The eighth and purportedly final chapter of the Mission: Impossible franchise, The Final Reckoning, hit theaters on May 23, 2025, carrying the weight of nearly three decades of high-octane legacy.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Tom Cruise as the indefatigable Ethan Hunt, the film promised a grand conclusion to the saga that began in 1996. With a $400 million budget, jaw-dropping stunts, and a narrative aiming to tie together the franchise’s sprawling history, expectations were sky-high.
But has The Final Reckoning delivered on its promise, or does it falter under its own ambition? Here’s a detailed analysis based on critical reception, audience reactions, and key highlights.
Expectations vs. Reality
The Mission: Impossible series, renowned for its stunts and escalating spectacle, set a formidable benchmark with films like Fallout (2018), which earned a 97% Tomatometer score, and Ghost Protocol (2011), lauded for its Burj Khalifa sequence. Fans and critics anticipated The Final Reckoning would not only match these peaks but also provide a satisfying capstone to Ethan Hunt’s journey, especially after Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) introduced the menacing AI villain, The Entity. Expectations included breathtaking action, a cohesive narrative tying up loose ends, and the series’ signature blend of humor and suspense.
However, the film has received a mixed response, earning 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest score since Mission: Impossible III (2006) at 72%. Critics praised the film’s action sequences but criticized its pacing, excessive exposition, and somber tone, which departs from the franchise’s cheeky charm. Variety called it ‘the most enveloping entry since Ghost Protocol,’ citing its thrilling climax, but Roger Ebert deemed the first hour clunky and pretentious, labeling it the worst segment in the entire franchise. Forbes noted that it broke a 12-year streak of films scoring above 90%, signaling a dip in critical acclaim.
What is great about The Final Reckoning?
- Spectacular Stunts: The film delivers two standout set pieces. An underwater sequence in a sunken Russian submarine, where Ethan retrieves The Entity’s source code, is described as ‘nerve-shredding’ by Empire. The climax, featuring Cruise clinging to a biplane over South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon, is widely celebrated as ‘one of the most insane action set pieces in history’ (Letterboxd). Cruise’s commitment to performing these stunts at 62, including breathing his own carbon dioxide for the submarine scene, underscores his dedication to the big-screen experience.
- Nostalgic Callbacks: The film weaves in references to all seven previous entries, including a return of minor character William Donloe from the 1996 original and a nod to Mission Impossible III’s Rabbit’s Foot. While Collider noted that fans appreciate these tributes, critics like Screen Crush argued that the excessive callbacks make the film ‘too clever for its own good,’ bogging down the narrative with unnecessary retcons.
- Cast and Characters: The ensemble, including Hayley Atwell (Grace), Ving Rhames (Luther), Simon Pegg (Benji), and newcomers like Pom Klementieff (Paris) and Angela Bassett (President Sloane), adds gravitas. Bassett’s regal performance and Tramell Tillman’s suave Captain Bledsoe are highlights, though some reviews, like Vulture, felt the crowded cast left characters underdeveloped.
- The Entity and High Stakes: The AI villain, The Entity, escalates the stakes to apocalyptic levels, threatening global nuclear annihilation. While The Guardian called it a ‘wildly entertaining’ premise.
Did the film meet expectations?
The Final Reckoning partially meets expectations with its breathtaking action and emotional nods to the franchise’s legacy, but it stumbles in delivering a cohesive narrative. The 2-hour-49-minute runtime, heavy with exposition and montages, alienates some viewers.
Box office projections suggest an $80 million opening weekend, but the $400 million budget demands more. World of Reel warned that the lukewarm reception could shave millions off its performance. Still, the film’s Cannes premiere and Cruise’s star power ensure it remains a must-see event, with Deadline praising its ability to stand alone despite its dense references.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a paradox: a thrilling yet flawed finale that dazzles with stunts but struggles with pacing and tone. It doesn’t reach the heights of Fallout or Ghost Protocol but delivers moments of cinematic brilliance that reaffirm Cruise’s commitment to blockbuster filmmaking. For fans, it’s a bittersweet sendoff, celebrating Ethan Hunt’s legacy while leaving some craving the series’ lighter touch. Whether this is truly the end remains uncertain—box office success could spark a ninth mission—but for now, The Final Reckoning offers a grand, if imperfect, curtain call.