminate the Syndicate’s threat who wanted to establish a new world order.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
If I were to name a movie in the MI franchise that took it to a whole different level, then it would be the Ghost Protocol. Primarily because of how the directors elevated Hunt’s character to someone who’d do anything to achieve his objectives.
Even though every MI movie had breathtaking stunts, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was a class apart.
Remember that Burj Khalifa’s scene, or the one when Hunt had to navigate his way around the sand storm? All those scenes are matchless in MI’s history, and that is why I believe this movie deserves a spot on my list.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
If you haven’t watched The Final Reckoning yet, I’d suggest not reading more because I might spoil the movie.
Spoiler alert!
To start with, I hated the fact that Luther died in this movie. However, from a fan’s perspective, it made the movie more personal. Because from that moment on, all I cared about was seeing Gabriel suffer. Fortunately, Ethan did make him pay for his crimes.
As a die-hard MI fan, I don’t want this franchise to end. But, even if we’re lucky enough to see more MI movies, I don’t think there’ll be more thrilling and jaw-dropping stunts than the plane scene.
And, it’s hard to believe that Tom Cruise did all those scenes without a body double.
Anyway, The Final Reckoning was a perfect ending to a top-class series of movies. Having said that, I still believe Mission: Impossible 2, Fallout, and The Dead Reckoning are great movies. However, I’d still prefer these MI movies over other action movies any day, simply because these are more action-packed thrillers with insane stunts, intriguing storylines, and memorable scenes.