10 Movies & Shows Similar to Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Description: Similar to Mission: Impossible III, The Bourne Identity is a high-octane spy thriller with intense action sequences and a protagonist who must rely on their skills and instincts to survive. Both films feature a blend of espionage, hand-to-hand combat, and high-stakes chases. The themes of identity, trust, and betrayal are central to both stories.

Fact: The Bourne Identity was directed by Doug Liman, who initially wanted to make a more faithful adaptation of the novel but later shifted to a more action-oriented approach. Matt Damon performed many of his own stunts, including the car chase scenes. The film's success spawned a highly successful franchise, with four sequels to date.

Description: Like Mission: Impossible III, Casino Royale is a reboot of a classic spy franchise with a grittier, more realistic tone. Both films feature elaborate action set pieces, a focus on the protagonist's personal stakes, and a blend of espionage and high-stakes gambling (literal in Casino Royale, metaphorical in M:I III). The emotional depth of the protagonists is also a key similarity.

Fact: Casino Royale marked Daniel Craig's debut as James Bond, a casting choice that was initially controversial. The film's parkour chase scene was inspired by the opening of District B1It was the first Bond film to be based on a novel by Ian Fleming since 1989's Licence to Kill.

Description: Salt shares with Mission: Impossible III a focus on a highly skilled operative who must go rogue to clear their name and uncover a conspiracy. Both films feature intense action sequences, a strong emphasis on spycraft, and a protagonist whose loyalty is constantly in question. The pacing and tone of both films are similarly relentless.

Fact: Salt was originally written with a male protagonist in mind, with Tom Cruise considered for the role. Angelina Jolie performed many of her own stunts, including a daring jump between moving trucks. The film's plot was inspired by real-life CIA officer Aldrich Ames, who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union.

Description: Skyfall and Mission: Impossible III both delve into the personal lives of their protagonists, exploring their vulnerabilities and past traumas. Both films feature spectacular action sequences, a focus on high-tech espionage, and a villain with a personal connection to the hero. The themes of loyalty and sacrifice are central to both stories.

Fact: Skyfall was the first Bond film to be shot in IMAX. The film's title was inspired by a poem by Dame Edith Sitwell. Javier Bardem's portrayal of Silva is considered one of the best Bond villains of all time.

Description: While more subdued in its action compared to Mission: Impossible III, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy shares a deep focus on espionage, betrayal, and the psychological toll of spy work. Both films explore the theme of trust within intelligence agencies and feature complex plots that require careful attention from the viewer.

Fact: The film is based on John le Carré's novel of the same name, which was inspired by his own experiences in MI

Description: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. shares with Mission: Impossible III a blend of action, humor, and stylish espionage. Both films feature charismatic leads, elaborate set pieces, and a focus on Cold War-era spycraft. The visual aesthetics of both films are similarly sleek and polished.

Fact: The film is based on the 1960s television series of the same name. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer underwent extensive training to perform their own stunts. The film's soundtrack features a mix of original compositions and classic 1960s tunes.

Description: No Time to Die shares with Mission: Impossible III a focus on the personal stakes of its protagonist, with both films exploring themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. Both feature high-octane action sequences, a blend of traditional and high-tech spycraft, and a villain with a personal connection to the hero. The emotional depth and character development in both films are similarly nuanced.

Fact: No Time to Die is Daniel Craig's final appearance as James Bond. The film's title was revealed in a cryptic social media post featuring a blank page. The film's runtime of 163 minutes makes it the longest Bond film to date.

Description: Atomic Blonde, like Mission: Impossible III, is a high-energy spy thriller with a focus on hand-to-hand combat and elaborate chase sequences. Both films feature a protagonist who must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, with the line between ally and enemy constantly shifting. The neon-lit visual style of Atomic Blonde also echoes the sleek aesthetics of M:I III.

Fact: Atomic Blonde is based on the graphic novel The Coldest City by Antony Johnston. Charlize Theron performed many of her own stunts, including a brutal stairwell fight scene that was shot in one take. The film's soundtrack features iconic 1980s hits from artists like David Bowie and Depeche Mode.

Description: Red Sparrow shares with Mission: Impossible III a focus on the psychological and physical training of spies, as well as the moral ambiguities of espionage. Both films feature a protagonist who must use their wits and skills to survive in a world where trust is a luxury. The tension and suspense in both films are similarly gripping.

Fact: Red Sparrow is based on the novel of the same name by former CIA officer Jason Matthews. Jennifer Lawrence underwent extensive training to prepare for her role as a Russian ballerina turned spy. The film's plot was inspired by real-life Russian spy Anna Chapman.

Description: Tenet, like Mission: Impossible III, is a high-concept action thriller with a focus on time manipulation (literal in Tenet, metaphorical in M:I III). Both films feature elaborate set pieces, a blend of espionage and science fiction, and a protagonist who must unravel a complex conspiracy. The visual and auditory style of both films is similarly immersive.

Fact: Tenet was filmed in seven countries, including Estonia, India, and Italy. The film's time inversion sequences required actors to learn their movements and dialogue in reverse. The protagonist in Tenet is never named, similar to the Man with No Name in Sergio Leone's westerns.