The original Mission: Impossible film was released in theaters precisely 25 years ago. On May 22, 1996, to be specific. Since then,
it has evolved into a rare—perhaps the only—long-running blockbuster franchise that seems to get better and better as time passes.
The series appears hellbent on boosting the ante like a crazy gambler with each succeeding episode, thanks to its similarly ageless protagonist,
Tom Cruise as IMF ringleader Ethan Hunt, and his sweet hunger for old-school death-wish show-stopping stunts.
However, if the M:I films were solely about Cruise risking his life for our popcorn entertainment, the amazing narrative would not have progressed as far as it has.
Sure, you could argue that each chapter of the IMF Cinematic Universe is, in some ways, similar. However, they are distinct enough (thematically, aesthetically,
and narratively) to keep us going back for more. As a result, ranking the Mission: Impossible flicks is a difficult task.
However, you could argue that it is our mission, and we have chosen to accept it. So, without further ado, here's our ultimate list of the six M:I movies,