When is "Mission: Impossible"? A Timeline of Tom Cruise's Iconic Franchise

Hello, action movie enthusiasts! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of explosions, espionage, and Ethan Hunt's signature catchphrase, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it." We're talking about the Mission: Impossible franchise, and we're going to answer that burning question: when is Mission: Impossible? So, buckle up, because we're taking a thrilling ride through time with Tom Cruise and his IMF team. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and when is mission impossible.

The Original Mission: Impossible (1996)

Kicking off our timeline is the film that started it all, Mission: Impossible, released on May 22, 1996. Directed by Brian De Palma and based on the classic TV series, this movie introduced us to Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), the IMF agent with a penchant for the impossible. The film follows Hunt as he's framed for the theft of a list containing the identities of all active undercover agents. With the help of his team, including Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Claire Phelps (Emmanuelle Béart), Hunt must clear his name and retrieve the list before it's too late.

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Four years later, on May 24, 2000, we got Mission: Impossible II, helmed by John Woo. In this sequel, Hunt is tasked with stopping a rogue IMF agent, Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), from selling a deadly virus called the "Chimera" to the highest bidder. Joining Hunt this time around is Nyah Hall (Thandiwe Newton), a thief with a mysterious connection to Ambrose. With its high-stakes action sequences, including a now-iconic motorcycle chase, Mission: Impossible II proved that the franchise was here to stay.

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

After another six-year hiatus, J.J. Abrams took the reins for Mission: Impossible III, released on May 5, 2006. In this installment, Hunt is forced to confront his past when his protégé, Lindsey Farris (Keri Russell), is kidnapped by the villainous Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman). With the help of his IMF team and his fiancée, Julia (Michelle Monaghan), Hunt must outwit Davian and save Farris before time runs out.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

Four years later, on December 16, 2011, we got Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, directed by Brad Bird. In this outing, Hunt and his team are framed for a terrorist attack and must go rogue to clear their names. Along the way, they uncover a plot by a mysterious organization called the "Crimson Jahan" to start a global nuclear war. With its breathtaking action sequences, including a death-defying climb up the Burj Khalifa, Ghost Protocol cemented the franchise's status as a must-watch event for action fans.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

Two years later, on July 31, 2015, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation hit theaters, with Christopher McQuarrie taking over directing duties. In this film, Hunt and his team face off against "The Syndicate," a rogue organization of former IMF agents intent on causing global chaos. With its pulse-pounding action and clever plot twists, Rogue Nation kept fans on the edge of their seats and set the stage for the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

On July 27, 2018, Mission: Impossible – Fallout arrived, with McQuarrie returning to direct. In this film, Hunt and his team must track down a group of rogue operatives who have acquired three plutonium cores, intent on using them to create a devastating weapon. With its stunning action sequences, including a jaw-dropping HALO jump, Fallout was hailed as not only the best Mission: Impossible film but one of the greatest action movies of all time.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2022)

And that brings us to the latest installment in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, set to release on June 23, 2023. Directed once again by Christopher McQuarrie, this film will see Ethan Hunt and his team facing off against a new threat, with Tom Cruise reprising his iconic role for the seventh time.

So there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour through the history of the Mission: Impossible franchise, from the original film in 1996 to the upcoming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning in 2023. If you're a fan of high-stakes action, clever plots, and Tom Cruise's daredevil stunts, then the Mission: Impossible series is a must-watch. And if you're wondering when is Mission: Impossible, well, the answer is clear: it's always worth the wait!

Stay tuned for more thrilling movie news and analysis, and until next time, keep your eyes peeled for that telltale IMF tape recorder!