Truly Expecting The Impossible

This is the first of a two-part series I felt compelled to write and share with fellow cinephiles and friends. In this installment, I’ll be exploring each Mission: Impossible film and how the franchise has evolved into one of the most acclaimed in modern cinema. The second piece will take a broader look at the most iconic and influential franchises in film history, at least within the realm of Hollywood. While there are many accolades one could attach to Mission: Impossible, for me, its impact as a film lover goes far beyond what words can capture.

When the original Mission: Impossible was released, I was a teenager already hooked on Hollywood blockbusters, especially the high-octane, macho-driven films my dad and older brothers loved—think Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. I remember a lot of people calling it “good” or “just okay.” And I understood why: it didn’t follow the typical formula made famous by action legends like Bruce Willis, Jean-Claude Van Damme, or Steven Seagal.

At the time, Tom Cruise was on fire, delivering Oscar-nominated performances and box office hits that showcased his versatility. But Mission: Impossible felt like something different. And it absolutely was. The first film, under the direction of Brian De Palma, stands out for its suspenseful tone and stylish execution. Beyond a few memorable action sequences, it plays more like a tense spy thriller—something that many modern action directors struggle to replicate. Christopher McQuarrie later recaptured this energy in Rogue Nation, pulling back on the action to remind us of the genre’s espionage roots. The original M:I remains an underrated gem that kicked off a now-legendary franchise. It invited us to follow Ethan Hunt’s wild missions—“should we choose to accept them.”

By the time M:I2 came around, I was in college and hitting the theaters regularly with friends. I saw this one three times—not because it was a masterpiece, but because of its wild energy and over-the-top action. It was pure adrenaline. John Woo brought his signature flair, and Cruise leaned fully into his star power. The result? A film that may not be the best in the series, but is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining. It’s loud, explosive, and bold—everything a summer blockbuster should be.

Mission: Impossible III marked a tonal shift for the franchise and Ethan Hunt as a character. Here, we see him face what I still consider his most formidable villain, while also navigating personal stakes like marriage. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman brought a chilling intensity that elevated the entire film—he’s an actor I deeply miss. Without him, this entry wouldn’t have had the same weight. It also features my favorite opening scene of the entire series—if you’ve seen it, you know exactly what I mean. Cruise’s personal life at the time overshadowed the film a bit, but in hindsight, it has aged well. Like the franchise’s increasingly daring stunts, it only improves with each rewatch.

Ghost Protocol marked a turning point, injecting the franchise with renewed energy and smarts. Brad Bird delivered not just the large-scale set pieces we expect, but also a return to clever spy games and tightly paced storytelling. It was the beginning of something special.

Then came Rogue Nation, which introduced Christopher McQuarrie as writer and director. He embraced the franchise’s espionage roots while also delivering two of its best action sequences. His work felt like a love letter to the original film, and he quickly became one of my favorite directors working today.

With Fallout, the series hit its peak. For me, this is not just the best Mission: Impossible film—it’s one of the greatest action movies ever made. I was lucky enough to see it in IMAX at the Air and Space Museum, and that experience will always be special. Everything about it—the scale, the stunts, the storytelling—was next level. It set a new bar not just for the franchise, but for the genre as a whole. 

Dead Reckoning came with enormous expectations, and while that affected initial reception, I believe it gets better with every rewatch. Even though it says goodbye to a beloved character (no spoilers here), it delivers a spectacular ride. That train sequence in the third act? Absolutely phenomenal. After more than two and a half hours of high-stakes action, you’re still left wanting more.

Now, all eyes are on The Final Reckoning. By the time this article is published, I may have already seen it and found out what Cruise and McQuarrie have been keeping under wraps. If the past few films are any indication, we’re in for something special.