As we approach the eagerly awaited release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 23, 2025, enthusiasts globally are preparing for what might mark the concluding installment of this iconic action series. With Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt, numerous questions arise: Is this truly the last chapter for the Impossible Mission Force (IMF)? Could a new hero emerge to assume the role? Or will Ethan embark on one final adventure?
Before jumping into the eighth movie, this is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the adrenaline-fueled escapades that have shaped the Mission: Impossible franchise. Luckily, all seven prior films are available for streaming, allowing both dedicated fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the thrills, espionage, and astonishing stunts that characterize the series.
Here’s a summary of each film in the franchise and where they can be viewed.
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Streaming on: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription or rental)
The film that initiated it all. Directed by Brian De Palma, the inaugural Mission: Impossible presents us with IMF agent Ethan Hunt, who is falsely accused of his team’s demise during a flawed mission. With the CIA pursuing him, Ethan must identify the true traitor and vindicate himself. Featuring unforgettable moments like the Langley heist and an exhilarating train-top climax, this movie established the franchise’s signature style.
Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
Streaming on: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
Directed by John Woo, the sequel elevates the action and flair. Ethan Hunt is assigned to seize a lethal bioweapon known as Chimera. He collaborates with Nyah Hall (Thandiwe Newton) to thwart rogue agent Sean Ambrose. With spectacular slow-motion shootouts and motorcycle showdowns, MI2 delivers a visually stunning, adrenaline-charged experience.
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Streaming on: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
J.J. Abrams directs this emotionally intense third installment. Ethan is drawn out of semi-retirement to rescue a captured agent while facing off against the merciless arms dealer Owen Davian (played menacingly by Philip Seymour Hoffman). The stakes become personal when Ethan’s wife is threatened, leading to a frenzied race across the globe.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Streaming on: Paramount+, Netflix (availability may vary by region)
With the IMF disavowed following a bombing in the Kremlin, Ethan and his team are forced to operate in secrecy to clear their names. Directed by Brad Bird, Ghost Protocol showcases one of the franchise’s most memorable stunts: Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. This film reinvigorated the series with renewed energy and a worldwide scope.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
Streaming on: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
Christopher McQuarrie steps in as director, blending espionage with high-stakes action. Ethan confronts the Syndicate, a rogue faction intent on worldwide mayhem. With iconic scenes like the underwater heist and the Vienna Opera House confrontation, Rogue Nation enriches the mythology of the IMF.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Streaming on: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
Celebrated as one of the finest action films of the decade, Fallout sees Ethan grappling with the repercussions of earlier choices. With Henry Cavill joining as CIA agent August Walker, the film features jaw-dropping sequences, including a HALO jump, a helicopter pursuit, and a climactic mountain battle. McQuarrie returns to direct, cementing the franchise’s contemporary identity.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Streaming on: Paramount+
The second to last installment in the saga, Dead Reckoning Part One prepares the ground for the ultimate mission. Ethan and his team confront a formidable new adversary linked to a mysterious AI threat. With worldwide settings and Cruise performing yet another astonishing motorcycle stunt off a cliff, the film escalates the stakes like never before.
What to Anticipate in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
While specific plot details are closely guarded, The Final Reckoning is expected to provide closure to Ethan Hunt’s extensive journey. Will the IMF endure? Will Ethan ultimately attain peace? Or will the mission prove truly impossible this time?
With Christopher McQuarrie returning to direct and familiar cast members including Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson likely to reprise their roles, fans can anticipate a finale that is both emotionally impactful and action-packed.
How to Watch the Mission: Impossible Franchise
To prepare for the concluding film, here’s a concise guide on where you can stream each entry:
