Mission Impossible: Most daring stunts of Tom Cruise ranked ahead of Final Reckoning

With Tom Cruise set to return for one last mission, we revisit the franchise’s most iconic and daring stunts to date.

April 11, 2025 - 2:43 PM IST

As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning gears up for release on May 23 in India, fans are bracing themselves for what promises to be an explosive finale to the beloved action franchise. Known for its commitment to practical effects and real stunts, the Mission: Impossible series has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on screen. At the heart of it all is Tom Cruise, whose dedication to doing his own stunts has become a signature of the series.

Mission Impossible: Most daring stunts of Tom Cruise ranked ahead of Final Reckoning

Here’s a look at some of the most memorable stunts that have defined the franchise so far:

1. The Burj Khalifa Climb – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Arguably the most iconic image in the franchise, Tom Cruise scaling the 2,722-foot Burj Khalifa in Dubai remains one of the most ambitious stunts ever attempted. Using suction gloves and a harness, Cruise performed the stunt himself, several stories above ground, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic moment.

2. Motorcycle Cliff Jump – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Labeled one of the most dangerous stunts in cinema history, this sequence sees Cruise ride a motorcycle off a Norwegian cliff, followed by a BASE jump mid-air. The stunt was filmed practically, with no green screens or CGI trickery. It was a highlight of the film and a testament to Cruise’s ongoing commitment to pushing physical limits.

3. Helicopter Chase – Fallout (2018)
For this intense aerial sequence, Cruise learned to fly a helicopter himself. What followed was a high-speed chase through mountainous terrain, including dives, barrel rolls, and tight maneuvers—all captured with in-camera effects. It’s a standout moment that brought a fresh level of realism and adrenaline to the franchise.

4. HALO Jump – Fallout (2018)
The high-altitude, low-opening jump from 25,000 feet required extensive training and precise timing, as each jump had to be filmed at dusk to catch the right lighting. Cruise completed multiple jumps for a single seamless take, making this one of the most technically challenging sequences in the series.

5. Underwater Heist – Rogue Nation (2015)
This scene required Cruise to hold his breath for over six minutes in a single take, without cuts or edits. Set inside an underwater security chamber, the stunt combined performance with endurance and helped deliver one of the most ‘tense’ moments in the franchise.

6. Train Fight Finale – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
A nod to classic cinema, this action sequence was filmed on a moving train with practical effects. Cruise is seen hanging from collapsing carriages, running atop a locomotive, and battling enemies in confined quarters. It’s a gritty and grounded sequence that brought back the raw physicality of old-school action.

As the countdown begins for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, expectations are high. With each instalment, Tom Cruise has redefined action filmmaking through authenticity and risk-taking. The upcoming film, releasing in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu in IMAX, is expected to raise the bar one final time - and fans are ready for it.

Also Read: Tom Cruise heads to Cannes for Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning premiere