Milestone Years
- 30th Anniversary: May 22, 2026
- 35th Anniversary: May 22, 2031
- 40th Anniversary: May 22, 2036
- 50th Anniversary: May 22, 2046
Inspiration Behind the Movie
Based on the 1960s TV series Mission: Impossible, the film reimagined the franchise with a modern, cinematic approach. Tom Cruise, also a producer, aimed to craft a smart, twist-filled thriller that emphasized espionage, high-tech gadgets, and globe-trotting action with director Brian De Palma’s stylistic flair.
You Might Not Know
- Tom Cruise performed his own stunts, including the iconic ceiling drop in the CIA vault.
- The exploding gum was a nod to the original TV series.
- The train chase finale used a mix of live-action and digital effects—cutting-edge at the time.
- The Langley break-in sequence took weeks to perfect due to its complex wire work.
- Ving Rhames’ character, Luther, became the only one (besides Ethan) to appear in every film in the franchise.
Food Ideas
- “Fuse-lit” mozzarella sticks with spicy marinara
- Disguise sliders (mini burgers with hidden toppings)
- Impossible mission cake (black velvet with red interior)
- Spy snacks: cheese cubes, olives, and crackers in briefcase trays
- “Red light/green light” punch (layered strawberry and lime drinks)
Release Date: May 22, 1996
Summary:
Framed for a deadly mission gone wrong, secret agent Ethan Hunt must go rogue to uncover the real mole within the IMF. Racing against time, betrayal, and global enemies, Hunt orchestrates a series of mind-bending stunts to clear his name and expose the truth.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Action, Thriller, Spy, PG-13
Key Cast Members:
- Tom Cruise
- Jon Voight
- Emmanuelle Béart
- Henry Czerny
- Jean Reno
- Ving Rhames
- Vanessa Redgrave
Ways to Celebrate
- Create your own spy name and backstory before watching
- Set up a Mission: Impossible trivia game
- Recreate the ceiling drop scene using strings and toys
- Watch the whole franchise in a spy-movie marathon
- Play the classic theme song and dance along in secret agent mode
Filming Locations
- Prague, Czech Republic served as the backdrop for many early scenes
- The high-speed train finale was filmed at Pinewood Studios in England
- Additional scenes were shot in London and Scotland
- Real European architecture was used to enhance the international espionage feel