Who Lives Forever: Mission Impossible Movies Ranked by IMDb Score
The Mission Impossible franchise has been thrilling audiences for over two decades, with Tom Cruise at the helm as Ethan Hunt, a secret agent working for the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). With six films under its belt, the series has received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. But which Mission Impossible movie stands out as the best? In this article, we will rank all six movies in the franchise by their IMDb score, examining the key factors that contribute to each film's success.
The Mission Impossible franchise has become synonymous with high-stakes action, heart-pumping stunts, and clever plot twists. From the iconic hang-glider sequence in Mission Impossible (1996) to the intense motorcycle chase in Mission Impossible - Fallout (2018), the series has consistently delivered thrilling set pieces that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. But beyond the action, the Mission Impossible movies have also explored complex themes, such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral gray areas that often accompany espionage work.
To rank the Mission Impossible movies, we will rely on their IMDb scores, which provide a comprehensive and quantitative measure of each film's popularity and critical reception. With a total of six films to evaluate, we will examine the key factors that contribute to each movie's success, including its plot, characters, action sequences, and overall entertainment value.
The Mission Impossible Franchise: A Brief History
The Mission Impossible franchise began in 1996 with the eponymous film, directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, a secret agent working for the IMF. The movie follows Hunt as he and his team attempt to retrieve a highly classified document known as the "Non-Official Cover" file. The film's success can be attributed to its clever plot, memorable characters, and groundbreaking stunts, which set the tone for the rest of the franchise.
The sequels that followed built upon the success of the original, with Mission Impossible II (2000) introducing new characters and themes, such as the villainous Sean Ambrose, played by Dougray Scott. Mission Impossible III (2006) saw the return of Cruise and director J.J. Abrams, who brought a new level of sophistication and complexity to the series. Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) marked a new beginning for the franchise, introducing new characters and a more modern tone.
The most recent installment, Mission Impossible - Fallout (2018), directed by Christopher McQuarrie, is widely regarded as one of the best action movies of the decade. The film's success can be attributed to its intricate plot, memorable characters, and, of course, its thrilling action sequences.
The Rankings: From Worst to Best
Now, let's examine the rankings of the Mission Impossible movies by their IMDb scores:
1. **Mission Impossible II** (2000) - 6.2/10
* The lowest-scoring Mission Impossible movie, Mission Impossible II has been criticized for its predictable plot and lackluster villain.
* However, the film's action sequences, particularly the opening sequence in the Sydney Opera House, are still memorable and enjoyable.
2. **Mission Impossible** (1996) - 7.1/10
* The original Mission Impossible film set the tone for the franchise, with its clever plot and memorable characters.
* However, the film's pacing and some of its plot twists have been criticized as being somewhat dated.
3. **Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol** (2011) - 7.5/10
* This installment marked a new beginning for the franchise, introducing new characters and a more modern tone.
* The film's action sequences, particularly the Burj Khalifa sequence, are still widely regarded as some of the best in the franchise.
4. **Mission Impossible III** (2006) - 7.6/10
* This film saw the return of Cruise and director J.J. Abrams, who brought a new level of sophistication and complexity to the series.
* The film's plot, characters, and action sequences are all well-received, making it one of the strongest entries in the franchise.
5. **Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation** (2015) - 7.8/10
* This film saw the introduction of Rebecca Ferguson's character, Ilsa Faust, who becomes a central figure in the franchise.
* The film's plot, characters, and action sequences are all well-received, making it one of the best entries in the franchise.
6. **Mission Impossible - Fallout** (2018) - 8.1/10
* The most recent installment in the franchise, Mission Impossible - Fallout is widely regarded as one of the best action movies of the decade.
* The film's intricate plot, memorable characters, and thrilling action sequences make it a standout entry in the franchise.
The Secret to Success: Action, Plot, and Characters
So, what sets the Mission Impossible franchise apart from other action movie franchises? We believe that the secret to its success lies in a combination of factors, including its:
* **Action sequences**: The Mission Impossible movies are renowned for their high-stakes action sequences, which often involve elaborate stunts and set pieces.
* **Plot**: The franchise's intricate plots, which often involve complex espionage work and moral gray areas, keep viewers engaged and invested in the characters' journeys.
* **Characters**: The Mission Impossible movies have a talented ensemble cast, with Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt being the central figure in the franchise.
* **Direction**: The franchise has had the benefit of some of the best directors in the business, including Brian De Palma, J.J. Abrams, and Christopher McQuarrie, who have brought a unique vision and style to each film.
Conclusion
The Mission Impossible franchise has come a long way since its inception in 1996. With six films under its belt, the series has consistently delivered thrilling action, clever plots, and memorable characters. By ranking the Mission Impossible movies by their IMDb scores, we have seen that the most recent installment, Mission Impossible - Fallout, stands out as the best in the franchise, followed closely by Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation. Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or a newcomer to the series, the Mission Impossible movies are sure to deliver high-octane action and suspenseful storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
