The Mission: Impossible franchise, wildly popular and known for its thrilling action sequences, continues to break records and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Since Tom Cruise first donned the persona of Ethan Hunt over two decades ago, the series has been at the forefront of the action genre, carving out its niche alongside other iconic franchises.
The success of the Mission: Impossible films has been nothing short of remarkable. According to various sources, the franchise has garnered acclaim for delivering high-stakes action, practical stunts, and solid storytelling. "Mission: Impossible has some of the best reviews of any action franchise," one observer noted, highlighting the consistent quality found throughout the series.
Breaking down its box office performances, Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) stands out, grossing over $791.6 million worldwide. This installment, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, was praised for its innovative stunts, including Cruise's notorious HALO jump from 25,000 feet. With its thrilling action and engaging narrative, it topped many lists as one of the best films in the franchise.
On the other hand, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) also received accolades, bringing home about $682.7 million globally. This film introduced the audience to the villainous Syndicate, upping the stakes for protagonist Ethan Hunt. Each entry seems to build on the excitement of the last, illustrating not just creativity but also the franchise's ability to engage viewers.
Yet, as beloved as the franchise is, change is on the horizon. Netflix Canada announced it will be losing key installments of the Mission: Impossible series from its platform on February 14, 2025. The platform will say goodbye to the first, second, fifth, and sixth films from the franchise. This development is part of larger shifts within the streaming service, which will also see notable titles like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and both Kingsman movies exiting. "Netflix will soon be lacking two Kingsman movies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Gladiator and Happy Gilmore," says insider reports. This exodus may leave fans scrambling to watch their favorites before they vanish from the digital shelves.
The loss of these films from Netflix Canada may hinder accessibility for new viewers discovering the franchise. Yet, fans can rest assured, with the fifth installment producing significant returns and excitement for what's next. With the release of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One earlier this year, audiences have had the chance to witness the evolution of Ethan Hunt's character amid exhilarating missions.
Reflecting on the franchise's impact, it's clear how Tom Cruise's commitment to performing his own stunts has drawn audiences to theaters. His passionate involvement has not only boosted the franchise's credibility but also his box office appeal. "Consider 'Mission Impossible' just the first dot in what promises to be a very interesting picture," remarks OMRI, hinting at where the series is headed next as it continues to evolve as one of the most successful action franchises to date.
With each installment pushing the boundaries of action and storytelling, there's no telling what heights the franchise will reach next. The intrigue surrounding its characters and their missions ensures fans will remain invested even as some films leave streaming services. Tom Cruise and the team behind Mission: Impossible have set the bar high, and their dedication to quality action filmmaking will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences around the globe.