---
title: "Mission: Impossible - Fallout"
year: 2018
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-fallout"
fi1m_id: "mission-impossible-fallout"
imdb_id: "tt4912910"
tmdb_id: 353081
wikidata_id: "Q29261993"
fi1m_score: 87
critics_score: 92
critics_reviews: 18
published: "2026-09-16"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:07.895777+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie · 2h 27m · MPA PG-13 · Action, Adventure

## Identity

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-fallout
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** mission-impossible-fallout
- **IMDb ID:** tt4912910
- **TMDB ID:** 353081
- **Wikidata ID:** Q29261993
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4912910/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/353081, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29261993

**Fi1m score: 87** · Critics 92 from 18 reviews

*In a sentence:* Tom Cruise makes skydiving look like an inadequate warm-up

> Christopher McQuarrie delivers forceful, unusually clear action, with Tom Cruise making the danger matter through sheer physical effort. The spy plot is needlessly tangled, and 147 minutes is generous, but we recommend it for the stunts.

## Synopsis

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) faces another mission alongside Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) also returning. He wants to get the job done without sacrificing the people he cares about, a determination that complicates the choices in front of him. A skydive makes staying alive an immediate practical problem. Hunt has to keep moving while trying to reconcile what the mission demands with what he is prepared to do. His relationships and his judgement are under pressure alongside his ability to survive.

## Review

*Mission: Impossible – Fallout* is an excellent action film with an unnecessarily elaborate spy plot. Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie takes Ethan Hunt’s attachment to other people seriously, then tests it through action that remains clear even when the intrigue becomes difficult to untangle. Tom Cruise supplies the physical commitment that makes those tests worth watching. At 147 minutes, there is room for some trimming, chiefly when the film stops moving to explain itself.

The photography by Rob Hardy and Hugues Espinasse and the editing by Eddie Hamilton make the immediate danger unusually easy to read. The skydiving sequence holds our attention on the fall itself, without letting the mechanics of the filmmaking become a competing distraction. The cutting gives us enough time to grasp what is difficult about the task. We can follow the physical problem even when we have temporarily lost track of the larger mission.

We tensed up during that skydive. The sight of a body falling through open space is enough to unsettle us, and the sequence allows that simple fact to do its work. Tom Cruise’s commitment to performing the stunts gives the action an effort that we can recognise, even when the feat itself is far beyond anything sensible. He is an engaging action lead because the exertion feels like part of the character.

Ethan Hunt’s concern for other people also matters, and Christopher McQuarrie gives it more than a ceremonial mention before the next stunt. The character’s values affect how he approaches the job, which gives all that physical commitment a purpose. Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell, Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn and Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust give that concern familiar people to settle on. The earnestness works; we would like him considerably less if every act of loyalty needed an accompanying joke.

Peter Wenham’s production design works best as part of that clear staging: the spaces are readable while people are moving through them. That matters more here than any individual decorative flourish, and it helps the action keep its momentum. Lorne Balfe’s score is forceful, though we found the physical action more persuasive than the music urging us to respond to it. The film needs little help making us anxious once a stunt is under way.

The writing is less reliable when it has espionage to explain. Christopher McQuarrie piles up complications that do not always repay the attention needed to keep them straight, and the slower opening stretches make the running time felt. The occasional confusion interrupts the excitement rather than adding to it. Some trimming here would help, especially when the action has already made the immediate danger perfectly clear.

We like action cinema that lets us see how difficult the job is, and this film understands that pleasure. Its stunts hold our attention long enough for anxiety to build, without making us struggle to understand where everyone is. We are happy to tolerate the overextended spy story because the physical action keeps earning our attention. Leave enough time to watch it in one sitting; stopping halfway would do the momentum no favours.

*Fi1m score 87, published 16 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus is strongly positive, with praise centred on the practical stunt work, Tom Cruise’s physical commitment and Christopher McQuarrie’s control of elaborate action sequences. Most critics find the chases and fights clearly staged and sustained with considerable tension, while Cruise gives the danger an emotional urgency beyond the mechanics of the mission. Several reviews also credit the writing with developing Ethan Hunt’s values and relationships without slowing the action.

The differences concern how much the story contributes, rather than whether the spectacle works. Little White Lies values the character work as highly as the stunts, while The Hollywood Reporter finds the plot indecipherable but considers the action ample compensation. Polygon notes a slow start and flimsy dramatic moments, though it too remains positive. The spread is narrow in sentiment: reservations qualify the enthusiasm rather than amounting to a case against the film.

## Straight answers

**Is Mission: Impossible - Fallout worth watching?**

*Mission: Impossible – Fallout* is worth watching for anyone who wants forceful, unusually clear action, and we scored it 87. Tom Cruise's physical commitment makes the stunts, above all the skydive, properly tense, and Christopher McQuarrie keeps the danger easy to read. The spy plot is needlessly tangled and 147 minutes is generous, so come for the action rather than the intrigue.

**How long is Mission: Impossible - Fallout, and what is it rated?**

*Mission: Impossible - Fallout* runs 2h 27m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is an action and adventure film.

**Where can I watch Mission: Impossible - Fallout in the US?**

*Mission: Impossible - Fallout* is streaming on Paramount+, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Mission: Impossible - Fallout, and is it suitable for children?**

*Mission: Impossible – Fallout* is a UK 12A, so it is action violence without lingering brutality, and it suits most teenagers and older children who can take sustained peril. The frightening moments come from bodies in open space rather than gore; the skydive made us tense, which is the point. Very young or nervous children may find two and a half hours of jeopardy too much.

**How does Mission: Impossible - Fallout compare to Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation?**

*Mission: Impossible – Fallout* is the more forceful and physical of the two, while *Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation* is the more carefully built. The earlier film has the tighter construction and a Vienna opera sequence as good as anything in the genre; the later one has clearer, more sustained action and a spy plot that tangles itself further. Choose Rogue Nation for elegance, Fallout for stunts.

**Do you need to have seen the other Mission: Impossible films before Mission: Impossible - Fallout?**

*Mission: Impossible – Fallout* can be watched without seeing the earlier films, because its action is clear even when its espionage is not. Luther Stickell, Benji Dunn and Ilsa Faust return, and Ethan Hunt's attachment to them carries more weight if you know them, but the film explains its own stakes at length. Newcomers will follow the stunts perfectly well; the plot confuses everyone equally.

**What should I watch after Mission: Impossible - Fallout?**

After *Mission: Impossible - Fallout*, try [*Ronin*](https://film.one/film/ronin) (1998, Fi1m 80): For another chase where knowing the road makes the danger worse. Then [*The Wages of Fear*](https://film.one/film/the-wages-of-fear) (1953, Fi1m 90): Men transporting dangerous cargo discover how little speed has to do with suspense.

**What order should I watch the Mission: Impossible films in?**

Release order is the safe choice for Mission: Impossible, and it is the order [our collection page](https://film.one/collections/mission-impossible) lists them in. *Mission: Impossible - Fallout* is number 6 of the 8 Mission: Impossible titles on Fi1m; before it comes [*Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation*](https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-rogue-nation) and after it [*Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One*](https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one). [The full order.](https://film.one/collections/mission-impossible.md)

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (5/5): The critic calls it a stunning piece of action cinema thanks to thrilling stunts, insane daring and clever writing. She highlights the jaw-droppingly effective action sequences and McQuarrie's layered character moments. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/mission-impossible-fallout-review/)
- **Little White Lies**, Adam Woodward (3/5/4): It is an absolutely top-drawer action flick and comfortably the best addition to the franchise to date. Story and character are prized as highly as the high-wire pyrotechnics. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/mission-impossible-fallout)
- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (5/5): It sets a new bar for exhilarating escapist adventure with sensational stunt work including a motorbike chase through Paris, a London rooftops chase and a spectacular helicopter battle. This explosive extravaganza is simply impossible to resist. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/mission-impossible-fallout-review-an-explosive-espionage-extravaganza-you-will-be-powerless-to-resist/)
- **The Telegraph** (5/5): The film is hailed as spectacular and eye-popping, the blockbuster of the summer. McQuarrie's mastery of logistics and the gorgeous helicopter finale in Kashmir are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2018/07/26/mission-impossible-fallout-review-spectacular-eye-popping/)
- **Time Out**, Dan Jolin (5/5): This is easily the best, slickest and most daring Mission: Impossible instalment and the finest action movie of the year so far. Writer-director McQuarrie brings continuity and set-piece sophistication, with Cruise committing to an insane degree. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/mission-impossible-fallout)
- **Total Film** (5/5): The critic finds the film the finest Mission yet, with McQuarrie bringing grace and grit and Cruise delivering peak performance. She singles out the visceral action sequences and exploratory emotion for praise. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/mission-impossible-fallout-review/)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (95/100, inferred): The critic calls it one of the best action movies ever made, lauding the viscerally practical effects and stunts over CGI in the tradition of Fury Road. The verdict celebrates Tom Cruise and McQuarrie delivering deliriously thrilling practical action. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise-best-action-movie-1201983552/)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico (95/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's seamless action sequences and rhythm that transcend the genre, comparing it favorably to Mad Max: Fury Road. It singles out the fluid motion, intense set pieces, and strong performances as standout elements that make it one of the best movies of the year. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mission-impossible---fallout-2018)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's insane, extended action sequences and real stunts performed by Cruise, noting it surpasses the previous entry despite an indecipherable plot. The verdict highlights it as a spectacular, high note for the series with self-aware humor and visceral spectacle. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/mission-impossible-fallout-review-1126693/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a delightfully knowing and nerve-shredding affair with thrilling set pieces and strong performances. She singles out Tom Cruise's emotional intensity and willingness to perform his own stunts for particular praise. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise-is-still-hitting-heroic-heights-a3897656.html)
- **Screen Daily** (85/100, inferred): Tom Cruise remains a force of nature in this outstanding entry delivering stupendous action sequences paired with deft character drama and life-or-death stakes. Writer-director McQuarrie gives witty, sophisticated grandeur while the film belongs to Cruise. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/mission-impossible-fallout-review/5130873.article)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (Critics Pick): The critic notes that the film shrewdly pays off prior installments to deliver the series' most exciting entry yet. It singles out the coherent, geography-respecting action set pieces and Cruise's portrayal of a more experienced, moralistic Ethan Hunt. [Read](https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/mission-impossible-fallout-review-1202872043/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (80/100, inferred): The critic highlights the return of familiar characters and the series of thrilling stunts that keep the franchise fresh. It singles out Cruise's commitment to doing his own stunts and the film's ability to deliver reliable summer entertainment. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-mission-impossible-fallout-review-20180712-story.html)
- **Sight and Sound**, Henry K. Miller: The film is thin in plot but packed with astonishing visuals and thrilling action sequences. The critic highlights Tom Cruise's gravity-defying refusal to hang it up as a key appeal, along with the IMAX sensation of the stunts. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise-defies-gravity-age)
- **The Guardian**: The critic praises director Christopher McQuarrie for bringing slick tension and fun to the sixth adventure. Cruise's charismatic command of elaborate set pieces and the film's ticking-clock quality are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jul/29/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (Critic’s Pick): The critic calls it an entertainment machine par excellence propelled by hyper-human Tom Cruise and his stunts. It singles out the action scenes that transmit character while advancing the story, like song-and-dance numbers in a musical. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/25/movies/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise.html)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★★☆): The critic calls it the best Mission yet and the most satisfying instalment. McQuarrie and Cruise deliver cake-and-eat-it mayhem with ever more perilous stunts that are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/history/article/film-review-mission-impossible-fallout-tt95xpnfq)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A-): The critic praises the film as raising the bar for the series with exhilarating action and a more fully realized Ethan Hunt character focused on his values and relationships. The plot's twists sometimes confuse, but the practical stunts and overall thrills make it highly rewatchable. [Read](https://collider.com/mission-impossible-fallout-review/)
- **/Film**, Karen Han (9/10): The critic praises the film for cementing the Mission: Impossible series as the greatest current franchise through its near-demented earnestness and Tom Cruise's physical commitment, particularly his running. It delivers consistent physical reactions from audiences and stands as a complete, delirious delight that bakes suspension of disbelief into the experience. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/559534/mission-impossible-fallout-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (85/100, inferred): The critic finds it a spectacular outing with impeccable stuntwork, crisp direction, and intense set pieces that deliver the year's best spectacle, though notes it is slightly overlong. They single out the sustained intensity of the climactic sequence and Cruise's commitment as standout elements. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a861408/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise/)
- **Polygon**, Matt Patches (85/100, inferred): The review highlights the film's simple, stunt-heavy approach that delivers stunning action sequences and follows film conventions effectively for an exciting time at the movies. It notes some flaws like a slow start and flimsy dramatic moments but concludes that the relentless pace and Cruise's performance make it irresistible. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/13/17566174/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4/5): The critic calls it a clever spectacle of giddy stunt work and sharp writing that proves plot doesn't matter when executed this well. They single out the in-camera stunts, crisp editing, and the film's knowing embrace of its own ludicrous spy-game fun as highlights. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/mission-impossible-fallout-review-the-years-best-action-thriller/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond: The critic calls it the best in the series, praising the stunt work and set pieces like the skydiving sequence and helicopter duel, as well as the return of director McQuarrie. [Read](https://deadline.com/video/mission-impossible-fallout-review-tom-cruise-in-top-form-for-best-mi-yet/)
- **The Wrap**, Robert Abele: The critic praises the film as a rousing, old-fashioned humdinger with thrilling stunts and set pieces, highlighting Cruise's commitment and the director's handling of the franchise. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/mission-impossible-fallout-cruise-ing-bruising-action-jam-packed-six-quel/)

## Details

- **Director:** Christopher McQuarrie
- **Director:** Christopher McQuarrie
- **Writer:** Christopher McQuarrie
- **Cinematography:** Rob Hardy, Hugues Espinasse
- **Editor:** Eddie Hamilton
- **Music:** Lorne Balfe
- **Production design:** Peter Wenham
- **Producer:** J.J. Abrams, Tom Cruise, Dana Goldberg
- **Cast:** Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt; Henry Cavill as August Walker; Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell; Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn; Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust; Sean Harris as Solomon Lane; Angela Bassett as Erika Sloane; Vanessa Kirby as The White Widow
- **Runtime:** 2h 27m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13
- **Release (the US):** 27 July 2018
- **Genres:** Action, Adventure
- **Part of:** [Mission: Impossible](https://film.one/collections/mission-impossible.md) · 6 of 8
- **Budget:** $178 million
- **Box office:** $824 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiHiW4N7-bo

## Where to watch in the US

- Paramount+: streaming, hd
- The Roku Channel: add-on, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd
- Apple TV: add-on, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $16.99, uhd
- Apple TV: buy $16.99, hd

*Checked 2026-09-16.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Police Story* (1985): Physical comedy and punishing stunt work, with bodies that refuse to behave sensibly.
- *The Train* (1964): Railway sabotage staged with the same respect for weight, distance and difficult choices.
- *Ronin* (1998), Fi1m 80: For another chase where knowing the road makes the danger worse. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ronin.md)
- *The Wages of Fear* (1953), Fi1m 90: Men transporting dangerous cargo discover how little speed has to do with suspense. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-wages-of-fear.md)
- *Unstoppable* (2010): Working people, heavy machinery and action that makes its geography matter.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-fallout