Top 10 Mission Impossible Scenes

This “Mission: Impossible” sequel has Ethan Hunt looking to destroy a genetically created disease called “Chimera.” After Hunt successfully disguises himself to retrieve the anti-virus, you’d think the mission would be over. But, Hunt soon finds himself in quite some trouble as villain Sean Ambrose pursues him. The resulting action from the ensuing motorcycle chase is intense enough as we see them speed and swerve around other cars, shoot guns, and even go off the road. But it’s Hunt and Ambrose running into each other that really makes the scene stand out; it’s director John Woo at his craziest!
 

This scene from the third “Mission: Impossible” series gives viewers a glimpse of Hunt’s moral complexity. After his protégé Lindsey Farris is killed with an explosive device that’s been implanted in her head, Hunt captures arms dealer Owen Davian. Following an unsuccessful verbal interrogation during which Hunt attempts to discover Davian’s future plans involving the “rabbit’s foot,” Hunt hangs the baddie out of a plane as a threat, in the hopes that he’ll talk. It’s riveting and has viewers holding their breath as we wonder just how far the hero will go to get information.
 

Just when you think that this franchise can’t get any crazier, “Rogue Nation” brings us this insane opening scene. We learn that Hunt is trying to obtain a package from a cargo plane so he jumps onto the aircraft in an attempt to break in. Benji Dunn, played by Simon Pegg, has a little trouble opening the right door, however. By the time he figures it out, the plane is already in the air – with our hero hanging off the side of it! The audience waits in suspense as Hunt hangs on for dear life – and the moment is especially thrilling because of the danger that the IMF agent is facing. With moments like this, it’s difficult to believe – but also impressive to realize – that Tom Cruise does so many of his own stunts.
 

This opening scene finds Hunt inside a Moscow prison as he escapes along with his source, Bogdan. As the IMF opens the doors to extract him, the other inmates burst out of their cells and join in fighting the guards. This setup results in a scene with tons of great choreography and prepares viewers for the intense action presented throughout Ghost Protocol. If you like to watch people battle it out and you’re into prison escapes, this scene – and this movie – is definitely for you.
 

Though she’s a Syndicate operative, Ilsa Faust appears to be on the IMF’s side: she helps Hunt infiltrate an underwater tank and even saves his life before he can drown. However, as soon as he is conscious, she steals the flash drive and drives off. The resultant chase between the IMF and Faust brings mindboggling car stunts to the big screen, including motorbikes, 4x4s and driving through pedestrian streets. In addition to how action packed it is, the scene engages viewers by making us examine Ilsa’s moral complexity.
 

In one of the most famous scenes from the franchise, Ethan hangs on to a train in order to capture Jon Voight’s Jim Phelps. During the chase, Hunt avoids getting hit by a passing train and being cut by the blades of a helicopter. This scene is memorable not only because of the great odds that Hunt overcomes, but also because it appears in one of the first action movies to seamlessly blend CGI and live action.
 

In order to infiltrate the Kremlin and obtain information, the IMF team comes up with one of the most creative strategies in the franchise. As they use the projection screen to sneak past the guard, the audience feels the tension because we all know that one mistake alone could get the team in serious trouble. And in that respect, Benji almost gets the team caught when he puts his face in front of the camera… but because they don’t, the moment is hilarious instead. This winning combination of intelligence, humor and very few sound effects make this scene one of the most memorable in the franchise.
 

The setup of this scene leads viewers to believe that the IMF team will successfully break into the American embassy in Prague and prevent the IMF non-official cover list from being stolen. However, they are too late and become victims of traps that were previously set for the team. As the members are killed off – well, not Hunt, of course - viewers are shocked and saddened. Jack Harmon’s impaling is particularly difficult to watch. Scenes like this are rare for action movies, and as such, the moment establishes the unpredictability of the rest of the franchise.
 

Even with its fourth entry, this franchise scaled new heights. In “Ghost Protocol,” the IMF team heads to the Burj Khalifa for a mission. But after learning that access to the server room is limited, Hunt scales the Burj Khalifa – you know, the world’s tallest artificial structure. Hunt has sticky gloves, but they malfunction and he has to use his bare hands. There are several things that make this scene unforgettable, like the jaw-dropping view of the skyscraper and the stunning height that the scene is filmed at. Most notable, though, is perhaps the knowledge that Tom Cruise performed the act himself! This stunt is as dangerous as it gets, and audiences really felt the danger as they watched Cruise hang on for dear life.

Before we get to our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:
- Fish Tank
“Mission: Impossible” (1996)
- Phelps Is Still Alive
“Mission: Impossible” (1996)
- Hunt Climbs Cliff
“Mission: Impossible II” (2000)
- Fight at the Opera
“Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” (2015)
- Every Face Reveal
“Mission: Impossible” franchise (1996-)

Arguably the most famous scene in the franchise, Hunt finds himself inside a vault to steal an important list. Even though Hunt has great skills, the stakes are raised even higher than usual since the vault in question – located in CIA headquarters - has head sensors, motion sensors and pressure sensors. If that isn’t intense enough, a rat shows up to complicate things. Viewers can’t help but be entranced as Hunt completes his mission without fault. The action and intensity in this scene ultimately set the bar for future action scenes in the “Mission: Impossible” film series and leave us feeling breathless every time.

Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the best “Mission: Impossible” scene? For more engaging Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.