There have been seven Mission: Impossible movies starring Tom Cruise, with an eighth planned for release. This action-packed franchise, known for its death-defying stunts and intricate espionage plots, has captivated audiences for decades.
A Mission Timeline: The Seven Impossible Films
The Mission: Impossible franchise, more than just a series of action movies, is a testament to Tom Cruise’s dedication to practical effects and pushing the boundaries of cinematic spectacle. Each film, while standalone in its core narrative, contributes to a larger tapestry of Ethan Hunt’s world, filled with double crosses, global threats, and unwavering loyalty to his team. Let’s break down the chronological order:
- Mission: Impossible (1996): The film that started it all, directed by Brian De Palma, saw Ethan Hunt framed for the murder of his IMF team and forced to go rogue to clear his name. This introduced audiences to the iconic theme music and the self-destructing mission briefing.
- Mission: Impossible 2 (2000): Directed by John Woo, this installment involved Ethan Hunt preventing a rogue IMF agent from releasing a deadly virus. Known for its operatic action sequences and romantic subplot.
- Mission: Impossible III (2006): J.J. Abrams took the helm, focusing on Ethan Hunt’s personal life and the consequences of his dangerous profession. He faces a ruthless arms dealer while trying to protect his wife.
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011): Brad Bird directed this high-octane thriller where the IMF is shut down after being framed for bombing the Kremlin. Ethan and his team must clear their name and prevent a nuclear war. Famously features the Burj Khalifa climb.
- Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015): Christopher McQuarrie joined the franchise, introducing the Syndicate, a rogue organization of trained killers. Ilsa Faust, played by Rebecca Ferguson, becomes a key ally and recurring character.
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018): Also directed by McQuarrie, Fallout is considered by many to be the best in the series. It builds upon the established relationships and features some of the most audacious stunts to date, including the HALO jump.
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023): McQuarrie once again directs, introducing a new threat: an advanced artificial intelligence capable of manipulating global events. This marks the beginning of a two-part story arc.
Diving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we tackle some common questions that fans and newcomers alike may have about the Mission: Impossible movie series.
H3: Production & Filming
Q1: How much has the Mission: Impossible franchise grossed worldwide?
The Mission: Impossible film series has collectively grossed over $4 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. This figure reflects the series’ consistent box office success and global appeal.
Q2: Where have the Mission: Impossible movies been filmed?
The Mission: Impossible franchise is known for its global locations. Filming has taken place in numerous countries, including the United States, England, France, Italy, Czech Republic, China, Canada, Morocco, Austria, Norway, United Arab Emirates, and Argentina. Each film showcases diverse and visually stunning backdrops.
Q3: What is Tom Cruise’s involvement beyond acting in the Mission: Impossible movies?
Tom Cruise is not just the star of the Mission: Impossible franchise; he is also a producer. This gives him considerable influence over the direction, stunts, and overall quality of the films. His commitment to practical effects and high-stakes action is a hallmark of the series.
H3: Characters & Story
Q4: Who are the key recurring characters in the Mission: Impossible series besides Ethan Hunt?
Aside from Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, key recurring characters include Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). These characters provide technical expertise, comic relief, and complex relationships within the IMF team.
Q5: Is it necessary to watch the Mission: Impossible movies in order?
While each Mission: Impossible film has a self-contained plot, understanding character relationships and overarching themes is enhanced by watching the movies in chronological order. Fallout and Dead Reckoning Part One particularly benefit from prior knowledge of the franchise.
Q6: What is the “IMF” that Ethan Hunt works for?
IMF stands for Impossible Missions Force. It’s a covert, elite intelligence agency within the United States government specializing in highly sensitive and dangerous missions that often involve espionage, sabotage, and counterterrorism.
H3: Action & Stunts
Q7: What are some of the most famous stunts Tom Cruise has performed in the Mission: Impossible movies?
Tom Cruise is renowned for performing his own stunts. Some of the most famous include climbing the Burj Khalifa in Ghost Protocol, the HALO jump in Fallout, and clinging to the side of an Airbus A400M Atlas during takeoff in Rogue Nation. His dedication to practical effects is a major draw for audiences.
Q8: How does Tom Cruise prepare for the physically demanding stunts in Mission: Impossible?
Tom Cruise undergoes extensive training and preparation for his stunts, often involving months of physical conditioning, specialized skills training (such as motorcycle riding or free diving), and meticulous planning with stunt coordinators. His commitment to safety is paramount, despite the inherent risks.
Q9: Are the stunts in Mission: Impossible computer-generated or real?
The Mission: Impossible franchise is known for its reliance on practical effects and real stunts. While some CGI is used for enhancing visual effects, the core action sequences are typically performed by Tom Cruise and other stunt performers, adding to the films’ authenticity and excitement.
H3: The Future & Legacy
Q10: When is the next Mission: Impossible movie scheduled to be released?
Currently, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two is planned for release, though release dates are subject to change. Keep an eye on official announcements for the most up-to-date information.
Q11: Will Tom Cruise continue to star in future Mission: Impossible movies?
While nothing is certain in Hollywood, Tom Cruise has expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the Mission: Impossible franchise. His involvement is crucial to the series’ success, and fans eagerly anticipate his return in future installments.
Q12: What makes the Mission: Impossible movies so popular and enduring?
The Mission: Impossible movies are popular due to a combination of factors, including Tom Cruise’s charismatic performance, the intricate plotlines, the stunning global locations, the breathtaking practical stunts, and the consistent quality of the action sequences. These elements have cemented the franchise’s place in cinematic history. The audience appreciates the dedication to practical effects and the sheer spectacle of each film, offering an experience unmatched by many modern action movies.