Mission: Impossible is an action-packed thriller that has grown into one of the most famous movie franchises in Hollywood. Based on the classic 1960s television series of the same name, the movie showcases high-stakes missions, intricate deception, and big action sequences on the big screen, under the direction of Brian De Palma.
The film's signature style includes unexpected twists and elaborate heist sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The movie is known for its iconic musical theme and dangerous stunts.
What is Mission: Impossible about?
The movie Mission: Impossible is a cinematic adaptation of the television series of the same name which was aired in 1966 and was created by Bruce Geller. The movie, released on May 22, 1996, follows Ethan Hunt, an agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), who becomes the sole survivor after his team is ambushed during a mission in Prague. Now branded to be a rogue within the organization, Ethan is forced to go on the run while attempting to clear his name.
Hunted by his agency, he discovers that the real mole is still active and that the mission was a setup to expose a traitor. Ethan now sets up a team including disavowed agents like Luther Stickell and Franz Krieger to track down a stolen NOC list, a highly classified document that has all the secrets of all the secret agents. His pursuit leads him to Max, an arms dealer who has the list and is looking to sell it.
To prove his innocence and uncover the truth, Ethan orchestrates a daring infiltration of the CIA headquarters to steal the real list before the mole can use it. As the mission reaches its finale, he pieces together the conspiracy and faces off against the real traitor in a climactic showdown aboard a speeding train. Proving the traitor to be Jim Phelps, his mentor and the leader in his mission in Prague, Ethan now leads a peaceful life awaiting his next mission as the lead IMF agent.
The cast of Mission: Impossible
Mission: Impossible stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, the highly skilled IMF agent. Cruise is also credited for being the producer of the film, marking the beginning of his long-running association with the franchise.
Jon Voight plays Jim Phelps, the experienced IMF leader who mentors Ethan. Emmanuelle Béart portrays Claire Phelps, Jim’s wife, and a fellow agent. Henry Czerny is seen playing the role of Eugene Kittridge, a senior CIA official pursuing Ethan after the mission in Prague goes wrong. Jean Reno plays Franz Krieger, a former IMF agent aiding Ethan, and Ving Rhames plays Luther Stickell, a skilled hacker who becomes one of Ethan’s key allies.
FAQs on Mission: Impossible movies
The movie Mission: Impossible is directed by Brian De Palma.
There are a total of 7 Mission: Impossible movies as of 2025.
No, Ethan does not die in Mission: Impossible.
