When it comes to action-packed espionage thrillers, the Mission: Impossible franchise is surely at the top of everyone’s list. Since its inception in 1996, the series has captivated audiences worldwide with its daring stunts, complex plots, and memorable characters. With each new installment, the franchise only seems to get better, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next mission.
As of now, there are seven movies in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with an eighth installment currently in development. The most recent release, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, hit theaters in 2018 and was met with critical acclaim for its intense action sequences and gripping storyline. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who is the first director to helm more than one film in the series, the movie grossed over $791 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
The first Mission: Impossible film, simply titled Mission: Impossible, graced the silver screen in 1996 and introduced audiences to the charm and adrenaline-fueled world of Ethan Hunt, played by the ever-talented Tom Cruise. Directed by Brian De Palma, the movie received positive reviews and became a box-office success, grossing over $457 million worldwide. It set the stage for what would become one of the most successful and enduring action franchises of all time.
The franchise continued to gain momentum with the release of Mission: Impossible II in 2000. Directed by John Woo, this installment saw Ethan Hunt embarking on a new mission to stop a villainous rogue IMF agent from spreading a deadly virus. While the movie divided critics, it still managed to dominate the box office, grossing over $546 million globally.
J.J. Abrams stepped in as the director for Mission: Impossible III, which hit theaters in 2006. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising its thrilling action sequences and engaging plot. It also marked the first appearance of Simon Pegg as the lovable tech expert Benji Dunn, who would go on to become an integral part of the series. Mission: Impossible III grossed over $397 million worldwide.
In 2011, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was released and marked the debut of Brad Bird as a live-action film director. The movie took the franchise to new heights, with mind-boggling stunts, including Tom Cruise climbing the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $694 million globally.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, followed in 2015. The film featured exhilarating action sequences and introduced the enigmatic character of Ilsa Faust, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Rogue Nation was praised for its plot, performances, and breathtaking stunts. It grossed over $682 million worldwide.
As the Mission: Impossible franchise shows no signs of slowing down, the most recent installment, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, delivered another explosive adventure for Ethan Hunt and his team. With jaw-dropping stunts, a complex narrative, and a thrilling score, the film was hailed as one of the best action movies in recent years.
As fans eagerly await the next installment, Mission: Impossible 8, it is clear that the franchise has had an enduring impact on the action genre. With its adrenaline-pumping missions, unforgettable characters, and top-notch direction, the Mission: Impossible films have raised the bar for what an action-packed espionage thriller can achieve.
In conclusion, there are currently seven films in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with an eighth on the way. Each film has added to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the world of Ethan Hunt and his daring missions. With each new installment surpassing the previous one, it is safe to say that the franchise shows no signs of losing steam. So buckle up, hold on tight, and get ready for another pulse-pounding adventure with Mission: Impossible!