Mission: Impossible franchise timeline: The complete journey of Ethan Hunt and the IMF

If you’ve been with Ethan Hunt since 1996 or just jumped on this adrenaline-fueled ride recently, one thing’s clear: Mission: Impossible isn’t just a franchise of action films. It’s a saga that’s been keeping us enthralled for almost 30 years, with Tom Cruise being the heart and soul of every jaw-dropping stunt and impossible mission.

This timeline isn’t just about dates and titles — it’s about the evolution of a franchise that’s redefined the spy action genre, with stories that get deeper, characters that grow, and stakes that keep climbing higher and higher. Whether you’re rewatching the whole series or just curious about the journey before The Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning, released on May 15, 2025, buckle up.

This is Ethan Hunt’s story, with every twist and pulse-racing moment that made us hold our breath, presented to you chronologically.

---

Mission: Impossible (1996) – The one that started it all

Remember that iconic scene in the vault? Or the train chase that made your heart pound? The original Mission: Impossible set the bar high with a brilliant mix of mystery, tension, and classic spy twists. Ethan Hunt was introduced as this smart, daring IMF agent who gets betrayed and framed — and suddenly, the guy you thought was playing by the rules becomes the only one you can trust.

This movie gave us the blueprint: clever heists, double-crosses, and, of course, Tom Cruise risking everything, even his life, in tight spaces. It’s where the franchise found its pulse, and honestly, every time I watch it, I’m reminded how per fectly the foundation was laid.

---

Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) – When style met speed

John Woo’s MI2 was pure, stylish energy. Motorcycle chases that made me grip the edge of my seat, slow-mo action that looked like art, and the introduction of Nyah, Ethan’s complicated love interest with a killer edge.

It was flashier, with that early-2000s vibe, but you could feel Cruise’s commitment under it all. The stakes were high, the action was loud, and the movie reminded us that Ethan Hunt doesn’t just work fast—he looks good doing it.

---

Mission: Impossible III (2006) – The heart breaks open

Now, this one hit differently. J.J. Abrams gave us a darker, more emotional Ethan. He’s not just the action hero now; he’s a man with a family, with vulnerabilities. The villain Owen Davian was terrifying, and when Julia became a target, the tension became personal.

It was the first time I really felt Ethan’s world could crumble, making every stunt and escape feel like a fight for his soul, not just a mission. This film made me respect Ethan as more than a spy — he’s a man who carries the weight of every choice.

---

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) – Reaching new heights

Oh, the Burj Khalifa climb! If there’s a stunt that defines this franchise, it’s that one. Brad Bird turned up the spectacle, and suddenly, Ethan and his team were off the grid, doing things no spy had done before.

The introduction of new faces like Benji stepping into the field was refreshing, and the global stakes — nuclear war — made every second feel crucial. Watching Cruise dangle on that skyscraper was terrifying and thrilling all at once, reminding us why we root for Ethan even when we’re on the edge of our seats.

---

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) – Espionage gets personal

McQuarrie’s Rogue Nation brought sharp tension and new chemistry, especially with Ilsa Faust. The Syndicate as the enemy added a shadowy layer, and the underwater heist? Unforgettable. The movie felt smarter, faster, and more emotionally complex.

It’s where the series began to weave a deeper narrative thread — connecting missions, relationships, and secrets across films. Watching Ethan navigate this shadow world, balancing trust and danger, felt so real. And honestly, every time Simon Pegg delivers a cheeky line as Benji, I’m all in.

---

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) – The peak of perfection

Fallout is, without doubt, the franchise’s high point. The practical stunts here are beyond insane: that HALO jump over Paris, the helicopter chase in the mountains — it’s jaw-dropping. The stakes? Nuclear destruction, and the emotional stakes? Sky-high.

The return of Solomon Lane as a villain added a brutal edge, and August Walker’s unpredictable presence kept me guessing. Watching Cruise do his own stunts at this level of danger makes me fangirl in awe every time. It’s not just a movie; it’s a masterclass in action and storytelling.

---

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) – The Entity enters

The introduction of “The Entity” — a rogue AI — felt like the franchise leveling up into a new era. Ethan’s race against a technological apocalypse was thrilling and terrifying. Familiar faces, new threats, and a cliffhanger that left me breathless. It’s a story that feels both urgent and personal — the kind of high-tech thriller only Mission: Impossible can pull off while keeping us emotionally invested.

---

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) – The mission that defines it all

The Final Reckoning brings us to the edge — literally. That iconic phrase “in a blink of an eye” captures everything about this film’s climax. Grace’s split-second move, 100 milliseconds that decide the fate of the world — the tension is unbearable and perfectly crafted.

It’s not just a line; it’s the heartbeat of the entire mission. Watching Ethan and the team face The Entity one last time is both exhilarating and heartbreaking because this feels like the final curtain on a saga that’s defined my love for this franchise.

With its massive scale, globe-spanning locations, and emotional closure, this movie is a love letter from Tom Cruise and McQuarrie to the fans. It’s a reminder of why we started this journey and why we’ll never forget it.

---

The best way to watch: The official order

If you want to experience Ethan Hunt’s journey the way it was meant to be seen, stick to this release order:

• Mission: Impossible (1996)
• Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
• Mission: Impossible III (2006)
• Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
• Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
• Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)

This way, you’ll see the evolution of characters, stories, and yes — Tom Cruise’s ever-more-insane stunts — build naturally.

---

The legacy and what’s next?

This franchise isn’t just about explosions and gadgets. It’s about a man who has defined the very idea of “impossible.” Tom Cruise’s passion — risking life and limb for these roles — is nothing short of legendary. And Christopher McQuarrie’s vision has given us a thrilling, emotional, and satisfying saga.

While The Final Reckoning feels like a farewell, Cruise has dropped hints about more stories to come. Whatever the future holds, Ethan Hunt’s journey is cemented as a classic — a franchise that will inspire and thrill for years to come.

---

This franchise is more than a series of movies. It’s a saga about pushing limits, loyalty, sacrifice, and heart-stopping action. Watching it unfold over nearly 30 years has been a privilege — and the finale? Worth every second of the wait.