Tom Cruise’s portrayal of secret agent Ethan Hunt is set to continue in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth instalment in the blockbuster action series, slated for release in 2025. As the franchise nears its grand conclusion, fans might be wondering: is it essential to watch the films in release order, or can they be enjoyed randomly? Here’s everything you need to know about the Mission: Impossible saga, including the chronological order and upcoming TV broadcasts.
Broadcast Schedule: When and Where to Catch Mission: Impossible on Free-to-Air TV
May promises to be a treat for Mission: Impossible enthusiasts in New Zealand and beyond, with multiple films from the franchise airing during prime time. Here’s a rundown of all the confirmed air dates on ProSieben and Kabel Eins:
ProSieben:
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Mission: Impossible – Fallout: 16 May at 8:15 PM
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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning: 18 May at 8:15 PM
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Mission: Impossible – Fallout (repeat): 18 May at 11:35 PM
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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (repeat): 23 May at 11:30 PM
Kabel Eins:
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Mission: Impossible II: 19 May at 10:35 PM
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Mission: Impossible II (repeat): 20 May at 3:00 AM
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Mission: Impossible III: 20 May at 8:15 PM
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Mission: Impossible III (repeat): 21 May at 11:45 PM
These airings offer fans the perfect opportunity to revisit the action-packed missions of Ethan Hunt ahead of the franchise’s anticipated finale.
What’s the Story Behind the Franchise?
Since the original film premiered in 1996, Mission: Impossible has followed the high-stakes missions of Ethan Hunt, a top agent with the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). Tom Cruise has remained the face of the franchise, known not only for his character’s sharp intellect and leadership but also for performing his own jaw-dropping stunts.
One of the most iconic scenes in action cinema history comes from the very first film: the suspenseful sequence where Hunt is lowered into a high-security vault, hanging upside down, just inches from the floor. This moment set the tone for the series’ signature mix of tension, spectacle, and adrenaline-fuelled action.
The Correct Order to Watch the Films
While the movies can technically be watched on their own, viewing them in chronological order gives better insight into character development, evolving team dynamics, and overarching plot lines. Here’s the timeline as it currently stands:
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1996 – Mission: Impossible
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2000 – Mission: Impossible II
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2006 – Mission: Impossible III
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2011 – Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
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2015 – Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
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2018 – Mission: Impossible – Fallout
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2023 – Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One
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2025 – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (set for release on 23 May 2025 in the US)
As the countdown begins for what may be Ethan Hunt’s final mission, now is the ideal time to dive back into the series or experience it for the first time. Whether you start from the beginning or catch a few on TV, the thrill of Mission: Impossible never gets old.
