The eighth and final installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, delivers a high-octane, action-packed conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s saga. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie and released on May 23, 2025, the film continues directly from the events of Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), plunging audiences into a world on the brink of nuclear catastrophe caused by a rogue artificial intelligence known as the Entity.
The film opens two months after the previous mission, with Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) racing against time to prevent the antagonist Gabriel (Esai Morales) from gaining control of the Entity-an AI capable of triggering global destruction. The narrative is rich with suspenseful sequences, including breathtaking stunts such as underwater submarine exploration and Cruise’s signature daring airplane wing-hanging scene. These moments highlight Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts, even at 62, and deliver some of the most thrilling visuals in the series.
The Final Reckoning ties back to earlier films by revisiting key themes and characters. Ethan Hunt’s journey reflects on his past sacrifices and the heavy toll his missions have taken on his personal life. The film also brings back familiar faces like Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and Grace (Hayley Atwell), emphasizing the strong bonds of friendship and loyalty that have been central throughout the franchise. The story reveals Hunt’s pivotal role in the creation of the Entity, linking back to his actions in Shanghai, which added depth and continuity to the overarching narrative.
Movie Details
- Director: Christopher McQuarrie
- Writers: Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen
- Producers: Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, and others
- Cast:
- Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt
- Hayley Atwell as Grace
- Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell
- Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn
- Esai Morales as Gabriel
- Angela Bassett as U.S. President Erika Sloane
- Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, and others in supporting roles
The film was shot across multiple international locations including the UK, Malta, South Africa, and Norway, with a production budget estimated between $300–400 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever made.
Critics have praised the film for its spectacular stunts, Tom Cruise’s committed performance, and the emotional depth given to Ethan Hunt’s character. However, some reviews note that the storyline sometimes leans too heavily on spectacle at the expense of narrative engagement, with a screenplay that could have been sharper in parts. Despite these criticisms, the film’s blend of nostalgia, friendship, sacrifice, and high-stakes action provides a cathartic and fitting send-off for the iconic spy.
In conclusion, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a must-watch for fans of the franchise, delivering a thrilling, emotional, and action-packed finale that honors the legacy of Ethan Hunt and the Mission: Impossible series.
Is it the last movie of series mission impossible?
No, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) is billed as the eighth and final installment in the current saga of Ethan Hunt, serving as a send-off to the character and concluding the storyline begun in Dead Reckoning Part One (2023). However, despite this film being marketed as the “final reckoning,” both director Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise have indicated that the Mission: Impossible franchise itself is not ending. McQuarrie mentioned there are developments for future installments, and Cruise expressed interest in continuing to make more films in the series, inspired by Harrison Ford’s longevity with Indiana Jones films. So while this movie may close the current chapter of Ethan Hunt’s story, the franchise is expected to continue beyond it.
What is the most unique stunt Tom Cruise performed in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning?
In Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise performed a breathtaking stunt where he hangs from the wing of a flying airplane at high speed and altitude. Unlike previous films, this sequence was executed with even greater complexity-Cruise performed the stunt himself, without CGI or a stunt double, pushing the boundaries of practical action filmmaking.
Why does Tom Cruise insist on performing his own stunts?
Tom Cruise believes that performing his own stunts adds authenticity and excitement to the film, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the action. His commitment to practical effects is a hallmark of the Mission: Impossible series and is widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Are there other notable stunts in The Final Reckoning?
Absolutely! Besides the airplane wing stunt, the film features underwater submarine exploration and high-speed chases, all performed with practical effects and minimal CGI, further cementing the franchise’s reputation for jaw-dropping action.
