10 Movies & Shows Similar to Mission: Impossible (1996)

Description: This Jack Ryan film, like 'Mission: Impossible,' deals with a catastrophic threat orchestrated by shadowy forces, requiring the protagonist to race against time to prevent disaster. Both films balance geopolitical tension with personal stakes, showcasing their heroes' intellect and courage under pressure. The film's large-scale action and suspenseful pacing align it with the blockbuster appeal of 'Mission: Impossible.'

Fact: Ben Affleck took over the role of Jack Ryan from Harrison Ford. The film's plot involves a nuclear threat during the Super Bowl. The movie's climax was rewritten after the 9/11 attacks to avoid sensitive themes.

Description: Similar to 'Mission: Impossible' (1996), 'The Bourne Identity' is a high-octane spy thriller featuring a protagonist with exceptional skills who must uncover a conspiracy while evading capture. Both films emphasize intense action sequences, espionage, and a lone hero navigating a web of deceit. The film's realistic fight choreography and car chases set a new standard for the genre, much like 'Mission: Impossible' did with its iconic stunts.

Fact: Matt Damon trained extensively in parkour, boxing, and firearms for his role as Jason Bourne. The film's success spawned a franchise that redefined the spy genre in the 2000s. Director Doug Liman initially clashed with the studio over the film's gritty, realistic tone.

Description: 'Spy Game' shares 'Mission: Impossible's' focus on high-stakes espionage, intricate plotting, and a veteran spy (Robert Redford) mentoring a younger operative (Brad Pitt). The film's globe-trotting narrative and themes of loyalty and sacrifice echo the emotional and tactical depth of 'Mission: Impossible.' Director Tony Scott's kinetic visual style adds a layer of intensity to the spy thriller genre.

Fact: The film's timeline jumps between different years, requiring meticulous attention to period details. Brad Pitt shadowed real CIA operatives to prepare for his role. The movie's climax was inspired by actual Cold War-era rescue missions.

Description: Like 'Mission: Impossible,' 'The Recruit' delves into the world of CIA training and covert operations, focusing on a young recruit (Colin Farrell) who must navigate a maze of deception. The film's themes of trust, betrayal, and the moral ambiguity of espionage align closely with those in 'Mission: Impossible.' Both movies keep audiences guessing with their intricate plots and unexpected twists.

Fact: Al Pacino's role as a CIA instructor was inspired by real-life intelligence officers. The film's script was workshopped with former CIA agents for authenticity. Colin Farrell underwent rigorous training to portray a believable recruit.

Description: While 'The Equalizer' leans more into vigilante justice than espionage, it shares with 'Mission: Impossible' a protagonist with a particular set of skills (Denzel Washington's Robert McCall) who takes on impossible odds. Both films feature meticulously planned action sequences and a hero who operates outside the system to achieve justice. The tension and precision in McCall's methods are reminiscent of Ethan Hunt's missions.

Fact: Denzel Washington trained in Krav Maga for the film's fight scenes. The movie is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Director Antoine Fuqua used long takes to emphasize the realism of the action.

Description: 'Salt' shares similarities with 'Mission: Impossible' through its fast-paced narrative, high-stakes espionage, and a protagonist (played by Angelina Jolie) who must use her elite training to stay one step ahead of her pursuers. Like Ethan Hunt, Evelyn Salt is a highly skilled operative accused of being a traitor, forcing her to go rogue to clear her name. The film's relentless action and twists mirror the suspenseful storytelling of 'Mission: Impossible.'

Fact: Angelina Jolie performed many of her own stunts, including a daring jump between moving trucks. The role was originally written for a male actor, with Tom Cruise considered for the lead. The film's plot was inspired by real-life Cold War spy cases.

Description: This reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise, like 'Mission: Impossible,' centers on a brilliant operative thrust into a deadly conspiracy. Both films blend cerebral suspense with explosive action, showcasing their protagonists' resourcefulness and determination. The film's modern take on classic spy tropes aligns it with the evolving style of 'Mission: Impossible' films.

Fact: Chris Pine is the fourth actor to portray Jack Ryan on screen. The film's plot involves a terrorist attack on Wall Street. Kenneth Branagh directed and starred as the film's villain.

Description: Though more subdued and cerebral than 'Mission: Impossible,' 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' shares its focus on Cold War espionage, intricate plotting, and a web of betrayal. Both films explore the psychological toll of spy work, with Gary Oldman's George Smiley embodying the quiet, methodical counterpart to Ethan Hunt's action-hero persona. The film's meticulous attention to detail and atmosphere make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film is based on John le Carré's classic novel. Gary Oldman studied le Carré's notes to perfect his portrayal of Smiley. The movie's muted color palette was inspired by 1970s British intelligence offices.

Description: This film, like 'Mission: Impossible,' is a stylish spy thriller set during the Cold War, blending action, humor, and sophisticated espionage. Both movies feature charismatic leads working against a backdrop of global intrigue, with a focus on teamwork and high-tech gadgetry. Director Guy Ritchie's sleek visual style and witty dialogue give the film a unique flair, reminiscent of the charm and excitement in 'Mission: Impossible.'

Fact: The film is based on the 1960s TV series of the same name. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer had intense chemistry tests to ensure their on-screen dynamic. The movie's soundtrack heavily features Italian pop music from the 1960s.

Description: 'Atomic Blonde' mirrors 'Mission: Impossible' in its combination of brutal action, espionage, and a cool, calculated protagonist. Charlize Theron's Lorraine Broughton, like Ethan Hunt, is a top-tier operative navigating a labyrinth of betrayal and violence. The film's standout action sequences, particularly the long-take stairwell fight, showcase a level of choreography and intensity comparable to 'Mission: Impossible's' signature stunts.

Fact: Charlize Theron trained for months in martial arts and stunt driving for the role. The film is based on the graphic novel 'The Coldest City.' The iconic stairwell fight scene took five days to shoot and left Theron with two cracked teeth.