Since its inception in 1996, the Mission: Impossible film franchise has become one of Hollywood’s most enduring and thrilling action series. Featuring Tom Cruise as the relentless Ethan Hunt, each installment raises the stakes with daring stunts, globe-trotting intrigue, and elaborate espionage plots. With The Final Reckoning coming to theaters on May 23rd, I’d like to spend this month’s entry in my essay series discussing how Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol stands out as the pinnacle of the franchise. Directed by Brad Bird in his live-action debut, Ghost Protocol reinvigorated the series after the lukewarm reception of Mission: Impossible III, which is severely underrated, if I might add, and established the modern tone and scale that would define subsequent installments. Its masterful balance of jaw-dropping action, cohesive storytelling, ensemble dynamics, and tonal clarity cements it as the best in the series.

One of the defining characteristics of Ghost Protocol is its seamless blend of practical action and suspense. Nowhere is this more evident than in the film’s most iconic sequence: Ethan Hunt scaling the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, using only high-tech suction gloves. This scene is a breathtaking visual marvel and a testament to Tom Cruise’s commitment to authenticity, as he performed the stunt himself. Yes, he had done a few stunning stunts before this, such as the vault drop scene from the first movie to the rock-climbing sequence in the sequel. The visceral realism of the sequence, combined with the narrative tension—where a sandstorm looms and time is against the team—epitomizes what makes Mission: Impossible unique: high-stakes set pieces grounded in physical performance rather than over-reliance on CGI. Because of the Burj Khalifa scene, fans have witnessed Cruise do crazier stunts, from hanging out the side of a plane taking off, doing a halo jump, and riding a motorcycle off a cliff, then parachuting to the ground.

Moreover, Bird brings the franchise a fresh visual flair and pacing. Known for his animated work, he successfully converts his storytelling instincts into the live-action realm. The film is tightly constructed, moving briskly from Moscow to Dubai to Mumbai, each location not just a backdrop but integral to the plot’s development. Bird’s direction imbues the movie with a sense of rhythm and clarity often lacking in action films. The viewer is never lost, even during chaotic moments, like the Kremlin explosion or the automated car park finale. The action sequences are not only thrilling but also serve the narrative and emotional arcs of the characters.

In addition to technical prowess, Ghost Protocol distinguishes itself through its ensemble cast. While Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt remains the anchor, the supporting characters play a more prominent and meaningful role than in earlier entries. Simon Pegg’s Benji Dunn transitions from comic relief to a full-fledged field agent, offering levity and resourcefulness. Jeremy Renner as William Brandt introduces a layered character with a mysterious past and personal guilt, adding emotional depth to the team dynamic. Paula Patton’s Jane Carter brings determination and pathos, particularly in her subplot involving the death of a fellow agent. The chemistry among the team members feels organic, and for the first time, the franchise genuinely emphasizes teamwork over the lone-hero trope.

Tonally, Ghost Protocol strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and humor. It acknowledges the absurdity of some of its spy tropes without undermining them. For its seriousness, it’s the first time we see Ethan and company alone without the IMF’s help. This tonal precision prevents the film from veering into self-parody or taking itself too seriously. Beforehand, the Mission: Impossible franchise was seen as another textbook, slightly formulaic action franchise with the tone of every other one coming out in the late 90s and 2000s. However, Ghost Protocol helped the series find a new tone and voice as it carried into the subsequent entries. Because of this, Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed every entry since, owes a debt to Bird and what he did with Ghost Protocol.

Furthermore, Ghost Protocol successfully resets the franchise’s mythology without overburdening the viewer with exposition. After the lukewarm commercial performance of Mission: Impossible III, which leaned heavily into Ethan Hunt’s personal life, Ghost Protocol smartly refocuses the story on the mission itself. The film jettisons the emotional baggage while hinting at deeper character layers, such as Hunt’s mysterious past and the fate of his wife. This approach makes the film more accessible to new viewers while rewarding longtime fans with subtle continuity. In many ways, Ghost Protocol laid the groundwork for the more cohesive narrative arc seen in Rogue Nation and Fallout, but it did so with a lighter touch.

While later entries like Fallout may offer more elaborate stunts and darker storytelling, Ghost Protocol remains the most complete and balanced. It redefined the tone, reintroduced the ensemble approach, and demonstrated that blockbuster action could still be intelligent, stylish, and exhilarating. It also played a key role in reestablishing Tom Cruise as a bankable action star in the 2010s, proving that practical filmmaking and charismatic storytelling could thrive in a CGI-heavy industry. Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol is the franchise's high-water mark because it combines all the series’ strengths into a near-perfect package. With inventive action, a well-developed team dynamic, pitch-perfect direction, and an invigorating tone, the film not only saved the franchise but elevated it to new heights—literally and figuratively.

You can follow Tyler and hear more of his thoughts on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd.