The Best Mission: Impossible Action Sequences, Ranked

In my humble opinion, as a movie enthusiast, I’ve been consistently astounded by Tom Cruise’s unwavering commitment to cinematic excellence. Back in July 2018, an article was published, but that didn’t deter Cruise from pushing the boundaries of danger and spectacle.

With each installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, I find myself compelled to revise my list of the most thrilling stunts and sequences, even as recently as Mission: Impossible – Fallout. This man doesn’t just act in these films; he embodies them, living out the daring feats that leave us breathless.

Across the various cast changes and alterations in tone throughout the Mission: Impossible movie franchise, one constant factor has been the impact of its standalone high-action scenes. These are marked by their elaborate disguises, extraordinary technology, and millisecond precision; some also draw attention due to the seemingly reckless daredevilry of producer and star Tom Cruise, whose risky stunts and set injuries have become just as iconic for the series as Jackie Chan’s during his golden age.

As the eighth and potentially last chapter, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” hits the silver screen, we took a trip down memory lane to pick out the most impressive large-scale scenes from the series up until now.

15. Intermingled fights, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

In the M:I series, it’s often the thrilling stunts and edge-of-your-seat action sequences that grab the spotlight. However, we should not forget to appreciate the masterful fight scenes skillfully choreographed by directors, especially Christopher McQuarrie. The bathroom brawl in Fallout was a standout, but McQuarrie outdoes it in the latest installment, primarily due to audaciousness: This mid-movie scene brilliantly intertwines four intense fights happening at once. Ethan is engaged in a knife fight with a villain while wearing just his underwear, Benji and Paris are battling Russians inside a burning house, and Grace is armed with a shovel nearby. To add to the tension, Morse code messages about coordinates are received at the last moment. Usually, such intricate grappling is reserved for brief moments of action, but here, the abundance of punches and kicks, along with the agility displayed by the performers (particularly Cruise and Klementieff), give this scene a raw, gritty, and perilous feel.

14. Rome car chase, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One

In a typical action sequence, such as a high-speed car chase through Rome’s streets and stairways in a Mission: Impossible film featuring Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and Grace (Hayley Atwell), the filmmakers introduce unexpected twists to make the scene feel fresh. For instance, unlike traditional stunt drivers, Grace is a skilled thief, making her driving far more hazardous than Ethan’s cautious guidance suggests. Additionally, they switch vehicles during the chase, from a standard police car to a compact yellow Fiat, providing an amusing contrast to the massive Land Rover in pursuit. Despite the comedic tone, director Christopher McQuarrie (directing his third Mission: Impossible film) employs rapid editing and cinematography reminiscent of movies like Ronin and The Bourne Identity, maintaining the pulse-pounding intensity that action enthusiasts crave.

13. Paris chase, Mission: Impossible — Fallout

In the style of intricate double-deception plots that the M:I series excels at, Mr. Hunt assumes the guise of a ruthless global criminal to orchestrate the rescue of another such menace, all while being escorted by a heavily guarded police motorcade. Faced with a risky strategy that would lead to numerous casualties, he devises an alternate plan. McQuarrie employs graceful camera movements and swift editing to amplify the thrill of Hunt’s last-minute adjustments, culminating in a high-speed car and truck chase through the congested streets of Paris, followed by nail-biting motorcycle stunts from Cruise. His ride through a roundabout, skimming past countless other vehicles with just inches to spare, is downright terrifying.

12. Bridge ambush, Mission: Impossible III

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=8l4qdf_1nGM

In my opinion, J.J. Abrams’ third installment delights in subverting the grandeur of its intricate action scenes – the daring rescue mission to save Agent Farris (Keri Russell) is executed flawlessly, but sadly, she meets her end during the escape. Despite Ethan Hunt and his team pulling off an ingenious deception to capture the villainous Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the antagonists manage to snatch him back in a pulse-pounding sequence that left me on the edge of my seat.

As for Abrams, he silences any doubts about his cinematic prowess with this thrilling ride filled with helicopters, explosions, gunfights, gravity-defying leaps, and a heart-stopping scene where Tom Cruise’s character is momentarily halted during an exhilarating chase.

11. Motorcycle chase/beach fight, Mission: Impossible II

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=eVUsVW87kSk

The 2000 sequel by John Woo, often viewed as the least successful film in the series, is indeed questionable. Its rhythm feels disjointed, the antagonist lacks impact, and at times, some action scenes seem like repetitive gunplay (though it must be said that they remain enjoyable). However, its over-the-top climax, characterized by a disregard for logic and physics in favor of stunning visuals, is nothing short of exhilarating. It includes moments such as John McClane shooting a man off a flying motorcycle, escaping flames in slow motion, and performing a stunt where he does a front wheelie, spins around, shoots a pursuing car’s gas tank, and flips it. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the motorcycle joust with villain Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), where they leap from their bikes mid-air to engage in intense hand-to-hand combat on a beach, resulting in the inevitable destruction of the bikes and a spectacular display of pyrotechnics. To put it simply, this sequence is undeniably absurd. Yet, it’s incredibly entertaining.

10. Submarine-source-code extraction, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

In “Dead Reckoning,” a chilling sequence unfolds where an artificial intelligence entity, called “The Entity,” tricks a Russian submarine, leading to its destruction. A significant portion of the storyline in “The Final Reckoning” involves Ethan and his team’s mission to recover the Entity’s source code from the wrecked submersible. Given their restricted time and resources, this task becomes a nail-biting endeavor for Ethan.

Comparatively, the underwater chip exchange scene in “Rogue Nation” offers excitement and speed, while “The Final Reckoning” opts for an eerie atmosphere instead. The scene is void of music, dialogue, and any other sounds except the ominous hum of the ocean and Ethan’s heavy breathing. As he swims through a submerged ship that has been abandoned for over a decade, he inadvertently disturbs the peace, getting caught in rolling torpedoes and becoming trapped. This disruption causes the submarine to become unstable, putting it at risk of plunging into depths too harsh to survive.

9. Underwater chip exchange, Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=nvGaVDye13s

In many exceptional sequences within IMF operations, there’s a distinct progression. Initially, we’re awestruck by the meticulous planning and execution of the team, which appears flawless. But then, disaster strikes due to an unforeseen complication or technological malfunction. Lastly, our jaws drop as we witness their quick thinking and improvisation to escape from the predicament. This is vividly demonstrated in the 2015 film “Rogue Nation”, where Benji (Simon Pegg) tries to sneak into a heavily guarded computer lab while Ethan and Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson) carry out an intricate swap-out operation underwater, which grants Benji access. And as Ilsa explains, it doesn’t quite go according to plan: “No no no no no no no.” It’s said that Tom Cruise actually held his breath for six minutes during the filming of this scene, and if it isn’t true, it certainly seems so!

8. Kremlin infiltration, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=7DkV8WE7DFA

The task at hand: Obtain a file from a top-secret vault. The challenge lies in its extraordinary security measures that make it near impossible to access. This operation bears a striking resemblance to the heist scene in the original “Mission: Impossible” film, as well as elements from “Ghost Protocol”. It seems director Brad Bird took inspiration from these earlier sequences, incorporating their methodical approach and daring decision to forgo background music.

The key element here is a hidden projection screen that conceals Ethan Hunt and Benji, keeping them out of sight from the vault’s security guard. This ingenious contraption is both awe-inspiring and amusing, especially when Benji’s large face suddenly appears on the screen unexpectedly. Simon Pegg’s character adds a fresh touch to this sequence, with his nervous energy and excitement about working alongside Hunt (“It’s like a dream for me!”). His presence injects an endearing human element and a dose of humor into the scene.

7. Vatican extraction, Mission: Impossible III

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=wwzyveUAS80&t=72s

Infiltrating arms trader Owen Davian isn’t a simple task – he rarely appears publicly and is always accompanied by his security. Therefore, the IMF team strategizes that their chance will be at a Vatican benefit. This necessitates them to enter inconspicuously (or for Maggie Q, make a dramatic entrance with all eyes on her), create a mask of Davian’s face, and knock him unconscious in the restroom so Ethan can take his place. There are many appealing aspects of this mission: the way Ethan enters reminiscent of the Langley heist; the meticulous timing of their arrivals and disguises; the behind-the-scenes look at how they craft those impressive masks. However, the best part is the humorous dialogue between Ethan and Luther (Ving Rhames) at the end: “What’s going on?” “Nothing. What about you?” “Nothing.” – All in a day’s work.

6. Biplane chase, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt is chasing the main villain who boasted about having a backup vehicle. This leads Hunt to dangle from the underside of a biplane as it takes off, trying to save the pilot and seize control of the plane to catch the baddie. The Mission: Impossible series is known for its intricate action scenes, usually involving a small detail that could jeopardize the mission (like the rat in the air duct at Langley in Mission: Impossible). In this case, it’s a crucial bolt, almost loose, that creates tension. This sequence, where Tom Cruise performs his own stunt, is as nerve-wracking for those with fear of heights as the scenes from Ghost Protocol.

5. Train climax, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One

Given that Dead Reckoning Part One was initially planned as a sequel, it’s exciting to speculate how McQuarrie and his team must have relished creating a jaw-dropping cliffhanger for the finale. It’s an awe-inspiring scene even before the climax, and it seems like a do-over for the underwhelming train sequence in the first Mission, which Dead Reckoning appears to closely tie into, as evidenced by Henry Czerny’s character Kittridge’s return.

The sequence, considering the franchise’s eventual evolution, seems comically unrealistic, bogged down by subpar CGI; this time around, however, it doesn’t appear fake. Cruise, mirroring Steve McQueen in The Great Escape, leaps off a mountain on a motorcycle to parachute onto the moving Orient Express, timing his grand entrance with the precision of a great silent comedian. The rooftop fight that ensues feels genuinely suspenseful. But this is just the prelude for the nail-biting cliffhanger, where the train teeters off an exploded bridge, car by car, as our heroes struggle to climb each precarious piece before they plunge into the abyss below. It encapsulates the series’ blend of thrill and comedy perfectly, a climax that Buster Keaton or Harold Lloyd would have relished – one crazy stunt following another, with the director skillfully balancing excitement and a wink to the audience.

4. Vienna Opera House, Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=WgYaks1W97s

McQuarrie skillfully acknowledges Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much” in this outstanding mid-film scene, where Hunt and Benji strive to prevent a high-ranking government official’s assassination. However, things become more intricate due to Ilsa, whose intentions and loyalties remain uncertain. Tom Cruise performs daring acrobatics over ropes and engages in combat within catwalks, while Ferguson graces some of the most sensual shots in the series. Once again, Simon Pegg delivers humorous moments from his position at the lighting booth. Unlike some iconic “Mission” sequences that creatively employ silence, McQuarrie brilliantly synchronizes the unfolding events with the music (Puccini’s “Turandot”) to imbue the scene with an appropriately grand, operatic atmosphere.

3. Kashmir climax, Mission: Impossible — Fallout

Among the favorites highlighted here, some might be more refined or audacious, but none has surpassed the thrilling intensity of the climactic finale in the sixth movie. This high-octane chase after the main antagonist by helicopter, complete with heart-stopping mid-air jumps, mountain scaling, and not one but two time bombs ticking away, could be the most entertaining, self-consciously extravagant scene in the series. The unyielding pace of this sequence, McQuarrie’s skillful addition of complexities, stretching out time, and flipping the situation upside down, transforms into a subtle form of self-awareness. They were aware by this stage what we anticipated from the franchise, and they weren’t going to disappoint us; they ensured they delivered value for our money.

2. Langley heist, Mission: Impossible

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=k-oVuQpjG3s

In a calm tone, Ethan responds with a smirk, “Take it easy, Luther.” However, the situation is far more complicated than you imagine. Gaining access to the necessary file from CIA headquarters involves voice identification, manipulating numerical codes, a dual electronic key card, and retinal scanning, all leading to a sensitive room with extraordinary sound and temperature control. This scenario seems quite different from what one would consider an “action sequence.” Instead of gunfights, explosions, hand-to-hand combat, or dramatic music, director Brian De Palma chooses silence for this scene, intensifying the tension. De Palma skillfully builds suspense by focusing on Ethan’s rope, Jean Reno’s hands, and a single bead of sweat. Just as the audience holds their breath in anticipation, a rat appears, adding another layer to the stressful situation.

1. Burj Khalifa climb, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=wr4rZEPQ09Y

The camera orbits it affectionately, as if capturing not just the Burj Khalifa, but a distinctive symbol standing at an astounding 2,722 feet – the Dubai skyscraper that has left many in awe. To execute an intricate double-cross, the team requires access to the building’s server, with Benji explaining, “We can approach it from the exterior.” Consequently, Tom Cruise, a globally recognized star, finds himself dangling outside this architectural marvel, scaling 11 stories on its outer surface, armed only with a pair of climbing gloves, one of which fails almost instantaneously. In this nail-biting scene, director Brad Bird places our protagonist in a precarious predicament, balancing between performing a terrifying stunt and rushing against the clock to reach their targets’ doorstep (“The countdown is not helping!” he remarks). Forced to shatter glass, kick through barriers, and ultimately sprint down the structure before leaping into an open window, Cruise’s character is pushed to his limits. It should be noted that I watched Ghost Protocol on a massive IMAX screen, and as someone with vertigo, this experience was particularly intense. However, setting aside my personal sensitivities, the Burj Khalifa (and the ensuing fights, gunfights, sandstorm, and high-speed chases) embodies everything one expects from a Mission: Impossible film – thrilling stuntwork and clever improvisation, executed with tension, humor, and precision.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but relish the adrenaline-pumping stunts that the Mission: Impossible series has to offer. Here’s my take on some of its most thrilling sequences from a first-person perspective:

– I found myself in a precarious situation during the Prague embassy mission, reminiscent of a scene straight out of Mission: Impossible.
– The Atrium dive in Mission: Impossible II had me holding my breath as I plunged into the watery abyss.
– Climbing the Shanghai skyscraper and orchestrating a Berlin extraction in Mission: Impossible III were moments that made my heart race.
– In Ghost Protocol, I was part of the daring Moscow jailbreak and the high-stakes Mumbai takedown, not to mention the fierce robotic parking garage fight.
– The airplane jump and Morocco car/motorcycle chase in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation left me on the edge of my seat.
– Mission: Impossible – Fallout had me leaping from a halo and engaging in hand-to-hand combat within a cramped bathroom, followed by a pulse-pounding rooftop pursuit.
– In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, I took part in the Abu Dhabi airport interception, and found myself in the heat of knife-and-sword fights on the winding streets of Venice.
– Finally, I helped break out Paris during the final installment, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

2025-05-24 19:55