Mission: Impossible (1996)
Kernel Score: 77% · 9,829 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Adventure, Action, Thriller
Released: 1996-05-22
Runtime: 111 minutes
Is Mission: Impossible worth watching?
Worth watching. A stylish spy thriller with a famously tense vault break-in. The plot is convoluted and it is less thrilling than the later sequels, but De Palma's direction and Tom Cruise's energy make it an entertaining start.
Watch it if you
- like spy thrillers with tense set-pieces
- enjoy Tom Cruise action films
- want to start the franchise from the beginning
Skip it if you
- want non-stop action
- dislike convoluted double-cross plots
Best for: Popcorn night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Mission: Impossible
- Stream: Paramount+, HBO Max
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When Ethan Hunt, the leader of a crack espionage team whose perilous operation has gone awry with no explanation, discovers that a mole has penetrated the CIA, he's surprised to learn that he's the prime suspect. To clear his name, Hunt now must ferret out the real double agent and, in the process, even the score.
Mission: Impossible parents' guide: ages 10+
Parents need to know that Mission: Impossible is a PG-13 spy thriller involving espionage, deception, and action sequences.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film includes espionage-related action and tense sequences, moderate for a PG-13 spy thriller.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Mission: Impossible
If you liked Mission: Impossible, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) — 83%: The best of the sequels, with outstanding stunts
- Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) — 86%: Big, high-stakes sequel with huge action
- Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) — 82%: Slick sequel with strong set-pieces
- The Bourne Identity (2002) — 84%: Grounded spy thriller with an identity mystery
- Casino Royale (2006) — 87%: Gritty reinvention of the spy film
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) — 79%: Stylish, charming spy caper
Director
Cast
- Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt
- Jon Voight as Jim Phelps
- Emmanuelle Béart as Claire
- Henry Czerny as Kittridge
- Jean Reno as Krieger
- Ving Rhames as Luther
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Sarah Davies
- Vanessa Redgrave as Max
- Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė as Hannah
- Valentina Yakunina as Drunken Female IMF Agent
Mission: Impossible FAQ
Is Mission: Impossible worth watching?
Worth watching. A stylish spy thriller with a famously tense vault break-in. The plot is convoluted and it is less thrilling than the later sequels, but De Palma's direction and Tom Cruise's energy make it an entertaining start.
Where can I watch Mission: Impossible?
In the US you can stream Mission: Impossible on Paramount+ and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Mission: Impossible OK for kids?
Mission: Impossible is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 10+. Parents need to know that Mission: Impossible is a PG-13 spy thriller involving espionage, deception, and action sequences.
What movies are like Mission: Impossible?
If you liked Mission: Impossible, try Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation and The Bourne Identity.