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Before diving into Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, reminisce about the film that spurred the series on Netflix

Paramount Plus offers the complete streaming of the series

,   and  ASMedia
4 min read
Stream the entire series on Paramount Plus
Stream the entire series on Paramount Plus

Before diving into Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, reminisce about the film that spurred the series on Netflix

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Alrighty, pal, let's dive into the action-packed world of Mission: Impossible. The latest blockbuster in the franchise, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, is out and about, with Tom Cruise doing what he does best - putting himself in jaw-dropping situations.

But if you could only watch one Mission: Impossible flick before catching the new one, which would be your pick? The recent action-packed extravaganzas or the suspenseful spy thriller that started it all?

The most recent film in the series was Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, released in 2023. If you're only going to watch one past film, this one might be the one since it sets up the storyline for the new movie. You can find it on Netflix now, so it's pretty straightforward to catch it. The action scenes on your home cinema setup are a sight (and sound) to behold – especially that edge-of-your-seat, death-defying finale involving a motorbike, a mountain, and a moving train.

However, the plot might not be as clear-cut for repeat viewings. So, you can go back to the earlier films in the series. If you're up for a binge-watch, the whole series is available on Amazon Prime Video, thanks to Paramount Plus.

If you're not signed up for Paramount Plus, no worries! The individual films are also streaming on various platforms. The first three films are available on Now TV, and at the time of writing, some of them are also available on catch-up or on-demand from TV channels like ITV X and 4 Plus.

Pick Your Poison, Partner

All the films in the series have their quirks. Action genius John Woo directed the second film, which is about as outrageous as they come. JJ Abrams took charge for the third entry, with Philip Seymour Hoffman delivering a top-notch villainous performance.

Up next is Ghost Protocol, you know, the one where Tom Cruise did the impossible - climbed a skyscraper in Dubai. At the time, there were rumors that co-star Jeremy Renner might take over the leading role, but Ghost Protocol confirmed Tom Cruise as the undisputed star of the show, with each film bringing a fresh dose of jaw-dropping stunts.

Then came writer-director Christopher McQuarrie's turn, helming Rogue Nation and Fallout. These flicks deliver a perfect blend of globe-trotting conspiracy thriller and adrenaline-pumping action. They're definitely worth your time – and your popcorn.

But if you're new to the franchise, I'd suggest starting at the beginning. The inaugural Mission: Impossible, released in 1996, rebooted a popular TV series. In his first outing as Ethan Hunt, Cruise plays a daring spy who gets increasingly paranoid as his team is wiped out in a mind-boggling conspiracy. Directed by Brian De Palma, it's a stylish exercise in old-school espionage, complete with suspenseful scenes and a sprinkle of action.

The first film also includes some iconic moments, like Cruise dangling above an impregnable CIA computer, creating a pattern for the rest of the series.

Curiously, Dead Reckoning attempts to mimic the first film's low-tech spycraft, bringing back Henry Czerny as the team's boss from the very first film and pitting the team against an all-seeing computer, forcing them to give up most of their gadgets. Makes you want to remind yourself just how Cruise's super spy was introduced – before the series self-destructs.

MORE:

*Here's a simple fix to enhance your TV sound quality*

*Why Panasonic's new flagship OLED TV might teach LG and Samsung a trick or two*

*A roundup of highlights from High End Munich 2025 – streaming amplifiers, massive high-end speakers, and more luxurious hi-fi!*

  1. To experience the improved sound quality of your TV while watching the latest Mission: Impossible film, consider purchasing a new amplifier from the news at High End Munich 2025.
  2. Brands such as Panasonic showcased their flagship OLED TVs at the event, which could potentially outshine the offerings of competitors like LG and Samsung.
  3. It is essential to choose high-quality speakers for your home cinema setup to fully appreciate the action scenes in a film like Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.
  4. In case you are planning to watch some movies-and-tv entertainment other than the Mission: Impossible series, you can stream them using on-demand platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, and ITV X.
  5. Should you find the plot of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One too intricate for a rewatch, you can opt to review the earlier films in the series, which are available on Amazon Prime Video.
  6. The inaugural Mission: Impossible film, directed by Brian De Palma, serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers to the franchise, offering a blend of old-school espionage and action elements.
  7. After the release of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, keep an eye on upcoming news from events like High End Munich to ensure you have the best sound system for your entertainment needs.

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