Since its explosive debut in 1996 with the indomitable Tom Cruise leading the charge, the Mission: Impossible series has cemented its status as an unrivalled action saga. Yet among aficionados, the burning question lingers: which instalment rules supreme?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, they’ve cracked the code by compiling a list that reflects the aggregate scores based on passionate fan reviews, laying out a clear hierarchy from the pinnacle to the least favoured chapter. Debates continue over the merits of each film due to their distinct flair — each Mission: Impossible movie introduces a new director, from John Woo to Brad Bird, adding a fresh zest to every chapter of this riveting Cruise extravaganza.
As per the Mirror US, standing tall at the apex with a near-immaculate score is 2018’s breathtaking tour-de-force, Mission: Impossible – Fallout. Under Christopher McQuarrie’s direction, the sixth entry not only smashed box office records but also swept accolades, resonating powerfully within the Hearts of viewers.
An enthralled critic on Rotten Tomatoes proclaimed: “Mission: Impossible – Fallout is hands down one of the best action movies I’ve seen in a while. The stunts are absolutely wild, and knowing Tom Cruise actually did them makes it even crazier. The pacing keeps you locked in from start to finish-there’s never a dull moment. The story ties in nicely with the previous films but still stands strong on its own.”
Hot on the heels at second place is Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the latest thrilling instalment in the ever-expanding franchise. Launched in 2023 as the opening act of the series’ grand finale, the film made quite a splash among fans, thanks to its jaw-dropping stunts and Tom Cruise’s seventh outing as agent Ethan Hunt.
One captivated viewer, contributing to the film’s impressive 96% rating, penned: “Once again, as near as anyone will get to an absolutely PERFECT movie. Every little detail was addressed. Brilliant directing, cinematography, and a very capable cast perform flawlessly.
“One of the classic benchmarks, for sure. All movies should be technically made this way. You absolutely have to see it to believe it.”
While fans may enjoy debating which Mission: Impossible ranks as the worst, the Tomatometer has already passed judgement with a rather disappointing score of just 57% – a stark contrast to the top-rated entries. The dubious honour goes to Mission: Impossible II, the 2000 follow-up to the original blockbuster, helmed by John Woo.
Following the triumph of the inaugural film, expectations were sky-high for the sequel. However, for many devotees, it fell short of the mark.
One viewer even went so far as to label the thriller “cringe-worthy”.
The review read: “‘Meh’ movie. As a fan of the franchise, I’d say I’m a bit more inclined to give this film a better score, but it was not a good movie. It had a very compelling story that, if developed correctly, could’ve been one of the best in the franchise, but the cheesy love story and awkward storytelling made this one a cringy watch. Surely the worst one in the franchise, overall skippable, too.”
At the core of each instalment is Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who not only takes centre stage in every adrenaline-fuelled thriller but also serves as a producer on each new entry in the series. Now aged 62, the actor has confirmed that the franchise will naturally conclude with the 2025 release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
The complete Rotten Tomatoes ranking of Mission: Impossible Movies
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
- Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
- Mission: Impossible III (2006)
- Mission: Impossible (1996)
- Mission: Impossible II (2000)