Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning action sequences, ranked.

      When you think of Mission: Impossible, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the action that has characterized the franchise since it began. This has become even more pronounced in the later films, with Tom Cruise undertaking increasingly daring stunts to thrill audiences.

      The Final Reckoning has arrived, and it may or may not be the concluding entry in this series. To celebrate this film and its unforgettable moments, we've ranked the five top action sequences in The Final Reckoning.

      5. The opening chase

      The Final Reckoning is less action-centric compared to earlier films in the franchise. The opening chase reflects this, as Ethan and Grace attempt to track down Gabriel and the Entity in the aftermath of Dead Reckoning.

      While it may not be the most exhilarating moment, the scene where Benji, Paris, and Theo come to the rescue of Ethan and Grace provides a refreshing twist on the typical action dynamics we expect from these films.

      4. The confrontation at the bunker

      This features a fairly standard gunfight between the CIA and Gabriel's forces, with Ethan making his appearance only towards the end.

      Although it is followed by more exciting sequences, this relatively conventional set piece showcases Christopher McQuarrie’s distinctive approach to action, even if it doesn’t reach the inventiveness of some previous films.

      3. The shootout with the Russians

      The standout among the lesser action sequences in The Final Reckoning features Grace and William Donloe’s wife exchanging gunfire with Russian special forces as they try to obtain the coordinates for the Sevastopol that he has memorized.

      While this set piece may not feel particularly innovative, it is executed nearly flawlessly. It's also a testament to Haley Atwell's impressive ability to handle action within the Mission: Impossible formula.

      2. The biplane chase

      Though the other entries on this list are significant, the two most crucial set pieces in The Final Reckoning take the top spots. McQuarrie and Cruise have extensively discussed the dangers of the actor’s work outside the biplane. Let me assure you, it looks spectacular.

      As Ethan and Gabriel clash while soaring over South Africa, we witness just how far Cruise is willing to go to capture a remarkable shot. While it may not quite reach the height of the helicopter fight at the end of Fallout, it certainly covers similar ground and could feel even more risky.

      1. The Sevastopol extraction

      This is one of the most impressive set pieces in the entire franchise. Ethan’s underwater work as he descends to the ocean floor to retrieve the rabbit’s foot from the Sevastopol is nothing short of breathtaking. Underwater cinematography can easily miss the mark, but McQuarrie captures both the ocean's beauty and its danger perfectly.

      There have been only a few water stunts in the Mission: Impossible series, and this one is undoubtedly the best. Every challenge Ethan faces, right up to the moment he has to swim back to the surface wearing nothing but his underwear for protection, adds to the sequence's intensity. Like all great action scenes, I have no idea how they accomplished it.

      Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is now playing in theaters.