Mission Impossible Films: Chronological Viewing Guide

In 1996, three decades after the Mission: Impossible TV series debuted on CBS, Paramount Pictures enlisted Tom Cruise to launch the franchise on the big screen. Over the next 27 years, Cruise propelled the series through eight high-octane spy films, collectively earning over $4 billion worldwide and securing its place among cinema's greatest action franchises.

As the potential final installment hits theaters globally, we've assembled a spoiler-free guide to every Mission: Impossible film, organized by both narrative sequence and release date, helping you experience the entire saga in the intended viewing order.

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Chronological viewing order | Release date order

Complete Mission Impossible Film Series

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Mission Impossible Film Count

Since launching in 1996, the franchise has produced eight Mission: Impossible films, with another installment scheduled for next year. For streaming availability across all titles, consult our comprehensive viewing guide.

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Mission Impossible Timeline

The chronological order conveniently matches release order, spanning from 1996's original through 2025's upcoming The Final Reckoning.

Below is the definitive viewing sequence, complete with plot summaries and reception details.

*Content notes: Contains character/actor names and general plot outlines.

1. Mission: Impossible (1996)

The 1996 debut introduced Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, a skilled operative in elite spy unit Impossible Mission Force (IMF). When framed as a mole, Hunt goes rogue to expose the real traitor.

Co-stars include Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Henry Czerny, and franchise regular Ving Rhames as Luther. Directed by Brian De Palma (Scarface).

Mission: ImpossibleParamount PicturesMay 22, 1996PG-13

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2. Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Four years later, Ethan Hunt returns to retrieve a lethal bioweapon and its antidote from a corrupt pharmaceutical company in this sequel packed with signature stunts and identity theft intrigue.

Directed by action legend John Woo, the film delivers explosive chases and classic spy thriller elements.

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