Top 20 Mission Impossible Scenes

“Mission: Impossible II” (2000)
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!

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023)
We want to see Hunt’s team succeed on every mission, but it certainly ups the ante when nothing goes according to plan. The mission seems simple enough as Hunt tracks down a holder with the other half of a key. That is until Hayley Atwell’s Grace pickpockets the MacGuffin. If that’s not enough to complicate the mission, Community agents and the villainous Gabriel are hot on Hunt’s trail while Benji attempts to defuse a bomb. As chaotic as this sounds, Hunt and Grace still overflow the screen with cheeky chemistry as the clock counts down. Although Grace is the only player who truly comes out on top, Benji manages to advert an explosive crisis while Hunt stages one of his signature getaways.

“Mission: Impossible III” (2006)
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.

“Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” (2011)
As solid as the original trilogy is, “Ghost Protocol” breathed new life into the franchise. This is largely thanks to director Brad Bird, who injected a playful sense of humor without skimping on the nail-biting suspense. The climax is a prime example with Hunt and Hendricks squaring off in a multi-level parking garage, which the filmmakers spent half a year constructing. Adding literal layers to the action, the setting is put to impeccable use as a cornered Hendricks sacrifices himself to ensure victory. Hunt makes a daring plunge to reach the launch device, but not before buckling his seatbelt. Safety first? Just when it appears the mission is officially accomplished, a pesky technical error keeps us on edge until the very last second.

“Mission: Impossible” (1996)
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.

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018)
“Mission: Impossible” is famous for its larger-than-life set pieces. Yet, this scaled-down fight manages to pack one of the hardest punches. A trip to the bathroom takes a savage turn as Hunt and Henry Cavill’s Walker confront a target. This role almost went to a big-name actor, but they didn’t meet the physical requirements. Stuntman Liang Yang thus stepped up, more than holding his own in a confrontation that starts with quiet tension before escalating into an all-out brawl. The choreography turns an everyday setting into a war zone, demonstrating just how lethal a sink pipe can be. The sound design also makes us feel every bruise, cut, and gunshot. Ilsa pulls off a surprise rescue, but there’s still a bloody mess to clean up.

“Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” (2011)
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.

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023)
While still maintaining the “Mission: Impossible” spirit, this chase possesses the ingenuity of a silent comedy worthy of Chaplin or Keaton. Grace is a capable thief, but she’s not the most seasoned getaway driver. Ethan swoops in for a save with a motorcycle, but he isn’t letting Grace out of his sight again, breaking out the handcuffs. Ethan quickly realizes that this might not have been the best plan. Due to the awkward positioning of the handcuffs and Grace’s inability to drive, Ethan spends most of the chase behind the wheel, one-handed. They eventually trade in their doorless car for a tiny yellow Fiat. What the car lacks in size, it compensates for in speed, making for one of the franchise’s funniest yet heart-racing sequences.

“Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” (2015)
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.

“Mission: Impossible” (1996)
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.

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018)
Henry Cavill practically steals the show as August Walker, or should we say… John Lark! While the villain reveal isn’t entirely surprising, the death of Secretary Alan Hunley is. This only elevates the rivalry between Hunt and Lark during a stimulating chase through London. Everywhere Ethan turns, enemies are closing in on him. There’s nowhere for Hunt to go but up - to the roof of a cathedral that is. To catch up with Lark, Hunt must make several leaps of faith across various rooftops. Although Cruise saw this as one of the film’s easier stunts, he wound up breaking his ankle on one take! Thankfully, Cruise’s injury wasn’t too serious. Despite Hunt’s heroic efforts, Lark gets away, but not without making matters even more personal.

“Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” (2015)
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 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.

“Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” (2011)
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.

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023)
Earning the “Impossible” in the title, Hunt is told to choose between Ilsa and Grace. Hunt naturally refuses to play Gabriel’s mind games, but some things are beyond even his control. As Hunt becomes engaged in a fierce standoff with the deadly Paris, Grace finds herself at Gabriel’s mercy. Just when it appears Grace is a goner, Ilsa steps out of the shadows for a bold swordfight. Although Ilsa has gotten out of tight spots before, this is one mission she can’t see to the end. Hunt finally arrives on the scene to find Grace spared, but it’s too late for Ilsa. As heartbreaking as it is seeing a fan favorite go, it serves as a harsh reminder that the stakes here are real.

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018)
Remember when we mentioned that Cruise broke his ankle while shooting the rooftop scene in “Fallout?” Well, that didn’t stop him from jumping out of an airplane traveling 165 miles an hour and falling 200 miles an hour at 25,000 feet. Oh, and he did this 106 times! Director Christopher McQuarrie would ultimately only use three of those takes, crafting a seamless sequence that makes the audience feel as if they’re plummeting beside Cruise. Whether sitting in a movie theater or watching at home, this immersive set piece will have you clutching the arm of your chair in suspense and awe. The anxiety rises as Hunt loses altitude, culminating in one of cinema’s most impressive feats of cinematography and stunts.

“Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” (2015)
There’s a gravitas to the action in these movies that almost feels operatic. So, it was only a matter of time before they incorporated opera into a set piece. With a performance of “Turandot” underway, the real show takes place behind the scenes as Hunt attempts to prevent an undercover Ilsa and Syndicate agents from assassinating the Austrian Chancellor. Matching the music exquisitely, the classy cinematography and theatrical staging make us feel the weight of Hunt’s over-the-top circumstances. Hunts finds a clever way to prevent the hit, or at least stall it. We’re far from the final curtain, as Isla teams with Hunt to make an escape. Thus marks the beginning of a captivating partnership that keeps us guessing every step of the way.

“Mission: Impossible” (1996)
In this scene, 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.

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023)
The climax of “Dead Reckoning Part One” is gripping on several different levels. Hunt and Grace both find themselves in perilous positions. While Grace goes undercover as Alanna Mitsopolis, Hunt attempts to catch the train… from a motorcycle… falling off a cliff! Cruise would perform over 500 skydives and 13,000 motorcycle jumps to prepare for this mindblowing stunt. In addition to Cruise’s safety, we’re genuinely invested in the characters with the dramatic stakes matching the physical stakes. Even after Hunt crashes into the train in one piece, the ride is just getting started. A final chase to stop the train takes our heroes through a tunnel and over the edge. Being “Part One,” it’s only appropriate that we get some literal cliffhangers.

“Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” (2011)
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.

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018)
Hanging from a helicopter is one thing. Learning to fly a helicopter is another level of superheroism. Before Cruise reported back to Top Gun, Hunt pulled off some jaw-dropping helicopter maneuvers in pursuit of Lark. As arresting as the action and stunts are, they don’t distract from the heated rivalry at this scene’s core. The “Mission: Impossible” movies have given us some memorable villains, but Lark may be the most enjoyably slimy thanks to Cavill’s charisma. This makes it all the more satisfying when a brutal crash leaves him with half a face. With a one-on-one fistfight against a hair-rasing backdrop, Lark getting the hook, and a last-second save, this sequence had us on pins and needles until finally allowing the audience to breathe.