The Greatest Tom Cruise Franchise Is Streaming On Netflix

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, these films promise a rollercoaster ride of high-octane action, mind-bending plots, and the charismatic bravado of Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt.

So, fasten your seatbelts, because this isn’t just a movie marathon; it’s a globe-trotting escapade into the clandestine world of spies, double agents, and impossible missions.

Disavowed, doubted, and always in danger, Ethan Hunt and his team redefine the spy genre with each installment. Grab your popcorn, and let the impossible missions begin!

The first Mission: Impossible movie, directed by Brian De Palma, is where it all began for this Tom Cruise franchise. This 1996 thriller sets the stage with a bang, introducing us to Ethan Hunt, a secret agent who’s as cunning as he is daring.

The movie opens with a classic spy scenario—Ethan’s team is double-crossed during a mission, and suddenly, he’s the prime suspect. What follows is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, with Ethan desperately trying to clear his name.

It’s a labyrinth of twists, turns, and high-stakes deception, showcasing Tom Cruise’s exceptional ability to blend charm with a relentless determination.

The first Mission: Impossible not only sets the tone for the Tom Cruise franchise but also redefines what a spy movie can be. It’s a blend of style, sophistication, and jaw-dropping action that holds up as a standout classic in the action genre.

Mission: Impossible 2, helmed by action maestro John Woo, cranks up the intensity and flair. Released in 2000, this sequel sees Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt take on a rogue agent in a race to retrieve a deadly virus. It’s a full-throttle ride, infused with Woo’s signature style—slow-motion action, dramatic face-offs, and, of course, flying doves.

This installment amps up the physical stunts, with Tom Cruise performing some of the most jaw-dropping sequences himself. The film blends high-stakes drama with an emotional undercurrent, all set to a backdrop of breathtaking locations.

It’s a blend of espionage and action that adds a new, adrenaline-soaked layer to the Mission: Impossible universe.

In Mission: Impossible 3, directed by J.J. Abrams, the stakes are higher, the action more intense, and the emotional depth truly palpable.

Released in 2006, this installment plunges Tom Cruise into a personal crisis as he faces off against a chilling adversary, Owen Davian, played by the formidable Philip Seymour Hoffman.

The film oscillates between electrifying action sequences and moments of genuine emotional turmoil, particularly in Ethan’s personal life. The heart-pounding action is balanced with a compelling narrative, showcasing Abrams’ knack for storytelling.

This installment adds a layer of complexity to Ethan Hunt’s character, revealing the man behind the relentless agent. M:I-3 delivers not just high-octane thrills but also a story that resonates on a deeper level, making it a pivotal chapter in the Mission: Impossible saga.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol marks a pivotal turn in the series, introducing audiences to an even more audacious and visually stunning world of espionage. Directed by Brad Bird, known for his work in animation, this installment brings a fresh dynamism to the franchise.

The film is famous for its breathtaking set pieces, including Ethan Hunt’s nail-biting climb on the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. With the IMF disavowed and the team forced to go rogue to clear their name, Ghost Protocol not only escalates the action but also deepens the personal stakes for its characters.

It’s a high-octane adventure that ingeniously blends humor, heart-pounding action, and a gripping narrative, making it a standout chapter in the Mission: Impossible saga.

Following Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the franchise expanded with more thrilling adventures. In 2015, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, hit the screens.

The Tom Cruise film, with a screenplay by McQuarrie and Drew Pearce, finds Ethan Hunt and his team grappling with the Syndicate, a clandestine organization with deadly intentions. With its intricate plot and gripping action sequences, the film cemented McQuarrie’s place in the Mission: Impossible universe.

Continuing the Tom Cruise momentum, Mission: Impossible – Fallout was released in 2018, again under the direction of Christopher McQuarrie. This time, the story revolves around nuclear threats and past decisions haunting Ethan Hunt.

Known for its breathtaking action and intense narrative, Fallout was applauded for raising the bar even higher for the franchise.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One hit theaters in 2023. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie and co-written with Erik Jendresen, it was another quality addition to the franchise. And there’s an eighth movie on the way as well.

From high-stakes espionage to breathtaking stunts, the first four Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible movies streaming on Netflix are a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic action franchise. Each installment, with its unique directorial touch and evolving narrative, offers a distinct flavor of thrill and suspense.