Mission: Impossible (1996)
Brian De Palma's explosive spy thriller launched one of cinema's most enduring franchises, with Tom Cruise as the inimitable Ethan Hunt.
Mission: Impossible - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mission: Impossible
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Brian De Palma
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Czech
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 22, 1996 (Canada - PG), May 22, 1996 (United States - PG-13), July 5, 1996 (United Kingdom - PG), August 7, 1996 (Germany - 12), October 23, 1996 (France - TP), June 26, 1996 (Australia - M), July 12, 1996 (Brazil - 14), July 12, 1996 (Mexico - A), September 13, 1996 (Italy), June 28, 1996 (Spain - 12), June 15, 1996 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 職業特工隊 (HK), Mission Impossible (US)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Cruise/Wagner Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mission: Impossible - Plot
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 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold:
Expect the impossible.
Where to Watch Mission: Impossible
Looking for where to watch Mission: Impossible?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Mission: Impossible - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brian De Palma
Main Cast
- Tom Cruise
- Jon Voight
- Emmanuelle Béart
- Henry Czerny
- Jean Reno
- Ving Rhames
- Kristin Scott Thomas
- Vanessa Redgrave
- Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė
- Valentina Yakunina
Writers
- David Koepp
- Robert Towne
- Steven Zaillian
Producers
- Tom Cruise
- Paula Wagner
Mission: Impossible - FAQs
Where can you stream Mission: Impossible (1996)?
Mission: Impossible (1996) is available to stream on Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Pluto TV (with ads). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Kanopy offers free access through participating libraries.
What is the famous CIA vault heist scene about?
The iconic CIA Langley vault sequence sees Ethan Hunt suspended by cables in a climate-controlled room, unable to touch the floor, walls, or make a sound, as he attempts to steal the NOC list. It remains one of cinema's most tension-filled set pieces and helped define the franchise's identity.
Is Mission: Impossible based on a true story?
Mission: Impossible is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the classic CBS television series of the same name that aired from 1966 to 1973, created by Bruce Geller. The film reimagines the show's espionage premise with a new storyline centered on protagonist Ethan Hunt.
Who are the main actors in Mission: Impossible?
The film stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, Jon Voight as Jim Phelps, Emmanuelle Béart as Claire, Jean Reno as Krieger, Ving Rhames as Luther, Henry Czerny as Kittridge, Kristin Scott Thomas as Sarah Davies, and Vanessa Redgrave as arms dealer Max.
What is Mission: Impossible (1996) about?
Ethan Hunt's covert IMF team is ambushed during a Prague operation, leaving him the sole survivor and the CIA's prime suspect. Framed as a mole, Hunt assembles a rogue crew to uncover the real double agent, culminating in a high-octane confrontation aboard a speeding Channel Tunnel train.
How long is Mission: Impossible (1996)?
Mission: Impossible (1996) has a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes (111 minutes). Directed by Brian De Palma, the film moves at a brisk pace, balancing intricate spy plotting with several memorable action set pieces across Prague, London, and Paris.
Did Mission: Impossible win any awards?
Mission: Impossible earned several accolades, including an MTV Movie Award for Best Action Sequence for the CIA vault scene. Danny Elfman's score and the film's sound editing also received nominations. Commercially, it was a massive success, grossing over $457 million worldwide on an $80 million budget.
What is the age rating for Mission: Impossible?
Mission: Impossible (1996) is rated PG-13 in the United States, indicating it may be unsuitable for children under 13. The rating reflects sequences of action violence, some mild language, and intense espionage-thriller content. It carries a PG rating in Canada and a 12 certificate in Germany.
More About Mission: Impossible
Explore further details about Mission: Impossible on these authoritative resources: